Is a Bali Hut the Best Hut?

It’s summer, it’s hot, the backyard is backing to a crisp and the aircon is working overtime. It’s times like these that you feel like you should be outside enjoying the warm weather, and in most places, you would be. Sometimes though, we end up living in places that just don’t have a reasonable idea of what summer should be.

Heat can seem to take on a life of its own, to the point where the asphalt melts and anyone foolish enough to step outside barefoot can end up with second-degree burns. It can get to the point where you just have to admit defeat and retreat under cover.

Being forced to cower inside for half the year is frustrating, but believe it or not, there are ways to get outside during summer without spontaneously combusting. Your house doesn’t have to be the only undercover refuge from the sun on your block: it might be time to start thinking about investing in a gazebo.

There are a lot of different types of gazebos, porch, and patio covers out there, but for now, we’re going to focus on one of the more niche options: Bali huts.  A Bali hut is a thatched gazebo. They’re a traditional type of shelter on many island nations, and you can probably guess where they got their name.

They’re great for people who are after a tropical theme for their yard or who value the aesthetic of a more natural-looking product over a traditional galvanized iron monstrosity.

Is it right for my home?

Bali huts have a very distinctive look, and that means they aren’t going to fit in everywhere. If you have a very modernist style of home they might look a bit out of place amongst angular designs, concrete, and steel.

On the other hand timber houses, yards with a lot of vegetation, or those with a pool will probably look just right – it all depends on what sort of home you have and what sort of look you’re going for.

Advantages

No matter what sort of home you have, however, there are a few universal advantages of Bali huts and African thatches that everyone can appreciate. The thick thatching that they’re roofed with is very insulative: which means it stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

This is noticeable in summer especially, when the intense sun can really heat up a traditional galvanized roof to the point that it becomes uncomfortably warm underneath. This radiant heat can force you back inside just as effectively as the sun itself!If simplicity is something you like and look out for, then a Bali hut should probably be on your radar.

Their simple design means they can be erected and maintained quickly and easily. One of the great things about Bali huts is how well they can accentuate their surroundings to not only become an eye-catching feature in their own right but compliment and blend into other features of the yard as well.

This will of course depend on the type of yard you have, but Bali huts work especially well with heavily vegetated gardens and with water features such as pools thanks to their tropical island connotations.

Disadvantages

Bali huts come in a huge range of shapes and, sizes and designs, but they’re not right for everybody. They have a few minor drawbacks as well. Unlike galvanized iron or tiled roofs, the thatching of a Bali hut doesn’t last forever and will most likely have to be replaced down the track at some point.

While you should get at least five years or so out of a roof, depending on the weather and other factors this time period could be shortened or lengthened considerably. While the hassle of replacing the roof won’t be all that bad, as the old roof wears out it may start to drop some of its thatching.

This might mean more regular sweeping until replacement. The traditional Bali hut is also quite tall and open, which could be a problem during wild, windy or rainy weather, though this is a problem shared by most gazebos and patio covers.

All in all, Bali huts are a great option for a wide range of homeowners looking for a way to make their outdoor areas more accessible all year round. They offer some attractive advantages over other, more typical undercover alternatives, including aesthetic value, insulative properties and simple design. If you want to make summer a bit more bearable while standing out from the crowd, a Bali hut should definitely be something you consider.

Author Bio: This article was written by Aarons Outdoor Living, an Australian supplier for Bali huts and other outdoor living accessories.

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