# What Is a Reed Roof and Where Is It Used? A Complete Guide > A reed roof (thatched roof) uses bundled reed plants as roof covering. Uses, advantages and selection tips in this guide. Page: https://nsgbamboocenter.com/en/blog/kamis-cati-nedir-nerelerde-kullanilir *Author: NSG Bamboo Center* A reed roof (thatched roof) is a natural roof covering made by bundling reeds grown in wetlands and tying them layer by layer onto a roof frame. It protects against rain and sun while giving the space a warm, natural, holiday atmosphere. **In short:** Reed roofs are preferred in open and semi-open areas such as hotels, beach clubs, restaurants, cafés, villa gardens and bungalows. With the right pitch, a sound frame and regular upkeep they can be used for a long time. NSG Bamboo Center handles the process from design to installation and maintenance. ![](https://nsgbamboocenter.com/medya/nsgbam/gallery/lakeside-cafe-restaurant-bamboo-reed-thatched-roof-6vun.webp) ### What is a reed roof and how is it built? A reed roof is a covering made by overlapping dried reed stems in bundles from the bottom of the roof upward and tying them down. In the trade it is also called a thatched roof, straw mat roof or, for its dense-woven form, a hedgehog roof (kirpi thatch). The basic steps are: - Measuring the area and planning the supporting frame or checking the existing structure. - Ensuring sufficient pitch and water flow; adding an underlayer and waterproofing measures where needed. - Placing and fixing the reed bundles row by row so they overlap each other. - Completing ridge and edge details. - Final inspection, cleaning and maintenance advice. The length, thickness and weave of the reed determine the result. Tightly woven applications give a flatter, denser surface; looser ones give a more rustic look. ### Where is a reed roof used? Reed roofs are used in almost any open or semi-open space that calls for a natural, warm atmosphere. The most common uses are: - **Hotels and holiday villages:** Pool bars, common areas, bungalows and restaurant terraces. - **Beach clubs and beaches:** Cabanas, bar areas and lounge sections. - **Restaurants and cafés:** Terrace, garden and lakeside seating. - **Villas and private gardens:** Gazebos, pavilions and poolside shade. - **Spa and wellness areas:** Outdoor relaxation corners. Among NSG Bamboo Center products, the [Premium Reed Mat Roof](/en/urunler/sazlik-hasir/premium-sazlik-hasir-cati), the [Rustic Reed Gazebo](/en/urunler/bambu-cati/rustik-saz-cardak) and the [Commercial Space Bamboo Roof](/en/urunler/bambu-cati/ticari-mekan-bambu-cati) are aimed at these uses. ![](https://nsgbamboocenter.com/medya/nsgbam/products/traditional-reed-thatch-roof-detail-close-up-natur-of7m.webp) ### What are the advantages of a reed roof? The clearest advantage of a reed roof is its natural look and the atmosphere it creates; natural material also brings practical benefits. According to general industry knowledge, the highlights are: - **Natural look:** Blends easily with regional, tropical or rustic styles. - **Shade and a cooler feel:** The dense texture cuts direct sun and creates a more balanced environment underneath. - **Flexibility:** Can be applied to domed, conical, stepped and simply pitched forms. - **Variety:** Reed, hedgehog and Chinese grass give different looks. - **Repairability:** Damaged sections can be repaired without renewing the whole roof. On the other hand, natural material has requirements: adequate roof pitch, a suitable supporting system and regular inspection. Fire safety and waterproofing should also be part of the plan from the start. Service life varies within a wide range depending on climate, workmanship and maintenance; rather than promising a fixed number, conditions need to be assessed. ### Reed roof or bamboo roof? Both are natural materials; the difference lies in look, texture and purpose. A reed roof gives a dense, covering, warm surface; bamboo roof systems offer a more open, tropical, linear look formed by bamboo poles. Many projects use both: a bamboo supporting frame with reed covering. Feature | Reed roof | Bamboo roof | Look | Dense, natural texture | Linear, tropical | Shade density | High | Varies with design | Typical use | Covering, gazebo, cabana | Pergola, frame, roof | Combined use | Bamboo frame | With reed covering | ### What should you consider when choosing a reed roof? The three most important points for a reed roof are pitch, frame and the installation team. Beyond that, this checklist eases the decision: - Clarify the use and intensity of the space (accommodation, dining, relaxation). - Think about regional climate: salt and humidity on the coast, lateral loads in windy areas, extra load where it snows. - Ask about fire safety and waterproofing measures upfront. - Learn the maintenance plan and repair options. - Verify material and dimensions on site through a survey. NSG Bamboo Center carries out surveys and installation across Turkey with its Aydın-based team. See the [Muğla](/en/hizmet-bolgeleri/mugla), [Antalya](/en/hizmet-bolgeleri/antalya) and [İzmir](/en/hizmet-bolgeleri/izmir) pages for tourism regions, and the [all of Turkey](/en/hizmet-bolgeleri/turkiye-geneli) page for other provinces. For the build process see [Installation Services](/en/hizmetler/kurulum); for afterwards, [Maintenance and Repair](/en/hizmetler/bakim). **Maintenance:** Reed roof care is simple but should be regular: leaves and dirt on the surface are cleared, loose or worn parts are repaired early, and shaded corners that hold moisture are checked. An annual visual inspection works best when done before the season. The history of reed roofs goes back to communities in reed-rich regions building shelter from local material; today this traditional material meets modern architecture and tourism structures. A reed roof is no longer just a country house detail; it can become the signature element of commercial venues such as hotels, restaurants and beach clubs. The reason is not only its look but the warmth natural material brings to a space and the guest experience. Before having a reed roof built, ask yourself three questions: How long and how intensively will you use the area? What are wind, rain and humidity like in your region? Can you set aside a schedule and budget for maintenance? These three answers steer many decisions, from material type to roof pitch. For example, a busy restaurant terrace may favor a detail that is quick to clean and easy to inspect, while a lightly used garden gazebo may suit a more rustic approach. Equipment to be used under the reed roof, such as lighting, heaters or ventilation, should also be included in the project from the start. Electrical installation and extra loads added later can affect the supporting system and the fire safety plan. Planning holistically gives the healthiest result for both aesthetics and safety. ### Frequently asked questions #### Are reed roof and thatched roof the same? Yes, in everyday language they describe the same covering; reed, thatch and straw mat roof are often used interchangeably. #### Does a reed roof let rain through? With the right pitch and proper installation rainwater runs off the surface. Additional waterproofing measures are taken where needed. #### How many years does a reed roof last? It varies with conditions, material and maintenance; instead of a fixed number, a site-specific assessment is made during the survey. #### Is there a free survey for a reed roof? Yes, NSG Bamboo Center offers a free survey and price quote. To see reed roof options for your space and get a free survey, use the [Get a Quote](/en/teklif-al) page; you can also book an [appointment](/en/randevu). The [FAQ](/en/sss) page covers other common questions. Tags: Reed Roof, Thatched Roof, Reed Mat, Hotels and Beach Clubs, Restaurants and Cafés, Natural Materials, Installation ## Contact - Address: ILICABASI MAH. 313 SK. NO: 21 IÇ KAPI NO: 3 EFELER / AYDIN - Phone: +90 536 349 72 23 - E-mail: info@nsgbamboocenter.com - Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 18:00 | Saturday: 09:00 - 16:00