The Top 11 Decking Rope Ideas, Tips And Tricks

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Article by: Ryan Thomas

Are you about to install some decking rope? If you are, here are the top 11 decking rope ideas, tips and tricks you should know. You should know every one of them, before attempting to fit decking rope.

Learn about them before you start measuring and cutting. It will save you a lot of time and stress later on down the line.

They are all simple and easy to do. Anyone with a basic knowledge of DIY will be able to follow along. They are essential if you want a trouble-free installation.

The best rope for decking posts is natural hemp rope. Not only is it robust, but it also will not shrink over time. It will need weatherproofing but that is a simple job to do.

Hemp is a prolific plant that is easy to grow. That makes it perfect for many end products including decking rope.

It is UV resistant so the sun will not cause any damage. And equally, it offers good weather resilience. That is especially helpful when we have fewer clement conditions. Conditions such as rain, snow and cold.

The finish is very natural and it floats nicely. So the effect you will see is a graceful curve between decking posts. That is preferable to a stiff rough look.

Natural hemp rope is also very smooth and doesn’t fray, shrink or rot. That makes it the perfect choice for decking rope.

Manila rope is a little more rustic which appeals to some people. But it does not offer the same longevity. It will rot away over time as well as shrink. So, a manila rope is not the best choice.

When it comes to children's safety there are things to consider. Using a rope balustrade for wooden decking could pose a significant danger. So if you plan to use a rope balustrade for decking in your garden. Where you put the ropes should be an important consideration.

The main concern will be the height of the decking. Exactly how high the decking is off the ground matters a lot. Because there will be nothing to keep a child from crawling under the rope. No wooden balustrade between the decking posts to create a solid barrier.

On a low decking, this may not be a concern. But on a high decking, a fall could cause an injury. So a rope balustrade may not be the best solution.

Conversely, there are also concerns for those with poor mobility. And, of course, the elderly community. They could stumble and go over the top of the rope. There would be no solid timber balustrade to save them from falling.

You can see that in some instances, it might be safer to install a wooden handrail. So, before making your mind up on a rope balustrade. You need to assess the risks and consider any safety measures.

It’s really a question of who will be using the decking once it’s finished. Children, adults or the elderly.

Knowing how much deck rope you will need can be tricky. But there are ways you can work out what's required. And it’s worth taking the time to work it out in advance. That way you won’t over or under order.

One factor people often fail to take into account is droop. That is how much the rope will sag between two decking posts.

It is unlikely from an aesthetic perspective. That anyone would want a taut rope between their balustrade posts. But conversely, it should not sag too much either.

The first thing to look at is the space between those decking posts. The wider they are the more droop you will get. That’s mainly due to the weight of the rope.

To find the rope length needed start with a ball of string. Use the string to span the gap between the first two posts. At the same time allow for the preferred bow. You will also have to allow for the decking rope fittings and fixings. After which, you will now have your decking rope length.

The distance between each pair of posts will probably differ. With that in mind, do the same again between posts two and three. Now do it again and again until you have all your measurements.

Or, you can measure the exact gap between any two posts. Then add 5% to the rope for the bow. They’re both good, so experiment with these two methods. The best decking rope ideas come from experimentation. Then, you can follow the formula you prefer.

You will need between two and three ropes in each section. Each set will have to be cut to the same length. When you’ve worked out the total length required. You will be able to buy it by the metre or by the coil. Most of the time, the more you buy the cheaper it gets.

Cutting decking rope might seem challenging at first glance. But it is actually easier than you might think. The first thing to do is mark the point you want to cut. Then wrap the rope in masking tape.

Keep the cut line in the middle of the tape with each wrap. And, make sure there are a few centimetres of tape on either side of the line. At the same time, the cut line should be visible through the tape.

You are going to leave the tape in place and cut right through. Otherwise, when you cut the rope, it will fray and start to come apart. If you have any finished ends that you’ve received from the supplier. You will see they are nicely sealed to ensure this doesn’t happen.

So, once you have made the cut, do not remove the tape. A knife with a serrated edge is actually the best way to cut decking rope. You can use a saw-action to go right through the measured mark. If the knife is sharp, you will find it a pretty easy thing to do.

There are several techniques you can use to stop decking rope from fraying. And, the best method will depend on the type of rope you have chosen.

Synthetic rope fibers will melt. So in this case, you can use the heat sealing method. That entails gently burning the ends with a naked flame.

This needs to be done carefully wearing gloves if possible. You can get nasty burns from hot fibers if you’re not careful.

If the rope is a natural source. You could consider either taping or whipping the ends. Whipping is a skilled technique so not for everyone.

Taping is nice and easy. But make sure you use waterproof electrical tape or a heat shrinking plastic. And be aware, that this is not as strong as other methods of sealing. The rope ends are prone to fail after a period of time.

The final process is called back slicing. But, this is not something you can learn overnight.

