Installing a clothesline post

There is no laundry detergent, fabric softener or dryer sheet on the market that leaves clothes smelling as fresh as ones that are dried on an outdoor line. And there’s another significant advantage to using a clothesline: the energy you save will help you reduce your monthly energy bill! Two good reasons why it’s high time to roll up your sleeves and install a post for your clothesline!
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Determining the Location
Choosing the Equipment
Choosing the Type of Post
Installing the Post
Installing the Pulleys

Determining the Location

Start by determining where the two clothesline pulleys should be installed. One of them should be installed some distance from the house (on a post or garden shed for example), while the other may be fastened to the house itself (or to a piece of 2 in. × 6 in. previously fastened to the house), or to a deck post or patio post.
The ideal location for the clothesline is an open area that provides maximum exposure to the sun and wind. If at all possible, avoid installing the clothesline under tree branches or electrical wires to prevent birds from soiling your clean clothes. It is also recommended that you avoid installing the line over trees, bushes and other obstacles as they may soil or cause damage to your laundry.

Clotheslines may often be installed on public utility poles or other service poles located between two yards (bordering). This saves you the trouble of having to install a new post. If the available pole is located on a neighbour’s property, ask permission before installing your clothesline. Even though the pole itself may not belong to your neighbour, a section of the clothesline will have to pass over his property and will therefore require right of access. It’s the neighbourly thing to do…

You should also take the time to find out if your municipality has any restrictions or regulations relating to the installation of clotheslines or posts.

Though the companies that own the public utility poles do not usually object to having a clothesline installed on their equipment, keep in mind that company employees may unhook the pulley when working on or around the utility pole. In such cases, the homeowner is responsible for reinstallation of the clothesline.

We cannot stress how important it is to use the greatest of care when installing a clothesline on a pole used to deliver electricity. There is a risk of serious injury and even death if the ladder, tool, your head or another part of your body ever came into contact with electrical wires. If you have any doubt, stop the installation immediately and choose another location to install your clothesline.

Choosing the Equipment

There are clothesline kits on the market, which sell for between $25 and $40, that include everything needed for the installation of a clothesline: two pulleys, a line tensioner (device used to create tension on the line), the hooks to attach the pulleys and, of course, the clothesline itself - steel wire covered in plastic or other material available in various lengths typically ranging from 30.5 m (100 ft) to 61 m (200 ft).

Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the two intended pulley locations; then choose a clothesline kit with a line that is more than twice the length of the measured distance. For example: if the distance between the two pulleys is 15 m (50 ft), you will need more than 30 m (100 ft) of line.

Choosing the Type of Post

Due to the fact that the clothesline will exert significant pressure on the clothesline post, especially when there are wet clothes hanging from the line, the post must be very solid and firmly planted in the ground.

If you intend to use a wood post, a piece of 6 in. × 6 in. treated lumber (which may be purchased in lengths of 4.87 m (16 ft) for around $45*) is recommended. Even though the wood is treated, it will still tend to rot over time. This being said, the lifecycle of treated lumber is sufficient to justify its purchase.

Another option: a rust-free galvanised steel pole (either 8.89 cm (3 ½ in.) or 10 cm (4 in.) in diameter) may be purchased for around $140* from most fencing manufacturers. These companies often provide delivery and installation services for another hundred dollars or so.

*Not including delivery charges, which may vary from one retailer to the next.
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