From Mr and Mrs. T. in Macclesfield, Cheshire:
Have just fixed them up and they look great. Fantastic quality and superb service was provided by yourself, well worth every penny
Thanks again.
StairRopes.com
Using traditional knotting techniques and tools, we work with a range of top quality ropes and designed-for-purpose railing supports to offer a uniquely bespoke product. Our rope handrails are beautifully made, functional and long lasting.
photo credit: M.M., Coventry, UK
A handrail that is made from a well constructed rope and is properly knotted will provide a secure handhold and offers an elegant solution for stairways where a conventional bannister is not appropriate.
Ropes are available in 3, 4 and 6 strand configurations and in 24mm or 32mm diameter widths. Choices include hemp, cotton and polyester.
Fittings are manufactured to our own design and can be ordered in English cast solid brass, marine grade stainless steel or custom made locally fabricated wrought iron.
Knots complete the process; they are tied using the unlaid strands of the same rope to ensure the hand rail is totally secure. Options include traditional manrope stopper knots, eye splices, decorative plaiting and knotted tassels.
hemp bannister rope with brass fittings
We make premium grade rope rails to suit your style and specification. Your stair rope will arrive ready to install, with knots skilfully tied and brackets in position. Wall screws, rawl plugs and installation guidelines are included.
Check out our comprehensive guide to measuring up for a stair rope, and find more information in our detailed faqs page.
We can liaise at all stages of the project with you or via your fitter, architect or designer. Please feel free to contact us for more information or if you would like rope samples.
Order securely - with a credit or debit card and payment through Paypal, or via a bank transfer - for which we offer a small discount to UK customers.
Hemp rope handrails
East Church, Cromarty Historic Parish Church, Scotland
We are a U.K. family run business, established 1994 in Lostwithiel, Cornwall and now based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Our made-to-measure rope bannisters, barrier ropes and decorative Stonk Knots are regularly shipped world wide. You can see some of our testimonials below and many more on our customers pages.
Hemp rope rail with 2 ply Manrope Knot
Natural fibre rope handrails complement both classic and contemporary interior settings. Our hemp and cotton stair ropes are comfortable to hold and very hard wearing.
We offer natural ropes in hemp, unbleached white or black cotton in 24mm and 32mm diameters ( 1 and 1½ inch ropes).
These four strand ropes are particularly suited to handrail use; their configuration enables a tight twist to be achieved in the manufacturing process and the central core ensures the rope retains its round profile - producing a firmer, smoother rope than the three strand equivalent.
photo credit: D.P., Highbury, Australia
Many synthetic ropes have better resistance to damp conditions than natural ropes, making them more suitable for exterior applications.
A good quality polyester rope is the most weather resistant of the synthetics as well as the closest in texture to a natural rope, so can be a good choice outside or in. We offer polyester ropes in a natural beige colour, navy, black or white.
As a durable outdoor equivalent to natural hemp, our four strand 32mm buff POSH can't be beaten. This rope has a smooth texture, high abrasion resistance, inbuilt UV protection, a minimal stretch factor and is essentially waterproof.
Cotton rope bannister wound with hemp
Hand made multi strand wound ropes feature a mix of contrasting colour and texture. You can order these in most combinations of natural or synthetic fibre ropes and cords.
The original idea for our decorative wound ropes came from a traditional Sailor's method of "worming" a natural fibre rope with cord. This procedure would then be followed by wrapping with canvas and tarring, as protection on the high seas.
English Brass fitting for Rope Handrails
StairRopes.com proprietary fittings have been designed as staircase and wall supports specifically for rope handrails. Our brackets not only look good - they are also strong enough to bear weight and withstand a shock load.
English solid brass fittings come polished and un-lacquered. Marine grade stainless steel brackets are available in brushed satin or polished mirror finish and are particularly suited to outdoor environments.
Short stemmed satin black fitting
Heavy duty wrought iron brackets are custom made here in Sheffield and can be ordered in a range of finishes, base plate shapes and stem lengths - or for ultimate space saving, no stems at all.
Finishes include satin black, gun-metal, brushed or hammered steel and antique brass.
Eye splice with Turk's head whipping on
rope handrail in black cotton
To finish the ends of your rope bannister or handrail, choose from two sizes of Manrope knot, three designs of eye splice, long crown plaiting, knotted tassels or the magnificent six-strand Star Knot.
