Build Your Dream Alang-Alang Roof: Pili Grass and Bali Thatching with ONETHATCH STRAW (BALI)

An alang-alang roof is the soft, shaggy grass roof you picture over a Balinese pavilion or a beach bar: long blades of alang-alang grass, dried, bundled and layered into a thick, golden thatch. At ONETHATCH, we recreate regional styles of synthetic thatch roofing like this one, each shaped by the place, culture and craft it comes from. ONETHATCH STRAW (BALI) is the style designed to capture the texture and colour of Bali thatch.

Pili grass and alang-alang thatching crown buildings on tropical islands throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Alang-alang thatching has been used on the islands of Bali, Timor, Sumba and others for centuries, and it remains a common roofing tradition across the tropics. Pili grass has been used for roofs in Hawaii. It is unclear whether pili grass roofs are indigenous or were introduced from Polynesia, but this thatching has centuries of recorded use in the Hawaiian islands. The blades of these grasses are sturdy and strong.

Natural grass thatch is only as good as the crop it is cut from, and that quality decides how well the thatch roofing material holds up.

If you want the authentic look of a Pacific Islands thatched roof, you no longer have to depend on the grass harvest. In tropical climates a natural grass roof needs re-thatching every few years; our synthetic thatch skips that cycle, needs no pest or fire-retardant treatments and is backed by a 20-year limited warranty. Part of our synthetic thatch roofing collection, ONETHATCH STRAW (BALI) was designed to recreate the look of pili grass and Asian alang-alang grass thatching. Each panel is a careful blend of wide blades and fine golden strands, layered in varied tones. The result is a roof with the relaxed, sun-warmed character of a Bali beach bar, from the very first day.

What are alang-alang, pili grass, vetiver and piassava roofs?

They are four natural thatching traditions, each made from a different plant and each with its own look. All four are cut, dried and tied on by hand, and all of them weather, thin and need renewing over time.

Piassava thatch is the odd one out: it comes from palm fibre rather than grass, so its look is darker and coarser than the golden grass roofs of Bali and Hawaii.

How does synthetic straw thatch compare with natural grass thatch?

It keeps the look and drops the upkeep. Here is how ONETHATCH STRAW (BALI) compares with a natural alang-alang roof:

Which thatch look suits a Bali hut?

For a classic Bali hut, gazebo or pavilion, the alang-alang look of ONETHATCH STRAW (BALI) is the natural match: layered, golden and relaxed. Choose Sundried Thatch for a fresh, golden roof, or Aged Thatch for the mellow tone of grass that has seen a few seasons.

Planning a different island mood? ONETHATCH STRAW (CARIBBEAN) brings the brown and light tan tones of island straw to a tiki bar, and ONETHATCH STRAW (TAHITIAN) recreates the palm thatch of a Fiji bure. For a palm-leaf or nipa look, explore our full synthetic thatch range.

Send us your roof drawing before you order and we will help you plan the layout: STRAW panels go over a solid, waterproofed sub-deck in 200 mm courses.

Synthetic alang-alang roof: quick answers

How long does an alang-alang roof last?

In tropical climates, a natural alang-alang roof needs re-thatching every few years. A synthetic straw roof has no re-thatching cycle and is backed by a 20-year limited warranty; its real life depends on climate, exposure and installation.

Does a synthetic alang-alang roof need a sub-deck?

Yes. ONETHATCH STRAW (BALI) goes over a solid, waterproofed sub-deck in 200 mm courses, about 5 panels per m², fixed with stainless roofing screws.

Can I see the colours before I order?

Yes. Request samples and a quote and hold Aged and Sundried Thatch up against your own timber, stone and sky.