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How to Hang a Hammock: Quick and Easy Guide

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published August 14, 2024

Whether you’re looking to go camping or simply relax after a long day, a hammock is a go-to. Mounting a hammock that is secure and comfortable is key. We’ll show you how to hang a hammock, both indoors and outdoors, with these easy-to-follow steps.

How To Hang A Hammock Indoors

What to Keep In Mind

Mounting a hammock indoors requires you to find the right wall anchors. Here’s what to keep in mind if you want to hang your hammock indoors:
  • If you plan to mount your hammock across walls or from ceiling joists, make sure the studs and joists are of wood and not metal, as metal studs can bend due to the pressure.
  • If you have to hang your hammock on your porch, check whether the posts or joists are sturdy and functional, not just for decorative purposes.
  • Make sure that you check the manufacturer’s label for the exact length of your hammock to know how far apart the hooks need to be.
  • The hammock should be suspended in such a way that it does not sag too close to the floor even after it is weighted by someone using it. Leave at least 4 feet of distance from the floor.

Good to Know

A hammock can be mounted in different ways and the steps remain the same. Hang them between ceiling joists, strong wall studs, or even between ceiling joists.

How to Install Mounting Hardware For the Hammock

  • Now that you have chosen your location, you need to locate the wood studs that will hold your hooks from which your hammock will be suspended. To locate the wood studs, use a stud finder.
  • Place the stud finder flush against the wall and turn it on. Slide it across the wall and stop where it starts to beep. This is where your wall stud is.
  • Mark the spot and do the same for the other side of your wall or ceiling.
  • Drill a hole into both the marked spots with a ⅜ inch bit.
  • Choose heavy-duty eye bolts with a weight rating that exceeds the combined weight of the hammock and its occupants. Allow at least 2 inches to be screwed into the solid wood studs or joists. Then, firmly screw them in place.
  • Attach the ends of the hammock to the fastened eye bolts with the help of a carabiner.

Caution

Check the weight rating of the eyebolts, hooks, eye screw or carabiner mentioned on the product description or packaging before purchasing the product.

Tip

If your hammock seems too taut without anyone using it, it will not sag enough and can actually rip when used. To prevent this, use a rope with a minimum strength of 300 pounds attached to the ends of your hammock before you connect it to the carabiners. This will help distribute weight evenly and reduce the strain on the hammock fabric.

How To Hang A Hammock Outdoors

What to Keep In Mind

Hanging a hammock outdoors should be done responsibly, without impacting the environment around you. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • While most areas allow you to hang a hammock, it is always better to check in with the local park departments to know whether you hang one.
  • Choose a place that is well-leveled so that you can get on and off your hammock with ease.
  • Make sure that your hammock does not damage any plants around. At the same time, check for any hazards like insect nests or poisonous plants.
  • Look for two trees that are situated apart at distance, that is the same as the length of your hammock. Make sure that the trees have a diameter of at least 6 inches to support a person’s weight. Avoid hanging trees from branches that are dead or rotten.

Always use the hammock tree straps to wrap around the trees which holds upto 300 pounds.

How to Hang A Hammock From A Tree

  • Tie the hammock tree strap around the tree and thread the metal loop through it.
  • Attach the hammock tree strap to your hammock with the help of a carabiner or a S-shaped hook.
  • Hang your hammock at a height that is not too close to the ground. At the same time, avoid hanging your hammock too high above the ground. A distance of 18 inches above the ground is ideal.

Testing and Making Adjustments

Now that you know how to set up your hammock and have mounted it securely, it’s time to do a comfort check. Your hammock is securely set up if you sit or lay in it without your back being too hunched or your body sagging too deep. At the same time, the fabric should not feel very taut when you sit in it. If this is not the case, make adjustments by simply tightening or loosening the straps or ropes you may have used. A good rule of thumb would be to aim for a 30-degree angle from the mounting point and the ground.

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