Thatch Tiles

Cape Reed thatch tiles are pre-made thatch roof tiles that give any structure the look of a hand-thatched roof, in a fraction of the time. Each tile is made from natural Cape reed (Thamnochortus insignis), clipped into an 800mm x 450mm panel and stabilised for outdoor use, so you can fix it straight onto timber battens or a metal sub-roof.

Use thatch tiles to theme an existing structure or create a new one: a thatched gazebo, a thatched umbrella, a pool bar or a cabana. They can even be used indoors to create an African-style thatched bar area.

Where to use thatch tiles

• Gazebos and garden structures
• Thatched umbrellas and parasols
• Cabanas and pool bars
• Outdoor entertainment and living spaces
• Tree houses and play structures
• Walkways and carports

Thatch tile sizes and types

• Standard clipped tile: 800mm x 450mm x 25mm
• Dense / heavy clipped tile: 800mm x 450mm x 25mm, for a fuller look
• Corner clipped tile: 400mm x 450mm x 25mm
• Tropical tile: 800mm x 700mm x 25mm
• Top cone: 650mm or 850mm, to finish round roofs and umbrellas
• Ridge cap: 800mm x 450mm x 25mm, V-shaped inverted
• End ridge cap

How to install thatch tiles

1. Prepare the roof: fit timber battens, or use an existing metal sub-roof.
2. Start at the bottom: lay the first row along the lowest edge of the roof.
3. Fix each tile: staple, nail or screw it to the battens or sub-roof.
4. Work upwards: overlap each new row over the one below.
5. Finish the top: cap the ridge with ridge caps, or a top cone on round roofs and umbrellas.

How many thatch tiles do I need?

Each standard tile covers about 0.32m². As a guide, divide your roof area in square metres by 0.32, then add ridge caps or a top cone to finish. Our team can confirm quantities from your roof plan.

Thatch tile FAQs

Can thatch tiles be used outdoors in hot climates?

Yes. The tiles are stabilised for all outdoor conditions and are used on gazebos, umbrellas and pool bars across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Can I fit thatch tiles to an existing structure?

Yes. Thatch tiles are ideal for retheming an existing gazebo, umbrella or roof, as long as it has timber battens or a metal sub-roof to fix them to.

Should thatch tiles be fire-treated?

Like all natural thatch, the tiles are combustible untreated. We recommend protecting them with Cape Reed Fireshield, reapplied every three years. Read is thatched roofing fire-safe?

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of these products, delivery can be arranged at an extra fee. Please contact your nearest Cape Reed warehouse and we will make the necessary arrangements.

All prices are VAT inclusive.