GARDEN ROPES

The longest lasting ropes for outside use are made from high grade synthetic fibres, such as the spun polyester p.o.s.h ropes which also incorporate an enhanced u.v inhibitor.

This 32mm p.o.s.h. (pale beige) garden rope was insalled as a decorative hand rail for a set of stone steps in a Cornish garden, and should have many years of use.

Not every synthetic fibre rope is ideally suited for a long and attractive life outside; nylon tends to become brittle and harsh after a while, most coloured ropes fade in sunlight, and some low quality fibre ropes disintegrate very quickly.

The synthetic p.o.s.h. is a medium laid, four strand, smooth textured rope. Available in two shades of beige, it is the closest imitation to hemp, and in a humid, outdoor environment will easily outlast it. Many people do still prefer to have natural ropes such as hemp or manila in the garden - they make handsome rope surrounds and borders for an outdoor setting, but will rot out much sooner than their high grade synthetic equivalents.

Manila Wound Garden Rope

This manila rope was provided with a set of wrought iron fittings in a hammered finish. Using a traditional sailor's technique known as "worming", three lengths of 7mm manila cord were wound around a 24mm manila rope core. For more information on the different types ropes available for outdoor hand rail use, see our Stair ropes page on ropes.

Outdoor Rope Railings

Shown below, left: An outdoor rope railing made from 30mm three strand synthetic hemp with Eye spliced ends, supplied as a handrail for a garden walkway, with custom made wrought iron railings and end fittings..

Right: A rope border in 26mm p.os.h. (pale beige), threaded through wrought iron fittings, was made to order for a customer who provided the wooden stakes and installed the rope along a 12 metre stepped garden path.

You can see more images of our locally made wrought iron fittings on our stair ropes and rope hand rails site