How to Hang a Hammock in a Room

In many parts of the world, hammocks are the most common means for obtaining a good night's rest. The rationale behind using a hammock is not so much for comfort, for hammocks take some getting used to; rather, these sleeping contraptions provide for natural cooling. This occurs because your body heat easily escapes the cocoon-like structure, and a resting occupant feels even the slightest breeze. Also, a hammock offers some protection against insects, which can be a real problem in warmer climates.

Things You'll Need

• Hammock
• Two large curved metal hooks with one threaded end (1/2-inch shaft or larger)
• Electric drill
• Drill bits
• Hammer
• Several boxes of nails (#10)
• Crescent wrench
• Magnetic stud finder

Instructions

1. Lay the hammock on the floor of the room.

2. Find the studs in the two walls from which you're hanging the hammock by using a stud finder, a magnetic device that reacts to the metal nails in vertical framing members. Make sure that the stud is indeed where the stud finder indicates by driving a nail into the wall at that point.

3. Measure 4 to 5 feet above ground level and mark a point centered on the vertical wall stud for each end of the hammock.

4. Drill a hole in each stud at the marks with a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the shaft of the hook-screws that will anchor the hammock to the wall.

5. Insert the curved hook into the first pilot hole using a steel bar or the end of a crescent wrench. Keep turning until the hook is tight up against the surface of the wall. Repeat for the other wall.

6. Hang the hammock from the hooks on the wall, and test it for tautness and comfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a hammock that will comfortably fit across the width or length of your room. If the hammock is just a bit shorter than the room is long, add rope to compensate for the difference. Not all rooms will comfortably accommodate a hammock, however; keep in mind that hammocks don't vary much in length. Studs are generally 1 1/2 inches wide (2 inches in older houses), so you need to know exactly where the center is located. If you place several nails about 1/2 inch apart, soon you will have the exact location of the stud. If you do not have a stud finder, locate the vertical boards by tapping on the wall with a hammer and listening to the sound. A change in tone usually indicates the hidden location of a vertical board behind the wall. Drive a few nails to be certain. A standard framed wall has upright studs every 16 inches along the wall. Have a friend help you stretch the hammock out, raising each end at the same time until you find your preferred location on the wall. A hammock can be folded in half and hung on one side of the room when not in use. The hammock should be very taut when empty and hung across the room. The occupant's body weight will quickly stretch it.

• Check the hooks for stability. Remember that, together, they will support the body weight of a resting person. Keep the distance between the bottom of the hammock and the floor relatively low. Do not let an obese person use a hammock.