What Can I Use for Schach?

Kosher Schach (and ideally, kosher l’mehadrin Schach ) refers to the natural material you use to cover your Sukkah, providing enough shade to make it cozy but enough gaps to see the stars. So, think less mansion ceiling and more rustic pergola. But here’s the catch: not just anything can top your Sukkah. We’re working with some very specific guidelines here.

The general idea is that kosher Schach has to be something that grows from the ground but is no longer attached to it, and something that is not subject to ritual impurity. So, no stealing tree branches directly off your neighbor’s oak! Also, it can’t be something that’s processed into a full-blown utensil. So, in case you were thinking of recycling your old garden rake collection, that’s a no-go.

With those basics in mind, here’s a rundown of the most common materials you can use to crown your Sukkah – and a few that you absolutely shouldn’t. 

If you like your  Sukkah roof  neat, orderly, and Instagram-worthy, bamboo Schach mats might be calling your name. They come pre-rolled, easy to handle, and give off that “I casually garden in my spare time” vibe. 

However, not just any bamboo mat will do. You’ve got to make sure it’s kosher-certified, which means it’s designed for Sukkah use and doesn’t have any non-Schach-friendly materials woven in. But once you've got the right one, it's basically the VIP pass of Sukkah roofing – easy, stylish, and perfectly kosher.

The ideal bamboo Schach mat comes with:

• A kosher l’mehadrin Schach certification

• A heavy duty storage bag, for easy storage and protection between seasons

• A guarantee of durable yet lightweight materials for effortless installation

• A large variety of sizes to suit all Sukkah types

• A  free Schach replacement  guarantee

…and you can pick one of these up from our Schach section at the Sukkah Store.

For the DIY-ers who want to feel like they’re building their Sukkah in the middle of a tropical vacation, palm fronds are a fantastic option. They’re kosher, they’re leafy, and they make you look like you’re ready to catch some rays , even when the weather’s turning brisk. Plus, laying them out is half the fun – they give off major “welcome to my island paradise” vibes. Just be ready for a bit of a mess afterward. The fronds don’t always stay in place as neatly as we’d like, but hey, nothing’s perfect!

Channel your inner lumberjack with a roof made of evergreen branches. Not only are they kosher, but they’ll also give your Sukkah that rustic, woodsy scent that pairs nicely with your hot apple cider. Just be aware, they can get pretty dense. Remember, you want enough gaps in your Schach to see those stars at night , so don’t go full forest up there.

Perfect for those of you living near a farm – or just really into seasonal decor – corn stalks are both kosher and plentiful in the fall. They’re tall, lightweight, and really drive home that harvest theme. Plus, they make your Sukkah look very autumnal. If you're going for that "Pinterest-worthy Sukkah," this is the move. Just don’t be surprised if you start dreaming of pumpkin spice after spending a few hours beneath them.

For the minimalist out there, reeds or straw could be your ideal Schach material. It’s light, easy to throw on top of your Sukkah, and has that “I just threw this together but it looks great ” aesthetic. They might blow around a bit in the wind, so make sure you lay them on thick (but again, not so thick that you can’t see the stars anymore). After all, no one wants a sparse Sukkah roof. Sparse Schach = questionable shade. 

Here’s where things get tricky. Not every rooftop material is created equal in the Schach world. While it might be tempting to grab whatever’s lying around in your garage, there are a few things that definitely won’t pass the kosher test:

• Metal: It’s sturdy, it’s long-lasting, and it’s completely non-kosher for Schach. So, that spare piece of sheet metal you were considering? Sorry, that’s for your shed, not your Sukkah.

• Plastic: It doesn’t grow from the ground, and it doesn’t belong on your Sukkah. Keep the plastic tarps for rainy-day picnics.

• Furniture: We know, that old lawn chair isn’t going to use itself, but it won’t work as Schach either. Remember, utensils and manufactured items are off-limits.

Fruits: They can become ritually impure, so fruit is a no-go!

• Go Natural: Stick to materials that are organic and natural. If it looks like it belongs in a forest or a tropical resort, you’re probably on the right track.

• Schach in Bulk: More is more when it comes to Schach. You want enough to provide some solid shade but not so much that it blocks out the stars. Think cozy, not claustrophobic.

• Tie it Down: If you live somewhere windy, you might want to  secure your Schach.  Otherwise, your leafy roof could become your neighbor’s leafy roof (which they might not appreciate). More on the halachot (laws) of tying down your Schach in our handy guide: Can I Tie Down My Schach?

The beauty of Schach is that while there are rules, there’s also a lot of room for creativity. Whether you’re hauling in fresh palm branches or rolling out your trusty bamboo Schach mat, the key is to make your Sukkah feel festive, functional, fun, and halacha-compliant. After all, this is where you’ll be eating, relaxing, and celebrating for the next week, so why not enjoy the process?

P.S. The fun doesn’t stop there – for tips about Schach decorations, check out our handy Guide to Decorating Your Schach.