Hang Your Hammock in 3 Easy Steps

A hammock is the perfect accent to any patio furniture and outdoor garden. Before you get started you will need a partner. Read over any instructions that came with your hammock as different versions have various straps and hooks for easy of hanging. Pull the chains taut until the hammock is parallel to the ground. Pull the hammock tighter if there is any sway to it. Now let’s get started.

1. Choosing a location. This also means getting the right hammock for your space. Some hammocks can go between two sturdy trees (usually 12” in diameter or 4”x4” posts in good condition). Some can be hung from a porch or ceiling or even the wall. Others use spreader bars so they can be hung in grassy areas or in the open. Choose your space then make sure your hammock will work there.

2. Determine Your Hanging Height and Distance. For hammocks with spreader bars, 4-5 feet off the ground is the average hanging distance. For hammocks without spreader bars, 6-7 feet off of the ground is the height most aim for when hanging the hammocks. However, please remember, hammocks without spreader bars are more flexible in how they are hung, and therefore can be adjusted to the space you have. For this reason it is easier to accommodate for your space north, south and east, west.

For hammocks with spreader bars, the minimum distance required to hang your hammock will be equal to the overall length of the hammock. You can use either a rope or a chain to extend your hanging points if you need to fill more space. The same would apply to a stand. If you go this route equally space the rope or chain at both ends. In other words do not just use the rope or chain at one end. Doing so would create unnecessary stress points. Additionally you increase the chances of the dreaded tipping over when you get past an additional 3 feet of maximum distance for hanging your hammock. So keep it to 18 inches on both sides max if you should use or need ropes and chains.

For hammocks without spreader bars you have more flexibility. Hammocks without spreader bars will also have an overall length, determined by the hanging point to hanging point distance of the hammock. However, 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. 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.

3. Test out your hammock and enjoy! This really is a required step. You don’t want someone to tip over. The only way to find out if you have done it properly is to try it out with the help of someone else. If you feel an adjustment needs to be made then make it. After any changes then try it out again. A partner can help ensure you do not tip over should something go wrong.