How High to Install a Clothesline

How High Should the Clothesline Be from the Ground?

When installing a new clothesline, one of the most important yet commonly overlooked considerations is: How high should the clothesline be from the ground?

Getting the right clothesline height not only improves ease of use, but also extends the life of your clothesline and reduces strain on your clothes, frame, and even your back.

Whether you're planning to install a fold down clothesline, a rotary head, or a retractable clothesline, the correct height from the ground is essential to optimise performance and user comfort. TABLE OF CONTENTS

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ideal mounting heights based on clothesline type, user height, space available, and even weather conditions—ensuring you make the right choice the first time.

Why Clothesline Height Matters

• Ensure proper airflow for faster drying

• Prevent clothes from dragging on the ground

• Avoid over-stretching or strain when hanging clothes

• Maximise your use of space, especially near walls, fences, or concrete paths

• Ensure safe use by all household members

Installing too low will mean clothes touch the ground or get dirty. Too high, and you’ll struggle to hang heavier items like towels and sheets—especially in windy or exposed locations.

📐 General Rule of Thumb: Ideal Clothesline Height

The average recommended height for clotheslines is:

• 1.8m from ground level for most users

• Or 15cm–20cm above the user's head height for comfortable hanging and line tension

This may vary depending on:

• The type of clothesline

• The person using it

• The location (e.g. backyard lawn vs concrete wall)

• Whether you want a permanent install or an adjustable system

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Fold Down Clotheslines: Recommended Height

Fold down clotheslines are commonly mounted on walls or ground posts. They’re a popular choice across Australia for compact spaces, patios, and courtyards.

Wall-Mounted Fold Downs:

• Mount the top of the frame between 1.7m–1.8m high

• Leave a minimum 300mm clearance below the lowest hanging line

Ground Mount Fold Downs:

• Ground posts can be cut to suit your height

• Consider the line slope—the rear lines sit lower than the front frame

✅ Tip: Always check the frame depth to ensure clothes won’t hang too close to the ground, especially with longer garments.

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Folding Rotary Clotheslines: How High to Install

• Ground socket depth: ~500mm

• Set the rotary post so arms sit 1.75m to 1.85m above ground when open

• Ensure users can reach the centre line without tiptoeing

Most folding rotary heads can be lifted and locked into position for extra clearance or compact storage.

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Fixed Head Rotary Clotheslines: Considerations

• Overall height: Approx. 1.8m to 2m depending on the model

• Installation depth: Set in concrete 500mm–650mm deep

• Allow for rotation clearance away from fences, trees, or other objects

Fixed models often support heavier loads and have larger line diameters, making them ideal for big families—but less forgiving if incorrectly installed.

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Retractable Clotheslines: Mounting Height Guide

• Ideal mounting height: 1.8m

• Mount both ends at the same level for proper line tension

• For longer extensions (10mtr), install slightly higher to account for line sag

⚠️ Tip: Avoid mounting too low—it reduces drying efficiency and can be a tripping hazard.

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How to Measure for Clothesline Height

• Start with the main person using the clothesline height – add 15cm to 20cm for reach

• Measure from the ground up to the top frame or main bar

• Mark height clearly before drilling or ground mounting
  

• Check for interference with fences, gates, or posts

If you're core drilling into concrete, double-check line height before fixing posts.

External Factors to Consider

• Sun and Wind Exposure: Higher installs maximise sun, but in windy areas lower installs help stability

• Garment Type and Load Weight: Heavier clothes like towels need more clearance

Product-Specific Height Information

Brands like Hills, Austral, and Air Dry include installation height recommendations. The Clothesline Store offers detailed specs, reviews, and helpful guides on each product page.

What If You Get It Wrong?

• Too low: Clothes drag, splash from ground, long-term sag

• Too high: Hard to reach, accessibility issues, interfere with eaves or fixtures

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Choosing the Right Mounting Method

DIY Clothesline Installation

If you're a DIYer planning to install your new clothesline, it's crucial to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully—especially when it comes to the height of the clothesline. Each model has recommended mounting or post installation heights to ensure optimal performance, comfort, and clearance.

Installing your clothesline too low may cause clothes to drag on the ground, or worse, result in head-height hazards.

Installing it too high makes it difficult to reach, particularly for heavier items. Whether you're wall-mounting a fold down clothesline or setting posts in the ground for a rotary model, following the height guidelines will ensure a safe, user-friendly install that lasts.

Professional Services

Installing your new clothesline shouldn’t be difficult—but proper installation is essential to ensure it functions as designed and stands the test of time.

At The Clothesline Store, our expert installers deliver reliable, professional installation services across Australia, saving you time, effort, and guesswork.

Whether you're choosing a wall-mounted fold down clothesline or a rotary model, professional installation ensures your unit is mounted at the correct height, securely fastened, and ready to handle daily use.

Backed by our Clothesline Selection Guide and expert team, our installation service provides the peace of mind that your new clothesline has been fitted with precision.

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Final Recommendations

• Fold Down Clotheslines: 1.8m from ground or slightly above user head height

• Folding Rotary Clotheslines: Base install ~1.8m; adjustable arms help

• Fixed Head Rotary: Must be set at correct depth; no adjustment post-install

• Retractable Clotheslines: 1.8m, matching both mounting ends

Proper installation height is key to a functional, long-lasting clothesline that suits your space, your family, and your laundry habits.

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