Thatch (reed thatch) is an eco-friendly material with natural beauty and a long lifespan. It is made from thin reeds from South Africa (bush grass or sword grass).

Thatch, like all other types of dry vegetation, is the core material of an ancient construction method for shelters, roofs, and even walls, used in both tropical and temperate climates since the Middle Ages. Contrary to how it may seem, thatch is not a highly flammable material: it burns quite slowly—like a closed book—and can even act as a fire-retardant layer.

For umbrellas and gazebos, the thin thatch reeds are bonded on one side with a flexible type of natural rubber, forming rectangular tiles. Along this flexible strip, the tiles have rubber fasteners that allow easy installation onto any kind of metal frame or structure (umbrellas, gazebos, canopies, etc.). Installing these tiles on an umbrella creates multiple overlapping layers, giving a stepped, shingle-like effect.