Clothesline poles DIY: ready, set, brainstorm

[SavingMon(k)ey]

Hello mustachian folks!

I have had "the dryer talk" with DW and we have compromised on the issue. We decided we will keep the dryer (her wish, as she wants to dry her wrinkle-free shirts for work and not have to iron them), but we also agreed to air dry as much as possible.

So, come spring, I would like to install a nifty clothesline in the backyard. Our issue with that is that the poles and lines get in the way when we have company in the backyard (it's not very big) and when mowing the (god damn) lawn. So I would like some sort of removable poles. Now, I did see some retractable lines that can be installed on poles (that solves the line issue at least), and some other movable umbrella type contraptions, but they cost hundreds of dollars!

What would be the mustachian way of constructing this? I need it to be quite sturdy, fairly easy to remove and set up before/after a backyard BBQ/mowing session, and solve both the stretched out line and the pole problem without ending up with a big tangle of line. Any ideas?

FYI, I have zero welding skills, but some rudimentary woodworking skills (and can get some help with that from a friend if necessary).

[hoodedfalcon]

I am curious what sort of responses this gets! I have a similar issue. My current clothesline setup is super tacky - I have clothesline wrapped around and between the support beams on my back porch. Super highbrow stuff. It does the job, but it basically means I can't use my porch for sitting when I am drying clothes. Oh, and it looks tacky...did I mention that?

[SavingMon(k)ey]

I did also find this, a patent from 1931. Good idea there on solving the pole twisting problem. :)

http://www.google.com/patents/US1991087

[SueBee]

A retractable clothesline sounds like it would do the trick. We have one like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Crawford-Lehigh-RC40-40-Feet-Retractable-Clothesline/dp/B0009WG6KM

We mounted it on a fence post; when we need it we stretch it across the backyard  and hook it into an eye hook on the corner of the house. It holds a lot of weight. A great way to avoid having to look at a clothesline from every window in our living areas.

Happy line drying!

[Emilyngh]

Hundreds of dollars? !?

We have two like this beauty for $15 (installed from our deck to two trees).  http://www.lowes.com/pd_305181-93131-VT20590101_0__?productId=3031958

[GuitarStv]

We have two collapsible clothes drying racks.  In the winter we keep them in the laundry room, in the summer we take them outside when we need to dry stuff.  No need for a line, and they fold up and can be hidden away when you want guests over.

BTW . . . in my experience wrinkle free shirts don't have to be ironed when air dried, they'll remain wrinkle free.  Just give them a couple shakes after you take them off the drying rack.

[Greg]

I installed hooks in a porch post and a post I planted in the yard and ran a line across, all above my head.  When loaded the line is more at eye level, unloaded it's easy to walk/drive under.  If needed I can take down the line by unhooking one end or the other.  Depending on the width of your space this could work for you, do you have fence posts you can run a line to?

For a removable post, plant a pipe in the ground and use a slightly smaller dia. pipe that slips in for your post.

[ArtieStrongestInTheWorld]

For a removable post, plant a pipe in the ground and use a slightly smaller dia. pipe that slips in for your post.

Yes, and also make sure to get a cap that fits the pipe you'll set in the ground.  Otherwise it will fill up with dirt, stones, etc.

[Miamoo]

Hundreds of dollars? !?

We have two like this beauty for $15 (installed from our deck to two trees).  http://www.lowes.com/pd_305181-93131-VT20590101_0__?productId=3031958

These work great!  House came with them attached to one fence and we can stretch them (30') across the yard to the other neighbors fence or to a tree.  Have lasted 8 years thus far.  (Knock wood they last another 8!)

Note:  IMO not great for heavy stuff like comforters, larger blankets, throw rugs and the like.

[PMG]

I use an umbrella line.  I did not want to did a hole and put in concrete to mount it in the yard.  I took a piece of 1 1/2 pvc pipe and cut each end off at about a 45* angle, then screwed it to my fence post.  I slip the umbrella stem in and hang away. 

I have also used it over a picnic table with a weighted umbrella thingy under it. It was easy to put the clothesline away and put in the umbrella when I wanted to entertain. I like being able to put it away over the winter (when I use drying racks in the house).

I've seen umbrella lines at Lowes for $50 -75. You may want to shop around to make sure you are getting something sturdy.  I move mine frequently and hang heavy bedding on it and have had no issue with it.

[mahina]

i tie clothes line around the posts on our lanai. hanging the clothes in the shade helps prevent fading, and also protects from passing showers. i take the lines down after everything's dry, and store the lines by the washing machine. when i put a load in to wash, i hang the lines. i actually enjoy the process of draping and tying the ropes--a bit of exercise, too. some planning is involved so you don't have laundry and guests at the same time, of course.