Many UK buyers still prefer the traditional outdoor washing line. It still remains the best way of hanging out washing to get the very best drying method, weather permitting. Ideally for that type of washing line, you do need a longer garden so this option is not really suitable for smaller gardens or back yards.
This type of washing line can be set up quite easily using a single post or posts. For most people, this type of washing line can be put up in the following methods:
- Wall to wall - this is achieved by fitting a bracket on each wall and hanging the line between those. This of course relies on having two suitably placed walls.
- Wall to washing line post - This is usually between the wall of the house, a garage or shed on one side and then to a washing line post placed somewhere in the garden or yard
- Washing line post to washing line post - where the washing line is hung between two washing line posts.
All of these methods work really well. Below, I will show you what washing line post options are available in the UK.
Don't confuse these with washing line props, which are used to hold your washing line up, when clothes are hung up.
Just below we have included a selection of washing line posts that are currently available on the UK market. We have also included washing line pulleys and washing line brackets that attach to the wall.
Washing Line Post Reviews
1. DJM Direct 2 Part Heavy Duty Clothes Post Washing Line With Socket
This washing line post is 2.4 metres high and comes in 2 parts which need to be assembled when it arrives.
The post is made from a heavy duty galvanised tube that will not rust. That tube is made from industrial strength thick steel and it has a 45mm diameter and the steel is 1.7mm in thickness
It also comes with a plastic socket or sleeve which should be set at ground level and the pole pushes into that.
That sleeve does need to be set into concrete to make the washing line post stable.
It has two bars that are at right angles to each other at the top of the pole where you can wrap the washing line around.
Check Availability at Amazon UK. Average price: £40
2. WatsonLok 2.4m Galvanised Washing Line Clothes Post
This washing line post is 2.4 metres high and comes in a single pole, so you don't need to assemble it when it arrives.
It is made from galvanised steel and it has a 45mm diameter, and comes with a galvanised metal socket or sleeve which should be set at ground level and the pole pushes into that.
That sleeve does need to be set into concrete to make the washing line post stable.
It has two tines that are at right angles to each other at the top of the pole where you can wrap the washing line around.
Check Availability at Amazon UK. Average Price: £40
3. FB FunkyBuys Heavy Duty Galvanised Washing Line Post
This washing line post is 2.6 metres high and comes in 2 parts which need to be slotted together
It is made from powder coated steel and it has a 38mm diameter and the steel is 1.0mm in thickness
It also comes with a plastic socket or sleeve which should be set at ground level and the pole pushes into that.
That sleeve does need to be set into concrete to make the washing line post stable.
It has two bars that are at right angles to each other at the top of the pole where you can wrap the washing line around.
Check availability at Amazon UK. Average price: £33
How to Install a Washing Line Post
The key to having a washing line post that won't rust, bend or break is to properly install it from the beginning. When you have 1 or 2 full lines of damp or wet washing, there is quite a lot of weight and strain on the washing line and on the posts or brackets. Making sure the post is stable is very important. Just below we explain the best way of doing that.
Step 1 - Permanent Fixture or Ability to Move it
The first question to ask yourself is, do you want to be able to easily remove the post or is it going to be a permanent fixture? Some people like to be able to move their pole during the summer months. Some people also like to plan ahead and think about when they will have to replace the pole.
The reason we mention this is because you can either directly install the post into the ground, or install the sleeve into the ground, and then push the post into that.
If you cement the post directly into the ground, it can never be moved again, without having to dig out the post and concrete.
However, if you cement the sleeve into the ground, then you can push the post into this, and also be able to remove it when you don't want or need to use it. This is what we would recommend as it just makes your life a great deal easier in the long term.
Step 2 - Making the Hole for the Sleeve or Post
- The best thing you can do is to dig the right size hole for your washing line post. The ideal size is 30 cm square (1 foot) and about 50 cm deep. The depth of the hole should be the same as the length of the sleeve. If you are not using a sleeve, then around 50 cm deep is ideal.
- Using a spirit level insert the sleeve into the ground and try to get it as level as you can by pushing it down into place. Fill the hole about half way with water. You can then add "post concrete" which is quick drying by following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively you can make a mixture of sand, cement and stones to make a concrete mix, and just shovel that into the hole.
- Most post concrete is quick setting, so keep checking the sleeve and make sure it is level until it sets. After that you can simply push the washing line post into the sleeve.
Clothes Line Pulleys and Winders
Most people will have one end of the line attached to a wall and the other end to a post. If that is the case, then you may have to stretch to reach the line. One way of being able to lower and raise the line is to use a pulley. That will make things a great deal easier.
Merriway BH05880 Washing Line Rope Pulley with Hook
This is a washing line pulley and classed as a single screw pulley
It is galvanised so highly resistant to rust
The wheel is narrow and made from plastic so really only suitable for thinner washing lines
Check availability at Amazon UK. Average price: £4.92
Merriway BH01877 8mm (5/16 inch) Thickness Clothes Line Wall Hook
This wall hook is a e 50 x 50 mm galvanised steel hook and suitable for attaching a washing line too
It has been galvanised to help prevent rust.
There are 4 holes that allow you to firmly attach this hook to a wall
The actual hook is an 8mm gauge hook and strong
This is strong enough to hold up a couple of washing lines
Check availability at Amazon UK. Average price: £3.09
My advice is to plan out exactly where the washing line has to go. Clothes will dry a great deal faster with maximum sun exposure and where the wind can blow. Once you have found your location, it is then a matter of working out if there are any fixed buildings where you can anchor one part of the clothes line.
Usually that is the back of a house or garage. If that is the case, then begin there and then work out where the post has to go. If there are no fixed buildings available, you will need two clothes posts.
Further Reading
- Read about various type of washing lines
- Read about heavy duty washing lines
