1. How long does the thatch last?
The Mexican Palm Thatch lasts approximately 2-5 years, depending
on the climate. If there is a lot of humidity, wind or rain,
your thatch will last closer to the lower end of the spectrum.
When the palm thatch needs to be replaced, many times only
the top layer has deteriorated, meaning the bottom layer
can stay on and you will only need to pay for one layer
of replacement thatch. You can purchase new layers of thatch
through our "other products" page, just click
on thatch. The African
Reed Thatch lasts approximately 5 to 10 years with the same
determinants on life span as the palm thatch.
2. How long will it take for my product
to get to me? This primarily depends
on where you live. Many of our products are in stock and
ready to be shipped. We are located in California so if
you are on the East coast shipping will take a few days
longer to get to you. For the most accurate timing of the
arrival of your product(s), contact us.
3. What is the cost for shipping?
To get shipping charges for each individual item simply
click on the "order now" button below the product
you are interested in; enter you application and zip code
and the site will automatically calculate the shipping charges.
All of our large items calculate a rate for your particular
location, but smaller items may have a flat rate charge.
If you are interested in purchasing large quantities of
small items with a flat rate shipping charge you can call
or email us to get a shipping rate quote.
4. If I want my palapa to go into my permanent
BBQ Island, how do I secure it?
This can be accomplished several different ways. A. Install the palapa and build
around it.
B . When the Island is being build, have the builder leave
a hole in the counter top the same size as the palapa pole.
C . If the island is already built you will need to cut
a hole in the counter yourself or hire a company to do it;
there are companies that specialize in cutting circular
holes in concrete. When looking for a company to cut the
hole look under "concrete breaking, cutting, sawing,
etc." in the yellow pages.
5. Is it safe to put a palapa over my BBQ?
Yes, when precautions are taken. One thing you can do to
prevent accidental fire would be to purchase the fire retardant
option during checkout. Many of our clients choose not to
add this option due to the additional cost, but thatch is
flammable and will ignite if a flame is applied to it. Purchasers
are encouraged to take all necessary precautions to avoid
fire. If you do not know the precautions that should be
taken in your area contact your local fire marshal.
6. What is your return policy? Customers
may return any product manufactured by Palapa Structures
with some limitations. We do not manufacture the thatch
used in our palapa kits, so accordingly, we do not accept
returns on thatch. Shipping is non-refundable if the item(s)
has already been shipped. All returns will be subject to
a 10% restocking fee. If you cancel an order that has already
been shipped, you are responsible for the return shipping
cost. If you have accidentally made a duplicate purchase,
contact us immediately to avoid the 10% restocking fee.
Please allow up to 30 days for refunds to be processed.
7. If there are cracks in the wood can
I return it? The term for these
naturally occurring cracks is "checking" and the
answer is "no." The wood comes this way, adding
to its authentic rustic look. Don't worry, checking should
not affect the structural integrity of the palapa.
8. Why are there cracks in my palapa lumber?
Cracking or "checking"
happens as wood releases moisture, and normally occurs across
or through the annual growth rings. It is the usual result
of wood seasoning. Checking occurs mostly on the surface
of the wood and does not affect the structural performance
or integrity of the wood. The degree of checking will vary
from product to product and occasionally even from log to
log.
9. Can I assemble the palapa myself? Yes,
assembly is easy. Step by step Instructions come with the
product and explain in detail the assembly procedures. Tools
are needed for assembly that are not provided with the kits.
10. Is there anything that can be done
to prolong the life of the thatch? Many
of our customers have tried different methods, but we have
not personally tested these methods other than applying
fire retardant. Fire retardant seems to prolong the life
of the thatch. The methods we have heard of include: treating
the thatch with wood preservatives, taking the thatch down
for harsh weather conditions and securing fish netting over
the thatch.
11. What kind of wood is the palapa made
out of? Our palapas
are constructed out of round pine lumber.
12. How do the palapas hold up in the wind?
Palapas do excellent in the wind! In the number of years
we have been in business, the only problem we have heard
of in normal wind conditions is thatch coming loose. If
you secure your palapa to the
ground correctly and you secure the thatch correctly you
shouldn't have any problems. This does not mean that your
palapa will hold up in a hurricane,
tornado or similar wind strength conditions.
13. Do the palapa kits have a warranty?
Yes, each kit has a limited warranty which covers all structural
materials and hardware. However the thatch is not covered
in the warranty however.
14. Can anyone install any of your palapas?The
larger the size the more complex the installation. If you
are worried about installation and you are not in our installation
area, simply have a local contractor, landscaper or handyman
service do the installation for you. Have your installer
or perspective installer contact us if they have questions.
15. Can I order a custom "do
it your self" palapa kit? In
most cases no. If you want a 2
Pole Palm Palapa we can change the distance between
the 2 poles but not the overhang from the poles to the outside
fringe. This only applies to "do it your self kits"
and not to palapas installed by us. We would be happy to
build and install a custom designed palapa for you. Please
note: a custom palapa will be more expensive then a pre-designed
palapa.
16. Is expedited shipping available?
Yes, however you will need to place your order over the
phone
or through email because this option in currently not
available on the web site.
17. What is the thatch made from? The
Palm
Thatch is made from dried palm fronds (or leaves) that
are hand woven in Mexico. The Reed
Thatch is made from a reed plant in Africa, they look
and feel very similar to bamboo. The reed has been cut and
glued into panels that are approximately; 32 inches long
by 18 inches from top to bottom and 1 inch thick. The diameter
or the individual cut pieces that make up the panel is approximately
1/8 of an inch.
18. How much will it cost to replace the
thatch roof on my palapa? This
depends on what size palapa you own, to see the pricing
of the thatch replacement covers visit our Other
Products page and select thatch.
19. How many years have you been building
palapas? We have been in business
since January 2003 and have been under the same management.
20. Do you offer discounts for contractors? Yes. You have the option of selling
our palapas in your area. First, you will need to send us
your business resale certificate, a copy of your business
license, as well as two trade references to be considered
as a vendor. Or, we can deal with your clients directly.
If you chose to have us deal with your clients, we will
pay you 10% of the product(s) purchased price for your referral.
(Some limitations apply, please contact us for details.)
If you are purchasing a palapa for your own use, discounts
will not apply.
