Best Materials To Use To Build A Clothesline

Building a clothesline in your yard is a great way to dry clothing naturally. Whether you enjoy the sun-kissed feeling of sheets dried on a line or are looking to cut down on your energy costs, a clothing line is the way to go. While you can use nearly any rope, hook, and pole to dry your clothes, some materials work much better than others.

Steel core and paracord both make great ropes for a clothesline. They are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to wear and tear from the elements. A cotton rope is a good organic option. Polypropylene and PVC rope are durable and affordable options. When selecting the best materials, you need to think about how long you want it to last, as well as where you plan to put it, and your climate.

A clothesline is always a good idea. It takes stress off your dryer and is almost guaranteed to lower your electric bill. But you must take the time to build a clothesline that will last. The key to building a long-lasting clothesline is purchasing the right materials for your needs. Keep reading to learn all about the best materials to use to build a clothesline, as well as factors to consider before you purchase the materials.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Material For A Clothesline

1. Longevity

One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself when you build a clothesline is how long do you want it to last? You can put a makeshift clothesline up in a matter of minutes, but it is unlikely to last very long.

If you want your clothesline to be a permanent fixture in your backyard or along the side of your house, then you need to get long-lasting and durable materials.

2. Your Climate

You also need to think about your climate when you decide on the best materials to build your clothesline. If, for example, you live in a very wet climate, or somewhere near an ocean, it is best to avoid most metals, and even organic materials like cotton and untreated wood.

Arid climates, in addition to drying clothes quicker, allow you to choose a variety of different materials, including more vulnerable ones like cotton and wood.

3. Where You Put It

Where you put your clothesline will also dictate the materials you need to build it. If you build a clothesline that from your home, or along your home, you may be able to utilize your wall as support. This also could mean that a retractable clothesline is a good option.

If you put your clothesline on full display in your yard, you will want to use sturdy materials, as well as ones that look visually appealing.

4. Length Of Clothesline

The length and the design of your clothesline will also dictate the type of materials you should use to build it. If you want a clothesline that is longer than 10 feet, you will want to use more poles, and durable ones. 

Longer clotheslines will need strong ropes that won’t sag under pressure. Shorter clotheslines can be made of less sturdy materials, even though it’s always best to choose quality.

5. Your Budget

Lastly, your budget will be the final important factor to consider as you decide what type of materials to buy for your clothesline. Certain wood and rope are significantly more expensive than others. Paracord and steel core will cost much more than PVC and cotton rope. Keep in mind, however, that you may have to re-purchase these cheaper materials several times over as they won’t last as long as the more expensive ones.

Best Materials To Use For Clothesline Rope

1. Steel Core

One of the best and most popular ropes for a clothesline is coated steel core. What makes this rope material ideal for a clothesline is its light weight and strength. Steel is one of the strongest materials out there, and coated steel can withstand all the tough weather a clothesline is likely to endure.

This material is also affordable and easy to find. It works great in nearly any climate and can take more weight than plastic and other man-made clothesline materials.

2. Polypropylene 

Polypropylene rope is a great and affordable man-made clothesline option. One of the best benefits of this material is it can withstand a variety of weather conditions. It won’t splinter or unravel over time, and it is unlikely to develop mold or other conditions that some natural materials suffer from staying outdoors.

3. Cotton Rope Natural Line

If you want an organic and natural rope option for your clothesline, then cotton rope is a good option. It won’t harm the environment and can hold up a good amount of weight. This is an option for those in drier climates. Keep in mind if you live in a wet climate, this rope is prone to bacteria and mold growth, and will deteriorate much quicker than man-made rope.

4. PVC Clothesline 

PVC is a durable and cheap clothesline rope option. Not only is PVC resilient in all weather conditions, but it is also lightweight. While this material isn’t nearly as strong as steel core, it is very easy to clean. You can wipe it down after each use, so it looks brand new and won’t dirty your clothes with dust.

5. Paracord

Paracord is another great rope material for a clothesline. It is known for its strength, so it can hold up plenty of clothes without snapping. It is also resilient in many types of weather. The only issue with this material is that it can sag a bit over time, and it can cost a bit more than PVC.

6. Retractable Wire Clothesline

If you want a clothesline in your yard but don’t want to see it all the time, opt for a retractable wire or rope clothesline. These lines perform the same duties but disappear into a case when you don’t want to use them. A retractable clothesline is ideal for people who don’t have a lot of yard space.

Five Tips To Building A Clothesline That Will Last

1. Use Durable Poles Made Of Wood Or Metal

To ensure your clotheslines will last for many years, you need them to have strong bones and a foundation. This means the poles you use for a clothesline must be strong and durable. Use metal or treated wood to ensure your clothesline can stand up when tested by wet heavy blankets and strong winds. 

2. Choose The Right Rope For Your Climate

Climate can have a profound impact on what makes for the ideal materials to build a clothesline. Make sure you choose the right clothesline materials for your climate. Choosing materials that conflict with the humidity or sun strength in your region can result in you needing to replace your clothesline more frequently than normal.

3. Dig A Hole To Make Your Posts More Permanent

Ensure you dig a deep hole for your clothesline. This will help prevent the poles from tipping to an angle. You may also want to consider pouring concrete around the pole or wood to make it more sturdy. If you have sandy soil, dig even deeper to ensure your poles stand strong and tall.

4. Seal Wood And Metal

In addition to the materials being quite important, how you seal and cover them is equally important. Just as with all outdoor furnishings, your clothesline will significantly benefit from additional protection. Regardless if you use metal or wood poles, make sure you coat them with an additional layer of protection to keep them protected from the outdoor elements.

5. Don’t Put Too Much Weight On It

Lastly, remember not to over-stress your clothesline. One of the most common reasons people need to replace a clothesline is due to adding too much weight to the line. If you hand wash your clothes they might be more wet and heavy. Slowly add the garments to the line, being careful not to add too much weight. If you are drying a heavy comforter, avoid drying other items at the same time. Remember that wet clothes and blankets can weigh a lot more than dry ones.

Summing Up Best Materials To Use To Build A Clothesline

A clothesline is a great way to dry clothes the old-fashioned way. It can give your dryer a rest, help it last longer, and even significantly lower your electric bill. But you must use quality materials when building a clothesline. Steel core is the best rope material to use for a clothesline. You can also use polypropylene, PVC rope, cotton rope, paracord, or even a retractable clothesline if you don’t have much space.

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