Your Guide to an Easy Hammock Setup in 6 Simple Steps

There are two main types of backyard hammocks, and both types come in various materials, including woven cotton and quick-dry rayon. Whatever type you buy, be sure to check the maximum weight it will hold. 

• Standard hammocks: This type of hammock is looser than spreader bar hammocks and molds better to the shape of the person in it.

• Spreader bar hammocks: This hammock type has a wooden or metal bar on either end to keep the hammock spread open.

If your hammock does not come with an installation kit, you’ll need to purchase one with the right kind of hardware. Tree strapsare a popular choice because they are user-friendly, offer quick setup and takedown, require no anchoring hardware, and don’t damage trees.

Some hammocks come with chain straps, which hook into an anchor point. You may need to purchase the anchoring hardware (eye bolts or J-hooks) separately. Rope is inexpensive, but you need confidence in your knot-tying skills. It works best with anchoring hardware.

The ideal spot for hanging a hammock is between two trees or posts 10 to 15 feet apart and at least 6 inches in diameter.

For a standard hammock, calculate the range by measuring your hammock from ring to ring and adding two feet. This is the distance you need between the trees; a 10-foot hammock would require 12 feet. If you’re using a spreader-bar hammock, you can get away with slightly less space. Measure the distance from ring to ring and add one foot.

If you decide to install fence posts to hang your hammock, make sure the holes are at least 18 inches in diameter and set at least 2 feet deep in concrete.

If you aren’t hanging your hammock from posts, skip this step. 

Posts need hardware for attachment points. Follow these steps to prepare the posts:

• Drill a small pilot hole into each post, about 4 feet up from the ground.

• The pilot hole should be half the diameter of the screw of the hook. For example, if you bought ½ inch eye bolts, your pilot hole should be ¼ inch. Adjust as needed.

• Screw the eye bolt into the hole and tighten until the eye contacts the wood.

Hang your hammock 18 to 24 inches off the ground so it doesn’t drag, but you can still get in and out easily. 

If you’re using tree straps, wrap the single-loop end of the tree strap around one tree. Pull the long end of the tree strap back through the loop to secure it, like tightening a belt. Use an S-hook or carabiner, attach the strap loop to the hammock’s metal ring. Repeat on the other side. 

To hang using anchoring hardware, loop your straps through the mounted eye bolts or J-hooks instead of going around a tree. If you’re using anchoring hardware and rope, loop the rope through the anchoring hardware and tie a secure knot, such as a taut-line hitch. Use either an S-hook or a carabiner to attach the rope to the hammock ring. Repeat on the other side.

If you’re using chains to hang your hammock, use provided clips or hooks to attach your hammock from ring to anchor point.

Before climbing in, push down with as much of your weight as you can. Does the hammock hit the ground or feel loose? Adjust the height and tension by tightening or loosening the straps (or rope) or adjusting the connection of the chains. Your hammock will stretch out over time, so you should perform this check regularly.