How to Hang a Hammock, Just in Time for Summer

One of the best ways to enjoy a gorgeous summer day (and an afternoon nap) is lounging in a hammock. But before you can lie back and enjoy the peace and quiet of your backyard paradise, you need to learn how to hang that hammock—and you're going to want to do it properly. If not, the hammock can slip or break during use, so you want to be sure that your hammock is secure. Invest in some reliable hammock hardware, rope, or tree straps for support and follow these steps to hang your hammock properly.

Types of Hammock Supports

There are many different ways to hang a hammock. Install one between trees or posts using hammock hardware, ropes, and tree straps. If that's not an option, think about investing in a hammock stand.

Taking the tree route? Look for two healthy, sturdy trees that stand about 10 to 15 feet apart. Don't choose young trees that will bend when someone sits in the hammock. Instead, rely on older, sturdier trees that can support the additional weight.

Or, consider hanging the hammock between two posts that are strong and durable enough to support the weight. Avoid lightweight support posts, like temporary gazebo poles, which can bend and collapse. Steel posts are a good choice for this project; wooden ones are susceptible to water damage, which can lead to swelling, cracking, and rotting.

How to Hang a Hammock

Hanging a hammock is relatively straightforward, though it's important to take your time. Make sure the hammock is hung in an appropriate location, at the right height, and properly secured to the supports.

What You'll Need

• Hammock
• Hammock hardware, rope, or tree straps, depending on your method
• S-hooks
• Eye hooks

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Location

Look around to find two strong, healthy trees that are about 10 to 15 feet apart. They should be at least 12 inches in diameter, which is large enough to support the weight of the hammock and at least one person without bending or breaking. Avoid any young, thin trees or any other supports that show signs of significant wear or corrosion, like rust build-up, cracks, dents, or bulging.

If you're using posts: wooden posts should be 4x4 inches or larger and have no signs of cracks, rot, or wear. Metal posts should be made of steel. Posts should be dug at least two feet into the ground; more if you have loose or sandy soil. Note: Always call your local utility companies to locate ground lines before you dig.

Step 2: Install Hammock Hardware

Decide on a method for attaching the hammock to the trees or posts.

Hammock Hardware: Screw heavy-duty eye bolts into each tree or post. Attach a length of chain to each eye bolt with an S-hook. Alternately, you can wrap a length of chain around each tree and secure it with an S-hook. Note: both methods can damage the trees.

Tree Straps: Tree straps are a simple method for attaching the hammock to a tree. Wrap a tree strap around each tree and pass the strap back through the loop to create a simple slipknot; this knot will attach directly to the hammock. You can also use tree straps with hammock hardware if the distance between the trees is too far to connect the hammock directly.

Rope: If you know how to tie strong, reliable knots, then rope is another option. Wrap a length of rope around each tree twice to help prevent the rope from shifting. Tie a hammock knot to secure the rope to the trees.

Step 3: Connect the Hammock

With the hammock hardware, rope, or tree straps secured, you're ready to connect the hammock.

Hammock Hardware: Connect each end of the hammock to the chain with an S-hook or a heavy-duty carabiner and inspect the setup to ensure that the hammock is properly attached and supported.

Rope: Tie a hammock knot to attach each end of the hammock to the trees, then inspect each knot and eye bolt (if applicable) to verify that the hammock is secured.

Tree Straps: Attach the hammock to the metal ring on the tree strap with an S-hook or a heavy-duty carabiner. Double-check that the hammock is securely connected on both ends and properly supported.

Step 4: Make Height Adjustments

Ideally, the hammock should hang about 4 feet off the ground when not in use, and about 2 feet off the ground when it's occupied. If it's too low or high, adjust the height by sliding the chain, rope, or tree straps up or down the base of the trees or support posts. If you attached the hammock with eye bolts, the height can also be adjusted by shortening or lengthening the chain, rope, or tree straps between the ends of the hammock and the trees or support posts.

Step 5: Climb in to Test the Hammock

Carefully climb into the hammock to test it out. Turn to sit up in the hammock or lie facedown, then turn over to face up. If the hammock remains off the ground and the hammock's supports appear sturdy and resilient, lie back and relax—you deserve it.

Take It Inside

Get creative and hang your hammock indoors for year-round lounging. Use a stud finder tool to locate two opposite wall studs spaced far enough apart to hang the hammock without it dragging on the floor when someone sits in it. Screw heavy-duty eye bolts into the wall studs, then secure either end of the hammock to an eye bolt with an S-hook to complete the setup.

Similarly, you can hang a hammock on the porch if you have two sturdy support posts or even secure one between two vehicles using commercially available hammock supports that attach to the trailer hitches. (Just make sure to check the weight restrictions on the hitch before trying this method.) Alternately, you can invest in a freestanding hammock stand that can be set up indoors or out to hang your hammock from.