Few things in life are as relaxing as lying in a hammock and gently swinging in the shade. Whether you’re sleeping, reading or simply watching the clouds go by, a hammock stand is an affordable way to add this feature to your yard even if you don’t have any trees. While there are lots of ready-made options that can be bought in stores, you can also make your own custom hammock stand in a matter of hours.
Building a Hammock Stand
A hammock stand is a simple outdoor feature that has a basic concept, but there are a number of designs to choose from. You could use:
- A Roman Arc Design
- An I Stand
- Two-Legged Stand
- Anchored Posts
Posts are obviously the simplest way to go, but they aren’t very portable. If you want the best of both worlds the I stand design is one of the most popular and easiest to make yourself.
What You’ll Need:
- Base – Two 2×4 pieces cut 36” Long
- Frame – Two 2×4 pieces cut 84” Long
- Braces – Two 2×4 pieces cut 12” Long
- Supports – Two 2×4 pieces cut 60” Long
- Two Hook Screws
- Four 5” Carriage Bolts
- Galvanized Screws
When it comes to wood selection you’re going to want to go with one that is meant to exterior use. Cedar and redwood are both excellent affordable options that look beautiful. A heartwood grade should be used since there’s a good chance the hammock stand will be in direct contact with the ground. Pressure treated pine as well as a variety hardwood lumber can also be used, however the latter may require specialized tools.
For professional assistance selecting the best wood for your hammock stand give Timbertown Austin a call.
Steps to Build the I Stand:
Step 1 – Cut two 1 ½” deep notches into each end of the frame boards where the base boards will go.
Step 2 – Cut one end of each support board at a 45-degree angle. This will be the end that is sandwiched between the frame boards.
Step 3 – Drill pilot holes through the base and support boards where the bolts will go. Two holes will need to be in each support board for a total of four bolts.
Step 4 – Insert the bolts through the base and supports.
Step 5 – Fit the base boards into the notches that were cut out of the frame. Drill in galvanized screws from the bottom of the base boards into the frame boards.
Step 6 – Now add the braces that provide addition support for the supports. First, cut a 45-degree angle on one end of each brace board.
Step 7 – Sandwich the square end of the brace between the frame boards. Then bolt the frame and brace together. Next, screw the brace to the support.
Step 8 – Install the hook screws into the interior face of the supports at the top of each support board.
Choosing the Best Location for Your Hammock
With a hammock stand you’re not limited on where you can put your new lounger. However, some spots will be better than others.
Shade
Baking in the hot midday sun isn’t relaxing after a few minutes. Look for a spot that gets plenty of shade or light only during the early morning and late afternoon hours.
Level Ground
You’ll need a nice level ground so that the stand stays stable. Depending on the size of your deck you could even put the hammock stand up on the patio.
No Problem with Standing Water
Even if you use the right kind of wood, moisture can have very bad affects on your stand. It needs to be put in a spot with good drainage so that standing water doesn’t become an issue.
Room to Swing
You’ll want enough room for the stand plus space to swing back and forth. This means the area on the sides of the stand should be clear, but also make sure no plants will hang down in the way.
Now the only thing left to do is choose which type of hammock you want to hang!
Image Source: By Tim36272 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Original Source: http://timbertownaustin.com/wood-project-how-tos/simple-ways-to-build-a-hammock-stand/
