Many people picture themselves enjoying a holiday in a tropical setting by the ocean, lounging on a beach, sipping their favorite drinks while enjoying listened to slow, soothing music.
You do not need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars or travel for hours or days to enjoy a tropical-like experience.
If you set aside a little time and resources, you can recreate the easy island life feel by having a tiki paradise in your backyard.
You will not spend your summers alone because once your buddies catch wind of your project, you will likely be hosting parties, complete with tropical drinks at the beach.
What does this entail for you? You are undertaking an exciting project that involves constructing a tiki paradise for you, family, and friends to enjoy. You essentially start with a frame and roof; however, the best part is adding the decor for a tiki experience – bamboo, palm fronds, rattan furniture, tiki torches and totems, colorful Polynesian masks and more!
By the time you finish your design and construction, you can enjoy countless evenings outdoors with friends.
What Do You Need?
Here are the items you need to bring the ultimate tiki experience to your backyard.
Tiki torches
Lighting is an important part of your decor, whether inside or outside.
If you want your yard to have a tropical feeling, don’t just grab any light that you come across – use tiki torches!
Once these beauties are lit, you will feel like you are in an island paradise in Polynesia.
Types of tiki torches
There are several types of tiki torches to suit different style preferences.
Common types include:
- floor torches
- hanging torches
- tabletop torches
- wall-mounted torches
Tiki torches are either traditional or electrical.
Traditional tiki torches have a truer feel with their flickering flames. Electrical tiki torches are more convenient and easier to manage.
There are solar-powered electric torches, which use the sun to fuel the flame, and electric torches that use mains electricity. An electric torch is more kid and pet-friendly than an open-flame torch.
Here are the most popular types of tiki torches.
1. Floor torches
Floor torches are the most similar style to how tiki torches are typically seen.
They are like having a bowl attached to a pole or stool.
As the name implies, you put them on the floor; therefore, they are not as likely to blow over.
On the downside- Floor torches take up much space, and therefore don’t do well on small patios.
2. Hanging torches
Hanging torches maybe the most aesthetically appealing forms of tiki torches.
In addition, you can place them at different heights to add to the beauty of your tiki bar.
Hanging torches do not take a lot of space like floor torches do. They come with hooks and handles that allow you to turn them in any direction.
3. Tabletop torches
Tabletop torches very well may be the best option if you want to create an awesome atmosphere for the late-night party.
As long as you put them on the tables, visibility won’t be a problem at all; in addition to providing light, they will enhance the atmosphere, and they don’t take up too much physical space.
In addition, tabletop torches have a flat bottom for increased stability and preventing the torch from tipping over.
The biggest downside of tabletop torches is that their small size only lights up a small area.
4. Wall torches
As the name implies, wall torches are ornamental torches attached to a wall.
They may also be placed against trees (great for a more rustic or natural feel) or fences.
Most wall torches come supplied with screws, brackets, and other accessories needed to mount them, so you won’t have to search for anything or make special trips to the hardware store.
Wall torches will withstand unwanted movement from bad weather, if installed correctly.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Tiki Torch
Here are some factors you need to consider before buying a tiki torch.
Build material
The quality and durability of torch construction materials matter.
You want a material that is durable enough to endure being exposed to the elements so that you don’t have to buy a new torch every year, or even every couple of years.
The most used materials for tiki torch construction are:
- bamboo
- glass
- metal
Bamboo is sophisticated, but is not as durable as the metal.
Glass is lovely, but it is a little fragile when you consider the elements it might endure.
You will want to weigh the positives and negatives for each material before making your decision.
Cost
The pricing on Tiki torches can range anywhere from $10 to $100.
The factors that go into the price are the material and type.
When you’re out there shopping don’t let the price dissuade you – check into the features to see if the deal is actually worth it.
Generally speaking cheap lights will not have much more than the basic features.
Some models may not have features that warrant the price – you can tell that when you see an overpriced unit that the parts don’t back in value.
Flame control
There is no way to completely prevent your flame source from being risky, torches are hazardous by nature and they have the ability to cause destruction if they are used improperly.
It is important to buy a torch that has adjustable flame size and flame strength in your assessment.
The torch should also have snuffers to extinguish the flame safely.
Oil compatibility
All tiki torches that light up with a flame use a lamp for illuminating your tiki bar.
However, not all tiki torches use the same oil and are usually oil specific.
The most common oils are:
- citronella
- isoparaffin
- paraffin
Each torch burns at its own rate, so you must pay attention to this when you purchase a torch.
Frozen banana leaves
If you want the real tiki experience, replace your regular tablecloth with frozen banana leaves.
Not only are they cheaper, but the banana leaves contribute that tropical feeling you’re looking for. They’re available in most local groceries and online.
Freezing extends the leaves’ life, but it’s will be good for about a week.
You will have to purchase these leaves more frequently if you love to entertain regularly.
Coconuts and tropical fruit
To create that beachy vibe in your outdoor living space, you cannot go without adding coconuts and tropical fruit!
Laying out whole coconuts and empty shells, as well as tropical fruits like kiwis, mangos, papaya, and pineapples make for great table centerpieces!
These tropical fruits and coconuts also make a great snack if you are indulging in too many fun cocktails!
Tropical flowers
Even though tiki torches light up the bar, you can add tropical-colored flowers to create a more colorful atmosphere.
Orchids are the way to go because of their colors and that they require little care.
If you’re on a budget or simply don’t have time to planters, faux flowers are a decent option.
Mini palm trees
You might not live at the beach, but you can feel like it if you have mini palm trees.
They can add color and life to your tiki paradise just like flowers.
They’re bigger than flowers, however, and can be a focal point.
