Question: What size diameter of rope do I need?
Answer: Typically, you want to use the largest size
within your budget for the project. If you have a 4x4 post that is typically
1-¼" - 1-½" Diameter; For a 6x6 post that is 1-½" - 2” Diameter.
Question: How much rope do I need for my project?
Answer: This depends on what kind of sag you are
looking for in your project. To figure
this out you can take a tape measure and run it from one post to the next then
add slack until you reach the desired look you want to achieve. For most people
they usually like about 3” in slack in the rope from one post to the next. Take
the overall length and then add in the additional inches for the sag.
Question: How do I calculate the amount of rope I
will need to wrap a round post?
Answer: Multiple the diameter (width) of the post
times 3.14 (π). Use the
centerline of the rope by adding the diameter of the rope to the diameter of
the post.
Example:
Post diameter: 9.5”
Plus rope diameter: +2”
Centerline of rope= 11.5”
Diameter (11.5) x 3.14 = Length (36”)
*Approximately 36” to get around the post 1 time
Question: How do I cut my rope if I do not need the
entire length?
Answer: If you need to cut the rope, you can use a
rope hot cutter available at hardware stores or normal household tools, if you
do not want to invest in tools that you won’t likely use again. Using a household tools such as electric tape, a serrated
knife and a hot non-stick skillet will also work. First you want to wrap the
end tightly at the point you want to cut and then use a serrated knife to cut
the end to the desired length. Next you want to seal it, place the cut wrapped
end on a hot skillet to melt the end and seal it.
Question: How do I attach or tie-off the rope at the
end post?
Answer: There are several different options, we have
three options below.
Option 1: If you do not want your rope to show and end inside the post. You will want to mark both sides of the post and then drill approximately halfway through the post a diameter slightly larger than your rope. To do this you can use a drill press (recommended) or a heavy-duty hand drill. You will want to use either a Threaded Forstner bit or a Hole Saw the appropriate diameter for your rope. Please note with the Hole Saw you will have to chisel out the wood. In addition, If your rope diameter is less than 1-½" you can use a spade bit. Once you have created a hole in your post for your rope to nest, you can screw through the opposite side directly into the center of your rope which is wrapped tight at the end. If you want the screw not to be noticeable and for it to look nice, Pre-drill and countersink the screw.
Option 2: Tying a knot at the end. You will need 12 times the diameter extra length to tie the knot.
Option 3: Wrap the post. Wrap the post in the fashion you want it to look and then use lag screws or stainless-steel deck screws in the center of the rope to attach it in place. Use long enough screws to go through the rope and halfway through the post. Generally, 2-3 screws per post is enough.
