Decking Rope & Fittings

We currently sell five main types of Decking Rope by the metre:

• Synthetic Hemp
• Synthetic Sisal
• PolySilk
• Jute
• Manila

Most people choose a diameter between 24-36mm for decking or rope rails. However, other sizes are available and these can be found in the respective Jute, Synthetic Hemp, Manila and PolySilk categories. If you need more than one length, this can be easily specified in the ‘comments’ box during checkout.

All of our ropes for decking, garden balustrades and rope rails are manufactured by a trusted overseas partner and are superior quality. Our natural ropes, Manila and Jute (which has a polypropylene core ) will come with ends bound with PVC tape; our synthetic ropes (Synthetic Hemp, Synthetic Sisal and Polysilk) will come with heat sealed ends. You can also choose from a range of other rope end finishes – including whipped, end-capped, soft eye spliced and hard eye spliced. More information on these options can be found on the ‘rope end finishes’ page.

Which is the right decking rope for my project? Watch our new video

Very often we recommend Synthetic Hemp. This has a very natural appearance and is incredibly soft to handle. As it's made from synthetic fibres it‘s also weatherproof, UV resistant and will not rot or shrink if wet. It’s regarded as an all-round winner, perfect for prolonged outdoor use.

Our brightly coloured PolySilk ropes are great to add a funky look - perfect for courtyard gardens or to create a highlight. Synthetic sisal has a more synthetic look and feel.

By contrast, Jute and Manila ropes are made from natural fibres. As a 100% natural rope, manila can shrink or expand with the weather. Our Jute is made from three strands, each with a synthetic (polypropylene) core for added strength and stability. Natural ropes will deteriorate more quickly. But they do have a very rustic and traditional look, that will complement planting and timber work in your garden and any natural fibres which drop into the soil will rot down naturally. For any indoor projects, our Jute can be a good, cost-effective option.

Measure right!

The easiest way is to use a bit of string. Hold it up against the posts and create the swag effect you like best. Remember to add in extra length for any knots, metal fittings etc 40-50cms per knot and take off 9cms per brass hook or eye plate. We sell by the metre so always over-measure rather than under-measure. We really do not want to sell you more rope than you need, but there's nothihng worse than being 50cms short...!

Another way is to use the guide below;

Drill the holes right!

• Wait for the rope to arrive
• Drill test holes first
• The diameter of the hole will always need to be larger than the diameter of the rope

Watch our video to get it right - and see what to do if you drill a hole too small!

How much decking rope do I need?

There are two ways of measuring – either use string or a calculator. Both work!

Perhaps the simplest way is to run a length of string from post to post with the swags you want, then measuring it. Remember to allow for knots or fittings.

Some people prefer the other method, a basic calculation which is pretty straightforward.

Simply measure from one decking post to the next – adding an extra 3-5% to create the ‘swag’ or droop shape. Then multiply this by the number of additional wooden posts.

If you’re concerned about miscalculating and would prefer to err on the side of caution, it’s worth adding a little extra to the total. After all, it’s better to have slightly too much – and cut off the excess – than find out at the point of installation that your rope is too short.

We also advise:

• adding an extra 40-50cm for any knots you intend to tie in the rope
• adding 10-15% to account for any shrinkage (applies to natural fibre ropes only
• deducting around 9cm for each metal hook or eye plate used

All of our decking ropes are sold by the metre, which means it’s really easy to order the right amount for your specific project – without any unnecessary waste or cost. For landscapers looking to buy in bulk, we also stock Synthetic Hemp, Jute and Manila in 220m coils.

Further advice on how to determine the right length for your needs can be found in our blog – including a step-by-step calculation sheet.

Which diameter is best for a decking rope fence?

All of the ropes above come in a broad spectrum of sizes, ranging from as little as 6mm up to a hefty 84mm in some instances. The right diameter for you will, of course, depend on the nature of your project. But, for most home decking, we believe 24-36mm is the sweet spot.

From a distance, this won’t look too thin – but it won’t be too bulky or heavy either.

It’s worth saying, garden decking ropes made from natural fibres can vary in size from batch to batch by around +/- 10%. This is most noticeable with Manila. Ropes made from synthetic fibres tend to be more accurate. But whichever option you choose, to ensure you get the right fit, we advise waiting for your order to arrive before cutting or drilling holes in your posts.

Please note – the diameter of the hole will always need to be larger than the rope’s diameter, otherwise, the rope is likely to ‘bunch’ up when you attempt to feed it through.

Wait for the rope to arrive and then drill a test hole on some old wood first. A detailed guide on how to drill holes in rope posts can be found in our blog or watch our video.

Do I need metal fittings to install decking rope?

No, it certainly isn’t essential.

There are several other ways to attach decking rope to rope posts. For example, you could drill holes in the posts, thread the rope through and secure it with knots. Or – if you’d like to create a rustic aesthetic – you could simply tie the rope around each post with a clove hitch.

Having said that, metal fittings are often a very nice finishing touch.

Affordable to buy and easy to fit, they’re an effective way to secure the rope in place and enhance its overall appearance – creating impressive, professional-looking results. 

We stock rope end cups, hooks and eye plates, centre brackets and cap ends. All of which come in six popular finishes – including antique brass, black nickel, glossy chrome, matt black, polished brass and satin chrome. So whether you’ve opted for a synthetic or natural fibre decking rope, you’re sure to find a suitable style to match.

Why choose us for decking rope?

We’re all about customer satisfaction, here at RopesDirect. As an exclusively online supplier, we aim to supply the best possible products, at the best possible price. Orders placed before 12pm will usually be delivered in 1-2 working days.

Our team have excellent knowledge of the garden decking ropes available and are always happy to help. So, if you have any questions or would like advice on the best type of decking rope for you, please feel free to get in touch and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.