Frequently Asked Questions

Viva Palm is a synthetic thatch, designed to replicate the aesthetic look of Bali (Alang Alang) thatch, with the added benefits of a long lifespan with it’s 20 years manufacturers guarantee, and a USA fire resistance rating. Viva Palm tiles are designed to be nailed onto 42mm x 35mm timber batten. The batten should be installed horizontally across the rafters at a 200mm spacing up the roof structure. The bottom row of Viva Palm should be doubled up with two layers of thatch tiles. Ensuring a 40mm overlap, proceed to fasten the tiles to the timber batten with clouts or a coil gun. Work your way up the structure until all rows are complete. Using the Viva corner tiles, secure these to the hips over the top of the Viva Palm tiles. Double up the bottom row with two corner tiles for best results.

Our African and Viro thatch tiles are designed to be clipped onto 6mm or 8mm galvanised rod. The galvanised rod should be installed horizontally across the rafters, with the first row at 200mm from the bottom of the rafters, and the rest at a 300mm spacing up the roof structure. 3.15mm galvanised staples can be hammered onto the galvanised rod to secure.

Our DIY Bali hut kits are available in a range of sizes, and are made to order in Australia in our production factory. Below are some of our standard sizes when measuring from outside of post to outside of post. Square Huts: – 2.0m x 2.0m from $2,350.00 – 2.5m x 2.5m from $2,650.00 – 3.0m x 3.0m from $3,295.00 – 3.5m x 3.5m from $3,895.00 – 4.0m x 4.0m from $4,650.00 – 5.0m x 5.0m from $6,350.00 – 6.0m x 6.0m from $7,895.00 Rectangular Huts: – 2.0m x 2.5m from $2,550.00 – 2.0m x 3.0m from $2,750.00 – 2.0m x 4.0m from $3,395.00 – 3.0m x 3.5m from $3,695.00 – 3.0m x 4.0m from $3,850.00 – 4.0m x 5.0m from $5,550.00 – 4.0m x 6.0m from $6,350.00

Comprehensive Instructions with Photos are sent out with every order !

Bali Thatch is installed horizontally across the rafters of your roof structure at 75mm spacing, as standard, or 65 mm spacing for increased durability, between each row. 50mm clouts are used to secure the thatch lengths to the rafters. Use secateurs to cut the thatch lengths to ensure that they always join on a rafter. Start installation at the bottom of the structure and work your way up.

Wrap galvanised wire around each hip bundle, before securing to the hips with 100mm batten screws. For best results, install at approximately 300m spacing, starting with 3 x hip bundles at the bottom of each hip, then 2 x hip bundles, then 1, then 2, then 1 etc.

In order to prolong the lifespan of your new thatch, we recommend applying a coat of Thatch Coat every 3-4 years. For Bali thatch allow a 6 – 8 week settling period of new thatch before spraying. Designed to prevent UV rays from breaking down the natural thatching, Thatch Coat is a water-based acrylic coating is easy to apply and prolongs the lifespan of both Bali and African Thatch. Thatch Coat can easily be brushed or sprayed onto African thatch.

At Island Thatch we are able to assist in accurately estimating the thatch quantity needed for rethatching an existing roof structure. The measurements we would need are as follows: 1. Hip Roof Structure – Length and Width of the overall span of the structure, including any rafter overhang. 2. Gable Roof Structure – Length and Width of the overall span of the structure, including any rafter overhang. – Length of the rafters. It is also useful if you can send through 2-3 photos of the structure so that we can confirm the type of structure.

At Island Thatch we offer a range of thatching and shingle options, including synthetic thatch and shingles. Below are the manufacturers guarantees for our synthetic thatch:

– Viva Palm – 20 Years

– Viro Thatch – 15 Years

Bamboo Panels come in both whole raft, and half raft panels. ‘Half’ or ‘whole’, is referring to whether or not the lengths of bamboo have been cut in half, or remain whole.

Half raft panels are a more cost efficient option, where only one side of the fence will be seen, as the back side of half raft panels is not designed to be in view. For example, when screwing the bamboo panels to an existing fence, half raft panels are a great option.

Whole panels have the advantage of looking great on both sides of the panel, and are a better choice for screening, and some fencing applications where the panels will be visible from both sides.

Bamboo panels can be cut down to size in both width and height, when needed. It is recommended that when cutting down the height of panels, a circular saw with a fine blade be used, and to cut slowly to avoid splintering. When reducing the width of the panels, some of the bamboo lengths will need to be removed. On our whole bamboo panels, a metal twine is thread through the panels to hold them together. This would need to be pulled through the unwanted banboo lengths, before being re-tied. On our half bamboo panels, a horizontal bamboo slat holds the vertical bamboo lengths together. These slats would need to be cut at the desired width.

The easiest way to install bamboo panels is by pre-drilling holes, and screwing to an existing fence. As the panels are reasonably light, approximately 6-10 screws will suffice. Alternatively, metal twine can be used to tie the panels into place.

At Island Thatch we stock a range of different sizes, types and colours of bamboo panels: Black Half Bamboo – 1.8m x 1.0m $44.90 Black Half Bamboo – 2.0m x 1.0m $54.90 Black Half Bamboo – 2.4m x 1.0m $64.90 Natural Half Bamboo – 1.8m x 1.0m $44.90 Natural Half Bamboo – 2.4m x 1.0m $64.90 Smoked Whole Bamboo – 1.8m x 1.0m $73.90 Smoked Whole Bamboo – 2.1m x 1.0m $88.90 Natural Whole Bamboo – 1.8m x 1.0m $63.90 Natural Whole Bamboo – 2.1m x 1.0m $78.90

Our warehouse and display centre is located at 24 Kayleigh Drive, Buderim. We can also organise Australia-wide delivery for you.