Ideas and plans on how to build a tiki bar, tiki hut or a tropical thatch or bamboo hut. Articles, photos, news, supply links, and viewer content make this a great site to gather inspiration and how to's for your tiki bar. Put the tropics in your backyard today!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
“Island People” New Tiki Film about Home Tiki Bars. Video Preview.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tiki Bar Landscaping Article: Edible Landscaping With Tropical Fruit Trees.
TIKI LANDSCAPING ARTICLE:
Edible Landscaping With Tropical Fruit Trees
Author: V.K. MelhadoTropical fruit trees make wonderful additions to any South Florida landscape. Combine plants with lush green foliage, brightly colored flowers of all shapes and sizes to create an low maintenance, attractive outdoor design. Get creative and intersperse your fruit trees with other native tropicals and add a water feature or secluded seating area. The choices are endless, but the best part comes with the harvesting of this edible landscape.
Here is a list of some of the tropical fruit trees you're most likely to have success with in the South Florida climate. In an effort to inspire you, we've, also included some of the more exotic varieties you may never have heard of.
Avocado: Introduced to the area in 1833, the South Florida climate is ideal for growing this nutritious fruit. There are over 56 different varieties with summer, fall and winter growing seasons. The thick skin is green, and can be smooth or rough textured, and teardrop, round or football shape, depending on the species. Avocados have more fat than most fruits, but they are an excellent source of potassium and Vitamin A, and are used in salads, guacamole, and taste great scooped right out of the shell.
Trees are 40-60 feet in height and produce large quantities of fruit that do not ripen until they are picked or fall to the ground.
Growing Conditions: Sunny location with well-drained soil. Season: January-June.
Caimito - Star Apple: This is an ornamental evergreen tree with sweet purple or green fruit and shiny green leaves with a brown underside. The fruit is sweet and gelatinous.The trees range from 25 to 100 ft in height.
Growing Conditions: Well-drained soil with no chance of flooding.. Season: Late May-March.
Carambola - Star Fruit: Plant produces a large fleshy berry, 2-6 inches in length, with a waxy, yellow skin. A cross-section slices produces a perfect star shape – hence the name. The trees are considered small to medium in height (35 feet max), with dark green leaves and flowers.
Star fruit is great served in salads or as an iced juice drink, canned, dried or preserved. Not advised for people with kidney disease due to high concentration of oxalic acid.
Growing Conditions: Sunny location with protection from the wind. Season: July-September, November-February.
Mango: Native to Asia and India, mango trees have been growing in Florida for at least 100 years. These medium to large trees (up to 100 feet) have a number of varieties and produce a hearty crop of tasty fruit. When first picked, mangoes are light green, but are best eaten when the fruit softens slightly and and skin takes on a yellow, red, or orange color. The fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C and tastes great in salads, breads, or pureed.
Growing Conditions: These trees are tough and easy to grow. Season: May-October.
Passion Fruit: This vine produces purple, yellow or reddish colored fruit surrounded by an sweet, orange pulp. The juice makes a wonderful punch.
Growing Conditions: Passion Fruit vines should be planted in an area where they can be supported by a fence or trellis in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Season: June-December.
Tamarind: This is a large tree (up to 80 feet), with rough bark, twisting branches and evergreen foliage. Flowers are a pale yellow with red veins that appear in early summer. The fruit is hidden in brown pods and contain large seeds in a sticky, brown edible pulp. The "molasses like" pulp can be used to flavor sauces and steak sauce. Season: April-June.
About the Author: Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Park Shore real estate.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Tiki bar Ideas. Tropical Style Deck Design Ideas.
Tropical Style Deck Design
Author: Ted Roberson
If you love the outdoor lifestyle, then tropical style deck design can provide you with an additional living space during the months of pleasant weather. Whether your deck is raised or ground level, whether it has an ocean view or not, you can enjoy a tropical lifestyle on your tropical style deck.
When planning your outdoor deck, you want to ensure that the overall design enhances and blends into your residence and property pleasingly. Deck construction should include sturdy materials for long years of wear and tear and a weather proof finish should ensure longevity of the deck materials.
