Hanging a hammock

12 years ago

for lack of a better forum, I thought I'd try my luck here.

We want to hang a hammock. No spreader bar, it's only got the loops on each end.

We have one tree. We can either attach one end via a hook that we attach to our garage (will this be strong enough to support?) or should we install a 6x6" post in concrete, though the post can only be 4 1/2 feet in height (ordinance restrictions).

Our garage is wood sided, I was thinking of putting the hook into the "frame" area and drill a hook through to the other side of the frame and bolt it on the opposing side. ?

If we hang it on the garage, if feasible, the height at which we hang the hook is more flexible. If we hang it on a post, the highest we could probably go is 4 feet.

I looked up all other specs as far as hanging a hammock, distance, etc., but nothing about my situation.

How should we proceed? Suggestions?

Comments (3)

dave777_2009
12 years ago
The garage (assuming it is not ready to fall down) will work fine. Use a small amount of sealant (type your choice) when inserting the hook bolt - to seal up against bugs...

The Post would also work fine. 4' is plenty high for a hammock. The level from the ground the hammock hangs from - is more determined by the distance between the two hanging points. And not the ultimate attach height of the two hanging points. You would have a difficult time sitting or laying into - a hammock hanging 4' off the ground.

I wouldn't think the post police would come running at a single post 6' high - but I don't live where you do...

Anyway - the Post would work Fine. Garage, Post. Your Choice. The Post might need two other lines attached to it; going out to two stakes in the ground. Somewhat akin to some tent structures. These two lines would provide more structural support stability to the Post. They could also create a tripping hazard - especially if adults or Children started running real fast in some sort of chase family fun...

No matter the sunken depth of the post - they would provide stability. Their requirement need is directly related to the depth of the sunken portion of the post - which is much more related to depth - than concrete footing.

Pressure treated wood (of course) - and a 4.5' Post requires a minimum of 9' sunk depth. (2X your height.)

Again - either would work Fine, you could also use a Steel 2x2 Tube or Pipe instead of Pressure treated wood.

Happy Lazy days and drinking Lemonade...
brickeyee
12 years ago
Use fasteners that go all the way through the post and have a washer and nut on the far side.

You are loading the threads in their weakest direction, withdrawal.
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kimcoco
Original Author
12 years ago
LOL. Yes, our municipality WOULD knock on my door about the 6 foot post, and contractors have been very forthcoming with us with any work we've had done. But, it's a great neighborhood.

Our lot is so small, a post, even 4 foot, might look too obvious.

I'll talk to the spouse about hanging it from the garage - hope we have enough distance. The frame and structure itself is pretty sound. I've seen some whopping hook fasteners at a local box store.

We have a 6+ year popple. Not a hard wood tree. Maybe I shouldn't worry about the garage as much as the tree?