The Mexican
Palm Thatch lasts outdoors approximately 2-5 years,
depending on the climate. If there is a lot of humidity,
wind or rain, your thatch will last closer to the lower
end of the spectrum. When the palm
thatch needs to be
replaced, many times only the top layer has deteriorated;
this means the bottom layer can stay on and you will
only need to pay for one layer of replacement thatch.
You can purchase new layers of thatch
through our "other products" page, just click
on thatch.
The
African Reed
Thatch lasts approximately 5-10 years
with the same determinants on life span as the palm
thatch.
The Tahiti
Thatch last approximately
5-10 years with the same determinants on life span as the
palm thatch.
How long will
it take for my product to get to me?
This primarily depends
on where you live. Many of our products are in stock and
ready to be shipped. We are located in California so if
you are on the East coast shipping will take a few days
longer to get to you. For the most accurate timing of
the arrival of your product(s), contact
us. If your item
needs to be built, depending on the size of the item, usually
will take no longer then 1 week plus delivery time.
How much does shipping cost?
To get shipping prices for each individual
item simply add all the options you want to the item
(if available), enter you zip code and click on the "order
now" button
below the product you are interested in; for larger
item the site will automatically calculate the shipping
charges at this point. If you are buying a smaller product
and it doesn't initially ask you for your zip code; when
you get to the shopping cart simply click the "check
out" button and enter your location information and shipping
will be calculated before you enter your card information.
If you are interested in purchasing multiple large items
or large quantities of small items you can
get the lowest shipping rate by calling or email us to
get a shipping rate quote.
I want my palapa to go into my permanent
BBQ Island, how do I secure it?
This can be accomplished several different ways.
1. Install the palapa and build around it.
2. When the Island is being build, have the builder
leave a hole in the counter top the same size as the palapa pole.
3. If the island is already built you will need to
cut a hole in the counter yourself or hire a company
to do it; there are companies that specialize in cutting concrete.
When looking for a company to cut the hole look under "concrete breaking, cutting, sawing, etc." in
the yellow pages.
Is it safe to put a palapa over my BBQ?
Yes, when precautions are taken. One thing you can do to
prevent accidental fire would be to purchase the fire retardant
option during checkout. Many of our clients choose not to
add this option due to the additional cost, but thatch is
flammable and will ignite if a flame is applied to it. Purchasers
are encouraged to take all necessary precautions to avoid
fire. If you do not know the precautions that should be
taken in your area contact your local fire marshal. Please be aware that treating the thatch with any products other than fire retardant may lead to the staining of your BBQ/Patio after rain.
The term for these
naturally occurring cracks is "checking" and the
answer is "no." The wood comes this way, adding
to its authentic rustic look. Don't worry, checking should
not affect the structural integrity of the palapa.
Why are there cracks in my palapa lumber?
Cracking or "checking"
happens as wood releases moisture, and normally occurs across
or through the annual growth rings. It is the usual result
of wood seasoning. Checking occurs mostly on the surface
of the wood and does not affect the structural performance
or integrity of the wood. The degree of checking will vary
from product to product and occasionally even from log to
log.
Can I assemble the palapa myself?
Yes,
assembly is easy if you have some building experience.
Step by step Instructions come with the product and explain
in detail the assembly procedures. Tools are needed for
assembly that are not provided with the kits.
Is there anything that can be done
to prolong the life of the thatch?
Many
of our customers have tried different methods, but we have
not personally tested these methods other than applying
fire retardant. Fire retardant seems to prolong the
life of the thatch but we do not warrantee or guarantee
this. The methods we have heard of include: treating
the thatch with wood preservatives, taking the thatch
down for harsh weather conditions and securing fish netting
over the thatch.
What kind of wood is the palapa made
out of?
Our standard palapas
are constructed out of round pine lumber. We also have
a cedar upgrade option available.
How do the palapas hold up in the wind?