Once you have your deck in place, you can add the look and feel of the tropics. Add a bamboo or faux bamboo wet bar in one corner as a station for mixing drinks. If possible, choose a thatch roof design or add a palm frond roof to the wet bar to give it a touch of the small tropical beach shanties commonly seen in the islands and tropics. A couple of comfortable bar stools will provide seating in this area.
For the central seating area of the tropical deck, unless your deck is covered, you should choose an umbrella table so that you can enjoy the sun without being burned by the ultraviolet rays. These tables can be obtained as a set with comfortable cushioned chairs in tropical designs with all weather upholstered cushions. Add citronella candles to the table to discourage mosquitoes and other insects.
To obtain that lush tropical look, you will want to include several specimen size potted palms. Fishtail palms work really well for this application. Place the pots on plant dollies with casters so they can be rolled indoors during freezing weather.
Potted bird of paradise makes another great tropical deck addition. These plants are easy to grow in full sun to partial shade in any southern climate but should not be exposed to chilly weather. Protect the plants during the winter months and enjoy their exotic blooms again the next year.
Orchids are another plant that is perfect for an outdoor deck in humid climates. While orchids require a bit of special care unless you live in a semi tropical zone, they are worth the trouble to obtain the gorgeous blossoms which last and last. They can be mounted using pot hangers which attach to the wood posts of your deck or hung in a hanging orchid pot using an attractive macrame hanger.
Mandala vines grown in pots and allowed to entwine around posts or crawl up a wall add additional tropical lushness and color. These vines will not overwinter but will regrown the next year if the root stock is maintained in moderate temperatures during the winter.
You and your friends and family will love holding tropical theme parties on your outdoor tropical paradise. You will feel as if you added another room to the home at a very reasonable cost.
About the Author:
Ted Roberson owner of landscape living is a landscape and garden enthusiast who has years of experience working and creating outdoor living areas. Discover how you can improve and maintain your landscape and garden area with simple projects.
http://www.landscapeliving.com/
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tropical Style Deck Design
Article Tags: Home Improvement, Landscaping, Home Decorating, Tropical, Deck Design, Deck Construction, Tiki style, Tiki bar, Tropical plants.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tiki Bar Stools A Closer look. Build a Tiki Bar.
Check out our other free tiki articles. Under labels or blog history.
Get to Know Tiki Bar Stools
Author: Jenny GremolandOK. So you are ready to dive into the tiki motif for your home or backyard. Beware that once you get started you may not be able to stop, because there are simply so many quaint options to chose from. Also, while there are some basic cornerstones that you can work from the sky is the limit of you want think out of the box.
Get Creative
An old junked skiff or rowboat? Heck! Drag the thing into your backyard and plant flowers in it. A palm tree log from a felled palm tree? Drag that in too and plunk it down for your guests to use as a bench.
Palm Stump Tiki Bar Stools
Another idea is to cut off sections of the palm log and stand them on end for tiki bar stools. You can leave them rough, just as they are, or have the tops upholstered. For bar decorations the sky is the limit. An old ships steering wheel, an old oar from a small boat, sea shells, fishing tackle and the list just goes on and on.
Your Not Alone in the Tiki Craze
If you aren't interested in running around scrounging and beach combing for your tiki bar decorations and tiki bar stools, you can always buy them ready to go from any one of a number of online sources. Oh! So you thought that you were the only one catching the tiki bug?
So Many New Choices in Tiki Bar Decorating Options
Well guess what? It's sweeping the country, so you are not alone. This is only good news for you and others like you that are looking to bring to look and feel of the tropics right into their own homes and yards, because the growing demand for tiki bar stools and bar accessories has led to ever widening choices and selections in the market place.
