As the popularity of indoor hammocks for sleeping, for relaxing, and for décor purposes soar, you may find yourself in the position of wanting to hang a hammock indoors, but not having adequately supportive construction, or not having permission to mar the walls or ceilings. Apartments in particular frequently have restrictions for such use. So how does one proceed?
The first, and perhaps the easiest solution, is to use a hammock stand. Since the Mexican, Central American, and South American style hammocks that are most appropriate for indoor use don’t fit well in the standard hammock stand you will need to use a stand such as the Vario Stand, which is adjustable in length and height, and can accommodate these hammocks.
- The pros of using a stand include no construction and easy portability. The cons include having a large object taking up floor space.
The second solution would apply in a situation where the structure does not lend itself to hanging the hammock where you want it; but where there is no prohibition against attaching construction to the walls and ceilings. We used this method in one of our hammock shops where the walls were a little iffy.
- First you will need structural lumber such as two 4x4s which are long enough to span from ceiling to floor.
- Then you will use angle braces to attach the 4x4s to the ceiling joists and flooring. If you can, you might countersink some long wood screws into the wall studs.
- This is the basic method. You may have to adapt to your specific situation.
- The pros of this method include the possibility of a sturdy support just where you want it in a situation that might otherwise not work out.
- The cons, of course, are that it is a bit of work, and you have marred the ceiling and floor. This is a method to use for long term installation.
The third solution is for use when you desire a sturdy installation but cannot attach to the room structure or mar any of the surfaces.
- The process here is to use a pair of Ellis screw jacks to compress two 4x4s between floor and ceiling.
- You will want to protect the floor and ceiling by using sections of 2×6 or 2×8 lumber to distribute the load.
- Screw the bases of the jacks into the 2x8s.
- You will then span the cross room distance with two 2x4s strapped together at intervals. These will need to be attached to the tops of the verticals using screws and straight straps.
- The jacks are rated to 6,000 pounds at the 7 foot extension, and the 4×4 verticals are rated to 2,000 pounds, while the spanning 2x4s [doubled] are rated to 800 pounds.
- The pros of this installation include having a very sturdy arrangement which can be easily removed if necessary, leaving no trace behind.
- The cons may involve problems with the WAF (wife acceptance factor), if applicable.
So, with a little bit of work and a lot of love you can hang ’em high, and lay low. Happy Hanging!