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What do I Need to Hang a Hammock?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco

To hang a hammock, it is important to have the right type of tools and the information on how to do the job properly. The first step is choosing the place for it. The traditional way to hang one is to use two sturdy anchor points, such as trees, walls, or posts. If no sturdy anchors are available, you can always plant your own posts by digging a hole at least 20 inches (about 50 cm) deep and securing the posts with either concrete or steel cables. Make sure the wood has no cracks or significant breakage, as this may result in the hammock becoming loose.

If you have decided to hang a hammock the old, traditional way, the first thing to do is to gather all the required materials, including hook-screws, electric drill, screwdriver, and pliers. Other materials, such as a welded steel chain, a tree strap, and strong rope, may be necessary, depending on where you have decided to place the hammock. Once you have decided how high you want the hammock, the next step is to mark the place where the hooks will be mounted in the anchors. Keep in mind that once you lie on the hammock, it will hang much lower than it does when empty. Drill holes where the hooks will go, and then screw in the hook screws using a screwdriver or pliers.

Thickly braided nylon rope helps hold a hammock in place.
Thickly braided nylon rope helps hold a hammock in place.

You can also use a freestanding stand if there are no outdoor anchor points available. Stands are available in a variety of materials and models, from stainless steel to treated wood. Most come unassembled, but they include all hardware necessary to put them together.

To hang a hammock indoors, you will need all the tools mentioned above, plus thick braided nylon rope and spring extensions, which will help you secure the hammock to a wall or ceiling beam. Putting up a hammock indoors may be tricky, since there are often no suitable anchor points. In this case, you can hang it from the ceiling using S-hooks, which can easily be removed from the hook-screws in case you wish to take the hammock down.

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    • Thickly braided nylon rope helps hold a hammock in place.
      By: Volodymyr Shevchuk
      Thickly braided nylon rope helps hold a hammock in place.
    • Trees, walls, posts, or hammock stands are required to hang hammocks.
      By: anyaberkut
      Trees, walls, posts, or hammock stands are required to hang hammocks.
    • Required materials for hanging a hammock may include an electric drill.
      By: AlexOakenman
      Required materials for hanging a hammock may include an electric drill.
    • If you can't attach a hammock to trees, then support it to posts planted at least 20 inches into the ground.
      By: Monkey Business
      If you can't attach a hammock to trees, then support it to posts planted at least 20 inches into the ground.
    • Ideally, a hammock should be strung up in an area that falls directly under the shade of trees.
      By: alekuwka83
      Ideally, a hammock should be strung up in an area that falls directly under the shade of trees.