How to Hang Hammocks & Hanging Chairs

Of course, for safety reasons it is important to properly attach the hammock or hanging chair.
This page will give you useful tips for safely hanging your new hammock or hanging chair.

Hanging a hammock

Hanging a hanging chair


Hanging a hammock

Before you start hanging a hammock, it's important to check whether the suspension is strong enough. Not every beam, tree or wall is strong enough to hang a hammock. So check carefully that they meet your requirements. If you're not sure, find another suspension point or use a hammock stand.

Keep in mind that it won't just be holding your weight, but a multiple of it. This is because moving in the hammock creates extra pressure on the suspension points, which can cause a peak load. The maximum load stated for the hammock takes this into account. So make sure that the tree or wall can also handle this extra weight.


Hanging a hammock: Calculate the distance

When you want to hang a hammock, you have to calculate the correct distance. When determining the distance between two suspension points, it's best to make that space as large as possible. It's almost never a problem when the distance between 2 suspension points is (much) longer than the hammock. This is easily solved by using carabiners, chains or rope.

You also have to look ahead to the future. If you measure the length to exactly the length of your current hammock, in the future you'll be limited to choosing a hammock that's no longer than your existing hammock. People often start by buying a single hammock. After a while, those customers often return to our showroom to buy a double hammock. These are much more comfortable.

So make sure to leave a wide margin when hanging the hammock.

If the distance between the two suspension points is shorter than your hammock, you have a problem that's harder to solve. You can tie a knot in the ropes of the hammock. The advantage of this is that the total length gets shorter. The disadvantage is that it will be less easy for the hammock to hang wide, because the ropes are too short to do so. A peak load can also occur on a certain part of the ropes. This is therefore not a good long-term solution.


Hanging a hammock: Determine the height

When hanging a hammock you need to determine the height of the suspension points and the height of the hammock above the ground.

You usually hang the suspension points at a height of approx. 180 cm. Try as much as possible to make sure that both suspension points are at the same height. If this isn't possible, you can correct it somewhat by using rope or chains, but this isn't the preferred option. So don't hang 1 suspension point at 180 cm and the other at 150 cm.

Some people suggest that you should use a formula to hang a hammock. The height of the suspension points would then depend on the length of the hammock. Our preference is to hang the hammock at about 180 cm and correct the length and height with a rope or chain.

When correctly attached, the lowest part of the hammock will then hang about 40 – 50 cm above the ground. This can even be slightly lower.

Also keep in mind that a hammock will stretch after the first use. It can even sometimes get 40 cm longer after a number of uses. This is important for determining the height and length when you're hanging a hammock.


Hang a hammock with a spreader bar

A spreader bar hammock has shorter ropes. That's why you can hang it at a lower height. You can hang a spreader bar hammock at a height of around 120 – 140 cm. This is because it doesn't sink down as low. Therefore a lower suspension point is sufficient.


Hanging a hammock: Wall

Hanging a hammock between two walls is an ideal option. A wall is usually sturdy and will improve comfort. When the hook is hanging stably, the hammock will also be more comfortable. Unlike a hammock stand or smaller trees, walls don't move when you rock or move in your hammock.

Make sure the wall is strong enough, as walls can be old or less strong. Also make sure you use good plugs when hanging the hammock in the wall. The screws also need to be deep enough. Our suspension kits have special plugs for walls.


Hanging a hammock: Tree

You can hang a hammock between two trees. The advantage of trees is that you have natural shade when it's hot.

Make sure the tree is thick enough to withstand so much weight. You also need to ensure that you're careful with nature. A good thick tree won't suffer much from supporting a hammock, but do take reasonable care.

With trees, rope is the best thing to use to hang your hammock. You can easily remove it after use. Make sure that the rope can't fall down. Tie the rope above a branch on the tree, so it can't suddenly slip or fall down.


Hanging a hammock: Indoors

Most people think of the garden when it comes to hammocks, but hanging a hammock indoors is a great idea too. In the Netherlands it's often too cold to lie outside, so hanging your hammock indoors allows you to enjoy it even more often.

Having a hammock indoors creates a nice atmosphere. You'll find that you get a lot of nice reactions when you hang it up. You'll also notice that watching TV from a hammock is a very enjoyable experience.

Of course, a hammock takes up a fair amount of space, but you can easily pack it up again or hang it with 2 loops over 1 hook. The hammock then hangs down the wall. Whenever you want to lie in it again, you simply hang it back up.

The 'Complete' hammock suspension is ideally suited for hanging a hammock indoors. It takes up hardly any space and doesn't stick it out very much.


Hanging a hammock: Balcony

If you don't have a garden, you can hang the hammock on your balcony. If the balcony is long enough, hang it up at a height of approx. 180 cm. The perfect way to kick back and enjoy your hammock.

If your balcony is a lot smaller, you may decide to hang the hammock from the ceiling. This causes it to hang higher than normal. It also means they can hang closer together. A hammock can therefore also fit on a smaller balcony.

You can also decide to put the suspension points next to each other. By doing this you create a kind of swing. This means you can't lie down as you normally would in a hammock, but you can gently swing in it instead.


Hanging a hammock: Types of suspension kit

Many different types of suspension material are available. The most commonly used supplies are available in various kits. These contain several of the accessories needed to hang a hammock. Our bestselling suspension kit is the All-Round suspension.

A screw thread can be used to hang a hammock from a wooden surface. Our suspension kits always have screw threads and come with wall plugs.


Hanging a hammock: Hammock stand

Use a hammock stand if you don't have any trees or walls that you can hang your hammock from. You may also opt for a hammock stand if you regularly want to set the hammock up in different places. Depending on the position of the sun, for example.

A beautiful wooden hammock stand is a great addition to the garden. It looks elegant and impressive. It instantly creates a chilled atmosphere in your garden.

We indicate which stands are suitable for each hammock.


Hanging a hanging chair

The best way to hang a hanging chair is from the ceiling. Most hanging chairs are designed based on a ceiling height of 220-230 cm. If the ceiling is higher, that's no problem - you can easily hang a spring or carabiner in between.

A hanging chair usually has 1 suspension point. If the ceiling is lower than 220 cm, you can also decide to hang the hanging chair from 2 suspension points. This allows you to hang the hanging chair from a ceiling that is (much) lower. Another reason to use 2 suspension points is stability. A hanging chair that hangs from 1 point rotates a lot on its axis. To prevent this, you can hang the hanging chair from 2 suspension points.

Bear in mind that a suspension kit consists of 1 hook. Springs are often used with hanging chairs. Springs are good for comfort, because they move so well with the chair.