Palapa FAQS

Installation:

Q.Palapa placement options?

A. General Application: 

Our custom stands can be used in almost any application from pool decks to concrete walkways and wood decking. Proper installation required. 

Placement on soil and or installation prior to pouring decking (dirt/ground): 

You will need to dig an 10-13" round hole in the ground using a post hole digger shovel. Be sure to dig approximately 18-24" deep then set pole with at least 1- 60-pound bag of quick set cement from your local hardware or home improvement store. 

Placement in existing cool deck or cement:

First, rent a core machine from any equipment rental company or home improvement store. Next, core a hole and place pole in decking. Finally, set the pole with cement.

See The Palapa Company’s Installation Guide for more detail on these placement options. 

Q.How do I install my palapa?

A.Our palapa kits are designed to be a simple do-it-yourself project with most of the lumber being pre-cut and drilled for your convenience. We also supply you with our step-by-step reference and installation guide to help you through the process. Phone and e-mail support are also available to help give you the answers you need.

Q.How long will it take to install my original umbrella?

A.Our do-it-yourself palapa kits can be done with one person in about three to four hours depending on what type of placement you are doing. Of course it is always easier to grab a family member or a friend and a few of your favorite cold beverages to help with the process. Regardless, our application can be done in three simple steps….OK so maybe four. 

1. Place your main pole with one of the options listed above. 

2. Construct the frame of the palapa with all the necessary parts. 

3. Place the two layers of thatch evenly on top. 

4. Sit down and toast to a job well done!

Q.What tools are needed to put up the palapa?

A. Typical installation of our “Original Umbrella” will require the use of a cordless hand drill (Phillips drill bits), a ¼" socket driver drill bit, level, tape measure, step ladder, writing utensil, wood saw, and or jig saw. 

Q.Can The Palapa Company install my palapa for me?

A. For residents living in the state of Arizona, yes we can install and deliver your palapa if you live within Maricopa County and the Greater Phoenix Metro Area. The Palapa Company charges a flat rate of $49.00 to deliver your palapa to your house or place of business. We can also install your “original umbrella” for as little a $249.00 per palapa (See Palapas for detailed installation rates). Installation includes the complete construction of your palapa and setting up your Palapa Company stand with anchor bolts, if needed.

Please note that the installation fee DOES NOT include any type coring or drilling into existing cool deck or concrete.

If coring or drilling is needed for the palapa installation, an additional fee of $149.00 will be charged. However, if the job is going to be extensive a custom quote will be needed in order to complete this process. Fast set concrete will be included.

If we install your palapa it will come with a one-year structure warranty that covers our craftsmanship on the installation only. 

Q.What type wood is used?

A.We use top quality, hand-picked lodge pole pine known for its beauty, durability and strength for our do-it-yourself palapa kits. This wood is hand-peeled by workers with two-handled knives to remove the bark which gives an authentic look, while the top lattice portion of the palapa is constructed with a natural redwood. 

Q.How tall is the palapa? Maintenance and Care:

Can I buy replacement thatch?

A.Yes, we do carry replacement thatch at competitive prices. In fact, if you buy a palapa kit from us now or are a previous customer, we will be happy to give you a 10% discount on replacement thatch when you are ready to reorder and it will be shipped to you at a click of a button. Please see our Online Store page to order now. 

Q.How often should I replace the thatch?

A. Our thatch should last about approximately three to five years in dryer climates and in damp and more humid climates it will last slightly less than that. We normally recommend replacing the top layer of thatch only (as needed) since it is usually this layer that deteriorates the most from the outdoor elements.

Q.Does the thatch require any maintenance?

A.Coolie (the penguin) recommends hosing off the thatch once installation of the palapa is complete. Until rinsed, the thatch tends to release a light brown harmless residue. So when you are done grab a hose and rinse it down a few times and your issue will be resolved. 

Q.Do I need fire retardant on my palapa?

A.The Palapa Company recommends the fire retardant if you are placing your palapa over an open flame or in a commercial setting in which it may be required to reach code. If you have questions please feel free to e-mail us at info@palapacompany.com or call us (623) 242-7362 during normal business hours. 

Q.How well does the palapa hold up to wind and the elements?

A. On the whole, palapa’s tend to hold up very well against high winds due to its natural breathing capability between the hand-tied palm fronds. The Palapa Company’s high quality thatch is very durable and generally stands up to wind and rain with no problems. This should come as no surprise since most palapa’s are found on beaches all over the world which tends to have fairly high winds. However, like most umbrellas, palapa’s are not totally waterproof as the thatch will allow small amounts of water through in order for the water not to pile up. 

Q.Do I stain or treat the wood?

A.We strongly recommend putting a wood treatment such as Jasco Copper Clear Wood Preservative, Behr Liquid Raw-hide Patio Furniture Varnish (clear gloss) or Min Wax Golden Oak Stain on the supports and the main pole of the palapa. One quart of any of these products should be fine. Use a 2" brush and put a good solid coat on the main pole and the support poles of your palapa. Any one of treatments listed above should be available for purchase at any hardware or home improvement store and once applied they will not only give your palapa a nice natural look but they will protect it for maximum life span. An annual application of your treatment of choice is highly suggested. 

Q.What if the palapa is bigger or smaller than I had envisioned?

A.PLEASE BE SURE OF THE SIZE YOU CHOOSE WHEN ORDERING, AS THE PALAPA KITS ARE NOT RETURNABLE!

HELPFUL TIP: You might want to mark out the size of the area where you want to place the palapa with newspapers to help envision how it will look when completed.

Please Note: Each piece of thatching is a one-of-a kind and therefore measurements are approximate and should be taken into account when ordering. Once installed you may cut and trim your thatch to your personal preference. 

Ordering: Q. How do I order my do-it-yourself palapa (umbrella) kit?

A. Ordering is a breeze, simply click a button, select your palapa size and corresponding accessories, fill out your shipping information, and make a payment on our secure Pay Pal shopping cart.

Once these steps are completed, we will take care of the rest and your new palapa will arrive on your doorstep in no time. All products will either be shipped or delivered to you, if applicable. You may also order by telephone by calling (623)-242-7362.

For Arizona Customers Only: If ordering within Maricopa County and the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, please select local area delivery on the drop down list and we can have all of your items delivered to your door for a flat rate of only $79.00.

Q.Forms of payment?

A.We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and PayPal). If you have any questions feel free to contact us at (623) 242-7362. 

Q.Pricing and availability?

A.The Palapa Company will make every effort to get your order shipped in a timely manner, normally three to five business days (not including holidays) for items that are in stock.

However, since our unique do-it-yourself palapa kits are special order items, it may take up to two weeks to process for shipping depending on quantity of stock available. If we have the product(s) on hand, most orders get out within three to five business days.