Hammock Installation Tips

Hammock installation is an important first step to enjoying your new hammock. Knowing how to install a hammock safely ensures seasons of safe outdoor relaxation. Yard Envy offers the following styles in hanging hammocks:

Guidelines for hanging distance depends on whether the hammock has spreader bars or not. Hanging distance is more flexible in hammocks without spreader bars, because they are designed to hang with more of a dip.

Hammocks with Spreader Bars

Distance

• Minimum distance requirement for hanging a hammock is equal to the overall length of the hammock. Use a hanging distance that is 12" longer than the length of the hammock (excluding chains and ropes used for increasing hanging distance). If the hammock is 13'L, the optimal distance between hanging points is 14'.
• Pull the chains firmly until the hammock is adjacent to the ground.
• If the hammock has any looseness to it, pull the hammock tighter until the hammock is taught.

Height

• 4-5' off the ground is the average height.

Hammocks without Spreader Bars

Distance

• Minimum hanging distance for hammocks without spreader bars is two thirds of the overall length of the hammock.
• Maximum hanging distance should be 24" more than the minimum hanging distance.

Height

• 6-8' off of the ground is the optimum height, but can be hung at different heights as well.
• Brazilian Hammocks are designed to lay closer to the ground.

Hammocks can hang from trees, posts or both. Trees should be a minimum of 12" in diameter, and both posts and trees should be a hardwood, not soft.

How to Install Posts:

1. Posts should be 4" x 4" or larger, and free of cracks or rot.
2. Drill holes and pre install the hooks on the post before putting in the ground. Do not over-tighten.
3. Add 24" to the overall hammock length to establish the distance required between the hammock posts.
4. Posts should be planted in the ground a minimum of 24", deeper if the soil is sandy.
5. Place posts in the ground at a vertical angle.
6. Pour concrete into the hole and allow concrete to set overnight before putting the hammock on the posts.

• Do not exceed the maximum weight capacity of the hammock.
• Be certain when hanging the hammock that it is situated so that the angle of the hammock will exceed 25 degrees when someone is lying in it.
• Do not allow chains to become twisted, or allow the hammock to flip over (which will twist the chains). This dramatically reduces the strength of the chain.
• Do not over tighten the hammock screws.
• A hammock can be unstable if weight is not in the center of the hammock. Do not sit on the edge.
• Caution should be used when allowing children to use a hammock. Do not allow children to use the hammock without direct adult supervision.
• Do not place infants in any hammock.
• Do not jump up and down in the hammock and do not use the hammock as a play-ground swing.