Jute rope is – and always has been – one of our ultimate best-sellers here at RopesDirect.

In fact, over the last 12 months alone, our ‘Jute Rope, Cord and Twine’ collection has been viewed over 22,000 times, with products from this popular range continuously flying off our shelves – and with good reason. Jute is an affordable and amazingly versatile rope, and a fantastic option for a wide range of home and commercial uses.

Think it may be the right choice for you?

As one of our most popular products, there’s no denying we’re a bit of an expert. We have excellent knowledge and insight into jute rope. And it’s fair to say, since we first opened our doors (over a century ago!), we’ve answered pretty much every FAQ you could think of on the topic – and more.

Of course, we won’t bore you with all of them.

But here’s the important stuff we think you should know, to decide whether it’s the best option for your specific requirements – and whether you should buy it from us.

 

What is jute rope actually like?

Jute rope is made from the natural fibres of a jute plant (corchorus olitorius or corchorus capsularis). As such, it demonstrates all the key characteristics of a natural rope.

• It’s soft to the touch.
• It has an organic look – sandy brown in colour, with a fuzzy, hairy texture.
• It’s surprisingly lightweight.
• It boasts excellent natural resistance to heat and UV light.
• It’s supple and flexible.
• It’s biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• It demonstrates good knot-ability.

It’s also inherently strong and durable. Plus, most of our jute products are ‘hybrid’ ropes – meaning they have a natural jute outer with a synthetic polypropylene core, further adding to their strength and resilience.

Ultimately, it’s a good all-rounder – combining an attractive traditional appearance with a list of impressive properties, which make it suitable for many different applications.

 

Is jute rope strong?

It’s by no means the strongest rope available to buy.

Some other natural ropes (such as manila) will provide greater strength and resilience compared to jute. And as a general rule, synthetic ropes tend to be stronger than natural fibre options. So if strength is your key priority, these may be better.

However, this isn’t to say that jute ropes are ‘weak’.

Jute fibres in themselves demonstrate a fair level of inherent strength. When these fibres are spun together to create a three-strand or four-strand rope, this property is heightened.

Each strand in our jute rope also has a polypropylene (synthetic) core. Which means, whilst it may look entirely natural and is soft and comfortable to handle, it benefits from added strength and durability. It’s fair to say, it’s a much tougher option than most people expect.

 

 

Is jute rope waterproof?

No, unfortunately not.

Made from natural fibres, jute rope can actually absorb up to 34% of its mass in water – without even really feeling wet. And as a result of this property, it sinks in water, becomes weaker when it gets wet, is susceptible to water damage (e.g. rot and mould) and will shrink in length.

It’s important to note, this doesn’t mean it’s unsuitable for use outdoors – or even in wet or damp conditions (see next FAQ). But if you’re looking for a rope that is specifically ‘waterproof’, we’d recommend a synthetic option – such as Synthetic Hemp or PolySilk – instead.

 

Can jute rope be used outdoors?

Absolutely – in fact, jute rope is one of our most popular products for garden projects.

Whilst it certainly can’t compete with synthetic ropes in terms of its durability, it’s still pretty tough. And thanks to its inherent strength, resilience to wear and tear, resistance to UV etc., it can actually survive in a damp, wet or harsh environment for many years – without any issues.

If you do intend to use it outdoors, however, there’s just one thing to keep in mind. Jute is a hygroscopic fibre. Which means, it absorbs water and will shrink when it gets wet.

To keep it in prime condition, the ideal scenario is to keep jute rope under shelter, protected against the elements. But if this isn’t possible and the rope will be kept outside for prolonged periods, we recommend adding a minimum of 10-15% for shrinkage.

It’s also a good idea to put the jute rope in situ and leave it for several days. This allows plenty of time for the shrinkage to occur naturally, before you install it properly and secure it in place.

 

Is jute rope easy to maintain?

One of the main benefits of jute rope is its durability. It’ll last for many years, indoors or outdoors, and will still look great and perform well. But to maximise its lifespan, every now and then, it’s worth giving it a little care and attention.

For example, a stiff brush or vacuuming is a quick and easy way to get rid of any surface dust. And to tackle any dirt or stains, you can use a damp sponge, or mild soap and cold water to wash the rope by hand (remember the rope will absorb the water so will need to dry put thoroughly if storing).

It’s also important to store jute rope correctly. Over time, any folds will be retained by the natural fibres, making the rope more difficult to work with in the future. Therefore, it’s best to create a loose coil and store it when dry, inside a rope bag or hang it loosely over a large wall post. You should also aim to store it in a dark, cool, dry place.

Further information on how to care for natural ropes can be found in our previous blog.

 

 

What can jute rope be used for?

Often referred to as the ‘golden fibre’ for its versatility, jute ropes, cords and twines are suitable for a wide range of domestic and commercial applications, including (but not limited to):

• home gardening
• garden decking and timberwork projects
• home décor items such as rugs, baskets, lampshades etc.
• handicraft projects, such as wreaths, placemats and coasters, macrame etc.
• gift wrapping
• gymnasium ropes
• shop window displays
• sustainable packaging
• barrier ropes
• commercial gardening and agriculture (e.g. our jute twine was recently used for pea netting)
• farm work
• tying and bundling

Offering the best of both worlds, it’s perfect for anyone who’d prefer a natural-looking rope, without compromising on strength, durability and other beneficial properties. But it’s worth noting, it can also be easily coloured at home using standard fabric dye, extending its potential uses even further and making it a fantastic option for many decorative applications.

Lots of inspiration and ideas on how jute rope can be used can be found in our blog. For example, be sure to check out: How to make a rope plant hanger, 5 Christmas craft ideas using rope and Have a ball with kokedama.

 

Why choose us for jute rope?

RopesDirect is home to one of the largest online collections of jute ropes, cords, strings and twines – which are supplied in various lengths, diameters and quantities. As such, we have a jute product to suit pretty much all requirements and preferences.

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do.

To ensure our customers are happy with their purchase, we:

• supply the highest quality products
• price them competitively and affordably
• ensure our warehouse is always well stocked
• offer a fast turnaround, with orders placed by 12pm typically delivered in 1-2 working days

We’re also experts in our field, with unparalleled knowledge of the jute ropes available in our store – and we’re always happy to help and provide tailored advice on the best product for you.

 

 

Thought of another question?

We may not have covered every single FAQ here. But lots of additional information on our jute ropes can be found throughout our website – particularly in our ‘Help Choosing Rope’ section and on the individual product pages. So it can be worth taking a little look around.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, though, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and take advantage of our encyclopaedic jute rope knowledge. Simply send a message using our online form and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.