A tiki bar is usually modeled after a Polynesian tiki hut. It is traditionally made with bamboo, and a thatched roof made of grass or leaves. When you adorn your bar with distinctive tiki decor and furniture, it will have a unique style and appearance to give you the feeling of being in the islands during all of your gatherings. The tropical style will give you the feeling of being on vacation all year long. A tiki bar can be a wonderful setting for memorable hula-style parties. You can feel like you're escaping to Polynesia for a drink or two, while never leaving your home.

To make your own tiki bar, start with wooden posts and plywood. Screw the wooden posts together to form a box. The exact size of your bar will, of course, depend on the space you have. You can make a small bar for your living room, or a large hut for a backyard party. Most tiki bars take the shape of a hut with an enclosed bar, but you can make just the bar portion if you don't have a large space to work with.

Because bamboo splits easily, you should use harder wood for the actual structure of your tiki bar. Once the rough structure is complete, cover the exterior with bamboo, and thatch the roof. You'll also want bamboo poles to accent your island-style paradise. If you're using larger bamboo poles to cover the outside of the hut, pre-drill them, and split them in half so they will sit flush with the side of your bar. Dried palm tree fronts, straw hula skirts, and artificial hibiscus flowers can also add realism to the exterior of your tiki bar. Complete the structure by installing a bamboo bar on which to serve drinks.

Once the structure is complete, collect traditional decor to make your new bar truly feel like a tiki hut. In tiki culture, carved items like totems, statues, and masks hold great value. Tiki totem poles can make great bar stools, or they can be used to adorn the walls. These are large wooden pieces carved into the likeness of tiki gods or moai. Totems, as well as smaller statues or masks, are a great way to decorate your bar in authentic tiki fashion, and they are an instantly recognizable part of tiki culture.

A tropically-themed tiki bar can be a great way to enjoy island culture when you're not on vacation. A tiki bar can be a great place to entertain your friends. Building a tiki bar is simple; be sure to use plenty of tiki décor to make the ultimate island paradise.