Here are a few popular mini palm trees to enhance your tiki experience.
Pygmy Date Palm
As a beginner-friendly option, the pygmy date palm will grow to around 10 feet tall and is roughly 4 feet across.
The leaves look similar to the feathers of a chicken.
You can grow this species indoors or outside as long as there’s sun.
This plant will go dormant if the temperature drops to below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Blooming – It has bright yellow flowers that are sure to give some color to your tiki bar. The yellow flowers will later fall off and purple dates will begin to grow instead.
Needle palm
Similar to the pygmy, needle palms are easy for beginner growers and require little care over time.
The plant is hardy and will adapt well in a wide range of soil and climate.
The plant gets its name from its stems, which resemble a needle style.
A needle palm can reach a slightly over six feet tall by 6 feet wide in maturity, and is a viable choice if you want a symmetrical look.
The leaves also produce red drupes and flowers with little white, brown, purple or yellow variations.
Cat palm
The cat palm is an ideal indoor alternative to mini palm trees.
When potted indoors, the cat palm will do well if sunlight is not applied directly and temperatures are maintained between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The height of a cat palm may reach up to five feet tall and spread its leaves out to four feet when it is fully grown.
Furthermore, the cat palm has low maintenance requirements. It needs well-drained soil and can be fed and watered once a month.
Sago palm
The Sago Palm is one of the slowest growing species of palms.
Though it can grow to a maximum height and width of 10 feet, this process can take up to 50 years.
Another unique trait about this species, the Sago Palm, is that it does not flower.
It does, however, have striking green leave that resemble feathers and grows in a symmetric fashion.
Sago Palms prefer a warm and bright but not direct sun location. This species is quite hardy, but it does need well draining soil.
Be sure to check water levels to avoid over saturating the soil.
Parlor palm
Parlor Palms can reach heights of 12 ft.
They have stems similar to bamboo.
As a tropical type of palm, this smaller kind thrives best in medium to bright indirect light.
Interestingly, you can even use your body to tell if it is suitable for your parlor palms.
If it feels comfortable for you, the temperature is conducive to your palm trees.
Maintenance – You have to water parlor palms at least once per week and then replant them every four months. It may produce food even though it is definitely not human food.
Tiki Totems
Are you looking for a way to furnish your tiki bar with stunning and genuine decor that captures the tropical spirit of Polynesian culture?
Then, you should definitely have tiki statues that you can arrange throughout the interior of your outdoor deck or patio!
Even if you have a little space, you can capitalize it by getting totem decos, which have several art pieces.
Tiki totems consist of many masks & statues that ancient Maoris would use to signify the individual tribal deities, as well as give different characteristics to precisely where it sat.
Tiki characters have a much deeper meaning than a decor piece; for instance, panda – some protect against evil spirits, while others are thought to cause good by increasing peace, harmony and inspiration.
Each tiki mask is carved, formed from wood & no 2 masks are the same.
The dedication and attention to detail from artisans when making these masks are of the utmost importance, as each mask has a unique facial countenance representing the kind of characteristics it is trying to bestow.
While tiki masks have been around centuries in their respective native lands, it was during the 20th century when it gained popularity throughout the western world.
With the globalization of an embracing tropical Polynesian culture, we see this magnificent work of culture more evident in bars, cafes & restaurants.
Wall masks
Similar to tiki totems, wall masks provide religious importance to the creator of the tiki culture.
They may not be as fashionable as ones at Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room, but they can protect you from evil spirits, especially when you’ve had one-too-many shots of anything that goes down smooth.
Bar Sign
Although it seems unimportant, a simple bar sign will promote a superior experience at tiki.
The best signs are handmade, like the tiki masks and totems.
You can even have the carver customize them with your name.
How To Build A DIY Tiki Bar
Regardless of how much you love the tropics and the idea of spending vacations in the tropics, it’s not always possible to be, or even wish to be, there.
It takes lots of cash to really enjoy most of the not so affordable beach vacation destinations too.
If you aren’t lucky enough to live right near the beach, the next best thing you can do is to re-create one at home.
Keep reading for how to make a DIY tiki bar.
You’ll need:
- pieces of wood
- nails
- measuring tape
- screw
- filler
- polyurethane coating
- and other regular construction material
Then, follow the steps below.
Start with building the base
Cut the wood you plan to use for your tiki base using the saw.
A standard base design calls for three faces – a large front, and two equal sides.
The back of the tiki is typically left open for shelf storage.
Make the countertop
Next, flip the base to stand on it’s side.
Put down a large piece of wood that runs across one side to the other side, allowing a few inches hangover on either side.
Mark that piece of wood and cut it out.
Flip the base back to standing, put the cut piece of wood, allowing hangover on all four sides.
Have your helper stand on the wood to see if it holds up. If it does, nail it in place.
Eventually, apply an exterior filler along the sides and allow to cure, sanding the edge down until smooth.
Finally, paint the tops with any attempted enamel spray paint.
Make the roof
The last phase in constructing a tiki bar is the roofing.
Here you’re going to screw four pieces to the two sides of the base.
Add another piece on top to secure the roofing material, which, will be thatch grass.
Once you finish roofing, go ahead and add a bamboo screen to face the bar. This is where you will place most of your décor: totems, statement pieces, and wall masks.
When you are finished and have added decorations like torches, masks, totems, palm trees, tropical fruit and flowers, and your guests will never want to leave when you invite them into your tiki bar.
Wrapping Up
Just because you’re far removed from civilization in your own country won’t mean you have to forgo the tropical experience that so many enjoy.
Tiki bars are affordable and simple to build, and they add functionality to outdoor areas.