How to Install a Ground Spike for an Outdoor Umbrella Clothes Dryer

An outdoor umbrella-style clothes dryer or clothesline is an economical and environmentally friendly way to dry clothes in the summer. The relatively compact size of the setup makes it useful in small yards. The pole that supports the frame is placed in a ground spike or socket set in the ground and stabilized with a small amount of concrete. The pole turns in the socket, giving convenient access to all four sides of the clothesline. Your umbrella clothesline is easily removed and stored during winter.

Shovel
Spirit level
2 buckets of concrete
Perforated brick (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location in the yard for your umbrella clothesline. There should be plenty of sun exposure and enough room for the top of the clothesline to rotate without striking fences, trees or bushes.
- 2
  Dig a hole roughly 10 inches deep and 12 inches across. Set a perforated brick into the bottom of the hole to allow water to drain away as needed.
- 3
  Fill the hole with concrete up to about 2 inches below the surface, and insert the ground socket with the cap side facing up. Use a spirit level to ensure the socket is straight. It should protrude far enough above the ground to allow you to open and close the cap.
- 4
  Allow the concrete to set according to the instructions on the sack, and add dirt to fill in the hole and cover the concrete. Insert the clothesline when you are ready to hang out your first laundry load.

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