NSG Bamboo Center
A Chinese grass roof (fringed grass roof) is an exotic roof covering, reminiscent of Far Eastern and Bali styles, made by tying long, fine, fringed natural grasses in bundles, layer by layer. It differs from a reed (thatched) roof in giving a softer, flowing, fringed look, while reed offers a harder, more upright and even texture.
In short: Chinese grass roofs are mostly preferred for bungalows, beach clubs, pool bars and tropical-style venues; reed roofs suit those who want a more traditional, dense look. Both need the right pitch, a sound frame and regular upkeep. NSG Bamboo Center determines the right one for your space together with you during a free survey.
What is a Chinese grass roof?
A Chinese grass roof, also called a fringed grass or Far Eastern roof covering in the trade, is a roof type made from long fringed plant fibers. The fibers are bundled, overlapped from the bottom upward and tied to the frame; the fringes at the edges give the roof a soft, flowing silhouette.
This covering is often used on Bali-style structures, straw mat pavilions and tropical-themed resorts. Its look varies with the color tone of the natural fiber and the way it is applied.
What is the difference between a fringed roof and a reed roof?
The key difference is the structure of the material and the resulting look: a reed (thatched) roof builds a dense surface from hard, straight stems, while a fringed Chinese grass roof gives a soft, drooping texture from long fine fibers. The table below gives a quick comparison.
| Feature | Reed (thatched) roof | Chinese grass / fringed roof |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Even, dense, traditional | Fringed, soft, exotic |
| Texture | Hard, upright stems | Fine, long fibers |
| Typical style | Rustic, country house, restaurant | Tropical, Bali, bungalow |
| Edge detail | Cut, even | Free fringe |
The hedgehog roof (kirpi thatch) can be seen in this comparison as a tightly woven, flat and orderly type of reed roof. For more on reed roofs, see the related product and service pages on our site.
Where is a Chinese grass roof used?
Chinese grass roofs are used in open and semi-open areas where a tropical or exotic atmosphere is wanted. Main examples:
- Bungalows and holiday villages: Accommodation units and common-area structures.
- Beach clubs and beach bars: Cabana, bar and lounge sections.
- Restaurant and café terraces: Themed and tropical-concept venues.
- Poolsides and spa areas: Relaxation corners.
- Villa gardens: Gazebo and pavilion-type structures.
In the NSG Bamboo Center catalog, solutions such as the Premium Reed Mat Roof and the Tropical Bamboo Pergola are considered for projects close to this style. We clarify the exact look you want with examples and photos during the survey; requests without a match are handled under "custom design".
How do you choose and maintain it?
Choice considers look, climate, usage intensity and upkeep readiness together. The checklist below eases the process:
- Define the style: Even and traditional, or fringed and exotic?
- Verify the pitch: Both coverings need enough slope for water to run off quickly.
- Check the frame: A frame that safely carries covering weight and wind load is essential.
- Ask about fire safety: With natural fibers, distances to stoves, grills and open flames must be planned.
- Learn the maintenance schedule: Dirt and leaves on the surface are cleared; loose parts are repaired early.
As general industry knowledge, the life of natural fibers varies in a wide range with climate, workmanship and maintenance, so an on-site assessment is advised instead of a fixed figure. For regular inspection and protective treatment use the Maintenance and Repair service; the Installation Services and Consulting pages guide application and survey.
Our Aydın-based team works across Turkey; for the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts where the tropical style is most requested, see the Muğla and Antalya pages, and for other provinces the all of Turkey page.
In Chinese grass and fringed roofs, design details determine much of the look. The length of the fringes, whether the roof edge is left free or cut neatly, how the ridge detail is closed and the roof pitch directly affect the resulting silhouette. Steeper pitches both ease water flow and sharpen the exotic roof form; at low pitches the look is flatter and calmer. So design is done by weighing the visual goal and the water drainage requirement together.
These roofs are often built with bamboo frames and bamboo posts. A bamboo frame gives a look in harmony with natural fibers and completes the tropical theme. When Chinese grass covering is applied to bamboo pergola, cabana or gazebo-type structures, a highly coherent space emerges. At NSG Bamboo Center the frame, covering and detail elements are planned within the same project.
In heavily used commercial areas a practical issue stands out: access for cleaning and inspection. Although dust, leaves or sand build-up is less visible on fringed surfaces, regular inspection is still needed. If surface access, roof height and the placement of steps or ladders are considered at the design stage, maintenance becomes much easier later.
An inclusive view is also suggested when choosing: the same venue can use both an even reed roof and a fringed roof. For example, a dense, even reed roof in the restaurant section and a fringed Chinese grass roof at the beach bar can create a difference in character between areas. At the survey, such combinations are assessed together on the site plan.
Before deciding, it helps to collect photos of roof examples you like. Descriptions such as "fringed but not too long" or "even but with a tropical feel" are explained much more clearly with photos. At the survey, material, pitch and edge detail are discussed on these images to arrive at the result closest to what you want.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese grass and reed roofs the same?
No. Both are natural roof coverings, but Chinese grass is made of fine fringed fibers and reed of hard stems; look and texture differ.
Does a fringed roof withstand rain?
With the right pitch and installation, rainwater runs off the surface; additional waterproofing measures are taken where needed.
Is Chinese grass roofing suitable in every region?
It is assessed by climate and wind conditions; details differ on the coast and in windy or snowy regions.
How do I learn the price?
Since it changes with area, material and frame, a quote is prepared with a free survey.
To compare reed, hedgehog or fringed roof options for your space and get a free survey, use the Get a Quote page or book an appointment. See the FAQ page for more questions.