How to mount clothesline on wooden fence?

[KSB]

Hi bought a fold down fence from Bunnings but it has only masonry screws which is probably because it’s where is recommended to install. However the best location at our place is on the wooden fence. Request guidance on how I can best do it so it doesn’t warp under weight. Fence posits are about 2m apart and the width of the cloths line mount is 2.26m wide. I believe it is recommended to install on the posts only or maybe make a bridge between two posts? With a slight over hang past the posts hope a bridge will work fine? Would it be recommended to put additional vertical posts in the ground with a concreted, cement mix to make like a frame!  Appreciate all info and help please. 

[EricL]

Hello @KSB 

It is very tempting to install your clothesline on your fence. But the issue is that we can't tell if the fence post was properly buried or if there is enough concrete in the footing to support extra weight. Putting extra weight on the fence might cause it to lean which will add to your list of things to do. I recommend using a compatible clothes line post kit and putting it in a concrete footing. In this manner the clothesline will be independent of the fence and prevent it from getting damaged. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[KSB]

Hi Eric many thanks for your reply. The fence was erected in front of me so the concrete is pretty decent in my opinion and is about 60cm deep maybe more can’t remember. Considering that could you suggest how best to mount it on the posts? Like I mentioned before the posts are only about 2.2m wide while the clothes line frame is 2.6appx. I’m thinking maybe but a 6x2 or maybe a 4x2 on both the posts so it becomes wide enough for the frame? What say?

Also if I take your suggestion and use the post kit how wide/deep do you recommend the hole should be to erect the posts and how much of the post should be submerged into the concrete? Also should I clamp them to the fence or the fence posts for better stability?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @KSB,

If you were to use the fence posts a solid 2600mm length of 140 x 45mm treated pine spanning between the post and screwed into them would be your best best. This is a much better option than just having two short lengths attached to the posts. It will evenly distribute the weight between the two posts.

If you were to use the kit, the posts in it would be 2600mm apart, so you won't have the option to connect them to the fence posts, which are 2200mm apart. These kits don't require that, though. The post kit, such as the Hills Folding Post Kit - Woodland Grey, will come with instructions on the required footings and the depth at which the post needs to be below ground. You can find the installation instructions online. This kit requires a 500mm deep x 200mm wide hole with 100mm of gravel at the base. That will mean 400mm of the post will be in the ground.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell