How to Build a Ladder Rope
Building a rope ladder can make a fun and fulfilling addition to any existing swing set or tree house that the children will use over and over again. Incorporate the children's help to add an additional rewarding bonus for them by including them in the project. Be sure to consider safety when constructing the rope ladder, and invest in quality rope, lumber and hardware when purchasing the equipment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 lengths of ½ inch durable nylon rope (3 times as long as the ladder will be)
- 1-by-4 foot pressure treated planks (for ladder rungs)
- Power saw
- Saw horse
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill
- ½ inch hole boring drill bit
- ½ inch washers (2 per ladder rung)
- Sand paper
- Duct tape
- 2 heavy gauge eyelets
- 2 dog corkscrew tie-downs
- 2 C-handles
- Heavy gauge exterior screws (for C-handles)
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Measure and cut the 1-by-4 ft. pressure treated lumber for ladder rungs. Measure them 15 to 18 inches in length, mark the measurement with a pencil, and cut them with the power saw. Use the saw horse as a cutting brace.
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2
Measure 2 inches from each end of each rung, and drill a ½ inch hole on each end of the rung. Sand the edges of each drilled hole with the sand paper. Set the rungs aside when done.
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3
Install the upper eyelets into the top base of the tree house, swing set or other desired location for the ladder rope. Predrill a small guide hole to help. Measure the distance of the eyelets at least 2 inches wider than the ladder rungs.
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4
Insert the dog corkscrew tie-downs into the ground. These will act as a mooring. Consider the length of the ladder, and allow an appropriate climbing pitch. Set the corkscrews at least 1 foot back from the top climbing anchor (more is desired), and at least two inches wider apart than the ladder rungs.
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Start at the bottom of the lengths of rope. Be sure to allow a long enough end of the rope to secure to the corkscrew as a mooring. Do not tie the rope to the corkscrew at this time. You can always cut the excess rope at the bottom after you've tied it to the corkscrew.
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Tie a knot at the bottom of the first rope. Make sure there's enough rope left over to tie to the corkscrew, and make the first ladder rung at least 8 inches off of the ground. You can go lower or higher, depending on the age and size of the children using the ladder.
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Measure the distance of the first knot, and tie another one in the second length of rope to match. Tie a loose knot, at first, so you can manipulate it up or down the length of the rope to match the measurement of the knot in the other rope as closely as possible. These ropes are the sides of the ladder.
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Tape the top of each rope with duct tape tightly so it will not fray when inserting it into the rung holes. Place a washer onto each rope from the top all the way down to the first knot. Thread the rope through the predrilled hole in a ladder rung, and slide it down to the first knot.
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9
Thread the second rope length into the other side of the ladder rung.
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Tie the next knot, and measure the distance from the top of the first ladder rung to the knot in full inches to make it easier. You can set the distance between the ladder rungs as desired, making sure to accommodate the size and weight of the children using it.
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Place a washer onto each knot, then the ladder rung. Continue on in this fashion until the length of rope ladder is complete.
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12
Moor the bottom of the ladder rope to the corkscrews. Pull the ladder rope tightly, and anchor to the top eyelets in the base. Cut any excess rope, and tape the ends off with duct tape to prevent fraying.
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13
Install C-handles on the base near the top to allow a safety grip and pull for the children. Use the screws and screwdriver to secure the handles to the base.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to inspect the ladder rope often to check for wearing or fraying of the rope. Do not leave the rope ladder out in the elements when not in season.