Written by Jenny Gremoland. Get everything you wanted to know about tiki bar stools plus bamboo fences
About the Author: Written by Jenny Gremoland. Find the best articles on the net about tropical hut including grass hut Article Source:ArticlesBase.com - Get to Know Tiki Bar Stools
Tiki Bar, Tropical Bar, Tropical hut, Tiki Hut, Bar Stools,
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Tiki Style. Enjoy The Tropical Style Of Bamboo Patio Furniture
Enjoy The Tropical Style Of Bamboo Patio Furniture by Scott Fromherz
Patio furniture is a very popular item in both the United States and abroad, and many people look for unique and quality pieces that suit their own unique tastes and needs. Some want a set of furniture purely for their own enjoyment, preferring quiet nights at home curled up with a good book, yet some want furniture that is good for entertaining any number of guests for a backyard party. Everyone has their own particular taste, but for those who enjoy the tropical island fashion, bamboo patio furniture may be just the thing they are looking for.
Various Shapes, Styles and Colors of Bamboo Patio Furniture
There are many different types and styles of bamboo patio furniture on the market from which one can choose. One popular item that comes in a bamboo style is a bar stool. Bamboo bar stools are quite popular items, especially when coupled with an authentic tiki bar. These unique pieces are perfect for a pool side party or an outdoors event in which fruity drinks and snacks are to be served. The bamboo wood can come in a variety of colors, both light and dark stains, as well as other colors. Most people prefer to keep the bamboo its original light color so as to have the true feel of the islands wherever they are.
Bamboo patio furniture is moderately priced but can be expensive, depending on the quality of wood that the manufacturer uses and the overall make of the furniture. A bamboo barstool may cost approximately $150.00, while a tiki bar may cost $1,500.00. Bamboo furniture offers a lively and different setting when one doesn't live in a warm climate. Many people like to have their own oasis where they can go and relax and "make believe" they are in the islands. Bamboo furniture is perfectly suited for such a desire and adds fun and excitement to any surrounding.
Many resorts, hotels, and spas use bamboo patio furniture for all their needs, from restaurant settings to poolside bars. They make a wonderful addition to these atmospheres, as well as on a cruise ship. Bamboo is a durable and lasting wood that can withstand the test of time for those who purchase it. No matter what lifestyle you lead, adding bamboo patio furniture can give you a relaxing taste of the tropics wherever you are!
For more information on bamboo patio furniture visit http://www.OutdoorFurnitureBasics.com/ or http://OutdoorFurnitureBasics.blogspot.com/
Article Source: Free Top Paying Keyword Articles
bamboo patio furniture, Tiki bar, Tiki decorations,
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Decorating Tips for Your Tiki Hut Bar
Author: Jenny GremolandSo you have plans on building a tiki hut bar out in your yard, by your pool or in the corner of your den. Thats good news because now more then ever in past years, the materials to do so are far easier to acquire. Remember that in the end it still has to function as a working bar.
Sure Bamboo Looks Great
To begin with, don't assume that you have to build everything out of bamboo. Sure bamboo looks great but it can be a very difficult building material to work with. Its hard to cut, prone to cracking and will fade to gray when exposed to sun or outside moist air.
Rope Wrapping on Posts
One great design idea that you can see in the beach front “palapas” in Mexico is to solidly wrap any posting, usually metal piping, with natural fiber rope. It looks fantastic and no one will ever suspect what is underneath.
That Rustic Look
As far as counter tops go in a tiki hut bar, it is important that they have a rustic look and feel. The problem with older distressed and weathered wood though is that it too is difficult to work with. It's prone to cracking and it is also hard to find a good supply that will match up properly.
The Art of Antiquing
Call around in your community and see if you can find anyone in a cabinet or antique repair shop that can give you some hints on “antiquing” or “distressing” wood. It's a bit of an art form but it will allow you to buy new wood for your bar top that still has the rustic look.