Palapas do excellent in the wind! In the number of years
we have been in business, the only problem we have heard
of in normal wind conditions is thatch coming loose. If
you secure your palapa to the
ground correctly and you secure the thatch correctly you
shouldn't have any problems. This does not mean that your
palapa will hold up in a hurricane,
tornado or similar wind strength conditions.
Do the palapa kits have a warranty?
Yes, each kit has a limited warranty
which covers all structural materials and hardware. However
the thatch is not covered in the warranty.
Can anyone install any of your palapas?
The
larger the size the palapa the more complex the installation.
If you are worried about installation and you are not in
our installation area, simply have a local contractor,
landscaper or handyman service do the installation for
you. Have your installer or perspective installer contact
us if they have questions.
If you want to become an installer
in your area we would be happy to refer customer to
you.
Can I order a custom "do
it your self" palapa kit?
In
most cases no. If you want a 2
Pole Palm Palapa or Oval
Palm Tiki Hut we can change
the distance between the 2 poles or 4 poles length wise,
but not the overhang from the poles to the outside fringe.
This only applies to "do
it your self kits"
and not to palapas installed by us. We would be happy to
build and install a custom designed palapa for you. Please
note: a custom palapa will be more expensive then a pre-designed
palapa.
Is expedited shipping available?
Yes, however you will need to place your order over the
phone
or through email because this option in currently not
available on the web site.
What is the thatch made from?
The
Palm
Thatch is made from dried palm fronds (or leaves) that
are hand woven in Mexico. The Reed
Thatch is made from a reed plant in Africa, they look
and feel very similar to bamboo. The reed has been cut
and glued into panels that are approximately; 32 inches
long by 18 inches from top to bottom and 1 inch thick.
The diameter or the individual cut pieces that make up
the panel is approximately 1/8 of an inch.
The Tahiti
Thatch is made from dried
palm fronds (or leaves) that are hand woven is Mexico. The
Tahiti thatch is
approximately 1 inch thick where woven at the top of the
panel.
How much will it cost to replace the
thatch roof on my palapa?
This
depends on what size palapa you own, to see the pricing
of the thatch replacement covers visit our Other
Products page and select thatch.
To get the exact price for a specific item go to the
order page for that item
and click the "Options" tab below the main picture and
scroll down until you see "Thatch". The thatch option
will tell you the price per one layer of thatch. Our palm
palapas come
standard with 2 layer of thatch but layers can be subtracted
of added.
How many years have you been building
palapas?
We have been in business
since January 2003 and have been under the same management.
Do you offer discounts for contractors?
Yes. You have the option of selling
our palapas in your area. First, you will need to send us
your business resale certificate, a copy of your business
license, as well as two trade references to be considered
as a vendor. Or, we can deal with your clients directly.
If you chose to have us deal with your clients, we will
pay you 10% of the product(s) purchased price for your referral.
(Some limitations apply, please contact us for details.)
If you are purchasing a palapa for your own use, discounts
will not apply.
Palapa Structures is a registered applicator of fire retardant with the state of California No.: GA-1390.01
Chemicals Used To treat thatch:
American Fire Coatings, Inc.
Firextra 238- California registration No.- C-163.01
Firextra 1000 - California registration No.- C-10700
S Industries Inc. DBA: Palapa Structures warrants
that we have applied the registered fire retardants
according to the fire retardant manufacturers instructions.
No liability will be assumed or claims honored other
than that the product was applied properly as directed
by fire retardant manufacturer. Any claim will be limited
to the purchased price of the fire retardant application
only.
Palapa Structures reserves the right to contract out
the application of fire retardant to other registered
applicators as deemed necessary.
Documents provided to us by American Fire Coatings,
Inc. state; chemical X-238 was tested by DTS laboratories,
the results being, that it would survive over 2
years of actual exterior weathering and still have
excellent fire resistance at least 96% of the time.
Palapa Structures will not do on site applications
or re-applications of fire retardant.
