Palapa Structures | Palapas | Single Pole Palm

Frequently Asked Questions - Click on questions to expand

1. How long will the top palapa thatch last?

The Mexican Palm Thatch lasts outdoors approximately 2-8 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, and if caught soon enough it may be possible to only replace the top layer of thatch (2 layers is the standard option.) You can purchase replacements under the heading at the top of the web site "Thatch Roof - Materials & Extras".

2. Does the kit come with everything I will need including instructions?

Printed detailed instructions come with the kit including diagrams and pictures. All necessary hardware is included. The only thing not provided will be the concrete or other means where by the center post will be secured because there are so many different possibilities and variables to consider when installing the post in each application.

3. How much is it to replace the thatch roofing material?

Each standard Mexican Palm Palapa includes 2 layers of thatch roofing. The pricing per layer can be found by clicking on the above "Options" tab and scroll down to the "Thatch Roofing Options".

4. How does a palapa do in the wind?

If the palapa has been properly installed under normal but windy conditions palapas do excellent. With that said after the useful life of the thatch roofing has expired under high wind conditions the wind will have a pronounced effect. Netting installed over and under the thatch roofing can greatly prolong the useful life of the thatch roofing

5. How long will it take to receive my palapa?

Under normal conditions we will ship your palapa within 2 weeks but for best current estimate please contact us. Orders are built and shipped in the order they are received. Time in transit will depend on how far away from our location you are. We are located in southern California so east coast shipments should arrive no longer then 10 business days.

6. Is the palapa waterproof?

Mexican Palm Thatch is not a water tight material. We have found the more layers added the more waterproof the palapa will be. If you need a water tight palapa you have a few options. The least expensive option is to install a layer of heavy duty plastic between the layers of thatch. The more expensive option is to cut plywood and add a waterproof membrane such as felt roofing paper or other product and install thatch roofing material over . If you do not want to see plywood under your palapa we recommend installing our Lauhala or Bac-Bac matting under the plywood. If installing plywood on a standard palapa frame; adding additional supports to hold the added weight will normally will be required.

Can I install a palapa myself? Tab Under Construction -

Can I pickup my palapa to save on shipping?

How do I order?

How much is shipping?

What is the top thatch made from?

What is the frame made of?

How do I install the pole?

How low will the palapa thatch hang down?

Do I need fire retardant?

Does the palapa thatch top have a warrantee?

How does the palapa ship?

Can I order options not shown on the web site?

How can I help the thatch top last longer?

Are these palapas collapsible?

Palapa umbrellas are also known as thatch umbrellas, tropical umbrellas, thatch palapa,
grass palapa, tiki umbrella, or palapa structure. Sitting under a palm palapa will instantly make you feel as if you're on a beautiful tropical beach. There's nothing better than to relax in the shade of a palapa. Now you really can vacation at home!

Each Kit with Standards Options Includes

2 pieces or layers of pre-woven thatch (See the difference between 1, 2 and 3 layers Click Here)
6''-8'' diameter pole (depends on specific item ordered )
Pre-assembled rafters
Special composite fascia trim
All necessary hardware
Step-by-step instructions

Click On Images To Enlarge

Single Pole Palm Palapa in an Outdoor Counter

Our 6-10 inch diameter poles extend to 2-3 inch diameter pine rafters. The
thatch is hand woven Mexican rain-cape thatch and comes in 2* easy to install pieces
up to 14 ft. diameter structures. (*2 unless standard option is changed)

Palapa sizes are a rough estimate because of the following. Your 7 foot palapa will have a 6 foot diameter frame and we estimate the thatch to overhand the frame by 6 inches on all sides. If you were to measure from one side of the palapa to the other including the thatch you should measure approximately 7 feet. We estimate all of the Mexican Palm Palapas to have a 1 foot overhang. All our Mexican Palm Palapas will have a frame 1 foot smaller then the advertised overall size of the palapa.

General Tools and materials needed for installations:

Usually at least 2 people
Drill with screwdriver bits
Free standing ladder
Level
Wheelbarrow and shovel (depending on main pole installation method)
Cement (depending on main pole installation method)

Installation Difficulty:

2 out of 5 - This means that this type of palapa
is one of the easiest to set up and enjoy.
*Note: Installation difficulty increases proportionally with the size of palapa.

Basic Installation Instructions

Dig a hole in ground 12''-24 in diameter or core a hole into your bar surface 6-10 inches in diameter (depending on palapa size) and place main pole in hole
Connect pre-assembled rafters to main pole
Attach composite fascia trim to ends of rafters (makes structure circular)
Place wood ribs over rafters (these keep the thatch up between rafters)
Attach thatching to roof frame
Much More detailed instructions come with kit

- Thatch & Matting Info Comparison Sheets PDF

Here are a few of the most popular accessories our customers have chosen:

Palapa Stand. Our customers love the convenience of
using the palapa Stand.

Using the Palapa Stand to secure your palapa:
-Will allow you to more easily move your palapa but will need to be bolted to ground.
-Helps make installation easier because you don't have to pour cement
-Saves you the hassle of cutting a large hole in your patio deck (will still require small holes to bolt stand to.)

Palapa Table. You've made space for yourself, now make
space for your food or drinks.

