How to Hang a Hammock Indoors – 7 Expert Tips

Hammocks are a great way to unwind and relax. Most people only think of hammocks in an outdoor setting, tied between two palm trees and gently swaying in the wind. But hammocks can also be a great addition to an indoor space. You can use hardware to hang hammocks indoors and bring relaxing comfort inside. If you want to hang a hammock indoors, there are some things you need to consider. The primary thing that needs to be addressed is the hammock’s weight. Hammocks are designed to carry people who can weigh hundreds of pounds, and that kind of strain can be difficult to manage in an indoor setting.

Here are seven expert tips on how to hang a hammock indoors safely and effectively.

How to Hang a Hammock Indoors

1. Consider the Weight and Check Integrity

Before choosing a method to hang your indoor hammock, you should consider the weight of your hammock and the integrity of your home. It might not be comfortable to put yourself on a scale, but it will be helpful to know how much weight the hammock will be bearing on a regular basis. Some fasteners are only weighted for a certain amount of weight, so knowing roughly how much weight the hammock will bear is an important first step to making a smart decision.

You also want to check the integrity of your walls, studs, and beams. You want to avoid hanging a hammock from a rotten, cracked, or damaged portion of your home. This is not a common issue, but it can happen. Inspect the area where you want to install your indoor hammock for signs of wear, tear, damage, or rot.

2. Anchor Your Hammock to the Wall Using Specialty Fasteners

There are two ways to use fasteners to hang a hammock. First, you can install fasteners to two walls that are an appropriate space apart for the hammock. To make the space work, many people choose to bridge a corner with their hammocks. The fasteners are installed into strong studs, and the hammock is then tied to the fasteners.

The other way to use fasteners is to sink them into a ceiling. You still need to find a strong joist in the ceiling to support the hammock’s weight. You can then suspend the hammock from the ceiling by attaching strings to the fasteners above.

There are also various different types of fasteners to use. The choice will depend on what type of rope you are going to be using, the weight of the hammock and the people using the hammock, and the space that is being utilized.

Check the weight and strength rating for each and adjust the size accordingly.

3. Use Exposed Ceiling Joists

Exposed beams are very popular. If you are lucky enough to have exposed ceiling joists, you have a novel and stylish way to hang a hammock. You can throw your ropes over the beams and tie your hammock to the joists. Make sure to do some strength tests on the beams before permanently hanging the hammock for use.

Some beams in homes are false beams. It might be prudent to climb up with a ladder and inspect the beam. Knock on it to see if it is hollow. If you try to hang a hammock from a false beam, there is a good chance that the beam will break. However, a solid ceiling joist should be strong enough to support a suspended hammock.

4. Use Vertical Beams

Similar to exposed ceiling joists, you can also use vertical beams. Some homes still have free-standing beams located inside, especially in the basement. You can use these beams to tie up your hammock the same way you would tie your hammock between two trees outside. Like the ceiling joists, you want to make sure the vertical columns are solid and structural. Do not hang your hammock from hollow or false beams.

5. Buy a Hammock Stand

If trying to attach a hammock capable of holding hundreds of pounds to your walls or ceilings sounds daunting, you are not alone. Securing something into studs or beams can be stressful, and the chance of doing something wrong can lead to damage or injury. In that case, you can always buy and install a hammock stand. Hammock stands can be easily placed inside the house. Make sure to check the measurements of the hammock stand before you buy so you can ensure that you have enough room to accommodate it.

Hammock stands eliminate the risk of trying to hang a hammock using fasteners. They are great for people who are not confident in their DIY construction abilities or for people living in an apartment or rental home that cannot start drilling into the walls willy-nilly.

6. Use S-Hooks and Chains

When hanging a hammock, most people simply default to using rope or nylon cord, but those are only some of your options. One strong way to hang a hammock inside is to utilize S-hooks and chains. Chains offer more strength and durability than ropes. Chains are especially good for people who want to suspend their hammock from the ceiling. The S-hooks allow you to adjust the height of your hammock to your liking. Chains are at a much lower risk of fraying or breaking than rope or nylon cord.

7. Avoid Drywall and Use a Stud Finder

Never try to attach a hammock to drywall alone. You must attach your hammock to a structural member in order to avoid dangerous accidents. Hammocks will absolutely pull out of the wall if you do not attach them to a stud. Even with drywall anchors, the weight of a person in a hammock will be too great for drywall to handle.

If you are unsure where your studs are, use a stud finder. Stud finders are inexpensive and readily available. The extra cost for a stud finder is absolutely worth the money to avoid a costly accident that can leave gouges in your drywall and potentially hurt you or a guest.

Conclusion

When installing a hammock indoors, you must consider where the weight is being distributed. You must use studs, structural beams, or solid columns for the best results. If you do not use strong enough anchor points, you could find yourself tumbling to the floor when you least expect it. If you follow these expert tips, you should be able to install a hammock that is safe and sturdy for repeated use.

You may also be interested in: 8 Expert Tips on How to Hang a Dartboard (with Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Toa Heftiba, Unsplash