101 Ways to Hang your Hammock

Audio Version

There are 101 Ways to Hang your Hammock - Which technique works best for you?

Hanging your hammock in the right place and in the right way is a personal and practical choice that can mean the difference between relaxing and relaxing. You're also not limited to only hanging your hammock outdoors (though, there are many outdoor options and methods to do so), you can also get creative and find new places to hang your hammock indoors, too. Whether you hang your hammock between two trees in your favorite shady lawn spot, between rafters, on a porch or even in your bedroom using straps, wall hooks, a hammock stand or a combination of methods.

Hanging your hammock boils down to three key steps:

1. Ensure you have sufficient height and hanging distance;
2. Pick a location (there can be more than one!);
3. Choose a hanging method.

It really is that easy!

Keep in mind when choosing a spot that you will need some basic equipment. All hammocks can be hung from trees, anchored posts, walls and ceiling studs, or conveniently hang your hammock with ease with a hammock stand. An easy and convenient alternative is using hammock tree straps, but if you choose the more traditional hanging route, you'll want a tape measure to determine distance & height, a drill as well as your hanging hooks (i.e. this hanging kit). If you can't find those perfectly spaced trees, we offer hammock stands that solve the problem.

STEP 1: Determine Height and Distance


Hammocks usually need anywhere from 10 to 15 feet of space to stretch out. Your needs will be based on the size and style of your hammock.

When it comes to spreader-bar hammocks, a rule of thumb is to measure the distance based on the length of the hammock. A good quality spreader-bar hammock is usually 13 feet long - so you need a distance of at least 13 feet between hanging points. Ideally, you could have a few extra feet to adjust the hammock tension based on the relaxer's preference (some like it flatter, some like it more arched). If your chosen spot is longer than the length of the hammock, hanging straps or extra lengths of chain or rope do the trick.

Hammocks with no spreader bars are more versatile because they are designed to hang with a slumped arch rather than flat. They can be hung between points slightly shorter than their length, which makes them suitable for a wide variety of environments.

Hammock height is another important consideration.. keep in mind that hammocks stretch quite a bit after use, so you need to leave sufficient clearance to avoid surprises down the line (nobody likes to touch the ground while relaxing :). This handy table shows you exactly how high to set you straps or hooks:

STEP 2: Where to Hang your Hammock


As long as you have sufficient distance and height- you're good to go anywhere! Pick your favorite spot that will induce total relaxation bliss. With the right atmosphere, laying in a hammock, for a few minutes, can make life perfect. Put some thought into whether you prefer sun or shade; what you'll see when you slowly open your eyes from that restful nap and whether you're far enough from noise distractions such as road traffic, etc..

STEP 3: Choose a Hanging Method

With Hammock Tree Straps

Straps are by far and away the simplest and quickest way to hang your hammock. The advantage of straps is that they can be adjusted for distance, won't damage your trees (they also work on posts) and can be brought anywhere as they're lightweight and compact (ideal for camping).

With Hanging Hardware

This is another popular hanging method. What you need is 2 good wall anchors (usually j-hooks), 2 lengths of chain (we recommend about 1.5 feet long) and 2 large s-hooks. The beauty of this system is that adjusting the hammock tension takes seconds (simply move the s-hooks up or down the chain). Folks hanging their hammocks indoors as bed replacements from wood beams usually use this system.

With Rope

Simple... 2 lengths of strong rope looped around the hammock end-loops and secured to a strong tree will do the trick. Low-tech, yes... but easy & effective!

On a Hammock Stand

This is the easiest of all. Stands are already geared for hanging- so all you need is the Hammock & you're ready to go. If purchasing both hammock and stand from us, you have all the hanging gear required.. however if you buy one of our stands (with the exception of the Universal Stand, which requires no hardware), and plan to use your own hammock, you'll need 2 lengths of chain + s-hooks for hanging.

A Few other Creative Hanging Spots...

From the Ceiling

Why not hang your hammock from the ceiling? The procedure here is similar to post hanging - just make sure the beam you've chosen can handle the weight. Use a finder to locate the the beam (If the beam is exposed it's even easier!). Drill a pilot hole for both locations and screw in the bolt and hook. If your hammock needs more distance, just add chain or rope to achieve the desired length.

Combinations

You can also hang your hammock between a tree and a solid building wall, between two buildings, between two vehicles, or between a vehicle and a tree. If you have a solid roof rack and enough height you can pull your car up to a tree, tie the strap around the tree and roof rack and relax. You can do the same thing between two cars - just separate them at the distance you need and get ready for some R&R.