Hammock Stand Tutorial

Thanks for stopping in.  I'm back with the tutorial for our DIY hammock stand.  As I mentioned in my last post, we had some difficulty finding a stand that would work with our hammock so we decided to make our own.

We took our design from this tutorial but modified it in a couple of key spots.

Supplies:

• (5) 2x4x8s
• (6) 3/8" x 5" carriage bolts
• (2) 3/8" x 12" threaded rods
• (10) 3/8" hex nuts
• (10) 3/8" flat washers
• (2) 5" screw hooks
• galvanized screws
• exterior paint or stain (optional)

Tools:

• rubber mallet
• tape measure
• square
• miter saw
• jigsaw
• drill
• socket wrench
• safety goggles

Cut list:

• (2) 2x4 @ 84" long
• (2) 2x4 @ 36" long
• (2) 2x4 @ 72" long with one end mitered at 45 degrees
• (2) 2x4 @ 12" long with one end mitered at 45 degrees

Pretend that the longer mitered pieces on the left are actually 72" long and not 48" long as pictured.  I'll explain later.  Thanks.

Step 1:  Measure and cut out 1.5" deep x 3.5" long notches 6" in from the ends of your two frame boards (the 84" long boards).  You will end up with 4 total notches as seen in the picture above.  Seth used our jigsaw for this but you can use a circular saw or miter saw to make multiple inward cuts and then use a chisel to remove the remaining wood.  

Step 2:  Center your two 2x4x36" pieces in the notches that you just created making sure to leave a 1.5" gap between the two frame pieces.  Secure with galvanized screws.

Step 3:  Flip your base over and use two of your carriage bolts to attach each support piece (the 72" long pieces in our modified design).  The mitered end will rest on the ground and the board itself will rest in the space between the two frame pieces.  It needs to be on the inside of the base pieces.  Hopefully the picture below will clear up any confusion.  You will need to drill pilot holes before using the rubber mallet to pound your carriage bolts through.  Then use a washer and hex nut to secure your carriage bolts.  Tighten with your socket wrench.

*NOTE:  We originally assembled the stand with 48" long support boards.  After hanging our hammock and climbing in, we realized that our support boards needed to be longer.  The hammock was touching the ground.  Haha...I don't think we've done one project yet where things went exactly as planned.  Maybe one day?

Ignore the small pieces of wood that the stand is resting on.  We used them to elevate it for the staining step.

Step 4:  Attach your support braces (the two 12" long pieces with one side mitered at 45 degrees) to the frame boards using the two remaining carriage bolts (one per side - see pic above).  The 45 degree mitered edge will rest against the backside of your long support boards.

Here is where things get dicey.  We originally followed the tutorial and used a galvanized screw to secure the brace to the support board.  Turns out that when our fat butts sat in the hammock the inward and downward pressure on the support boards was enough to partially detach that screw.  I whipped up a quick depiction for you.  You're welcome.

*** NOTE: Start praying for patience and be certain that your marriage is rock solid before proceeding to step 5. ***

Step 5:  Take a deep breath.  Attempt to drill a pilot hole for the threaded rod through the support board and brace (see pic below).  Our drill bit was not long enough to drill through both of these boards at the necessary angle.  We drilled as far as we could from one side, attempted to mimic the correct angle, and then drilled from the other side all the while praying that the two holes would connect closely enough for the threaded rod to pass through.  I will not go into the details of how many times it took to get this right or the words that came out of our mouths while we attempted to do so.  Let's just pretend it all went smoothly.

Once you are able to create your pilot hole, insert your threaded rod and attach a washer and hex nut at either end.  Grip one hex nut with a wrench while you tighten the other one down. We then used our angle grinder to cut off the excess threaded rod.

Step 6:  REJOICE!!!  Yes, this is really a step.  You made it through the most difficult part and are almost finished.

Step 7:  Install your screw hooks roughly 4" down from the top of your support boards.

Step 8 (optional):  Use a circular saw to level off the tops of your support boards.

Step 9 (optional):  Paint or stain your hammock stand.  We used this semi-transparent exterior stain in Oxford Brown.  

Step 10:  HANG YOUR HAMMOCK AND ENJOY!!!

A good book and a glass of slightly sweetened iced tea are just what I like.

Feel free to email me with any questions if you decide to tackle your own hammock stand. Happy relaxing!