Look Online for Your Tiki Bar Decorations
Locating bar stools for your tiki hut bar can be a problem in your local community. Your best bet is to look online, because that is where you are going to find the best selection. You can also find some great tiki style decorations online too, such as chunks of old fishing net and cheeky maritime nick-knacks
About the Author:
Written by Jenny Gremoland. Now you can learn all about build tiki hut as well as build a tiki bar
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Decorating Tips for Your Tiki Hut Bar
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tiki bar articles: Designing a Home Bar With Style
Author: Jerry Swanson
Is your home the place where your friends and family tend to gather for sporting events, card games or just a great place to hang out on a Friday night? Why not consider building a home bar to add a little flare to your entertaining? Building a home bar is a great addition to any home, but deciding on building a bar is just the first step. Many decisions have to be made throughout the building process to determine what the bar will look like, where is will be located and just how much money you want to spend on such an endeavor.
In many homes the bar is located in the basement in a large rec room. If you have the space to do this, it makes sense to locate the bar there, but it is entirely up to you where you locate it. If you are not handy with tools, it's likely best to hire a contractor to build a proper home bar that you will be proud of, however if you do have some technical skill, building a bar doesn't have to be difficult. It is possible to even purchase a home bar kit that can make it much easier to build. Most people however prefer a more custom bar that fits in with their current decor
Many types of home bars exist to suit any decor including Tiki Bars, Tuscany Bars or a Renaissance Bar. For those in warmer climates, a home bar could even be installed outdoors, around a pool or on a deck. Tiki bars are often popular choices for poolside bars. For people that live in parts of the country that have cold winters, an indoor home bar may be more appropriate. Depending on the current decor of your home, some bars work better than others, but if you are looking to build a themed room or build out an unfinished basement, any style will work.
Once you decide on style, now comes the important decisions of what your home bar will include. A simple bar does not need to include electricity or water, but both these utilities will greatly improve what you can do with the bar. With electricity and water your home bar can include a sink, a beer fridge, an ice maker and even a kegerator. With all these elements you can have a fully stocked bar without having to make trips to the kitchen for ice, water or cold beer. For those that want to provide their guests with an authentic bar experience, installing an LCD TV on the wall can add to the ambiance and a pool table would also be nice if space allows.
Once your home bar is finished, all your friends will want to spend their spare time lounging around your bar, having great conversation. Of course during those big games like the Super Bowl or NHL Playoffs, your home bar is sure to make it a fun time with cold beer and good friends.
About the Author:
For more design tips and detailed tiki bar plans, check out The Tiki Bar Shop. There you will find everything you need to design and build your own tiki bar at home. Whether you are looking for great tiki bar decor or an entire tiki bar for sale, you will find everything you need to build a top shelf tiki bar experience.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Designing a Home Bar With Style
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
How to Make a Tiki Bar. Things to think about.
Here is a great article on some things to consider when constructing a tiki bar.
How to Make a Tiki Bar Author: James Coetzee
If you are in desperate need of an island style vacation, but you just do not have the time of money for such an expensive trip, why not bring the island to your backyard?Adding a Tiki bar to your backyard is much less expensive that a vacation and you will continue to benefit form it years later!
If you are interested in building your own Tiki bar, keep on reading.
Before you start building you need to put your ideas down on paper. Planning your Tiki bar is essential and will ensure a perfect end product. Consider the purpose of your Tiki bar, is it only for a once-off party or is it going to be your permanent bar? Budget is also very important, the bigger the bar the bigger the budget needs to be. If you do not have a very big budget you can always cut costs by using reclaimed wood.
We suggest that you purchase a Tiki Bar Guide that has been written by a professional builder. Ideally the book should include diagrams or photographs which are easy to follow and top prize will be if you have access to the author should you have and queries during the making of your Tiki Bar.
Besides a proper guide or plan for your Tiki Bar it is recommended that you ensure that you either have, or have access to, all the proper equipment that one would need for a building venture of this nature. There are few things in life more frustrating than not having the proper tools to do a job. Make sure that all your tools are in good working order and are electrically sound.
Make sure you have all your building material beforehand. Supplies are readily available from pool stores, nurseries, hardware stores and building yards. The basic height for a bar is 42 inches. According to the height of your bar and the space available, you can start building the frame of your Tiki bar with 2x4's. You need to bear in mind that you want to be able to prepare drinks on the one side of the bar counter and have bar stools on the other side for your guests to sit on.
