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 Gremoland
OK. 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
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Monday, May 18, 2009

A subterranean Tiki haven in Echo Park. Awesome Basement Tiki Bar

TIKI BAR SPOTLIGHT.
Great article on a tiki bar shrine.

Lawrence K. Ho, Los Angeles Times
The Tiki Bar in the basement of the home of Alan Smart and Michael Uhlenkott in Echo Park. 

A subterranean Tiki 
haven in Echo Park.
From the LA Times.

Years of memorabilia collecting led Alan Smart and Michael Uhlenkott to turn their basement into an island shrine.
October 18, 2008

THERE'S AN underlying sense of levity and playfulness in the Echo Park house that Alan Smart and Michael Uhlenkott designed. Then there's the basement.

Head downstairs, turn right at the bottom of the steps and you enter Smart and Uhlenkott's re-creation of a 1950s tiki bar -- the HaleKahiki (or "Tahitian Room"), as they have dubbed it, which rivals the best Polynesian room you've seen.

"Michael and I have been going to swap meets, collecting Hawaiiana and surfing things for years," Smart says. "I figured, if you don't have a room for it, there's only so much you can collect."

Completed in 2006 after four months of construction, practically every surface of the HaleKahiki is covered with memorabilia. "We wanted old stuff, so we did our research to see how tiki bars were built in the old days," Smart says of the 1950s and '60s, when Polynesiana was popular in Southern California.

Beach signs and other artifacts are layered over block-printed and tapa-papered walls.Lauhala-style woven matting is overhead, between the ceiling joists. A faux roof made of bamboo and palm leaves is suspended above the bar; a raised platform at one end of the room accommodates vintage rattan seating in front of an exotic black-lighted volcano lagoon mural that Uhlenkott painted.

Artist John Bok created the bar's rattan panels and hammered rusty-tin-can edging (sealed in a clear resin). The bar top features tiles designed by Uhlenkott, inspired by traditional Marquesan patterns. Tiki Tony, a Camarillo artist, carved several palm-wood posts and skull poles.

Hawaiian music drifts through the space; the dim lighting and candles set the mood. Smart plays bartender, serving up vintage martini glasses full of fruity cocktails ("known to cause bigger hangovers than less sugary drinks," he warns).

This tiki shrine is a favorite party destination.

"It is used fairly often," Smart says. "I have friends who threaten to come over every week."

--

Debra Prinzing

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tiki Style. Enjoy The Tropical Style Of Bamboo Patio Furniture



OVERVIEW
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.







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



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Saturday, May 16, 2009

Decorating Tips for Your Tiki Hut Bar

Author: Jenny Gremoland
So 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

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

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Tiki Hut Roofing - Get Informed

TIKI HUT!
Overview
Lo and behold the tiki hut and tiki decor in general is coming back in style and it seems that just about everyone now wants to have a quaint tiki hut sitting in their backyard. Even if you don't have a swimming pool, a tiki hut or bar area will draw your family and guests like ants to spilled Pepsi.

Tiki Hut Roofing - Get Informed


By Jenny Gremoland

Lo and behold the tiki hut and tiki decor in general is coming back in style and it seems that just about everyone now wants to have a quaint tiki hut sitting in their backyard. Even if you don't have a swimming pool, a tiki hut or bar area will draw your family and guests like ants to spilled Pepsi.
The Grass Roof Look
Of course you have several design options to choose from, as far as the basic structure is concerned but when it comes to the roof of your tiki hut, you are rather limited with regards to its basic look.
Grass or Palm Fronds
It's grass or palm leaves stitched or stapled down in a few different ways but in the end it will have that basic natural look that comes from the tropics where this type of roof is still in common use.
Tiki Hut Grass Shingles
Rule number one, is that the roof must be rather steep. That is unless you are using new tiki style grass shingles. These are in fact a standard manufactured shingle that has a shaggy hairdo made out of synthetic grass.
A Much Better Product
They are applied in the same fashion as standard asphalt shingles and shed water much better than standard grass or palm fronds. They also last much longer too and are also far less of a fire hazard.
Stapled Down on a Plywood Sheeted Roof
Another benefit if this type of shingle is that it is applied on top of a standard sheeted plywood roof. This might not mean much to you at first but wait until you see how difficult it is to construct a lattice work roof structure out of sticks, such as you will find in the tropics.
Tiki Hut Accessories
However; if you are determined to go with natural thatch or palm fronds, they too are available over the Internet and you can also purchase this type of roofing material that has been treated with fire retardant. Either way you go though, one thing is for certain and that is that you will also need plenty of tiki hut accessories to complete the total look of your tiki hut.

Written by Jenny Gremoland. Here at my website you'll find the best info regarding tiki bar stools as well as bamboo fences Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Gremoland http://EzineArticles.com/?Tiki-Hut-Roofing---Get-Informed&id=1827458

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Saturday, May 9, 2009

Readers Tiki Bar Photos

Tiki Bar 1C

How to Put a Home Tiki Bar Together


How to Put a Home Tiki Bar Together
By Rick Harding
If you have ever been to an island for a little rest and relaxation, you may have one time or another seen and visited a tiki bar. You might want to capture that same feeling at your own home and this is possible thanks to a home tiki bar. They are surprisingly easy to find and there is a wealth of valuable resources, most which you will find online, whether you are interested in building one from scratch, or purchasing a kit.
The first thing you must figure out is where your tiki bar is going to go. You will need to know how much space will be required. If you have a large backyard then space will not be an issue. If the confines of your backyard space are a bit limited then you will need to pay close attention if you are going to purchase a kit to make sure you get the right size. Most kits come in a wide variety of sizes from the extremely large to the very small. In most cases, you will not have much difficulty finding the bar to fit your space requirements and your entertaining needs.
Another thing to consider is the accessories. These are very important to giving your bar that distinctive tiki feel. Since tiki bars are much more distinctive than most traditional bars, attention to detail in this respect is vital to giving your bar the correct feel and ambiance. As with finding the right materials to construct your tiki bar, the accessories can also be found online. Everything from tiki motif dry eraser drink boards to parrot shaped bottle holders to laser engraved liter bottles and everything else in between are all readily available.
A home tiki bar is easy to construct and even easier to purchase. There very little preparation that one must do for the installation; the exception being the measuring of the space in which you wish your tiki bar to be placed and preparing the proper electrical outlets so it will have power, your personal tiki bar will be a breeze to get up and running. Of course, you might want to purchase some liquid refreshments and bone up on you bar tending skills, however, outside of that you will be ready to have friends and family pull up a stool and join you at your own tiki bar.
Click here for a fabulous guide on building your very own home tiki bar
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Harding
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Put-a-Home-Tiki-Bar-Together&id=2069611

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.

About the Author:
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.

Check out our other free tiki articles. Under labels or blog history.

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

Check out our other free tiki articles. Under labels or blog history.

OVERVIEW:
This is a great article on the art of the tiki or totem pole.  It talks about the history, meaningand the symbolism of the tiki pole.  This is a must for your tiki bar or hut decoration.

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

Check out our other free tiki articles. Under labels or blog history.

Bring the Tropics Into Your Home With Bamboo Wall Coverings

Author: Jenny Gremoland
If 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

Check out our other free tiki articles. Under labels or blog history.
Tiki Bar DesignsAuthor: James Coetzee

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.


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Here is a nice article i found that will give you some good ideas for just starting out on designing a tiki bar. It's fairly basic, but good info all the same.

Decorating Your Tiki Bar

Author: Lee Dobbins
The 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.

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