How to Make Rope Walkways

Rope walkways or bridges are often associated with jungle ravines in remote areas of South America or Africa, but they can also be used in a backyard to connect two treehouses or to simply create a "jungle" experience. While rope walkways may look simple to make, in reality, they are complicated structures that should be supervised on both the design and construction levels by professionals. If a rope walkway is designed and installed properly, it can be safe for anyone to use, including small children.

Things You'll Need

• 2 heavy rope cables several yards longer than span of walkway
• 2 lighter rope cables several yards longer than span of walkway
• Boards cut to width of walkway in sufficient number to cover deck
• Bolts to connect boards to deck
• Additional rope for sides of walkway

Instructions

1. Design a rope walkway with the help of a professional consultant or engineer. Decide what space the walkway will span and where the ends of the ropes will be connected.

2. Build the rope walkway under the supervision of a professional. Install heavy rope cables horizontally at the same height, 2 to 3 feet apart, to form deck rails.

3. Bolt boards to rope cables so they cannot move or work themselves loose.

4. Install lighter rope cables 3 to 5 feet above the heavy rope cables to form handrails.

5. Tie additional rope between the handrails and the deck rails to form sides on the walkway.

References

• The Treehouse Guide: Bridges
• Glenn Cockwell's Scouting Page: Rope Bridges