Once you have your Tiki bar frame in place you can start filling the gaps. Attach the bar counter and put the palm leaves or thatch on the roof. Buying quality, pre-treated palm leave can last you up to 7 to 10 years before you need to do any maintenance work on it. The roof of a Tiki bar is specially designed to withstand heavy rain.
You can finish of your Tiki bar by covering the outside with Bamboo Fence to give it a real authentic look. If you want to make your Tiki bar more classy you can add a bar sink, shelving and glass racks, and even a bar fridge for keeping your supplies cold.
Add some nice bar stools for your guests, and decorate your Tiki bar with some shells, tropical flowers and a Tiki statue of two.
Now you just need to stock the bar and invite your friends over for some Tiki bar fun!
About the Author:
The author gives advice on how to make a tiki bar. To read more on how you can make a tiki bar, visit buildingatikibar.com Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Make a Tiki Bar
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Build Your Own Tiki Bar, How To.
How to Build Your Own Tiki Bar Author: Jerry Swanson
Do you dream of lazy days, sitting at a Tiki Bar sipping a Mai Tai, but just can't get away from your job? Are you ready to bring a little bit of the resort lifestyle to your backyard and build your very own Tiki Bar? Building a Tiki Bar can be a great way to turn a boring backyard into a unique and fun fixture that you and your friends can enjoy. Even if you don't have a backyard, you can easily build your own Tiki Bar in your basement with ease.
The first step in designing your very own home bar is to decide how much money that you want to spend. The larger the bar, the higher the budget will need to be. Once you have set a realistic budget for your project you can now start planning and looking for materials. To build an authentic tiki-style bar, you will want to look for materials that may not be readily available in your area. Materials such as Bamboo and Palm leaves are used in building an authentic Tiki Bar and some of these materials may need to be shipped to your area. This could be costly so this needs to be worked into your budget. If your budget does not allow, you can use other types of wood.
Thankfully, building a Tiki Bar that looks authentic need not involve brand new building materials. You can frame a the bar using old or reclaimed wood, such as 2x4's and 2x6's. The slightly weathered look will add to the character of the Tiki Bar. As for stools, a counter-top and used lumber, visit a local store which specializes in used building supplies or even antique stores. If you are planning on adding a sink and water to your Tiki Bar, you will want to purchase these items beforehand and make sure that you know how to install them. This may require a licensed plumber to ensure that the water is working properly. Staying on budget while building your Tiki Bar may require some imagination and improvisation.
Once you have all the elements at the job site, you can begin building. Start by framing the Tiki Bar to your desired size. Remember that you want to be able to prepare the drinks on one side, and have stools on the other side. A good height for the bar is 42 inches tall, which is a fairly standard height. You can actually frame it with regular lumber and then just use bamboo on top to make it look as though it was built with Bamboo. If Bamboo is just too expensive or not available, using Cedar is also very common in Tiki Bars. Once the frame is done, then you put the palm leaves on the roof and you're nearly done.
Depending on how sophisticated you want your Tiki Bar to be, this is when you would build in things like plumbing, shelving and maybe even a small bar fridge for your supplies. The best thing about building any home bar is that you get to decide what it looks like. While there are general ideas of what it should look like, you are free to be creative in making it your own.
For detailed plans on how to build your own tiki bar at home, check out The Tiki Bar Shop. Whether you want an indoor or outdoor setup, these tiki bar plans can get you started. Find step-by-step instructions on building your own tiki bar, or order your own tiki bar kit online. Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Build Your Own Tiki Bar
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Constructing a Tiki Bar.
