A hammock just exudes a sense of relaxation. Nothing beats laying out in the open air surrounded by nature. It’s great by the lake – but it’s great in your backyard, too! But how hard is it to hang a hammock? And how much time does it take?
Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to set up your hammock. The most difficult part is getting it set up exactly right for your size, but that just takes a little experimentation. It doesn’t take too long, either. And you might not even need any tools!
We’re going to focus on hanging a hammock in your yard. There are a couple of ways you can do it, and we’ll discuss them both. So, let’s not waste more time – relaxation is today’s goal!
Things To Keep In Mind
Before hanging your hammock, there are just a few simple points to keep in mind.
First, be sure to choose a suitable spot. Hammocks aren’t hard to take down, but if you want to leave them hanging, be sure to choose an out-of-the-way spot. Avoid hanging it across areas where you – or others – need to walk.
Also, keep it out of play areas where children or pets might run into it.
If you are going to hang your hammock from trees, be sure they are mature and healthy. Avoid saplings; even if you don’t weigh a lot, you’re exerting a significant amount of stress. A well-developed tree can support that, but a young one may end up growing crooked. And an unhealthy one might not withstand the weight.
The trees should be 10 to 14 feet apart. The space should be the length of your hammock plus 2 feet on each end. (So a 7 foot hammock +2 +2 = 11 feet, for example).
Finally, be sure to inspect your hammock before you use it. Make sure it’s fastened correctly and none of the ropes or belts are fraying. Remember, safety first – so you can keep enjoying it comfortably for years to come!
Buy A Stand Or Hang It Yourself?
Hanging a hammock from trees or posts isn’t too difficult, but there can be an even simpler way of putting one up: buy one with a frame.
If you don’t have trees in just the right spots, or like having more mobility with your hammock, this is a great alternative. You can use it in the middle of the patio, on the deck of the pool, on the porch – wherever you like.
You’ll just need to assemble the frame and attach the hammock to it. The frames are lightweight, so it’s easy to move around. All you have to do is follow the instructions to assemble your frame; it’s generally just a matter of connecting a few tubes and sliding in bolts to hold them in place.
On the other hand, disassembling a hammock stand is a little more complex than simply taking down one that hangs from trees. Don’t get us wrong; it’s not hard. But if you have to store your hammock at times, it’s easier to do without a frame.
Also, it’s just not as traditional. Yes, it’s just as relaxing. But it doesn’t give that same sense of roughing it – even if you’re roughing it 20 feet from an outlet and 35 feet from your heated pool.
Let’s look at simple directions for hanging your hammock.
What You Need To Hang Your Hammock
To hang a hammock, you only need a hammock, hammock straps, and two trees or strong posts about 10 to 15 feet apart.
We recommend hammock straps because they don’t damage trees. They’re also more secure than screwing in hooks since they disperse your weight around the whole trunk of both trees rather than just pulling on one point.
Good hammock straps should have a loop on one end; you’ll pass the other end through this loop.
Hanging Your Hammock
Wrap a hammock strap around the trunk of the tree at the height you want to hang your hammock. This should be at least four feet off the ground, but you may have to adjust this through trial and error.
Pull one end of the hammock strap through the loop on the other.
Attach your hammock to the two straps, tying it tightly. Be sure to use a solid, non-slip knot. Many hammocks come with S-hooks; you can tie a strong loop in the strap to attach it.
Your hammock should hang lower in the middle. Ideally, it should be 18 to 24 inches off the ground when you’re in it. That’s a good height that will let you stand up without difficulty.
Since we come in all shapes and sizes, you’ll want to test it. Remember, a hammock isn’t designed to provide a flat surface to lay on; it should sag in the middle. But be sure it’s the right height above the ground for you to get out of it easily.
You also want to look at the angle the straps make with the ground. It should be about 30°. This provides maximum support and comfort.
Making Adjustments
If your hammock is too low (or high), or the angle is off, you’ll need to go back and adjust the knots where it connects to the straps. You might also have to play a bit with the height of the straps on the trees.
It may take some trial and error to get things just right, but you’ll appreciate the work when you’re lying there dozing, reading, or just enjoying the sunlight.
Conclusion
Lying around in a hammock is an awesome way to relax and enjoy your yard. And it’s not that stressful to get it set up, either! Whether you opt for a hammock with a frame or decide to hang one yourself, you’ll soon be enjoying a relaxing afternoon that makes you feel far from the stresses of daily life!
