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Washing line pole

My garden is currently being completely revamped, and I'm hoping to put in a double-washing-line post - I'm not 100% certain I have the right name: it's a tall pole with two lines on different levels attached to the back of the house, the lines are attached to the pole in way that means you can drop them down (to put the washing on) and pull them up high when either drying or not in use so no one will be clothes-lined by them.

Does anyone know where these can be found to buy? Looking online I only seem to find ones that are average head height or seem to go off in different directions rather than parallel washing lines. Is the only option to use a scaffold pole and weld some bits to it, or am I missing something?

Comments

  • Ganga
    Ganga Posts: 4,253 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    How far apart are the washing lines on the system you want? if not far enough the washing on the top line will foul the bottom line ,the only way i could see it working is if the top line was about 10 ft off the ground and you will not be able to use it.
    Can you not just use a rotary clothes line ,you can get loads on it.
  • Ganga said:
    How far apart are the washing lines on the system you want? if not far enough the washing on the top line will foul the bottom line ,the only way i could see it working is if the top line was about 10 ft off the ground and you will not be able to use it.
    Can you not just use a rotary clothes line ,you can get loads on it.
    I'm staying with family at the moment, while I have building work going on in my house, and she has a similar post to the one I'm looking for (unfortunately, hers and all her neighbours' all look to be eons old, so they can't tell me anything about where to get them) - I've just gone to measure, and the bottom line is about 3m from the ground, with the upper line about 1m above that. It works really well because it has a winch system which means its out of the way most of the time. I unfortunately won't have the turning space for a rotary line.

  • housebuyer143
    housebuyer143 Posts: 4,228 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    People use old scaffolding poles don't they? That's what I have seen others using.
  • CliveOfIndia
    CliveOfIndia Posts: 2,469 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    People use old scaffolding poles don't they? That's what I have seen others using.
    Scaffold poles are certainly a very popular way of doing it.  Just a few years ago my father-in-law put up a pair for their new washing line.  I gave him a lift down to the local scrap-metal place as my car was more suitable for shifting them - he picked up 2 poles about 10 or 12 foot long for the princely sum of a fiver :)

  • Rusty190
    Rusty190 Posts: 204 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Have a look at www.linepost.co.uk @Cactus_Flowers.
    They have a dual system line post and pulley that I think you are describing.
    I know nothing about the company and I don't have that type of washing line.
  • JohnJ76
    JohnJ76 Posts: 95 Forumite
    Fourth Anniversary 10 Posts
    omg, just looked at the cost of those on that site, £100+ for a pole a couple of pulleys and a washing line, nearly £300 for a double system! what cost of living crisis?! they will offer a free no obligation quote for installation though (extra obviously!) 
    Worst debt £31,746
    April 2023   £16,610 (-47%)
  • CliveOfIndia
    CliveOfIndia Posts: 2,469 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    JohnJ76 said:
    omg, just looked at the cost of those on that site, £100+ for a pole a couple of pulleys and a washing line, nearly £300 for a double system! what cost of living crisis?! they will offer a free no obligation quote for installation though (extra obviously!) 
    Yep.  Depends on how handy you are, but you can DIY it for a fraction of the cost.  Scaffold poles from a scrappie, pulleys and line from B&Q, Screwfix, wherever, a tin of Hammerite to make the scaffold poles look nice, job's a good-un.  As I mentioned earlier, my FIL paid next to nothing for the scaffold poles - he probably paid more for the paint than everything else combined :)

  • ashe
    ashe Posts: 1,574 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Permanent washing lines are vile imo, they're unsightly, in the way, require more complex installation etc. 

    Just get;

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Minky-Retractable-Washing-Drying-Space/dp/B001CJ12QO/ref=asc_df_B001CJ12QO/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=256204342235&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2983688763254122538&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046803&hvtargid=pla-383528527325&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

    Replace it maybe every 2-3 years, theyre cheap and easy to install. 

    I'd get a couple of the metal lugs to go on the opposite surfaces to tie them around. 

    2 of these, one for each line

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Washing-Prop,Heavy-Extendable-Clothes-Extenedable/dp/B09DCJ24ZJ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=U5WJO7ARS3MP&keywords=washing+line+pole&qid=1679828462&s=kitchen&sprefix=washing+line+pole,kitchen,70&sr=1-4

    These last years. 

    When no washing, just unhook and it retracts and tuck the pole away and enjoy your full garden with everything out of sight.
  • Teapot55
    Teapot55 Posts: 792 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Be sure to dig a deep enough hole for the pole. A metre is about right but the deeper the better really. You pour ‘post concrete’ round the pole once it’s in place and that absorbs water from the surrounding soil. 

    would've . . . could've . . . should've . . .


    A.A.A.S. (Associate of the Acronym Abolition Society)

    There's definitely no 'a' in 'definitely'.
  • jiffey
    jiffey Posts: 1 Newbie
    First Post
    My garden is currently being completely revamped, and I'm hoping to put in a double-washing-line post - I'm not 100% certain I have the right name: it's a tall pole with two lines on different levels attached to the back of the house, the lines are attached to the pole in way that means you can drop them down (to put the washing on) and pull them up high when either drying or not in use so no one will be clothes-lined by them.

    Does anyone know where these can be found to buy? Looking online I only seem to find ones that are average head height or seem to go off in different directions rather than parallel washing lines. Is the only option to use a scaffold pole and weld some bits to it, or am I missing something?

    Your garden revamp sounds exciting, and a double-washing-line post is a fantastic addition. These posts, which allow you to drop the lines for loading laundry and raise them high for drying, can be tricky to find. Here's some guidance:

    Specific Terminology: Often called "double-tier clothes lines poles" or "telescopic clothes line poles," these items are designed to offer adjustable heights and parallel lines for efficient drying.

    Where to Buy:

    Online Retailers: Search on home improvement sites like Homebase, B&Q, or Amazon using the keywords "telescopic clothes line poles" or "double-tier washing line poles."

    Specialty Stores: Stores that specialize in garden or laundry solutions may carry these items.

    Custom Solutions: If off-the-shelf options don't meet your needs, consider having one custom-made using a scaffold pole and welded attachments, as you mentioned.

    Custom-Made Options: For a personalized approach, consulting with a local metalworker or handyman to create a custom double-washing-line post can ensure you get exactly what you need.

    Key Features to Look For:

    • Adjustable Height: Ensures convenience for loading and lifting the laundry.
    • Durable Materials: Look for galvanized steel or heavy-duty aluminum.
    • Ease of Use: Mechanisms for easily raising and lowering the lines.

    By exploring these options, you're sure to find the perfect clothes line poles for your revamped garden. For more detailed products and options, you might want to visit 

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