Tiki Bar Construction Author: James Coetzee
If you are an entertainer at heart then an absolute must-have is your own outdoor Tiki bar. Nothing else quite has the capabilities of turning your deck or patio, or even your own backyard into a tropical oasis, just right to set the party mood. You want to add an island feel to your swimming pool area and decide to construct your own Tiki bar. But before you can escape to your paradise oasis you first need to do some hard work.If you want a big Tiki hut then it might be best for you to hand the project over to the professionals, as construction projects demand different processes happening at one time. Constructing a backyard Tiki bar very rarely requires a project manager, engineer and supervisor. It is not such a major building project that will result in environmental and safety issue, but just to be on the safe side you can get a licensed plumber and electrician to install your bar sink, lights and electrical outlets if you really feel that you need it.
But, if your Tiki bar is only intended for fun then your DIY capabilities should be enough.
It is vitally important that you spend sufficient time in planning your Tiki bar. This will save you a lot of time and money when it comes to the actual construction of the Tiki bar.
There are many things to consider during the planning stage. You have to decide if you want a smaller, maybe portable Tiki bar or a larger house like Tiki hut. Deciding on the size of your Tiki Bar will also be influenced by the available space you have. Remember to leave room for Tiki furniture and space for your guests. The construction should include enough shelving and cabinets for your to store your bar essentials in.
Next on your to-do list is the materials needed to construct your Tiki bar. In some areas it might be a bit difficult to come by the specialized materials; if that is the problem then you can always order it online. However, most of the time you will be able to get what you need from your local hardware store or nursery. Wood recommended for constructing your Tiki bar includes red cedar, cypress, mahogany, and teak.
After constructing your Tiki bar make sure, you seal and treat the wood to ensure its durability. It is also advised that you buy thatch that has been fireproofed; you can never predict where a cigarette will land. Clean outdoor tiki furniture regularly with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and try to dry off any excess water on the surface of the furniture. Prevent stains by drying spills as soon as they happen. If you opt for paint as a protection of wood furniture make sure that the furniture has been thoroughly cleaned and primed before applying the paint.
Consider all the above mentioned when constructing your Tiki bar and you will spend many blissful days in your Tiki bar!
About the Author:
The author gives advice on tiki bar construction. To read more on building a tiki bar, visit buildingatikibar.com Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tiki Bar Construction
TIKI DECORATIONS, Tiki Poles Article
OVERVIEW:
Tiki Poles Tell a Story Author: Jenny Gremoland
Of course, everyone has heard of totem poles but what comes to most peoples minds is the classic totem poles that Indian tribes of North America and Canada used. However; the truth is that many ancient peoples that occupied Pacific islands also used similar poles that are now commonly referred to as tiki poles.A Way of Record Keeping
Actually what they contain is not random but rather, each tiki pole would be a record, so to speak, that would keep track of things such as family or clan lineages. However; for someone today who is looking for the perfect decoration for their tiki bar one can do no better than a good tiki pole.
All Shapes and Sizes
They come in all shapes and sizes, from larger tiki poles that can take up a corner in a tiki bar, to tiki pole style bar stools that bar guests or patrons will simply love. However; don't bother looking around at your local mall or furniture store for tiki poles, because your widest selection will be online.
Always Go Natural
Remember that it is so important in a truly authentic tiki bar or tiki hut that things along this line be made of natural materials. The last thing that you want is a tiki pole that was made out of plastic in China.
Think Out of the Box
Also there is a wide section of tiki masks that really do compliment tiki poles quite well that are available from the same online suppliers. Bear in mind though, that you don't want to confine your tiki bar decorations strictly to tiki masks and tiki poles.
Get Creative
Feel free to get creative with items such as pieces of old fishing net with shells stuck in it hanging from your ceiling. Old fishing tackle and old nautical instruments, such as boats steering wheels work great too for wall decorations. Of course, you are also want to stock all of the latest and greatest tiki bar drinking and mixing utensils as well to finish off the complete tiki effect.
About the Author: Written by Jenny Gremoland. Surf over to my site to find everything you want to know about tiki accessories as well as tiki poles Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tiki Poles Tell a Story
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bring the Tropics Into Your Home With Bamboo Wall Coverings
Bring the Tropics Into Your Home With Bamboo Wall Coverings
Author: Jenny GremolandIf your looking to catch the “green wave” in interior decorating trends then there is nothing that says “green” better then bamboo wall covering. Not only does it come in a wide ranges of colors and types but it also goes so well with so many other natural decorating themes and products.
