If you’re looking for a space-saving way to dry your laundry, a pulley-style drying rack might be just what you need. These clever devices take advantage of the warmer air near the ceiling to dry clothes faster while keeping them up high and out of sight. Let’s explore what these racks are, why you might want one, and how to install one yourself.
Types of Pulley-Style Drying Racks
Pulley-style drying racks are suspended clothes-drying systems that use a pulley mechanism to raise and lower the drying rack. These racks have been around since Victorian times. Today, they’re making a comeback as homeowners look for energy-efficient and space-saving alternatives to electric dryers.
As This Old House Magazine explained in its May 2020 feature, these pulley-style racks—also known as English-style “clothes airers”—are designed to dry laundry faster by taking advantage of the hot, dry air nearest the ceiling. The pulley systems allow them to be lowered and loaded up, then raised out of sight when not in use.
Homeowners can choose from countless pulley-style drying rack designs, but two main types you will see are the Sheila Maid and French drying racks.
- Sheila Maid: The Sheila Maid is a classic pulley-style drying rack that has been popular for generations. It typically consists of wooden slats suspended by ropes and a pulley system. The name “Sheila Maid” is believed to have originated in Scotland, where it was a common household item. These racks are known for their durability and traditional aesthetic. They’re often made from high-quality hardwoods like beech or pine.
- French: French drying racks typically feature a more modern and compact design, with a metal rather than wooden frame. French drying racks are popular in European homes and are gaining traction in North America for their sleek appearance and functionality. Not all French drying racks are ceiling-mounted, though. Wall-mounted and freestanding versions are also available.
Design Your Own Pulley Drying Rack
If you can’t find what you need in stores or online, you can custom-build your own drying rack to suit your needs and style. The DIY approach can also save you money. Below, Cathy and Garrett Poshusta of The Grit and Polish show how building your own rack allows you to create a unique piece that suits your laundry room and needs.
When sketching your own drying rack, consider features that off-the-shelf models don’t offer. DIYer Kate Riley, featured in This Old House Magazine, designed her custom rack smaller than a pricey catalog version she’d spotted, and added knobs at the bottom for hangers—a practical touch for drip-drying delicates. She spray-painted the plywood back a watery blue-green for a hit of color against her white walls, proving that a DIY rack can be both functional and stylish.
As featured in This Old House Magazine, Cathy and Garrett Poshusta of thegritandpolish.com built their own pulley-style drying rack using scrap wood they had on hand. Garrett customized the design to fit their laundry space, using seven 42-inch pieces of cedar screwed to two pieces of steel—which they bent by driving over them. Their resourceful approach shows how a DIY build lets you tailor the rack’s dimensions and materials to your exact space.
Cost Considerations
Building your own pulley drying rack is typically cheaper than purchasing a pre-made option. The Poshustas created their custom rack for about $50 using scrap wood and purchased hardware. Your final build price will vary based on the materials and design you choose.
Materials Selection
When designing your own pulley drying rack, you can use metal, wood, or a bit of both. You’ll also need rope and at least two or three pulleys, depending on the design. Here’s what to look for:
- Wood: Cedar, pine, or other durable woods resistant to moisture.
- Metal: Stainless steel or aluminum for a modern look and added durability.
- Rope: Strong, weather-resistant options like nylon or polyester.
- Pulleys: High-quality metal pulleys for smooth operation.
Customization Options
Customizing your pulley drying rack allows for creative solutions tailored to your space. Here are some considerations:
- Size and shape: Adjust the dimensions to fit your specific laundry area.
- Number of bars: Increase or decrease based on your typical laundry volume. We recommend a larger rack for big families with lots of laundry.
- Finishes: Pick paint or stain wooden components to match your decor.
- Additional features: You can incorporate accessories, such as hooks for hangers, for small items.
How To Install a Pulley-Style Drying Rack
Whether you buy a prefabricated rack or build your own, installing a pulley-style drying rack can be a straightforward DIY project for many homeowners.
Choosing the Right Location
Start by deciding where to hang your pulley-style drying rack. Pick a location that:
- Has enough ceiling height and clearance for the rack it’s when raised and lowered
- Is near a heat source (like a radiator or warm air vent) for faster drying
- Is easy to reach for loading and unloading laundry
- Won’t get in the way of your daily activities
Tools and Materials Needed
Once you have chosen a location, gather the following tools and materials:
- Drill and appropriate drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Stud finder
- Ladder or step stool
- Screws and wall anchors
- The pulley-style drying rack kit (or DIY drying rack)
Besides these tools, make sure you have a stable ladder and someone to help you if needed.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
With your tools and supplies on hand, follow these steps to install your new drying rack:
- Measure and mark. Locate the ceiling joists using a stud finder and mark their positions. Then, measure and mark the placement for the pulley brackets—be sure to line them up with the joists. Check for any electrical wiring or pipes in the ceiling before drilling.
- Finding Your Joists: If you don’t have a stud finder handy, you can locate ceiling joists by tapping on the ceiling and listening carefully—a solid sound indicates a joist, while a hollow sound means you’re between them. The manufacturer requires mounting into structure, and ceiling joists are typically spaced 16 inches apart, so once you find one, you can measure to locate the next.
- Attach the brackets. Pre-drill pilot holes for the bracket screws according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then securely attach the pulley brackets to the ceiling using the appropriate screws.
- Install the rope and pulley. Measure and cut the rope to the appropriate length based on your ceiling height and the manufacturer’s instructions. Thread the rope through the pulleys, then attach the drying rack slats or bars to the rope system.
- Test and adjust. Test the rack by raising and lowering it several times to check for smooth operation. Adjust the rope tension as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
You may encounter some issues with your pulley-style drying rack. Fortunately, most problems are easy to fix.
If you notice the rope fraying or weakening, check for any sharp edges on the rack that may be causing wear. Address any problems you find, then replace the entire rope. Upgrading to a more durable rope material can help, too.
If the rack doesn’t raise and lower evenly, check that all pulleys are properly aligned and functioning. Make sure the rack is level when it’s fully lowered, adjusting the rope length on each side to correct any imbalance.
