Last updated: 27 September 2026
Quick Answer
The Clothesline Store's best folding frame clothesline is Air Dry, 100% Aussie made from Aussie steel, in 12 ready made sizes or made to order to your exact width. Hills and Austral offer fixed sizes.
A folding frame clothesline gives you generous hanging space that folds flat when you're done, making it the modern alternative to the traditional rotary hoist as Australian backyards get smaller. This guide covers why folding frames work so well, where to install one, and how Air Dry, Hills and Austral compare.
Why Choose a Folding Frame Clothesline?
Space saving. Folding frame clotheslines fold flat against the wall when not in use, so they suit small backyards, balconies, side paths and laundries without taking over the space.
Ample drying capacity. Models range from compact units for singles and apartments to large frames that handle king and queen sheets for busy families.
Durable construction. Quality folding frames are built from steel and weather-resistant materials that stand up to the Australian climate for years.
Air Dry: The Best Folding Frame Clothesline in Australia
Air Dry is our number one folding frame clothesline. It's 100% Australian made from 100% Australian steel, with more size options than any other fold down range we stock, a range of colours, and straightforward instructions for easy DIY installation.
Air Dry Ready Made comes in 3 widths of 1.8m, 2.4m and 3.0m and 4 depths from 0.6m to 1.5m, giving 12 sizes in Monument, Woodland Grey and Surfmist. It's dispatched the same or next business day.
Air Dry Made to Order: choose your width, choose your depth, choose your colour. Built to your exact width, to the nearest 5mm, up to 3.3m. Simply select the next width up, for example 3.0m for a 2.85m wall, then enter your exact width at checkout. There are 11 colours to choose from, and it's Low Line compatible.
Wall Mounted or Ground Mounted?
Wall mounted. Ideal for compact backyards, patios and balconies. Wall mounted folding frames fix to the wall with brackets, generally with two holes per side, and fold flat to keep the area tidy. Make sure the wall can support the weight of the clothesline and wet washing. Solid brick or masonry is best. On weatherboard, install structural timber support first. Never mount a clothesline on a fence.
Ground mounted. Where wall mounting isn't possible or you'd like the clothesline out in the yard, a standard ground mount kit sets the legs in concrete footings for a stable installation. A plated ground mount kit uses welded base plates to fix the clothesline to an existing or new concrete slab. Every Air Dry model can be ground mounted.
Other Brands to Consider
Hills has been a trusted name in Australia for decades. Its five fold down models, the Double, Long, Mini, Compact and Standard, have powder-coated frames, weather-resistant materials and a built-in line tensioner, from compact units for small spaces to larger frames for busy households.
Austral offers six fold down models: the Compact, Standard, Long, Add-A-Line, Indoor/Outdoor and Balcony. Frames use Galvabond steel, there's a built-in line tensioner, and most models can be ground mounted.
Professional Installation Service
Many people can install a folding frame clothesline themselves, but reading the instructions first is essential. If you'd prefer expert help, our professional installation service makes sure your clothesline is securely mounted at the best height and in the right spot for its width and depth, whether it's wall or ground mounted. Our installers cover Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and beyond, including Geelong, the Gold Coast and Newcastle. Simply select "Yes, Install My Clothesline" or "Yes, Install and Remove Old Clothesline" when you order.
Need help choosing? Call our friendly team on 1300 509 564.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Find out how to measure for a new rotary clothesline, what's hot in the market like the top selling drying racks and why they are loved in Australia, and view the best Australian made fold down clothesline.
FAQs: Best Folding Frame Clotheslines
What is the best folding frame clothesline in Australia?
Air Dry is The Clothesline Store's number one pick, 100% Australian made from 100% Australian steel, in 12 ready made sizes or made to order to your exact width.
What size folding clothesline do I need?
It depends on your laundry load and the space you have. Measure your wall width and the space in front for the frame to open. If no standard size fits, Air Dry Made to Order is built to your exact width.
Can I install a folding clothesline on a fence?
No, we don't recommend installing a clothesline on a fence. Read why in our guide.
Do I need a special kit for ground mounting?
Yes. Use a standard ground mount kit for soil, or a plated ground mount kit to fix the clothesline to an existing or new concrete slab.
Can I choose the colour of my folding clothesline?
Yes. Air Dry Made to Order comes in 11 colours and Ready Made in 3, and Hills and Austral offer a range of colours too.
How much weight can a folding clothesline hold?
Check the specific model's specifications, but most folding clotheslines typically support around 20 to 25kg.
Can I use a folding clothesline indoors?
Yes, choose a model suited to indoor areas, such as the Hills Mini or Austral Indoor/Outdoor.
How long does it take to install a folding clothesline?
On average about 1 to 3 hours, or you can choose our professional installation service.
Final Thoughts
A folding frame clothesline gives you convenience, space saving and generous drying space for any home. For the widest choice of sizes and colours in an Australian made frame, Air Dry is the folding frame clothesline we recommend first.
Shipped Direct From Our Warehouse
As Australia's largest private stockholder of clotheslines and accessories, The Clothesline Store ships in-stock items the same or next business day from our own national warehouse, with a 4.9 out of 5 star customer rating.
Clothesline Covers for Your Clothesline
Clothesline covers protect your clothing from the harsh Australian UV rays. A ClevaCover clothesline cover gives your washing high UV protection from the Australian sunlight while it dries, and shelters it from overhead rain, bird droppings and falling leaves, so you can hang your washing out and leave it with confidence.
ClevaCover for fold down clotheslines. Fits Air Dry, Hills Folding Frame, Austral, Eco, Daytek and other fold down brands, mounted on a wall or ground mount legs.
ClevaCover for folding rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills, Austral and Daytek folding rotary clotheslines.
ClevaCover for fixed head rotary clotheslines. Fits Hills Hoist and Austral fixed head rotary clotheslines, giving shade across the whole hanging area.
