Bali Huts: Types and Uses of Thatch Roofing

Bali Huts have become a popular option for those who want to add an outdoor gazebo to their backyard. Whilst having an outdoor shelter might seem over the top to some, the benefits far outweigh any of the upfront costs involved. Rather, you will have a structure that is not only long term cost effective, but environmentally friendly, easy to clean and maintain and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Bali Huts and thatch roofing can add a subtle and attractive landscaping dimension to your garden or serve as a large feature, often becoming the perfect entertainment area on a warm summer’s night.

There are a huge range of Bali huts and thatch roofing on the market and the design options are endless. Each one comes in a range of materials to suit your personal requirements, so read on if you are wanting to explore the types and uses of thatch roofing.

Bali Huts: Alang Alang Grass

Made from alang-alang grass from Bali, the Balinese hut is definitely eye catching and adds a tropical look and feel to your home. Bali huts are perfect for creating a relaxation area for your backyard. By simply adding a deck, you can turn your Bali thatch into an entertainment hotspot. This thatch roofing is made from natural materials and a renewable source, so it is an environmentally friendly choice for your thatch roofing. In addition to being an organic covering, alang alang grass provides the highest insulation of any covering. Bali huts thatch roofing are not 100% airtight, so it allows the steam to escape, unlike steel, which would capture the moisture on the roof. The alang alang grass does have a shorter lifespan than timber coverings, however it offers the most natural look and requires no maintainance once the structure is up.

Alang Alang Grass Thatch Roofing

African Thatch: Cape Reed Thatch Tile

The African thatch is made from cape reed thatch tiles and is considered the most hardiest of the thatch roofing materials. It also provides a very natural and rustic look, blending in well to most outdoor settings and existing roof structures. Cape Reed thatch is a raw material and is rumoured to last for years (30 +), making it an excellent choice for humid and coastal areas, along with dry inland climates. The sturdiness of this thatch roofing is also ideal in cyclonic weather environments or areas prone to high winds. There are varying reports on the water resistant properties of the African cape reed thatch, with some manufacturers contesting it is highly resistant, whilst others stating it may vary. The Cape Reed tile though is very safe, because it is fire retardant and the natural wax coating is what is said to offer peace of mind to anyone concerned about its waterproof properties.

Cape Reed is easy to install and perfect for those who are into DIY.

Cape Reed Tile Thatch Roofing

If you are looking for more advice about thatch roofing and are seeking a trusted and reputable supplier to help turn your backyard into a tropical retreat, then visit Matt’s Homes & Outdoor Designs or call today on 1300 62 88 77. Their Bali huts and thatch roofing feature hand woven alang-alang grass (Bali huts) and cape reed tiles (the African thatch), with all other timber sourced from Australian grown plantations. Along with all the other benefits detailed above, the natural insulation qualities of thatch roofing reduce heat by up to 10° in summer, and offers warmth on cooler days.

Why Adding a Deck to an African Thatch Is a Good Idea

Recently we have had a few people in store enquiring about the benefits of purchasing a deck with an African Thatch. Whilst the decision can often come down to personal aesthetics, a deck can also make your outdoor gazebo stand out more and become a bigger feature item in your backyard or outdoor area. Read on to find out why adding a deck to an African thatch is a good idea…

The African Thatch is a sturdy and reliable outdoor gazebo, with a proven ability to withstand strong winds and cyclones. The African Thatch gives your backyard a tropical feel, blending well into all environments. The neatly lined thatch roof tiles match any existing roof and this natural product offers the coolest shade in Summer. The African Thatch is an excellent insulator at night as there is less heat loss after dark and no condensation. This makes the african thatch perfect for outdoor spa or pool areas.

If you want to have the perfect entertaining area, then adding a deck to an African Thatch is a good idea. Using kiln dried arsenic free treated pine and manilla decorative rope at the foot of each pole, the deck is a solid and sophisticated addition to your African Thatch.

Instead of sitting on grass or dirt ground, you can be elevated to a new level and create the perfect outdoor gazebo area for hours of entertainment during both summer and cooler months. If you are looking for competitive prices on the African Thatch visit Matt’s Homes for a huge range of sizes and African Thatches or call now on 1300 62 88 77.