Bamboo Flooring
For instance, if you haven't taken a good look at bamboo flooring you will be simply amazed when you do. It's perfectly smooth and beautifully finished and provides the same effect of hardwood flooring.
Nothing is Greener than Bamboo
Do you remember when all manner of hardwoods were so in vogue? Well now that everyone knows that it is rain forests that are being stripped bare to get at them, they are a definite no-no. Bamboo grows quickly, doesn't require tilling, which leads to soil erosion and can also be cultivated using no fertilizers or pesticides.
That Pacific Islands Tiki Look
For that “pacific islands” look and feel, bamboo wall covering is also a must. Then you can finish off the effect with soft mellow lighting, a rattan ceiling fan and a bunch of sea shells tangled in a hunk of old fishing net hanging on a wall or ceiling.
A Problematic Material to Work With
However; be forewarned that bamboo in any form, including bamboo wall coverings can be difficult to work with. Its very prone to splintering when it is cut and also can burn and turn black on the edges where it is cut also.
Ask Around for Tips
When you are working with a new, unfamiliar and difficult to handle material such as bamboo and bamboo wall covering, take some time to ask around on the Internet and your local hardware store to get some tips. Also, remember that you can now rent power tools and saws at most hardware stores now also for surprisingly little money.
About the Author: Written by Jenny Gremoland. Find the top information on bamboo wall covering as well as tiki thatch Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Bring the Tropics Into Your Home With Bamboo Wall Coverings
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Build a tiki bar: Thoughts on Tiki Bar Designs
For that real Polynesian feel, add a Tiki bar to your backyard. You will love it and your friends will love your for having it! A Tiki bar is a symbol of care-free and relaxing times, making it the perfect place to entertain your friends.
A Tiki bar can transform your poolside, patio or deck into a tropical paradise, enhancing the party atmosphere.
Tiki Bar designs may differ in many ways but the main theme that is central to all authentic Tiki Bars is that of carefree island parties. To endure not only all weather conditions but all kinds of party animals your Tiki Bar designs must make allowance for the wear and tear associated with the occasional booze-up that could get out of hand.
It is recommended that durable materials are used when building your own Tiki Bar - it is after all supposed to be a long term investment and not something you would consider replacing after every major storm or raucous get together.
Tiki bars come in many different shapes and sizes. Your choice of design will depend on your personal preferences, the purpose of the Tiki bar and the space you have available for your bar. Another factor determining the design you choose for your Tiki bar, is your budget. The bigger the Tiki bar, the more expensive it will be.
If you are on a tight budget you can design and build your Tiki bar around an old table using re-claimed wood for the frame work and roof.
Tiki bars originate form tropical regions and the thatch roofs are designed to endure tropical rain- and wind storms. During the hot summer months the roof offers a refreshingly cool shade.
Although there is such a wide variety in Tiki bar designs available you will always find the basic elements of the traditional Tiki bar present. These features include a thatched roof, bamboo finishing and a bar top.
Basically there are two major Tiki bar designs:
The "portable" Tiki Bar: This design is often smaller and works well in areas where space is limited. It has shelves under the bar top and not more than three bar stools.
The Tiki hut: This is the ultimate Tiki bar. The Tiki hut is fitted with an extensive bar, seating area, tables and decking. The Tiki hut is almost like a little house because it is fitted with side panels
All other Tiki bar designs are variations of these two designs.
As long as you follow the basic design of the Tiki bar you are free to fit your Tiki bar with all sorts of accessories such as fans, a bar sinks, lights, glass holders and a bar fridge to keep the well deserved drinks cold.
Decorating your Tiki bar is the fun part because anything tropical goes! Add shells, coconuts, frangipanis, Tiki statues and sand to create that tropical atmosphere.
When landscaping your garden make sure you work hand-in-hand with the tropical theme of your backyard to enhance your Tiki bar's features.
