Hanging Hammocks
You’ve got your hammock ready to go and finding the perfect spot is high on your agenda. You’re also looking for new and creative ways to hang it so you can kick back and relax. All that’s left is to do is know what equipment you need to make this happen, and we’ve explored these options for you.
How do you hang hammocks?
There really aren’t many limits when it comes to hanging your hammock, it’s mostly about how creative you can be. While it is convenient for many to use a frame, however, if it’s portability you want for camping or bushwalking this probably isn’t the best option. Hammocks can also be hung between trees, from a car, wooden poles, on your porch, from your ceiling, bricks, stone or concrete.
There are simply two key steps when hanging a hammock:
1. Pick a location
2. Ensure the site has height and sufficient hanging distance
Hammocks come in a variety of styles, fabrics, lengths, and uses, the list is endless. One essential consideration when choosing what you will hang your hammock from is ensuring it will hold enough weight for you to safely hang and use.
The equipment and hardware you need when hanging a hammock are dependent on where it will be attached. For your yard and patio, the easiest option is probably a frame as it’s a no-fuss option when setting up and the only tool generally needed is a spanner. For more traditional hammock hanging, you will need a tape measure for determining height and distance, some tree straps, rope and a drill. The hardware you may require includes wall anchors, chain, screws, bolts or s-hooks, all determined by your hanging method.
Installing Hardware
Determining height and distance
This is perhaps the most crucial step, calculating the right height and distance. It’s not a complicated process but basically consists of ensuring the distance between trees, stand, bolts of wood or concrete are longer than your hammock so that it hangs correctly. The height of the object you are attaching your hammock to also needs to be considered, as it needs to be at least chair height off the ground. Generally speaking, the hammock needs to hang loosely and if possible aim for a 30° angle. It’s important to note that the angle doesn’t need to be perfected the first time as you will develop an eye for this over time.
Hanging Methods
There are many objects that you can hang your hammock from that range in level of difficulty. What method you choose depends on what is accessible, easiest and feels safest for you.
Hammock Stand
Using a hammock stand is simple to use. It is easy to set up and move around the yard but isn’t a great option for camping. There is no measuring required. A hammock stand usually comes with the hammock and in a verity of styles that fit in with the decor of your patio or backyard.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Can be moved around the yard or patio
- Variety of styles
- No measuring
Cons:
- Not suitable for camping
- Requires space
Trees
The first consideration when hanging your hammock between trees is to ensure that they are sturdy and healthy enough for supporting added weight. The safest option for the tree is to wrap a rope or tree strap securely between the two trunks and use a carabiner to attach to the loops on the hammock. Hammocks can be anchored with hardware and a drill to the tree. However, anchoring to the tree with screws and bolts is harmful to the trees and carrying the added load of a rechargeable drill isn’t ideal.
Pros:
- Straps are lightweight and easy to attach
- Straps don’t harm trees
- Hammock is adjustable for any distance
- Hardware gives a solid hold
- Trees provide shade and keep you dry
Cons:
- Hardware ruins the trees
- Have to carry hardware and tools with you
- Might not be able to find sturdy enough trees
Porches
When hanging your hammock on the porch or deck, it is best secured between two solid wood posts or ceiling joists for optimum stability. It can be attached with rope or hardware, depending on how permanent a fixture you wish to make it. The general rule is to hang it at least chair height, but you need to take into account how much weight will be on the hammock as this will determine how far it will sag and how high it needs to be off the ground.
Pros:
- Sheltered
- Variety of options for attaching the hammock
- Easy to clip off the carabiner if needing extra space
- Provides shade and keeps you dry
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of room
- Requires hardware for solidly connecting to the house or beams
- Requires measuring
Car
Some cars have the capacity to hang a hammock from it. A solid roof rack to the support the weight of both you and the hammock is ideal. Before considering the car as an option, it’s essential to determine whether your car roof is stable enough for your weight, which can generally be found in the car manual. To attach the hammock, you need to park close to a tree, with enough of a distance to stretch out the hammock with a bit of a sag in the middle. Then it’s a matter of choice between a rope, cord or tree straps secured to the roof rack and trees before connecting it to the eyes of the hammock.
Pros:
- Can be used anywhere
- Tools and ropes are easily stored in the car
Cons:
- Not being able to park close enough to sturdy trees or wooden poles
- Requires measuring
Concrete
If choosing to hang your hammock from concrete, whether it is between two concrete blocks or a wall, you must check the condition of the concrete very carefully. Measuring is much the same as every other method, but drilling is different. You will need a masonry drill bit for making the hole and to secure a hook expansion bolt. Just like other attachments, you hook on a carabiner and use either rope or chain hammock in place.
Pros:
- Solid
- Safe
- Once the hardware is installed hammock is easy to attach
Cons:
- Requires measuring
- Need to determine whether concrete will hold enough weight
- Need tools and hardware
Bricks and Stone
Just like concrete, if using bricks and stone walls as anchoring points, check their condition first to ensure they are safe to use. If the area is suitable, attach a hook expansion bolt into the centre of the brick or stone as this is the strongest point. To do this, you will need to use a masonry drill bit to create the hole. Then simply attach the hook to a carabiner then use a chain or rope to attach the hammock.
Pros:
- Solid if attached in the right spot
- Safe
- The hammock is easy to attach
Cons:
- Fixed in one spot
- Need to ensure you drill in the right place for safety
- Requires adding hardware
Ceiling or Walls
Usually, when you think of hammocks, you regard them as an outdoor product. However, they aren’t an exclusively outdoor item and traditional hammocks are being used indoors, and the relatively new seat style. If choosing to hang it from the ceiling, you need to consider that there is enough height once it’s being used. You must find a stud or ceiling joist to drill into so that you can safely attach a hook expansion bolt. Before sitting or lying on your indoor hammock, test its stability with some books or weights to make sure it’s safe.
Pros:
- Warm
- Can use all year round
- Use as a bed
Cons:
- Causes damage to walls and ceilings
- Takes up room
- Requires adding hardware inside the home
What hammocks are suitable to hang?
All hammocks are suitable to hang, but not all are designed to hang from trees or other objects, just the frame that it comes with. These are generally hammocks that are designed for use near the pool or in the yard. If you were going bushwalking or camping, it wouldn’t be ideal for hanging a cotton hammock as it wouldn’t dry easily if it was raining. In this circumstance, you would use a nylon hammock that is lightweight and dries quickly.
Questions
If I use a rope to hang a hammock with, do I need to tie it with a specific knot?
When using a rope, any type of secure knot sturdy enough for suspension is fine to use. If you aren’t familiar with tying knots, instructions can easily be found online.
What is the best way to hang a hammock?
No way is notably better than another, it comes down to what suits your needs best.
If I am installing a hammock in my home, should I get a professional to do it?
This depends on your level of confidence. Getting someone familiar with using hardware to help you will undoubtedly make the job easier.