This 4 x 4 African Thatch from Matt’s Homes has a solid timber decking that is an excellent entertainment area.

This 4 x 4 African Thatch from Matt’s Homes creates the perfect outdoor entertainment area.

Top 3 Questions Asked About Thatch Roofing and Bali Huts

When it comes to building roofs or choosing an outdoor gazebo, we usually only think of roof structures like brick, steel, iron or sail cloths (for outside areas). However, thatch roofing can be used to not only cover an outdoor gazebo, but sheds, houses or cottages. Thatch Roofing includes Bali Huts, African Thatch and Thatch Umbrellas and is an increasingly popular choice for home owners and renovators. This is because aesthetically the thatch roofing adds a huge landscaping dimension to any outdoor area, along with its environmental and economical benefits.

Below are some answers to to the top 3 questions asked about thatch roofing and Bali Huts:

1. How long does thatch roofing last?

Thatch roofing, if installed by a professional installer, should last for up to 50 years. An added bonus is that it is also easy to maintain and clean, in fact there will be little maintenance needed. Like other roofing materials, there may come a time when you need to replace a section. With respect to thatch roofing, this may be because of insect infestation or water ingress.

2. What kinds of structures can be thatched?

We encourage our customers to think outside of the square. Bali Huts, African Thatch and Umbrella Thatch huts are suitable for all areas – from hotels, motels, to restaurants, bars and homes. Small tiki bars, cottages, sheds and commercial centres can also suit thatch roofing.

3. Do Bali Huts and Thatch Roofing stand up against strong winds?

Reeds and straw are considered to be very light materials for a roof structure. If your thatch roofing is installed by a professional this will ensure that your roof structure is sturdy and tight. The African Thatch in particular is often used for places that experience strong and even cyclonic winds, because it is known to be a strong structure. The Umbrella thatch huts are best pulled down when it is heavy winds as being only on one pole can make it less sturdy than Bali Huts and the African Thatch.

If you are looking for thatch roofing and Bali Huts and want a company that manufactures quality built thatch roofing, with the added bonus of having competitive prices, then visit Matt’s Homes and Outdoor Designs. Located in Bayswater, Melbourne, they have a large range of thatch roofing and Bali Huts to suit all size backyards and properties. Enquire today on 1300 62 88 77.

African Thatchfrom Matt’s Homes

Create the perfect entertaining hotspot with thatch roofing and deck area

Bali Huts from Matt’s Homes

Top 4 Design Ideas for your Balinese Hut

We posted this blog a few months ago, however have had some customers in our store recently looking for design ideas for their thatch roof outdoor gazebo. So, if you are looking to purchase a Balinese hut and turn your backyard into a tropical retreat this Summer, then why not dress it up with some of these design ideas. Read on to find out the top 5 design ideas for your Balinese hut…

1. Shade Cloth Curtains 

White shade cloth curtains can add a very mediterranean look and feel to your Balinese Hut, making it that extra bit special to relax under and lounge in. Add some deck chairs, pillows and a nice cocktail to the mix and your backyard will be your very own holiday destination for you and your friends!

Balinese Hut with White Shade Cloth Curtains

2. Mini Bar

A mini bar will make your Balinese hutlook very suave and professional and be the perfect entertaining area for you and your guests. Brilliant for functions, home parties, festive occasions or even just to enjoy a cold beer or martini on a Saturday night… you will never have to leave home again.

Balinese Hut with Mini Bar & Lounge Are

3. Bali Bowls and Balinese Furniture

A simple Balinese bowl and wooden outdoor setting adds to the tropical look and feel that your Balinese Hut creates. Some Balinese figurines would also be the perfect complement to add to your new outdoor gazebo this summer.

Balinese Hut with Balinese Furniture

4. Deck Area

No Balinese hut would be complete without a decking area. Instead of sitting on grass or dirt ground, you can be elevated to a new level and create the perfect outdoor gazebo area for hours of entertainment during both summer and cooler months.

Balinese Hut with Deck Area

So there you have it. Thatching is an attractive and environmentally friendly roof, harvested from a renewable resource, alang alang grass or cape reed materials. If you are on the hunt for a quality built Balinese Hut with or without a deck area, visit Matt’s Homes, located in Bayswater, Melbourne or phone today on 1300 62 88 77.