Synthetic Hemp Rope Vs Natural Hemp: Which Is The Greatest Choice For Outdoor Use?
Synthetic Hemp Rope Vs Natural Hemp: Which Is The Greatest Choice For Outdoor Use?
Posted on 30/01/2025
A battle between natural fibres and modern synthetics plays out between the two key types of hemp rope: synthetic hemp rope and natural hemp rope - but which is best in an outdoor setting? Although many will argue that practicality and durability are the only essential properties needed in a garden project, both synthetic hemp rope and natural hemp rope have their own unique benefits and drawbacks that need to be taken into consideration before you click 'buy'.
Hemp rope is often the go-to choice for Home & Garden projects, offering the perfect combination of functional flair and eye-catching appeal. Everyone from professional garden renovators to DIY-ers can use hemp rope to create handrails, fences around decking or play areas, garden pathways, rope swings, bannisters, rope and post features as well as many other garden partitioning and landscaping uses.
Your imagination really is the only limit when it comes to using hemp rope in your outdoor or garden space. But here at Rope Warehouse, we know there'll be a few questions that will cross your mind when it comes to settling on synthetic or natural hemp rope...
What Is Hemp Rope?
Hemp rope is a strong, hardwearing rope consisting of either natural fibres derived from the hemp plant, or man-made synthetic fibres that mimic the look of hemp. Hemp has a fuzzy and rustic look that's both visually and practically suited to garden use.
Synthetic Hemp Rope Vs Natural HempRope...
When it comes to deciding which is best for you and your outdoor project, you'll need to take into account: the weather conditions your chosen type of hemp rope is exposed to; the aesthetic goals of your project; how much maintenance you'll be required to take on; and the environmental impact your rope may have during the course and the end of its lifespan.
Naturally Strong & Durable: Natural hemp rope is strong, long-lasting and resilient enough to withstand normal and mainly dry outdoor conditions.
Rustic Visual Appeal: The natural fibres give the rope an organic look that is totally at home in any traditional garden setting to accentuate decking, lawns and any other smart or even vintage elements in your outdoor areas of choice.
Environmentally-Friendly: Hemp fibres are biodegradable, and will therefore naturally break down, making it a more responsible choice for those who are actively concerned about how their rope impacts the environment. Hemp is also a fast-growing, renewable resource, requiring a minimal amount of water with low or no use of chemicals or pesticides needed.
Practical Grip: The soft yet slightly rough and fuzzy texture makes hemp rope easy to grip and comfortable to handle when compared to other ropes used in handrail and bannister jobs.
Drawbacks Of Natural Hemp Rope:
Vulnerability To Moisture: As natural hemp is made up of organic fibres, it will absorb water. This factor opens up natural hemp to rot, mildew, shrinkage, water damage and fungal or bacterial growth. When in frequent contact with moisture, this will gradually impact its lifespan overtime.
Maintenance: Owing to the natural fibre composition and its vulnerability to moisture, natural hemp will require more care and attention to keep it looking and functioning at its best in the long-term.
Lifespan: Natural hemp fibres will normally degrade faster than synthetic hemp fibres when exposed to outdoor conditions. Consider the severity of the conditions your hemp rope will be exposed to on a regular basis before purchasing.
Weather-Durable & Water Repellent: Although natural hemp provides general strength and durability, synthetic hemp rope is much more resistant to water, mold, rot and the harsh rays of the sun. The synthetic fibres have a very low ability to absorb moisture.
Long Life & Lower Maintenance: Synthetic rope is a much better choice for harsh weather and more extreme outdoor conditions, requiring very low levels of maintenance to keep it working and looking its best.
Easier To Handle: You may find synthetic fibres lighter, softer and simply easier to handle and work with in a wide range of different projects.
Lightweight: At Rope Warehouse, our synthetic fibre rope is the cheaper alternative when compared to the real thing.
Drawbacks Of Synthetic Hemp Rope:
Unnatural Appearance: Although synthetic fibre hemp rope replicates the look of natural hemp, you may find that it looks too fake or unappealing in certain outdoor projects.
Not Eco-Friendly: The synthetic fibres are not biodegradable and therefore they'll have a greater impact on the environment.
Melting & Fraying Risk: Although great for sealing, synthetic hemp rope can be vulnerable to friction, high-heat or more intensive activities and heavy use. You should only really use synthetic rope for decorative projects or outdoor purposes that aren't too activity-focused.