Also on request
Lapa thatching and re-thatching in Gauteng
Innocent Ndou of Ennos Projects thatches new lapas and re-thatches or repairs old ones, including thin patches, leaks and worn ridges. Innocent is a Muldersdrift-based handyman who works throughout Gauteng. For a quote, send photos of the lapa from a few angles and its rough size on WhatsApp to 084 602 2030. New lapas usually need a site visit first.
- Anywhere in Gauteng
- Weekdays & weekends
- Quote from photos
Lapa thatching by Innocent Ndou
A lapa is often where a Gauteng family braais, hosts parties and watches the afternoon storms roll in. Thatch keeps it cool in summer and gives it a bushveld feel, but it does wear. Sun and wind thin the top layer, birds pull out grass for their nests, and the ridge is usually the first part to leak.
Innocent can build a new thatched lapa or work on an existing one. Small worn spots can be patched with fresh thatch, while a lapa that has thinned all over may need a new layer or a full re-thatch. Thatch and fire need care: keep braai fires well away from the roof edge, and check local rules with your municipality.
What the job can cover
- New thatched lapas
- Re-thatching worn or thin lapas
- Patching leaks and bare spots
- Ridge repairs
- Combing and tidying old thatch
- Lapas on homes, smallholdings and guest properties
How do I know my lapa needs re-thatching?
- 1You can see daylight through the thatch from underneath.
- 2Water drips inside during a storm, often near the ridge.
- 3The thatch looks grey, flat and thin instead of thick and even.
- 4Birds or rodents have pulled holes in the grass.
- 5Moss or rot has started where water sits on the roof.
Send these on WhatsApp for a faster quote
- The lapa from each side, standing far enough back to get the whole roof in.
- The underside of the roof, showing the poles and any light coming through.
- Close-ups of the ridge and any thin or damaged patches.
- The rough diameter if the lapa is round, or its length and width if it is square or rectangular.
- For a new lapa, a photo of the spot where it will go.
Getting ready for the job
Clear the lapa of furniture, braai equipment and cushions, and move cars parked nearby, since loose grass and dust drop during the work. Leave a clear path for bundles of thatch to be carried in. Thatching is outdoor work, so wind and rain can change the plan. Do not light fires in or near the lapa while it is being worked on.
- 1Send the jobWhatsApp photos, your suburb and what you need.
- 2Get a quoteInnocent replies to talk price and timing. Bigger jobs may need a look first.
- 3Job doneA date is set and the work gets done.
Where
Lapa thatching across Gauteng
Innocent is based in Muldersdrift and takes lapa thatching jobs all over the province. Pick your area for local details.
Johannesburg
Vaal
FAQ
Lapa thatching: questions people ask
How much does it cost to re-thatch a lapa?
The cost depends on the size and shape of the lapa, how worn the old thatch is, if it needs a patch, a new top layer or a full re-thatch, and how easy it is to reach. Send photos from all sides and the rough size to 084 602 2030 and Innocent will quote.
How often does a lapa need re-thatching?
It depends on the quality of the original thatch, how much sun and wind the lapa gets, and how well it has been looked after. Small repairs along the way, especially at the ridge and thin spots, usually put off the need for a full re-thatch. Checking the roof each winter helps catch problems early.
Is a thatched lapa a fire risk?
Thatch burns easily, so treat it with care. Keep braais and fire pits well away from the roof edge, clear dry leaves from around the lapa, and keep a hose or fire extinguisher within reach. Ask your municipality about any local rules for thatched structures.
Can you repair only part of my lapa?
Yes, if the rest of the thatch is in fair condition. Thin patches, holes and a leaking ridge can be repaired with fresh thatch worked into the old. New grass is lighter in colour at first and darkens over time. Send photos so Innocent can see how much needs work.
Often done together
Related jobs
Tree felling
Trees cut down or cut back after a proper look, with branches and logs cleared if you want.
Tree felling detailsFirewood supply
Firewood for the braai and the fireplace. Ask on WhatsApp what wood and amounts are available.
Firewood supply detailsRubble removal
Builder's rubble, garden waste and old fittings loaded up, taken away and disposed of properly.
Rubble removal detailsNeed lapa thatching done?
Send a WhatsApp with a photo and your suburb. Innocent works anywhere in Gauteng.
Page last updated 7 November 2026.