There are two ways to clean a decking rope handrail. A light clean and a deep clean.

For a light clean the ropes can remain in position. Then using one hand, push down and make the rope taunt.

To clean it you can use a warm soapy water solution. A simple mix of washing up liquid and warm water. Then using a medium scrubbing brush start scrubbing.

Periodically you will need to consider a thorough deep clean. To do that, you will have to remove the ropes from the posts. That way it will ensure they are all properly washed.

Scrubbing is easiest when the ropes are laid flat on a patio. Then roll them over and scrub the other side. After scrubbing, use a pressure washer or hose pipe to rinse them down.

The ropes can be reattached when you’re ready. They are then left to dry in the sun. It’s always best to pick a nice day for this job.

While the ropes are down, you could clean the decking as well. The whole deck can be serviced in Spring as the weather warms.

The type of rope you use will determine how you prevent it from rotting. And there is a lot you can do to stop the rot. Fortunately, none of those measures are difficult.

Decking ropes that are made from natural materials like hemp, manila and sisal. Will all need to be treated before they are installed.

Some will come pre-treated, and that will save you a job. But if you are looking to treat them yourself. You can use a clear decking oil or something similar. It is readily available in home maintenance stores.

Synthetic rope does not rot, so that is a good option. But it does not always have the same natural appearance. And that’s something most people want to achieve.

So synthetic rope is available if you want it. The two most popular are hemp and sisal.

Natural rope or synthetic rope, the choice is yours. They are made in the same sizes which is helpful. So, you can use the one that best suits your needs.

Decking balustrade rope shrinkage will vary. It will all depend on which rope is used. Natural rope fibers do give the best finish. But they can be more prone to shrink over time.

For example, if the rope is made of hemp, it can be affected. It can shrink as it dries and swell when it’s wet.

The best way to stop this from happening is by weatherproofing. Weatherproofing a balustrade rope is a very easy job. It’s the same process used to prevent the rope from rotting.

You coat the balustrade rope with the same oil used to treat the decking. However, there is one thing you need to ensure. The rope must be treated using a clear decking oil. Not a dark wood stain that is used on the surface of some decking.

Synthetic rope is not prone to shrinkage. But on the other hand, it does not have such a natural look.

Rope used in exterior projects like decking can have a long life. But, that life will depend on several things. One is climate, another is the location and a third is a regular maintenance. These are all things that will affect the life of the rope.

Warm dry climates will provide the longest lifespan. Whether you live inland or by the coast is another relevant factor. Any salt in the air will damage the garden decking rope over time. Lastly, the maintenance you carry out and how often.

Looking after garden decking rope is a very simple thing to do. The difficult part is remembering to do it. If you forget and leave it too long. It can weather, change colour and become harder to clean.

The rope for decking posts is available in many different thicknesses. So in theory, you can have whatever thickness you want. However, some sizes are more popular than others. So, there will always be one or two that outsell the others.

There are of course exceptions to that! Some users have special decking projects. Where for one reason or another bigger or smaller ropes are needed. But generally, decking with rope balustrades. Will usually have rope thicknesses of between 24-36mm.

Extra thick rope for decking is available if required. There are thin and thick sizes and here is the full range. The decking rope sizes are 18mm, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm, 36mm, 40mm, 48mm, 50mm and 60mm. That should be enough to cover your every need.

As far as decking rope colour is concerned there are quite a few. But, most people prefer a natural colour. Like the pale earthy tones, you get from sisal and hemp.

There are other colours if you want something different. For instance, blue, black, grey, navy, olive or red. They’re not the most popular colours for decking ropes. But, some people do like them.

There’s no doubt about it! Decking rope fittings will add sparkle to your decking. But what makes it even better. You can add that sparkle in any finish you want.

Decking rope fittings are obtainable in several finishes. Including, antique brass, polished brass, gunmetal, copper, chrome, black and nickel. Some colours are popular and some not so popular.

Decking rope fittings include the end cup, end cap, end hook, eye plate and wall bracket. Depending on your particular needs. You can use some of them or all of them to support the rope. These final touches will give your decking a really stylish look.

Always check the availability of the fittings before you purchase the rope. Make sure the fitting size is available to match the rope size. It’s best to buy your fittings at the same time you buy your rope. That way, you won't be disappointed.

Everyone wants their decking to look the best it possibly can. With these decking rope ideas, tips and tricks. And with decking rope fittings in multiple finishes, you can make that happen. It's the fine detail that makes the difference.

If you have decking in your garden try adding some rope. You can add it for practical reasons like a rope handrail etc. Or, you can add it for decoration. Whatever the reason, I guarantee it will make a big improvement.

The better the quality the better the finish will be. You don't have to spend a lot of money. Decking rope and decking rope fittings are both very reasonably priced.

There you are! Wooden decking right in your own garden. Wooden decking rigged out with decking rope. Something to make your garden stand out from all the rest.