Everyone could use some relaxation from time to time, and a hammock provides the perfect opportunity for enjoying and relaxing outdoors.
But what can you do if you don’t have trees in your backyard to hang a hammock?
That’s tricky, but it doesn’t need to deter you from buying a hammock. There is a simple solution, just buy a hammock stand to go with it.
If you start checking the prices of hammock stands in stores, you’ll soon understand that they can be quite expensive. Sometimes they can cost more than a hammock. This is not a relaxing feeling. But, no worries.
We can help you with that, and teach you how to make a hammock stand at a fraction of what they cost.
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Materials Needed to Make a Hammock Stand
Made from a couple of lumbar woods, this hammock stand is lightweight, and you can easily pull it in any corner of your backyard you like — you can even follow the shade throughout the afternoon.
The hammock stand that we’ll teach you how to make is sturdy and strong, and any grown adult can relax without worrying it may fall apart. Here’s what you’ll need.
How to Make a Hammock Stand?
Step 1 - Cut the Lumber
Cut the lumber to fit the dimensions that you’ll need for this project. To start making the hammock stand base, you need two 2×4s of 8-foot-longs.
Lay the 2×4 lumber so that the 3-½-inch sides (note: a 2×4 is not exactly 2 inches by 4 inches) rest flat on the floor. Using a prepared square, make 30-degree angle cuts on each board ends. The lines need to be drawn from both top right corners and the top left of each plank at a 30-degree angle toward the center. Then cut using a power saw or hand saw. Sand down your lumber, and pay attention to the sawn ends.
This project requires many cuts at 30- and 60-degree angles. If you do not own a power saw, use a set square, and a hand saw instead.
Step 2 - Mark and Cut Pieces of Wood
Select two 2×4s, and cut them in half to make 4 lateral posts, each with one angled and flat end. To make the perfect cut without any wood scraps, you need to mark and measure the exact center of each lumber at 4 feet in, then 1-3/4 inches down.
Place your set square over the center dot. This will help you draw the line at a 30-degree angle through your mark. Draw the line at a 30-degree angle, and then make a cut. Sand down the pieces that are cut.
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Step 3 - Create “Slant Timbers”
This is where you will create “slant timbers” that will connect the lateral posts and the base for extra support. Take one of the remaining 2×4s, and measure to find the center (using: at 4 feet in, then 1-3/4 inches down).
At a 60-degree angle, draw a line through the center, then cut following the line. You will have two pieces of wood having the same length, both having one end at a 60-degree angle.
At a 60-degree angle, cut the straight end of each piece too, and sand-down all of the pieces.
Step 4 - Build Your Hammock Stand
Pick another of the remaining 2×4s, and cut four 15-inch pieces. Leave two pieces with 90-degree cuts on both ends. This will be used to join the top part of the lateral posts.
The other two pieces should have an end flat, and the other end has to be cut at a 30-degree angle (such that the cuts mirror each other).
These two pieces will strengthen where the lateral posts and base meets. Sawn these pieces completely.
It’s time to build your hammock stand:
Step 5 - Assemble the Unit With Bolts
It’s time to assemble the unit with bolts, starting at one end (left or right side).
Hold the pieces of the in-progress stand with clamps and drill pilot holes through both pieces of wood. Drill as straight as possible, so the bolts can easily pass through afterward.
Drill two holes each through the top of the lateral posts and stacked 15-inch pieces, then two holes through all the 15-inch cuts that join the lateral post and the base, and one hole each through the slant timbers.
Repeat on the other side, and in the end, you should have 12 holes in total.
Step 6 - Drill the Appropriate Holes
Layout your remaining cuts, the two unused lateral posts, and the second base wood, just as in step 4, but without any 15-inch pieces.
Your drill bits will not be long enough to drill through three layers of 2×4s to join both sides of the hammock stand. Therefore, you need to make accurate markings of the holes you have just completed on the remaining materials.
To accomplish this, lay the already bored slant and timbers and base over the top of them, then use a drill to mark the location of the holes. Remove the already drilled woods, and drill holes into the position you have marked. Drill as straight as possible.
Step 7 - Tighten the Bolt
This is where the use of the 6-inch hex bolt that has washer comes in. Thread the 6-inch hex bolt through the holes that you have created in steps four and five, assemble and overlap layers as previously explained. You can apply a little wood glue between the lumbers.
Lay the second base and the two lateral posts on top, cap both with bolt, washer, and nut, then tighten.
Step 8 - Steady the Hammock Stand
If you applied wood glue between the lumber, wait till it gets dried before carrying out the instructions in this step. Flip the structure vertically, and add two feet to steady the hammock stand. Cut the last 2×4 in half to make them.
Locate the center of one of the 4-foot-long pieces, and cut a notch into the 3-1⁄2-inch side of the 2×4, the side that measures 1-inch deep and 4-1⁄2 inches wide, using a wood chisel and hammer.
Repeat this process to make a second foot on the opposite end of the stand, and sand both pieces.
Step 9 - Connect the Foot and the Lateral Post
Return to the first foot and line the notch with wood glue, turn the 2×4. Its 3-1⁄2-inch side should remain flat on the ground. Then fit it to the notch around the bottom of the hammock stand.
Drill holes for three 3-1⁄2-inch screws, and stick to it metal brackets (use four 2-inch screws). This is done so you can connect the foot and the lateral post on both sides of the stand.
Repeat with the other foot.
Step 10 - Apply an Exterior Wood Stain
You will need to apply an exterior wood stain (one coat), so it would protect your wood from moisture outdoors. Leave the wood to dry as recommended on the stain’s package (likely 24 hours).
How to Hang Your Hammock - Conclusion
It’s time to hang your hammock. On the top of each end, fasten a hitch ring having four 2-inch screws. Use a 3/8″ spring link (one having a carrying capacity of at least a couple hundred pounds) on both ends to hook the hammock to the hitch ring.
Finally, it’s time to sit and enjoy.
Did you try to make your hammock stand? Share with us your experiences in the comment box below.