How to Hang a Hammock
5 tips for setting up your ultimate summer nap zone
There are few things in life more calming and satisfying than lying in a softly swaying hammock in the summertime. It’s the grown up version of a swing set, and no summer home is truly complete without one. However, for a product made out of rope and cotton fabric, there’s a surprising amount of possible catastrophes involved in its set up. Hammocks falling down after one use, bolts tearing apart weak tree trunks, hooks pulling down wooden posts, and heavy chains yanking out drywall are just a few of the mistakes that novice hammock lovers can make. But if you take your time, choose a sturdy and safe spot, and use the right tools, hanging a hammock can be easy and well worth the effort!
Mayan hammocks, Brazilian hammocks, and Nicaraguan hammocks are all similar in form, but differ regionally in material and construction. These hammocks tend to be woven cotton (Mayan hammocks are usually of a looser weave than Nicaraguan and Brazilian hammocks). Usually this style of hammock lies closer to the ground and is much more durable than a spreader-bar hammock.
Find a hammock
Find a hammock
2. Find the best place to hang it.
Traditionally, a hammock hangs between two trees. Of course, not everyone has a great setup like the shot above. Luckily, there are a lot of great alternatives.
Traditionally, a hammock hangs between two trees. Of course, not everyone has a great setup like the shot above. Luckily, there are a lot of great alternatives.
How to hang a hammock on a porch. If you want to hang your hammock on a shaded porch or balcony, you can often attach it to two of the walls or pillars. Most professionals recommend that you hang the sides at least 12 feet apart —or its anchor points should be two feet longer than the overall length of your hammock. If you don’t have enough space at first, try going at a diagonal!
It might not be realistic for you to install industrial-strength hooks or bolts into your home’s balcony. If that’s the case, hanging a hammock on a stand is an easy option. The best part about it: It’s transportable! Move it around your yard, chasing either shade or sun.
3. Have a strong support system.
It’s definitely important to attach your hammock to something secure. You don’t want to have your hammock collapse as soon as you sit down in it. Hanging a hammock from two trees (at least 12 inches in diameter) is a good and stable option. These hammock owners used a tree for one anchor point, and for the other, a hook (many recommend an S-hook rated for lifting) on their home’s exterior.
It’s definitely important to attach your hammock to something secure. You don’t want to have your hammock collapse as soon as you sit down in it. Hanging a hammock from two trees (at least 12 inches in diameter) is a good and stable option. These hammock owners used a tree for one anchor point, and for the other, a hook (many recommend an S-hook rated for lifting) on their home’s exterior.
How to hang a hammock indoors. Yup, you can even hang a hammock in your room. For a tropical-themed room or a vacation home, this is a fun way to bring the outside indoors. Make sure you’re hanging it from a stud to ensure a good hold, since hanging a hammock on drywall is a recipe for a disaster. Using a combination of an S-hook with a chain that can hold several hundred pounds would work well with this set-up.
If you can’t hang a hammock between trees, wooden posts are a good substitute. Make sure that your posts are at least 4"x4”, or larger. Place your posts into holes that are at least two feet deep, surrounded by at least eight inches of concrete in order to ensure a stable support system. If you live in a climate that frosts in the winter, make sure the bottom of the hole for your posts is wider than the top. This will prevent frost heaving.
4. Hang your hammock at the correct height.
This is a lot trickier than it sounds. Most home professionals recommend hanging a hammock with a spreader bar 4-5 feet off the ground, and 6-8 feet off the ground for a hammock without a spreader bar. The posts in this gazebo weren’t quite wide enough apart for the hammock’s length, so it was hung extremely high up on the gazebo in order to compensate. Unfortunately, all hammocks are different, so there’s no magic formula—odds are you’ll have to play with it a little.
This is a lot trickier than it sounds. Most home professionals recommend hanging a hammock with a spreader bar 4-5 feet off the ground, and 6-8 feet off the ground for a hammock without a spreader bar. The posts in this gazebo weren’t quite wide enough apart for the hammock’s length, so it was hung extremely high up on the gazebo in order to compensate. Unfortunately, all hammocks are different, so there’s no magic formula—odds are you’ll have to play with it a little.
You don't want to hang it so high that you'll have to get a running start to jump in, but you do want to take into account that the hammock is going to drop quite a bit closer to the ground as soon as you get in. Keep in mind that Mayan and Brazilian style hammocks are meant to hang closer to the ground than spreader-bar hammocks. Also remember that your hammock will sag over time.
5. Fasten the hammock securely to your anchor points.
If hang a hammock from a post, porch, or deck, use 1/2-inch diameter eye bolts to connect the hammock to the post. Be careful not to accidentally pick up eye screws from the hardware store! Eye screws can strip and pull out of a wooden post or pole very suddenly (ouch!). Eye bolts are drilled completely into the post, making accidents like that much less likely.
If hang a hammock from a post, porch, or deck, use 1/2-inch diameter eye bolts to connect the hammock to the post. Be careful not to accidentally pick up eye screws from the hardware store! Eye screws can strip and pull out of a wooden post or pole very suddenly (ouch!). Eye bolts are drilled completely into the post, making accidents like that much less likely.
Eye bolts can also be used to hang a hammock from a tree, but a great alternate is wrapping a thick rope or strap around a tree instead. Be careful to use a thick rope, though — not one that will dig into the bark of the tree and scar it. A large and deep ring in tree bark can kill the tree. If you’re worried, you can always wrap the portion of the rope that goes around the tree in thick rubber, such as sections of an old garden hose.
Of course, you can simply purchase a hammock stand to avoid all of this hassle. Make sure your hammock stand can withstand a force that is several hundred pounds more than your weight, as odds are you won’t be the only one lying in it!
More ideas:
Summer Nights Need Summer Beds
Just Some Favorite Front Porches
Fun Furniture: Chairs in the Air
More ideas:
Summer Nights Need Summer Beds
Just Some Favorite Front Porches
Fun Furniture: Chairs in the Air
There are two main styles of hammocks. Each style has a different aesthetic and different levels of comfort and sturdiness.
Spreader-bar style hammocks (like in the photo above) are usually woven with rope or netting, and have wood or metal bars at the head of the hammock. This keeps the hammock open, and makes it easy to jump in. However, they are generally considered less comfortable to sleep in than other styles.