The tiki bar is the ultimate expression of relaxation. Common along coastlines and on secluded islands, the tiki bar can be a great place to kick back, relax and enjoy the surrounding view with a mixed drink or beer. You can build your very own tiki bar in your backyard or on the beach.
Materials
You can buy most of the materials you'll need at a hardware store or lumber yard. Cedar poles and palm fronds are the most difficult materials to locate. Look for cedar poles at your local sawmill; palm fronds will need to be purchased through one of a number of websites, like tikikev.com and hardypalmtrees.com (see Resources), which offer a special delivery service.
Base
In order to ensure a strong base and durable foundation, you'll need to build a base out of wooden 2-by-4s extending anywhere from 4 to 8 feet in the air. Begin with a basic rectangle with the two smaller pieces crossing over the two longer pieces. The length and width of the base are completely up to you. Build the four corners to the top and support another new rectangle. Stack the rest of the 2-by-4 pieces side by side to cover the rest of the base.
Roof
Build the roof out of palm fronds, thick straw, or other types of thin leaves that will both block rain and provide shade and shelter. Crossing support beams will help make the roof stronger. Then stack the palm fronds, straw or leaves on top to provide the rest of the roof.
Tags: palm fronds