Installing a Palapa Table onto your palapa:
-Makes outdoor entertaining simple and relaxing
-Gives you a secure food space
-No more kicking over drinks

Base Price Mexican Palm Palapa Standard Options:

Main pole length: 10 feet (in stands or surface mount- Longer for 16' & 18')
Fire Retardant Application: No
Wood Type: Pine (center pole & rafters)
Wood Treatment: None
Rib Options: flat
Thatch Roof Layers: 2
Rope Kit: No

Main Post Length:

-If installing palapa into the ground with approximately 7' clearance, add the 12' center pole upgrade.
-If installing the palapa at ground level height i.e. in outdoor bar area, in stand etc., keep the standard 10' center post (16 & 18' palapas longer size)

Single Pole Palm Palapa Diagram
This diagram shows the main center pole extending approx. 1.5 feet below
ground level the standard depth of installation with a 11.5' pole.

For pricing please click "Select Options" next to the product name on the Pricing Tab.

Fire Retardant:

Palapa Structures treats each piece of thatch, front and back, according to the
fire retardant manufacturers' specifications. A Certificate of Fire Retardantcy
will be issued, if requested. You may present it to inspectors when required.
According to the lab testing data available the treated thatch archives a
classified A rating. Fire retardant adds a powdery white coating to the thatch.
Please see FAQ page for more information. If you add a 3rd layer of thatch
roofing you can add a 3rd layer of fire retardant.

For pricing please click "Select Options" next to the product name on the Pricing Tab.

Want to apply the fire retardant yourself? Follow this link: Fire Retardant.

Wood Treatment:

Treating lumber provides long-term resistance to organisms that cause deterioration. It can extend the productive life of lumber by five to ten times. Wood that is exposed to moisture or soil for sustained periods of time will become weakened by various types of fungi, bacteria or insects. Both the light and dark stains provide similar amounts of protection for the wood. Darker color will protect wood better from UV rays. Clear treatment penetrates into the wood to protect from the inside out and is not a top coat and will still allow the wood to weather. If you add a stain treatment to your cart please specify color of stain in the notes area during checkout. To add to cart simply click on the listed price below.
For pricing please click "Select Options" next to the product name on the Pricing Tab.

Click On Images To Enlarge (images are only to show wood colors)

Rib/Purlin Framing Options:

Our flat ribs are 2 ½" wide x ¼" thick and weigh less than 1 pound each. The flat ribs come standard on all Mexican Palm Palapas up to 14' in diameter. These pieces require that they be individually connected to the frame unlike the rounded ribs.

Our rounded rribs are custom made and help make the installation of a palapa easier. The flat ribs rest on top of each rafter, whereas the rounded ribs are wedged between each rafter, helping to space them correctly. The round is 1" thick and is cut out of our round 2" stock; this is done to match the round rafters and posts. Each piece is connected the the adjacent piece using a webbing material shown below. This upgrade seems to be a much sturdier option compared to the flat (1" thick vs. 1/4" thick.)

For pricing please click "Select Options" next to the product name on the Pricing Tab.

Thatch Roofing Layer Options:

Each Mexican Palm Palapa comes with 2 layers of thatch as a standard option. Having multiple layers of thatch helps the thatch to last longer, provides better shade and water protection as well as enhancing the overall look.

For pricing please click "Select Options" next to the product name on the Pricing Tab.

Do you need extra thatch to cover an existing structure or other project? Follow this link to the Mexican Palm Thatch Page.

Rope Kit:
We use manila rope for all of our rope accessories. Manila rope has proved it's durability over many years by being the rope of choice for many outdoor and indoor applications. Some of the benefits of using this rope are that it is made of natural fiber keeping the overall natural look of the palapa. The rope is 1/4" and is purely for aesthetic appeal. Rope kit comes pre-cut but not pre-attached.

Click To Enlarge

For pricing please click "Select Options" next to the product name on the Pricing Tab.

Do you have other ideas you want to try and just want uncut rope? Follow this link to the Rope Page. Many styles and sizes to chose from.

Back to Top

Order Single Pole Mexican Palm Palapa: Guaranteed Lowest Price*

Product ....................................... Price of Product (standard options)
7ft. Mexican Palm Palapa.................................. $650
9ft. Mexican Palm Palapa.................................. $750
12ft. Mexican Palm Palapa................................ $950
14ft. Mexican Palm Palapa............................... $1550
16ft. Mexican Palm Palapa............................... $2850
18ft. Mexican Palm Palapa............................... $3850

Price for Local Palapa Installations:

We can set up your palapa in the counties of Ventura, LA, and Santa Barbara in California with some area limitations. The following prices are the base prices for a standard installation. This price can vary. Please call to get a specific installation quote. We do not cut concrete, tile or other material for the pole to go through. In ground installations extra. If needed cutting should be done prior to our installation.

Product ....................................... Base Price
7' Mexican Palm Palapa ............................. $400
9' Mexican Palm Palapa ............................. $400
12' Mexican Palm Palapa ........................... $450
14' Mexican Palm Palapa ........................... $550
16' Mexican Palm Palapa ........................... $600
18' Mexican Palm Palapa ........................... $750

- Thatch & Matting Info Comparison Sheets PDF

*Guaranteed low price: If you find an advertised price lower then ours or you get a written price quote that is lower then ours, will be beat their total price by 5%. Call for details and limitations.

Advisory: As with all natural building materials i.e. bamboo, palm leaves, wood etc.; they require maintenance and or replacement over time. The color will change as the product weathers. All other normal and natural outdoor deterioration should be expected. No returns, exchanges or refunds will be given do to natural expected deterioration and color changes


	Home :: Palapas & Tiki Huts :: Thatch Roofing - Materials - Extras :: Bamboo Products :: Photo Gallery :: Contact Us :: Store Policies :: FAQ's © 2003-2024 Palapa Structures, All Rights Reserved