Hammock Installation Tips

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Where can I hang my hammock?

Trees are great candidates as posts for hanging hammocks but there are a good number of alternatives. There are many types of stands for traditional hammocks with spreader bars and for hammocks without spreader bars. There are also hanging kits allowing you to hang from the ceiling, from the wall, or on a porch, virtually anywhere you would like one, as long as the place you want to hang it will support the weight capacity of the hammock.

Distance. For hammocks with spreader bars, the minimum distance required to hang your hammock will be equal to the overall length of the hammock. If your hammock is 13 feet from hanging point to hanging point, this is the minimum distance required to hang your hammock. The optimal distance between hanging points is about one foot longer than the length of your hammock (from one metal ring to the other, excluding chains). For instance, if your hammock is 13 feet long, the optimal distance between hanging points is 14 feet. When first hung, your hammock may seem tight and difficult to lie in. After some use, it will stretch to its normal size. As it stretches, it will be necessary to shorten or lengthen the chains to the desired height.

For hammocks without spreader bars, the hanging distance is more flexible. The minimum hanging distance for hammocks without spreader bars will be less than the overall length of the hammock because hammocks without spreader bars are designed to hang with a "dip" in them, and will not be taut when no one is lying in the hammock. In general, the minimum hanging distance for hammocks without spreader bars is two thirds of the overall length of the hammock. Therefore if your hammock is 180 inches from hanging point to hanging point, the minimum hanging distance is going to be 120 inches. For the maximum hanging distance, you would simply add two feet to the minimum hanging distance. These distances are only recommendations, and can be adjusted to fit your particular circumstances. Hammocks without spreader bars are flexible in how they can be hung in this way: the closer together you place the hanging points, the higher off of the ground you must go, while the farther apart you place the hanging points, the closer to the ground you can hang the hammock.

Height. For hammocks with spreader bars, 4-5 feet off the ground is the average height for hanging hammocks. For hammocks without spreader bars, 6-8 feet off of the ground is the optimum height but generally adaptable to other heights as well.

Hook Installation. First, choose a solid, sturdy surface to attach the hooks to. If attaching to a tree, the tree should be a minimum of 12" in diameter. If attaching to a post, use a 4x4 or larger. Also, be sure the hooks are screwed in completely so that contact is made between the hook's eye and the wood surface but be careful not over-tighten.

How to Install Posts:

Installation: Be certain to find a suitable location in your yard to install your hammock post(s). The soil should be stable and compacted to provide proper support.

Step 1: Note the overall length of your hammock as indicated on the packaging.
Step 2: Add 24 inches to the overall hammock length to establish the distance required between the hammock post(s).
Step 3: Dig a hole for each hammock post. The hole will need to be a minimum of 18 inches in diameter and 26 inches deep. Purchase the necessary amount of aggregate concrete to fill the hole(s). Consult your local hardware store or lawn and garden center for assistance.
Step 4: Drill holes on the post before putting in the ground and pre install the hooks. The hooks should be placed about 4 feet off the ground (refer to height section above).
Step 5: Place post in the ground at a vertical angle. Pour concrete into the hole and allow concrete to set overnight before putting the hammock on the posts.

Caution and Safety Tips for your Hammock:

Do not exceed maximum weight capacity for you hammock.
Be certain when hanging your hammock that it is situated so that the angle of the hammock when someone is lying in it will exceed 25 degrees.
Do not allow the chains supplied with your hammock 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 unless you always place your weight 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.