How's it "Hanging?" Choosing a Location With the variety of hammock styles available today, you should be able to find one to fit virtually any spot in or outside your home. Although traditionally hung between two trees, you can also hang a hammock between posts set in the ground, on a porch, on a hammock stand and from a ceiling beam. Make certain that any trees, posts or beams that you plan to use are strong enough to support the extra weight. We recommend trees or posts be a minimum of 6" (15 cm) in diameter or 4" x 6" (10 cm x 15 cm) in size. Do not use wood supports which are cracked, split or rotten or which are too soft to properly hold the screw hooks. For outdoor use, we recommend you use treated lumber or types resistant to rot. If using posts, they should be at least 2 feet deep into the ground, deeper if you have sandy soil. Simply dig the hole, place post in hole, fill with cement and let dry completely. How to hang a hammock using hammock hooks 1. Drill a 3/16" (0.5 cm) or smaller starter hole where you want your hooks. If you don't have a drill you can use a hammer and nail. 2. Screw the hammock hooks into the pilot holes. Be sure to set the screw deep enough that the eye is against the wood, but do not overtighten the screw or allow the hook assembly or eye screw to be twisted or bent. Install screw hooks only on side of the tree or post facing the hammock. Your hammock should not pull sideways on the hook. How to Determine Hanging Distance Distance: It's easiest to hang your hammock in a space at least 1 foot (30 cm) longer than the overall length of the hammock. For example, a 10' hammock requires two posts or trees 11' apart. Height: The screw hook should be mounted anywhere from 5 to 6 feet (1.5 m to 1.8 m) above the ground. You may wish to hang it higher or lower depending on the distance between your supports and on your personal preference. Troubleshooting: If you have less space, or the hammock is sitting too low to the ground, try raising the hooks and hanging the hammock higher. If the hammock seems to tight, or too high, attach a length of chain between the Screw Hook and the S Hook (see photo below). Hammock hanging instructions Use one or two lengths chain and S-hooks as necessary to reach between the hammock and the hooks. See Illustration. It is normal for your new hammock to stretch considerably when it is new, especially if it is made of cotton. As it stretches out to its full length take up the slack in the chain. Do not wrap chain around the hook. Do not allow chain to become twisted between the hook assembly and the ring of the hammock. Either of these conditions may damage or weaken chain. Avoid stretching your hammock too tightly as this greatly increases the load on the hardware and supports. Ensure that the angle of the chain is at least 25 degrees when the hammock is in use. Hanging a Hammock Chair All hammock chairs should be hung at least 6 feet off the ground. If you don't have a sturdy tree or open beam to tie the chair to, follow the hanging instructions below. 1. Find a point in the ceiling that has a beam or ceiling support (support is located in most ceilings every 16 inches – hammer a small nail into the spot you locate to check that it is a solid support.) Locate the center of the beam. 2. Drill a starter hole with a ¼ inch drill bit. 3. Screw in the hook (included with purchase). 4. Place loop of chair on hook. The chair will fit a standard 8-foot ceiling – if the ceiling is higher you may need an extension chain.   Hammock Care Instructions As with most products, the time a hammock will last is dependent upon its care and treatment. If you wish to leave a hammock outside in the elements all year, we recommend a fabric or polyester rope hammock. Other types are fine during the summer, however for users North of the 24th Parallel, we would suggest that they be taken down during periods of prolonged rain or snow! All hammocks will last longer if you take them down during severe weather and limit the time they are exposed to the sun. Instructions for washing a hammock, hammock swing or hammock chair 1. Remove from wood bar.. 2. Tie ends together to prevent tangles. 3. Fold hammock or chair and place into a pillowcase    with the end tied. 4. Machine wash in warm water, cool rinse. 5. Line air dry. If the spreader bars are attached, hand wash in a mild solution of soap and water, then air dry. Don't let the spreader bars soak in the water. The Large Quilted Hammock shouldn't be totally immersed in water. Use a scrub brush and soapy water to clean, then rinse off soap and let air dry. Not buying a hammock stand? You're going to need some help hanging your new hammock. Don't forget to view our hanging kit and other hammock hanging accessories .   Return to HOME   $25 - $40 Under  $60 Under  $80 Under $100 Instructions on how to hang a hammock or hammock chair.