By Mira Van
If you are looking for a decorative rope and you are not sure about which rope is the best to be used for decorative applications, then here is a guide to help you make your decision. In some cases, you might be looking for a rope that will help you give a traditional look to your final decorative product, and sometimes you might prefer a sleeker, more modernist look.
Natural fiber ropes like Manila, Sisal, Hemp, Jute, and Cotton could be the ideal options that are favored for their visual appeal. For long term outdoor use, you will find man-made options such as Synthetic Hemp which has unique properties. Let’s discuss each one of these ropes in detail.
Natural Hemp Rope
Natural Hemp rope is the oldest natural fiber ropes that are visually appealing. It can be used for indoor or outdoor decorative purposes but also popular with sailing traditionalists.
Key properties:
- Traditional looking, decorative rope
- Twisted 3 & 4-strand construction
- Biodegradable & environmentally friendly
- Very Soft
- Has an odor that fades over time
Synthetic Hemp Rope
It is also known as PolyHemp Rope or Hempex, commonly used as a decking rope, garden rope, and banister rope. It is considered ideal for landscape gardening and also marine applications. It is more suitable for outdoor use.
Also, its soft and easy grip makes it ideal for kids play areas, gym climbing ropes, and garden swings.
Key properties:
- Synthetic man-made hemp alternative
- Good knot stability
- Rot, UV and weather-resistant
- Lightweight
- Highly versatile with good strength
- Soft and easy grip
Cotton Rope
Very soft to touch, cotton ropes are lightweight and easy to handle. Cotton rope can be easily dyeable and is widely used for decorative and handicraft applications. Having a low tensile strength makes it ideal for light-load applications such as toys for pets, animal halters & sash cords.
Key properties:
- Excellent knot stability & handling qualities
- Made from natural fibers
- Poor water and rot resistance
- Responds well to dye
- Twisted 3-strand construction
Jute Rope
Jute rope is commonly used in tying and bundling, gardening, handicraft, and decorative purposes. Being soft and flexible, jute is less durable as compared to other roes. It is naturally sandy brown in color but can be easily be dyed using fabric dye.
Key properties:
- Natural biodegradable fibers
- Poor abrasion, water and rot resistance
- Traditional decorative rope
- Very good knot stability
Manila Rope
Grade 1 Manila rope is visually impactful and commonly used in decorative and landscaping applications. These include garden rope, in children’s play areas, decking, and handrails. This rope is highly durable and flexible with low stretch. That’s why manila rope is used for making gym battle rope, tug of war rope, and also used in canal boats, ship rigging, and to create boat fenders.
Key properties:
- Natural, biodegradable, twisted 3-strand rope
- Good natural UV resistance
- Poor abrasion and rot resistance
- Does not float
- Shrinks in length and widens in girth when wet
- Good knot stability
Sisal Rope
High-quality natural Sisal rope is ideal for crafts, bundling, gardening, and making or replacing cat scratching posts.
Key properties:
- 100% Natural & biodegradable
- Hairy surface – good to grip
- Poor rot resistance
- Length shrinks when wet & girth expands
- Can be spliced
- Good knot stability
These are a few ropes that are ideal for decorative purposes. You can choose any one among them based on your purposes and rope properties.
