Building a Hammock Stand

Build a hammock stand for your home.

Instead of purchasing an expensive hammock stand or trying to find two trees the correct distance apart, build a hammock stand out of basic woodworking supplies. A basic stand is a simple project that uses durable 2-by-4 lumber for the structure. The result is the ability to use the hammock indoors or outdoors on a patio or in the home landscape.

Things You'll Need

• 5 2-by-4 planks
• Saw
• Drill
• 10 6-inch-long bolts
• 10 washers
• 10 nuts
• 20 tightening washers

Instructions

1. Cut two 6-foot lengths and two 4-foot lengths from 2-by-4 planks. Cut one end off each 6-foot-long plank so there is a 30-degree-angle edge.

2. Lay two 8-foot-long 2-by-4s side-by-side on the floor so they are resting on the short edge of the plank and the length is parallel with the floor.

3. Separate the two 8-foot-long planks enough to fit a 6-foot-long plank in between. Set the angled end of the 6-foot-long plank about 18 inches from the end so the top angles away from the center. Have someone hold the 6-foot-long plank while you drill three holes through the two 8-foot-plank and one 6-foot-plank. Attach the three planks together with 6-inch-long bolts and the accompanying washers and nuts. Use a tightening washer on each side of the planks to hold them securely together.

4. Repeat Step 3 with the second 6-foot-long plank to create a U-shaped structure.

5. Lay one of the 4-foot-long planks flat underneath each end of the two 8-foot planks so the ends of the long planks are resting perpendicular in the center of the 4-foot-planks to create stability in the hammock stand. Drill a hole through the end of each long plank and through the 4-foot-long plank. Attach the 4-foot-long plank to the long planks with 6-inch-long bolts, using a tightening washer on each side of the planks. Set the bolt so the head is on the underneath of the 4-foot-long plank, allowing the plank to rest flat on the floor.

6. Screw a 4- to 5-inch-long hook about 3 inches from the top of the 6-foot-long planks to hang each end of the hammock.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure the length of the hammock and make adjustments to the placement of the 6-foot-long planks so the hammock hangs at the desired height.

References

• Backyard Spaces: How to Make a Hammock

Resources

• Hammocks.com: Hammock Stands Info