Classic Rope Stanchions

If you have ever stood in line, then you have almost certainly been standing between a line of stanchions. The correct definition of the word stanchion is an upright bar or post such as a support for a railing. However, the term is commonly used to describe the various forms of barriers used to create customer queues (waiting lines). The two basic types are rope barriers often referred to as post & rope barriers or classic stanchions and retracting belt barriers. Retracting belts barriers are a common site in public areas where people must wait for service. Retail stores, airports, banks and amusement parks are just some of the venues that typically use large numbers of belt barriers. The classic post & rope stanchion is the original crowd control barrier. With a history going back over 100 years this type of barrier is now less commonly used for pedestrian guidance in high traffic venues such as airports and is more associated with prestige settings such as night clubs, cassinos and red carpet events.

Main Uses

Crowd control stanchions are used for two primary purposes. First is to form customer queues, here the stanchions are set up in two parallel rows to form a corridor leading to the service desk. For larger queues or where the floor space is more limited a zig zag or ‘snake’ layout is commonly used. The second way stanchions are used is to restrict access. In these situations, a line of stanchions is set up across a doorway, corridor, or other areas to bar access. Stanchions are also often used to keep visitors a safe distance from exhibits in galleries and museums.

Retractable Belt Stanchions or Classic Rope Stanchions Which is Best for Me?

Retractable belt stanchions and classic rope stanchion serve the same functions. Retractable belt stanchions offer the convenience of having the belt retract into the stanchion post when not in use. However, the ropes used with classic stanchions must be stored separately to the stanchion which takes more time to set up and take down and adds to the storage space required. Retractable belt stanchions have a contemporary look and when combined with the convenience of the retracting belt are often a good choice for modern environments where easy to change layouts and easy storage are required. However when true elegance and charm are needed the traditional style of classic rope stanchions is perfect for complimenting elegant décor.

In summary we recommend retractable belt barriers for large scale queue systems in modern environments and where the stanchions must be moved frequently for cleaning or to change the queue layout. Classic rope stanchions should be chosen for more traditional environments where their style and elegance will add to the ambience on the venue.

Classic Stanchion Components and Choices

All models of classic stanchion are excellent at providing customer guidance and crowd management, so the choices revolve around the look of the stanchion and its durability. When ordering a classic stanchion you need to consider four aspects of its design.

• Economy or Premium: Economy stanchions have a concrete filled galvanized steel base with a decorative cover. The cost saving on these stanchions could make sense if they are not being used in a high traffic area and are not moved frequently. However, the cast iron base on a premium model is more durable. In high traffic situations or when the stanchions need to me moved often a stanchion with a cast iron base will have a longer service life and be more cost effective in the long run.


• Finials: A finial is the decorative fitting on the top of the stanchion. Although shapes vary there are three largely standard types. The Flat Top is generally considered a contemporary option for more modern environments. Crown Tops are the red carpet classic seen all over the world and are the most ubiquitous design which can be used in the widest range of decors. The Ball Top has the most prestigious appearance and is an ideal choice for the most sophisticated environments.


• Base Styles: Avoid thick bases with vertical ‘slab’ sides, these give the stanchion a heavy look. Rather select a base with a profile or sloped top that tapers to the edge. This gives the stanchion a lighter look as well as reducing trip hazards. An often-overlooked option is the dome base. Once the standard for all rope stanchions the dome base is seen less often now but remains an excellent choice for traditional settings and works particularly well when matched with a Ball finial.


• Finishes: Finishes are metal plating options of which chrome is the most common. Colors are powder coats, effectively paint that is applied to the stanchion as a powder and then baked in a high temperature oven. The result is a smooth surface that is much more scratch resistant and durable than liquid paint. Most classic rope stanchions are available in black powder coat and although Queue Solutions offers a range of over 200 custom powder coat colors the preferred choice for rope stanchions is usually a metal finish. The most seen metal finishes are polished stainless steel and brass. Polished stainless steel has largely replaced chrome as its appearance is the same, but it is cheaper and more durable. Brass finishes are not solid brass but a mix of brass and zinc plating over steel.
  Also popular on classic rope stanchions are custom plating finishes, these add a depth of luster and can be ordered to match specific decors. Queue Solutions is unique in carrying nine finish options in stock. Among our stock specialty finishes we have; Statuary Bronze (also called Oil Rubbed Bronze) which is a deep brown color, Pewter Nickel as the name suggest has the appearance of pewter, English Antique is an aged brass finish while Antique Copper has the same aged look but on a copper base. These specialty finishes are well worth considering, they add a unique look the stanchions which adds a touch of class to any environment.

