How to Build a Rope and Post Fence

Rather than the usual wooden or metal fence, you can create a more decorative alternative with a rope and post fence. It is a less substantial fence to be used as much for decoration as it is for support. Rope and post fences are ideal for a rustic, natural landscape or they can suggest a maritime theme. There are a variety of ways to build this kind of fence. Here are some instructions on how to build one kind of rope and post fence.

Instructions

1. Start building your post and rope fence by digging your holes at the spacing you want. Usually 4' - 8' apart is a good spacing for most fencing. Ideally you should dig holes about a foot deep.

2. 

   Use 4 x 4's for your posts. I recycled old redwood fencing posts that were being thrown out. It did require scraping and sanding off the paint and pulling out nails, but the wood was sound, looks fine, and saved wasting trees and filling landfills. Even better, it was free! Redwood and cedar are the best wood choices for durability.

3. 

   Cut the wood for the height your want. Most building codes set fencing at 3' to 4' high depending on the use. Post and rope fences can be shorter for purely decorative purposes.

4. 

   Oiling or staining your wood will make it last longer and look better.

5. 

   Screw on post hole hardware onto the bottom of each post to sink into cement footings. By using hardware and screws, it will be much easier to change out the post in the future when the post needs replacement.

6. 

   Water each hole and let the water sink in so the moisture from the cement won't be wicked away and dry out too fast.

7. 

   Set in your post and make it straight by using a level.

8. 

   Mix your cement and pour it into the hole, setting the base of the post so the hardware sinks into the concrete. Make sure you do not cover the screws on the hardware so you can remove them if you need to in the future.

9. Let the cement dry and fill any remaining space around your fence post with gravel or soil.

10. 

    There are a number of ways to attach the rope to a post and rope fence. The quick and easy way here is by simply twisting on eye bolts to the top or either side of the posts and thread through the rope. Use rope that is between ¾" to 1" thick. You can go thicker, but anything thinner will look inadequate, even on a small fence. Another design to build would be to wrap the rope around the posts and hold it in place with thin nails. You can run a single line or a double line on either side of the top of the 4 x 4 or link the posts with two tiers of rope. Experiment with the rope to find what looks best. You can build your rope and post fence with any rope design you want.

Resources

• Landscaping design and gardening information