Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Rope on a "Nautical" type deck

Howdy folks.

Back in 1979 or 1980, my uncle and late dad built a deck in our backyard. Between each post, they put heavy duty decorative rope.

This past weekend I put in new rope. My quesiton is what to do with the ends, which are seemingly raw and would probably need some sealer or protectant.

I have been told to burn wax on the ends, dip them in shellac, tie them, etc.

Any pointers?

Thanks,

Joe,
I built a 150' pier and boathouse with 1-1/4" rope through posts 8' on center down both sides in '95.
I just used regular U-clamps to tightly hold the rope ends in place on the end posts (with a nail through the middle of the clamps and rope in addition to the nails on the ends of the clamps), and just let the rope ends hang loose and do their thing.
You can tie knots in the ends if you want.
The rest of the rope was just strung from post to post through the holes drilled in them.
Good Luck!

Cool. Sounds nice.

But, did you put anything on the ends of the ropes? In my case, they had to be cut. The ends of the ropes are a little frayed/unravelled, and I'm thinking that might make it rot faster. I'd like to preserve the rope if I can :)

Right now, I have some outdoor type wire holding the ends "together". Through each post it is tied as it was when it was originally done in 1980.

Thanks,

No, I didn't put anything on or do anything to the ends of the rope.
The entire rope is exposed to the elements, and I just let the ends past the clamps (only a couple of inches) fray a bit. The clamps prevent it from unraveling beyond them.