The Importance of Rope Choice

Of course, the choice of ropes to use with the classic stanchion is a key element of the purchasing process. In choosing the best rope for your needs there are several considerations, budget, appearance, indoor or outdoor use amongst others. Here are some issues to consider:

• Economy or Premium: Just like stanchions ropes are available for all budgets. Economy ropes are typically 1” in diameter and have a thin fabric cover over a foam core. Low cost a foam core rope is not durable and if used for situations with heavy pedestrian traffic will not last long. If budget constraints require the use of a foam core rope, choose one that has a chain or hemp rope in its center as this will help it drape more evenly. Ropes made with just a foam core tend to kink when rolled up for shipping and the kinks can be permanent. Premium ropes are usually 1.5” in diameter and have a heavy cotton core this ensures the rope drapes evenly.


• The Cover: The most popular covering for stanchion ropes is velour also called velvet. This is the classic “red velvet rope” we associate with red carpet events. Velour is available in a variety of colors; the Queue Solution range has 13 velour color options available from stock. But velour is not the only option, another popular choice is Naugahyde. This is a vinyl cover that has the look and feel of leather.


• Base Styles: Avoid thick bases with vertical ‘slab’ sides, these give the stanchion a heavy look. Rather select a base with a profile or sloped top that tapers to the edge. This gives the stanchion a lighter look as well as reducing trip hazards. An often-overlooked option is the dome base. Once the standard for all rope stanchions the dome base is seen less often now but remains an excellent choice for traditional settings and works particularly well when matched with a Ball finial.


• Outdoor Use: For outdoor use twisted polypropylene is the best choice as it is the only material that if fully waterproof and can be stored wet.


• Rope Ends: There are two main choices for securing the rope to the stanchion. The most common is the snap end, this is a metal fixture secured to each end of the rope, it is a hook shape with a spring-loaded bar closing the hook. The closing arm can be retracted using the thumb tag on the side the of the snap end so the rope can be attached and detached from the stanchion loop. The advantage of the snap end (sometimes called a snap hook) is that once attached to the stanchion it is secure and can only come loose if the snap end is deliberately opened. The other option is the hook end (or open hook). As the name implies this is a simple hook shape that just hangs from the stanchions rope loop. The advantage of the hook end is that it is easier to attach and detach and is the preferred choice in situations where the ropes are being detached frequently such as a night club entrance. It should be noted that open hook ends are less secure than snap ends and can be dislodged if bumped by a passing pedestrian.

Common Uses for Classic Rope Stanchions

Any event that wishes to create a “red carpet” ambiance will choose the classic rope stanchion. You will see classic rope stanchions at weddings, proms and corporate events, even themed birthday parties will often use a few rope stanchions to add a touch of glamour to the venue. Historical settings such as museums, theaters and concert halls will opt for rope stanchions rather than the more utility retractable belt stanchion.

Night clubs are another common user of classic rope stanchions. Here the stanchion rope is used to control entry to the venue. The reason a night club will use a rope stanchion rather than any of the other forms of barrier available is that the classic nature of the rope stanchion lends a feeling of class to what is in fact a purely practical requirement. Having entry barred by a plush velour rope rather than the belt of a retractable stanchion or a chain softens the “no entry” message and makes patrons feel more relaxed about the fact they are being held in a queue.

Casinos utilize classic rope stanchions in a wide variety of roles. Casino with hotels will often choose rope stanchions at reception to maintain an elegant feel at check in. The same applies in forming customer queues at the cashier stations while on the gambling floor rope stanchions are widely used to restrict access behind gaming tables.

Private events such as weddings and birthday parties are seeing increasing use of rope stanchions. Often in private events the stanchions are usually not required to guide or control the movement of guests but rather as a prop to provide the event with a “red carpet feel”. Often matched with an actual red carpet which can be easily rented for the event, a line of classic rope stanchions immediately gives the event’s venue an exclusive feel.

How to Create the Red Carpet Look

The reason that a simple rope stanchion is so powerful in creating an exclusive feel to any event is the fact that for several generations we have had the association of classic rope stanchions and the stars of Hollywood embedded in our minds. Going as far back as the classic days of Hollywood we have seen stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor walk the red carpet behind a line of rope stanchions In fact so deeply ingrained is the association of classic rope stanchions and Hollywood glamour that often all that is required is the use of the stanchions themselves to provide an exclusive feel to an event. Of course, adding an actual red carpet is ideal. These are now readily available for rent so is a practical option even for events on a modest budget. Simple ways to further develop the red carpet theme include having the event photographer stationed at the entrance as guests walk up the red carpet behind the stanchions. The classic rope stanchions can also be used in other areas such as photo booths, receptions lines and even at the buffet.

Frequently Asked Classic Stanchions Questions