Stair ropes, bannister rope, rope handrails and barrier ropes, made to measure in the UK by StairRopes.com
Stair Ropes . com
MEASURING UP FOR A STAIR ROPE
For most stair ropes, handrails, or rope banisters, it is a simple job to measure up - just fix a length of string or rope to the wall with blu-tac or masking tape at suitable points. Then run the string along a measuring tape, noting the position of each fixing point.
MEASURE THE STRAIGHT DISTANCE between the fittings - the weight of the rope itself will give a natural curve. If a more pronounced decorative drop is required then set the string accordingly, but remember that this will result in some give in the stair rope when it is used for support.
Stair ropes, bannister ropes, handrails and barrier ropes are usually supplied by post with brackets fixed in position and knots tied in each end, or hook ends fitted.
Each stair rope bracket incorporates a screw (also called a locking pin) set through the rope to prevent slipping and chafing. If you are unsure of exactly where the centre stair rope bracket/s will fit to your wall, the retaining screws can be supplied separately, with instructions, to be fitted on site.
Choosing the number of brackets and their position is very much a question of what looks right for your staircase.
As a rough guide there should be a stair rope fitting at every metre, although on a steep or spiral staircase, this interval will probably be less.
Some situations require more calculation, such as areas where a stair rope is taken around a corner. See the section on measuring a rope for CORNERS below.
It is most important to ensure the wall is sound before installing your stair rope. Four screws are included for each stair rope bracket. For details on wall fixing, see the INSTALLATION guidelines on the 'Fittings' page
If you have your own fittings, and wish to send them to us, we can replace the stair rope - please contact us to discuss.
Below is an example of a measurement taken for a stair rope with unequal bracket intervals.
The measurements required are from bracket to bracket. Be aware that the knots on the ends of the stair rope will protrude 6 to 10cm beyond the end fittings when installed.
For the above example, the cost (using hemp rope and wrought iron brackets) would be as follows:
The price for the rope should be calculated by rounding up to the nearest half metre.
e.g.. 2.7 metres - cost at 3m.
2.2 metres - cost at 2.5m.
There is no need to account for the rope used in the knot - this is included in the price of the knot.
| 2.7m of 24mm hemp |
@ £ 9.75/m |
= £ 29.25 |
| 4 x wrought iron brackets |
@ £18.00 each |
= £ 72.00 |
| 2 x leather star washers |
@ £ 3.75 each |
= £ 7.50 |
| 2 x 2ply knots |
@ £19.00 each |
= £ 38.00 |
| |
TOTAL Stair rope cost |
= £146.75 |
| Plus Carriage to UK |
@ £ 10.00 |
= £ 10.00 |
|
TOTAL Stair Rope Order including UK carriage |
= £156.75 |
If you need your stair rope or handrail to go around a corner, consider the following options:
A STAIR ROPE can be taken across an INSIDE CORNER by simply using one bracket set on one side and then continuing with the measurement to the next fixing point on the other wall as suggested in the measuring guide above.
Bear in mind that the height of the corner bracket (8 - 9cm) will affect the total rope measurement a little.
Alternatively, a neat job may be made using two brackets set close in to the corner. There is a formula for this which works well, outlined below. Note that the rope span across the two corner brackets is HALF the wall measurement between the two brackets. Please also note that this formula will only work where a stair rope tracks a corner on a reasonably horizontal plane.
As long as the distance from the corner to each fixing point is between 15 and 20 cm, and the corner is near enough a right angle, the required rope measurement (between the two corner brackets) will also be between 15 and 20cm - e.g.. for a 16cm corner to bracket measurement, the measurement of the rope across the corner will also be 16cm. This formula takes into account the arc of the rope and the heights of the fittings.
AN 'OUTSIDE' CORNER can be rounded with a continuous length of rope supported by two brackets.
When measuring for this, you should consider the height of the two fittings (8cm) and the space needed for a handhold across the corner (to prevent grazed knuckles!) - bear in mind that the curve of the rope will be greater than the measurement taken on the wall.
An alternative method would be to use two separate stair ropes with knots ending either side of the corner.
A STAIR ROPE can be a flexible solution for unusual situations such as steep cottage stairways or restricted space in stairwells. Send us details or a plan or image of your particular staircase and we will configure the measurements.
If you wish to discuss this any further, please contact us.
For any more information or advice:
Contact James Watson at Stairropes.com
by email
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Full details on our Stair Ropes
CONTACT page.
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