A Manrope knot (see the image in Natural ropes - above) is traditionally tied in to the end of a rope railing - or manrope, on ships. Eye spliced ends are especially useful where there is limited space. We offer a simple eye splice, a tapered eye splice or one with a Turk's head weave whipping.
The star knot is a distinguished stopper knot; beautifully formed and difficult to tie well, it also requires an unusual 6 strand rope for its construction.
Rope handrail in POSH wound with cotton
and Matthew Walker knot tassel
When soundly tied, a manrope knot, eye splice or star knot will sit securely locked against the end fitting, providing a safe and durable ending to a rope hand rail which is to be used for support - such as on a stairway.
Decorative endings include crown plaits and tassels in various designs. All are made using the integral rope strands and usually drop down beyond the fitting. Tassels and plaits can be used in most situations, ideally where the bannister does not require heavy or intensive use.
Barrier rope in 32mm POSH with antique brass fittings
We also make barrier ropes to measure using our 24mm or 32mm plain or wound ropes, fitted with end hooks and wall eye-plates in a choice of finishes.
To ensure a safe and long lasting barrier rope, we use a traditional sailor's palm and needle whipping which is sewn in at each end of the rope before attaching the fittings. This is not common practice for barrier ropes as it takes time and skill to do, but provides the strongest method possible for securing barrier rope fittings.
Outdoor rope handrail project
With a comprehensive range of materials, proficient knotting skills and practical knowledge in the field of ropes and cordage, StairRopes.com can offer advice on designs for both interior and exterior applications.
Often we can find or make up just the right type of rope for a special project, supply a custom made fitting to go on an oddly shaped wall, or advise on and tie a particular knot or splice for a rope ending to suit an unusual situation.
Outdoor stairway rope in 32mm POSH.
photo credit: JHO Properties.Ltd, Ringwood
POSH rope with custom-made Iron fittings
photo credit: I. M., Williamstown, Australia
From N. V., London:
That's brilliant. Thanks, James. I really am very grateful for, and impressed by, the excellent service that you have provided. I shall spread the word !
The ropes are absolutely first class, and we are delighted with your workmanship.
From B. H. in NY, USA:
Hi James,
Well, I finally got around to installing your outstanding stair rope...the rope works beautifully and is a wonderful addition to the old stairwell and admired by all onlookers.
From V. B. in Gloucester:
Dear James,
Your beautiful rope arrived...Many thanks for all your e-mails and advice. We will certainly recommend you if anyone asks, and there are sure to be some.
Wound Cotton stair rope
photo credit: R. Z., Torquay, Devon
From C. B. D. I. in London
Dear Mr.Watson,
I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you so much for all your help with the Stair Rope that you provided for us. It has been fitted in at the house and our client is thrilled.
Thank you again and I hope we can work with you again in the future.
From J. R. in Banbury, Oxon:
Hi James... magnificent!
An incredibly efficient and easy purchase, thank you. All the best
From S. C. in Bruton, Somerset:
Hi James,
A big thank you for the below rope rail. It looks fabulous and we are delighted.
photo credit: S. C., Bruton, Somerset
From I. W. in Barmouth, North Wales:
Delighted .. a first class job
I have taken it outside to the intended stone wall and staircase .. it will be perfect and looks just right.
The brackets really look good too .. your man has my thanks also.
Thanks again.
From S. H. in France:
...arrived a few days ago - looks amazing, we are delighted. Thanks very much! We'll be sure to pass on your contact to anyone who asks!
Hemp bannister rope
photo credit: Anne Mellenthin Design, Atherton, California.
From M. S. in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex:
James, ...just what we were looking for. Thanks for your prompt attention to this order and we hope we will get the chance to recommend you to others for such a class product.
Many thanks
From Mr and Mrs. T. in Macclesfield, Cheshire:
Have just fixed them up and they look great. Fantastic quality and superb service was provided by yourself, well worth every penny
Thanks again.
For more advice or information about our bannister ropes and rope handrails, you can contact James Watson directly.
Full details on our contact page.
Photographs of rope handrails in situ, taken at the Marina Hotel, Fowey, Cornwall
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