Imagine a summer breeze moving through fresh sheets strung across this handmade wooden frame.
The A-shape feels almost like a child’s backyard playset—but instead of swings, it holds your laundry high in the sun. It’s simple carpentry with a purpose: wood, rope, and fresh air working together in harmony.
The result feels like something you’d find at an old farmhouse, built to last and quietly blending into the garden around it.
Materials Needed
- 4 sturdy wooden boards (2” × 3” × 6 ft each, for legs)
- 2 cross beams (2” × 3” × 4 ft each, for stability)
- Heavy-duty outdoor clothesline or nylon cord (20-30 ft)
- Galvanized screws (2.5” length, rust-resistant)
- Drill and screwdriver
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Optional: exterior wood stain or sealer
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut your boards to size and sand rough edges to avoid splinters. You’ll need four long legs and two shorter beams for bracing.
Step 2: Form two “A” shapes by crossing two boards at the top and securing them with screws. You can repeat for the second side.
Step 3: Connect the A-frames with the shorter beams including one across the top and one near the bottom for stability. This creates a freestanding frame.
Step 4: Drill evenly spaced holes along the inside of each leg. Then thread your clothesline through, pulling it taut with each pass. Tie firmly at the ends.
Step 5: Test by hanging a damp towel or two. If the lines sag, tighten them until firm. The frame should stand strong without wobbling.
Tips:
If you want this to last outdoors year-round, give the wood a coat of sealant.
I’ve seen neighbors decorate theirs with hooks for clothespins or even hang flower baskets from the top bar. It’s one of those simple builds that turns into part of the garden’s character over time.