These huts were originally built by the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes of Florida. The 1800s were a difficult time for Native Americans and the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes survived the turbulent time by being able to move around easily so they needed a shelter that could be put up and taken down quickly. In the Everglades where they fled, cypress longs and palm fronds were plentiful.
The Seminoles referred to their huts as “chickees,” the Seminole word for “houses.” The huts consisted of a raised platform to prevent the floor from flooding, sturdy cypress posts, and a thatched roof. By 1900, a treaty was signed that allowed the Seminoles to build chickee huts where they wanted in order to make a living and they’re still used today for that purpose. Somewhere throughout their history, the huts began to be referred to as Tiki huts, a reference to the Tiki style of the South Pacific. Tiki huts are a product of the two cultures.
In Polynesian culture, Tiki is a mythological figure who was the first man created by the gods, usually symbolized in cylindrical wood carvings of frowning faces. While the first Tiki bar was opened in L.A. in 1934, they didn’t really catch on until the 1940s when men began returning home from WWII. Many soldiers had been stationed in the South Pacific and had grown accustomed to the foods and the cultures of the region and after they’d come home, many wanted to share the culture with their friends and family. Tiki bars grew quickly in popularity and by the 1950s, the Tiki style was all the rage.
While they fell out of style in the ’70s, the good news is they’ve been making a comeback and Tiki huts can be found in bars, restaurants, and backyards all over the country. With the perfect amount of style and comfort, Tiki huts can turn your backyard into a tropical paradise.
Tiki huts are known for their aesthetics as well as their ability to keep anyone who hangs out in one to stay cool and dry. They’re a favorite choice for an outdoor bar and have a classic island style that’s perfect for entertaining.
At Paradise Grills, we’ve designed a Tiki hut that you can add to your outdoor kitchen so you can entertain guests no matter what the weather. It’s so simple to use, it can be put up or taken down in a matter of minutes. Its durable, steel frame allows it to withstand harsh winds and heavy rains while keeping everything beneath its thatched roof completely dry. How? Under the thatch is a thick, waterproof membrane that keeps water out.
A Tiki hut works with almost any decor and will give you such a relaxed island feeling, you’ll swear you’re on your own South Pacific island. Call Paradise Grills today at (800) 604-2023 and we’ll show you how easy it is to have your own island paradise!
