Tools you will need:
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Post hole digger or long handled shovel
- Shovel
- Measuring jug
- Hose or bucket
- Wheelbarrow
- Rod for tamping
Carefully read the instructions for installation provided by your clothesline manufacturer and follow these simple steps to use Cement Australia Rapid Set, Concrete Mix or Extra Strength Concrete Mix to install your new clothesline.
Click to play video
Materials you will need:
- Bags of Concrete Mix 20kg
- Clothesline and ground socket
- Drainage material: gravel
- Clean water
Recommended products
Although you can use any product from the Cement Australia concrete range, we recommend Cement Australia's Rapid Set.
For increased strength & durability we recommend using Cement Australia Extra Strength.
Specially formulated to harden rapidly, so you can complete a job faster
Quality product designed for small projects
Designed to deliver twice the strength of a standard concrete mix
Before you get started
- Use the Calculator to estimate how many 20kg bags you will need
- Read the Hints & Tips section
- Carefully read the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer of the Clothesline. For steel or aluminium clotheslines, please ensure they are sealed according to the manufacturers' recommendations to prevent corrosion occurring.
- Ensure you have any relevant approvals or permits. Ensure there are no pipes or services below the ground; contact Dial Before You Dig on 1100 or via their website www.1100.com.au for advice on the locations of submerged pipes and cables.
Safety
Before you begin any project, please ensure you protect yourself with the following:
Boots
Face mask
Gloves
Googles
Long pants & sleeves
Team lift
Look after yourself properly
- Protect your skin and eyes. Cement based products are alkaline and can cause burns to exposed skin or eyes.
- When working outdoors, be SunSmart - Slip on some sun-protective clothing – Slop on sunscreen - Slap on a hat - Seek shade - Slide on some sunglasses.
- Use our simple Calculator to work out how much Render It™ product you will need for your project.
- All 20kg bags of cement products require 2 people to lift them safely. Always follow safe lifting procedures to avoid injury. So you will need a friend to help you handle the 20kg bags and to assist with setting the clothesline.
HOW TO SET A NEW CLOTHESLINE IN THE GROUND
1
PLAN YOUR HOLE
Consult the installation instructions from your Clothesline manufacturer to position your hole and decide the required depth and diameter of hole. This will vary based on the size and span of your clothesline.
2
DIG YOUR HOLE
Use a post hole digger or long handled shovel to dig your hole adding 10-20cm depth to allow for gravel to be placed under the post for drainage.
Refer to our simple calculator to work out how much packaged product you will need.
3
SOAK THE HOLE
Pre-soak the hole thoroughly with clean water and allow the water to drain into the soil.
4
ADD GRAVEL FOR DRAINGE
Place 10-20cm of gravel in the hole for drainage.
USING RAPID SET CONCRETE MIX
5
POSITION SOCKET OF CLOTHESLINE
Position your ground socket in the centre of the hole pushing it into the gravel slightly, ensuring that it is set to the correct depth based on the installation instructions from your Clothesline manufacturer.
6
FOR RAPID SET - ADD WATER & HALF THE CONCRETE
Accurately measure 2.5 litres of clean water per 20kg bag and add the water to the hole. Immediately pour in half the bag of Rapid Set Concrete making sure that it is evenly distributed around the post of the clothesline.
Tip
Check and re-check that the post is exactly vertical otherwise your finished clothesline will not be level.
7
FOR RAPID SET - TAMP WELL & ADD THE REST
Tamp the product around the post using a rod to remove any air pockets. Add the remaining half bag of product and tamp again. Add small amounts of water only if required to ensure that the mix is completely moistened. Should you need more concrete for the hole, immediately repeat the process with another bag.
Tip
Tamping is essential to remove air pockets and achieve a solidly set clothesline every time.
8
FOR RAPID SET - SUPPORTS MAY BE REMOVED AFTER AT LEAST 1 HOUR
The product will harden initially in 15 minutes. Allow the Rapid Set Concrete to harden for at least 1 hour before removing the bracing supports. It is recommended to wait for 24 hours before use of the clothesline.
USING EXTRA STRENGTH OR CONCRETE MIX
5
MIX CONCRETE & WATER
In a non-porous vessel, such as a wheelbarrow, add the Concrete Mix no more than 2 bags at a time. Add exactly the amount of clean water instructed on the back of the packaging per bag of Concrete Mix and mix thoroughly remembering that excess water ruins good concrete.
6
POSITION SOCKET, ADD CONCRETE & TAMP WELL
Position your ground socket in the centre of the hole pushing it into the gravel slightly, ensuring that it is set to the correct depth based on the installation instructions from your Clothesline manufacturer. Place the correct amount of the mixed concrete to the hole, filling the hole to the level recommended in the installation instructions. Tamp the product around the ground socket using a rod to remove any air pockets. Should you need more concrete for the hole, immediately repeat the process with another bag.
Tip
Check and re-check that the post is exactly vertical otherwise your finished clothesline will not be level.
7
SLOPE THE SURFACE
Heap the surface of the concrete to create a rounded crown around the ground socket so any surface water flows away from the clothesline post.
8
ALLOW CONCRETE TO HARDEN
Allow the concrete to harden for a minimum of 24 hours before removing any bracing supports and installing the top part into the ground socket for the rotary style clotheslines.
Allow the concrete to harden for at least 7 days before loading the clothesline with heavy wet washing.
Tip
If using Extra Strength Concrete Mix, clothesline can be used in half the time.
Hints & tips
- It is really important that you keep the concrete out of the locking recess in the ground socket otherwise you will not be able to insert the clothesline post into the ground socket.
- The ambient temperature can affect the setting times of all types of concrete. If the temperature is less than 10oC, wait until the day becomes warmer and if its over 35oC then postpone the job until it is cooler.
- Always clean your equipment right away especially when using Rapid Set Concrete. Once concrete hardens, it is very hard to remove.