About the Author:
The author gives advice on tiki bar designs. To get your own tiki bar design, visit buildingatikibar.comArticle Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tiki Bar Designs
Decorating Your Tiki Bar, Ideas and thoughts.
Check out our other free tiki articles. Under labels or blog history.
Decorating Your Tiki Bar
Author: Lee DobbinsThe tiki bar is a wonderful place to hang out, relax, or go all out and party. There's nothing quite like a tiki bar to take you away from the everyday mundane life, transferring you to a tropical vacation atmosphere, all without the need to travel to expensive resorts. Providing that unique island charm that feels like something straight from the Caribbean, tiki bars can recreate the setting of island paradise just about anywhere.
Those interested in the wonders of tiki culture should considering owning their own tiki bar. Whether for commercial or for private use, building and owning a tiki bar can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can also fill one with a great sense of pride and is a wonderful conversation topic.
Tiki bars can come in different shapes and sizes. The traditional tiki bar is based on the tiki hut which are found on islands. They are usually made of wood or bamboo, and the trademark thatched grass roofing. A full sized tiki bar can be quite an affair, emulating an environment of an island getaway resort.
Private tiki bars can be more variable depending on the requirements and budget of the owner. Poolside tiki bars are very popular, as well as backyard patio bars. Tiki bars can even be built indoors such as basement tiki bars- a pretty good source of awe and amusement for visiting relatives.
Wherever one wants to build their tiki bar, whatever size it is- the secret to having an exceptional and authentic tiki bar is in the decor one chooses to adorn their home-away-from home with. Nothing can better encapsulate the magic of the tropics quite like a well decorated tiki bar.
There are many types of tiki bar decor. They can range from the small to the enormous, the simple to the outrageous, and the cute to the downright freaky!
A good tiki bar should have some tiki totems, tiki masks and other such decorative items to give that distinctive native atmosphere. There are so many varieties of tiki decor to choose from. One can include anything they want. It's all good as long as it adds to the mood and party atmosphere.
One of the staples of a good tiki bar are funky tiki signs. There's no better way to declare your presence than a huge, flamboyant tiki sign hovering over the bar entrance to welcome your patrons. Tiki signs aren't limited to the bar entrance though, and should be placed anywhere and everywhere, including the restrooms, to mark restricted areas, or just to let people know how proud you are of your cool, vintage surfboard.
Even better is to have your tiki sign actually be your cool, vintage surfboard. Tiki signs can be made from a variety of different materials such as driftwood, surfboards or even canoe paddles. Carvings of fish or other aquatic life also make wonderful signs and ooze style. Just be sure to hang a "gone surfing" sign to let people know when your away.
A hallmark of the tiki culture is the moai. Moai are the famous monolithic statues found on Easter Island. These moai take the shape of giant heads, and according to legend, are said to hold the mystic powers of deceased clan chiefs.
They can also make really cool decorative items! Some people might find some difficulty finding space for a 50 foot monolith moai in their tiki bars; though thankfully moai decorations come in many different shapes and sizes to work with.
Miniature moai carvings are very popular. They work nicely as wall hangings or table pieces. You can even put them in the restrooms for a unique decoration.
One of the most important items in a tiki bar are the special tiki mugs to serve those groovy drinks in. Serve your wicked concoctions in mugs shaped like totem poles of ancient gods or with the somewhat less creepy glasses printed with dancing hula girls in grass skirts.
These are just a few examples of tiki bar decor. There are many more special tiki items available. The best thing about starting a tiki bar now is that these, sometimes difficult to find specialty items can be easily acquired via the internet!
Just remember that the proper decorations can really make or brake a tiki bar. So don't be afraid to go all out. Be creative and remember to have fun!
About the Author:
Lee Dobbins writes for http://tiki.subjectwise.com where you can learn more about creating your own tiki bar and having a smashing tiki party.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Decorating Your Tiki Bar.
Learn to decorate your tiki bar, tiki hut, or tiki lounge.