Yow! that curved deck link is worth a look folks. Masterful work. It looks like the deck is more value than the house. I do worry the pine is too close, though. I designed a curvy deck for some folks, but I don't think it ever was built. You could've handled it, no problem. Thanks for the instructions.

I don't know, ELYSIUM, my method is pretty tedious. While it's precise, it can take a lot of work. (My tutorial model was really an exercise to demonstrate the capability of SketchUp ... and somebody dared me!)

For quick representation of a rope, I'd try the textured method suggested by remus.

For quickly producing an actual twisted construction, I'd use the "Follow me rotate" plugin. See this discussion:
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=180&t=12965

So, Casey, now you've got several options!

(...and we haven't even gotten into the catenary-sag issue, yet.) 😆

Taff