Why not spend some time decorating your garden or backyard by simply adding a few modern outdoor lighting styles and turning your space into something admirable? Try the innovative Tiki Torches and see how it changes the appearance of your garden.
What are Tiki Torches?
A Tiki Torch is one of the most creative sources of outdoor lighting, and very popular for use at parties and social gatherings. Tiki Torches are great for adding a soft light and creating a tropical ambience when placed along patios, walkways, gardens or pools. Tiki torches were first used in the South Pacific islands as the only source of light. The word Tiki comes from Polynesia and has a few different meanings. Although the interpretations regarding the term are unclear and not established, Tiki is said to mean “the first man” or a small carving that represents ancestors. Stories revolving around its origin still continue bringing home a sense of mystery and fantasy.
Tiki Torches are long poles about 5 feet high with a burning wick and fuel tank that is located on the top. The most common type of tiki torches are made of bamboo or cane. These torches not only work as a great source of light but they also create a sensuous look once placed in your gardens. You may find that birds like to sit on your tiki torches when they are not in use. The torch’s stick is mostly hollow, so you will have to mount it on the ground to make it more stable. Digging a hole and inserting a PVC pipe along with the right amount of earth as filling, will serve a perfect base for your tiki torches, allowing them to stay in place for extended periods, or be removed and replaced as desired. Tiki lights add real charm to a veranda or any other outdoor area you plan to light up for your party. Whichever torch type you choose, these attractive garden additions are an ideal way to enjoy outdoor living long after the sun has set.
Types of Tiki Torches
There are a wide variety of natural flame torches to fit just about any atmosphere or occasion. Some of the more popular outdoor styles include bamboo tiki torches, copper tiki torches, gas tiki torches, solar powered tiki torches and table-top tiki torches.
- Bamboo Tiki Torches – Bamboo Tiki Torches are made up of bamboo poles along with a basket on top plus a metal flame protector. The woven bamboo basket acts as a container to hold a canister of lamp oil or any other fuel which will burn. Whenever you need light, simply light the wick and you will find that it can last for up to 8 hours or even more, depending on the size of the basket and the amount of fuel it can hold. Bamboo tiki torches are less expensive than some other types, as well as being more eco-friendly, making them popular with many people. If you wish to create a tranquil and relaxing mood in your backyard, use a set of bamboo tiki torches and let the flickering flame spill its light into your yard.
- Gas Tiki Torches – Most of the gas tiki torches are made of bamboo, but other materials like copper, steel and aluminum are also used. Propane is the preferred choice of fuel for many because it doesn’t create smoke and the light will burn for a long time. High demand has made them quite affordable nowadays. Gas Patio Lights are a great way to go green with clean burning environmentally friendly natural gas or liquid propane. Natural gas tiki torches are ideal for either commercial or residential use as a permanent part of the landscape. Nowadays gas tiki torches are available in portable and permanent forms. There are many advantages of using a gas type tiki torch over others. The torch’s flame can be adjusted to stay at desired height throughout the evening, a group of torches can be turned off by using a master valve, and long term maintenance, similar to that of a propane grill, is limited to keeping the torch’s and burner clean and free from debris.
- Solar Powered Tiki Torches – For the environmentally conscious, solar tiki torches are the best option. There are many advantages of using solar tiki torches. Instead of using fuel and a flame, these torches use solar powered LED lights. They run on sunlight, and hence there is no danger of fire which makes them safe and environment friendly. They do not have to be fuelled, refuelled, lit or unlit during the entire course of an event, or even after it is over. The latest versions come with inbuilt features to automatically turn them on as soon as dusk settles in. Solar tiki torches look more modern in appearance than the bamboo models. Those who prefer modernity and out-of-the-box lighting styles can opt for solar tiki torches.
- Copper Tiki Torches – Copper tiki torches are said to create a dramatic look that is great for outdoor entertainment. They can make your backyard or patio look very atmospheric all year round. Copper, in any form, is beautiful as it’s an unusual metal that can stay stylish for a long time. It does more than creating a mood illumination; when the flame is visible on the top of the torch, it becomes a visually appealing showpiece. Copper tiki torches usually have a modern and elegant design that will blend into most gardens. They give an attractive and contemporary style to your backyard. Generally, citronella oil or lamp oil is used to light them. These beautiful copper tiki torches can be mounted to a deck railing or set in the ground. Most of them are of high quality, and for maintenance you can easily find spare parts such as burners and wicks. Copper tiki torches are a good purchase if you are looking for longevity of the product.
- Table Top Tiki Torches – Table top tiki torches are an innovative variant of the traditional in-ground model and work in the same way. They are shorter than normal tiki lights, with a very stable base and can be used as a decorative piece as well as a lighting item for any number of occasions. Table top tiki torches are highly versatile and come in many fashionable varieties which can be used at a barbeque, party, family get-together, bridal shower, birthday party and so on; and also to decorate garden walkways and paths. They are very convenient and portable, so you can place them wherever you wish. The only note of caution that goes along with this variety, is to keep them out of the reach of children and pets. If you are careful, table top tiki torches are a great garden addition to add spark and beauty to your parties and evenings.
We all work hard to keep our outdoors and gardens beautiful and stunning in different ways. Modern outdoor lighting systems which include tiki torches are one of the easiest yet most creative solutions, which can transform the complete look and feel of your backyard.