Quick Answer
At The Clothesline Store, we only recommend weatherboard installation once a treated structural timber backing board is fixed into the wall studs. Never mount directly onto weatherboards. If that isn't possible, use a ground mount kit.
Weatherboard homes can still have a wall mounted fold down or retractable clothesline, but the weatherboards themselves aren't strong enough to carry the load. The key is installing structural timber support first.
Can You Mount a Clothesline Directly onto Weatherboard?
No. Weatherboards are cladding, not structure. Fixing a clothesline straight into the boards can pull them loose, damage the wall and cause the clothesline to fail under a full load of wet washing.
How Do You Install a Clothesline on a Weatherboard Wall?
Step 1: Use a stud finder to locate the timber studs behind the weatherboards.
Step 2: Fix a treated structural timber backing board across at least two studs using long, corrosion-resistant screws that go deep into each stud.
Step 3: Mount the clothesline brackets onto the backing board, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4: Pre-drill all holes to prevent splitting, and seal around each fixing with exterior-grade sealant to stop water getting in.
Check your council or strata rules before installing, especially in heritage areas.
Which Clotheslines Work Best on Weatherboard Homes?
Air Dry fold down clotheslines are Australian made from 100% Australian steel and fold flat against the wall when not in use. Mount them onto a structural timber backing board. Retractable clotheslines keep drying out of sight and also need a structural timber backing board at each wall fixing point.
What If Your Weatherboard Wall Isn't Suitable?
Use a ground mount kit instead. Air Dry fold down clotheslines can be installed on a ground mount kit in soil or grass, or on a base plate kit on concrete. You get the same space saving design with no load on your wall. Never mount a clothesline on a fence.
Professional Clothesline Installation
Not confident with the backing board? When you purchase your clothesline from The Clothesline Store, we a professional installation and old line removal in selected areas, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Geelong, the Gold Coast and Newcastle. Just select the installation option at checkout.
Related Guides from The Clothesline Store
Read can you install a clothesline on a brick fence, compare the best ground mounted folding frame clotheslines, and find out the best Australian made fold down clothesline.
Weatherboard Clothesline Installation FAQs
Can I install a fold down clothesline on weatherboard?
Only after fixing a treated structural timber backing board into the wall studs. Never fix a clothesline directly into weatherboards.
Why can't I screw a clothesline straight into weatherboards?
Weatherboards are cladding, not structure. They can't carry the weight of wet washing and may pull loose or crack.
Can a retractable clothesline go on a weatherboard house?
Yes, as long as each wall fixing point is mounted onto a structural timber backing board fixed into the studs.
What is the best alternative to wall mounting on weatherboard?
A ground mount kit in soil or grass, or a base plate kit on concrete. Both support the clothesline with no load on the wall.
Can The Clothesline Store install my clothesline?
Yes. The Clothesline Store offers professional installation in selected areas.
Final Thoughts
A clothesline on a weatherboard home is doable when you install structural timber support first. If your wall isn't suitable, a ground mount kit gives you the same convenience with none of the risk.
Shipped Direct From Our Warehouse
As Australia's largest private stockholder of clotheslines, 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.
