Frequently Asked Questions

General Installation
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 8-10″ round hole in the ground using a post hole digger shovel. Be sure to dig approximately 18-24″ deep then set pole with an 80-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.

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.

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!

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.

Baja Palapas does offer professional installation services however this service is limited to certain areas. If you are concerned about this matter or if you have any questions please contact us and we will help you the best we can.

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.

We strongly recommend 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.

Baja Palapas strongly recommends a certified 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.

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.

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.