The longest part of this project is waiting for the concrete to dry. Otherwise it’s a fairly simple and easy process to follow:

I settled on a set of White Powder Coated Steel T-Posts.

Other materials we had to buy were:

• three bags of Quikrete concrete mix
• (10) 3/16 Inch Stainless Steel Cable Clamps
• (5) 1/4″ Stainless Steel Hook and Eye Turnbuckles
• 150′ coated clothesline wire (more or less depending on how long you want your lines)

Tools:

• a level
• a shovel or Post Hole Digger
• needle nose pliers

1. Determine the best placement.

Ideally, the best place to install a clothesline is on the south side of your property where it will get the most sun. Position the clothesline running north to south. If there is no place to install a clothesline on the south side of your home, find the sunniest spot.

Install your clothesline on a sunny day, with no chance of rain for a couple days.

2. Dig the holes.

Using a post hole digger, dig two holes- one for each post, 18-24″ deep. We spaced ours 25 feet apart to give me 125 feet of line total.

Dump the dirt in a wheelbarrow to keep your yard tidy.

3. Place the pole in the hole.

Drop the end pole into the hole somewhere near the center.

4. Level it up.

Use a level to make sure the pole isn’t leaning.

You can use rocks or bricks to help hold the pole level while you pour the concrete.

5. Pour concrete into hole.

You’ll need 1 1/2 to 2 bags of quick setting concrete per hole.

Pour the dry concrete into the hole doing your best to keep it somewhat even. You should probably wear a mask during this process.

6. Add water to the concrete mix.

Next, pour 1/2 gallon of water into the hole over the powdered concrete mix. Follow the instructions on the bag of concrete.

When the concrete has set for 24 hours or so, and the poles are firm in place, attach the top of each post to the base and assemble the cross bars.

7. Install the clothesline.

Definitely use coated wire for your clothesline.

Measure out enough wire to run the length of your clothesline, adding about six inches or so extra to each side.

Use stainless steel cable clamps so they don’t rust.

Thread the coated wire through the eye hook on one end of the clothesline post. Double it over and clamp it together with a cable clamp, tightening the nuts with needle nose pliers.

Attach the hook end of the turnbuckle into the eye hook on the opposite t-post, then loop the clothesline wire through the eye end of the turnbuckle and attach it with another cable clamp. You can use this turnbuckle to tighten your line if it starts to sag over time.

Repeat this process for all five lines.

Have you been able to install a permanent clothesline on your property? Are there other tips or tricks you would suggest for this project?

Article and Photo Source: New Life on a Homestead