How to Hang a Hammock

1. Hanging a Hammock Between Trees

Best for: Gardens, parks, woodland, camping.

This is the most traditional and flexible way to hang a hammock.  At Simply Hammocks, we often spend our lunch in the surrounding forests near our office. No two trees are the same, and we don't have any trouble finding a way to hang our hammocks, thanks to how adjustable these rope fixings are. 

What you need

• Two strong trees
• 10–15 ft (3–4.5 m) distance between them
• Smart Ropes, T-Straps or Micro Rope Fixing

How to do it

1. Attach your straps around each tree at around head height.
2. Clip or tie the hammock to the straps.
3. Aim for a gentle curve (a relaxed “banana” shape).
4. The lowest point should sit about chair height (around 40–50 cm off the ground).

I ONLY HAVE ONE TREE!!! Then you can attach one end of the hammock to your tree and then use our Madera Stand for the other end.

2. Hanging a Hammock on a Stand

Best for: Patios, balconies, renters, the beach or when trees aren’t available.

Hanging your hammock on a stand is the easiest way, as all the hard work has been done for you, especially if you go for one of our  Hammock Sets. All our stands include fixings, so you don't need to worry about that.

What you need

• A compatible stand (wood or metal)
• A hammock with a matching length

1. Select a hammock from our website which you like.
2. You can then choose a compatible stand which will show on each product.
3. Alternatively you can look at our  compatibility table.
4. Once everything arrives, build or unfold the stand according to the instructions
5. Hook the hammock loops onto the stand arms.
6. Adjust chains or fixings until the curve looks comfortable.

I HAVE A HAMMOCK, I JUST NEED A STAND TO FIT. Great, just head to our Hammock Fit Checker and we can match you up to a compatible stand.

3. Hanging Between Walls, Posts or Beams

Best for: Bedrooms, attics, pergolas, or sturdy posts.

Hanging between solid walls or beams gives you a permanent, secure setup. It’s ideal if you want a cosy indoor hammock or a fixed outdoor spot.

What you need

• Strong walls, posts, or structural beams
• Eye bolts, wall anchors, or ceiling fixings
• Just a drill and screwdriver, our fixings kits include screws/wallplugs.

1. Measure and mark your fixing points based on your hammock length (usually 9–12 ft apart).
2. Drill and install the anchors securely into brick, concrete, or solid timber.
3. Attach the hammock to the fixing carabiners or add rope if you want to adjust the height until the hammock sits in a comfortable curve.

SAFETY NOTE Only ever fix into solid brick, concrete, or structural timber. Never into plasterboard alone.

4. Hanging a Hammock Chair or Swing

Best for: Indoor corners, porches, pergolas, reading nooks.

Hammock chairs are the simplest to hang — they only need one strong overhead fixing point and take up much less space than a full hammock.

What you need

• A solid ceiling joist or exposed beam
• Hammock chair fixings
• Just a drill and screwdriver, our fixings kits include screws/wallplugs.
• Consider adding a Sono Spring or swivel, for a more premium hang.

1. Find a load-bearing joist or beam (use a stud finder if indoors).
2. Drill and install our ceiling hook.
3. Attach the rope, spring or chain and adjust until the chair sits at a comfortable height.

TIP A swivel attachment makes the chair feel smoother and stops twisting. And the spring avoids any jerky movements.

5. Hanging a Hammock Without Trees

Best for: Gardens without mature trees, patios, balconies or new builds.

No trees? No problem. There are several reliable ways to enjoy your hammock without natural anchor points.

• A hammock stand (wood or metal)
• Wall fixings in brick or concrete
• Strong pergola posts or sturdy fence posts
• Dedicated posts set in concrete just for your hammock

TIP Any loose posts — fencing or pergola — must be concreted in deeply to be safe for hammock use.

6. Hanging Your Hammock in Cool & Creative Places

Best for: Adventurers, travellers, boat owners, van-lifers and anyone who loves unique hangouts.

You’re not limited to gardens and trees. Hammocks can go in some amazing places if you’ve got the right fixings.

Here are a few fun ideas:

• Boats & Narrowboats – hang across the cockpit, from grab rails, or between structural beams.
• Campervans & Motorhomes – anchor between roof beams or doorway pillars for an instant indoor swing spot.
• Pergolas & Garden Structures – perfect for shaded relaxation.
• Inside Cabins or Attics – create a cosy reading corner or chill zone.
• Between Strong Fence Posts – great when you don’t have trees.
• Garage or Workshop Beams – a surprisingly good hangout spot.
• Holiday Rentals / Airbnb's – use removable straps if you can’t drill.

TIP On boats and campervans, always attach to structural beams only — never decorative trim.

8. Quick Troubleshooting

• Hammock feels too tight: lower the attachment points or add more slack.
• Hammock is sagging too much: raise the fixing points or reduce the distance.
• Unsure which fixings you need: see our Fixings Guide or contact support.

TIP Most hammock issues come down to two things: height and distance. Adjust those and you'll fix 95% of problems.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can any wall support a hammock?
   Only solid brick, concrete, or structural timber. Never plasterboard alone.
2. How do I know which stand fits my hammock?
   Use our Hammock Fit Checker for an instant match.
3. What height should I hang my hammock?
   Aim for the centre to sit around chair height (40–50 cm from the ground).
4. Can I leave my hammock outside all year?
   Yes if it’s made from weatherproof fabric. Cotton hammocks should be brought inside.
5. How much weight can a hammock hold?
   Most support 120–200 kg depending on the model. Check your product page for exact limits.
6. Are spreader bar hammocks safer?
   They look flatter and more decorative, but non-spreader hammocks are generally more stable.
7. Why does my hammock feel too tight?
   Lower the attachment points or add more slack to get the ideal curve.
8. Can I hang a hammock from fence posts?
   Yes — only if the posts are deeply concreted in and don’t flex.
9. Do I need carabiners?
   They make hanging easier and allow quick adjustments, but straps/ropes also work.
10. What’s the easiest beginner setup?
    A hammock + stand set. No drilling, no measuring, and it works anywhere.

Need help choosing the right setup?

If you’re unsure how best to hang your hammock, send us a photo of your space and tell us which hammock you’re looking at. Our hammock experts will recommend the safest and most comfortable way to hang it, along with any fixings or stands you might need.

Contact Our Hammock Experts