How to Build a Hammock Stand on Your Decking

We’ve recently finished building a new decking area at the back of our garden and it’s the perfect area to incorporate a hammock. So I decided to build the hammock stand into the base to ensure strong and reliable support. This kind of stand is suitable for a whole range of different hammocks so you can have more than one.. Simply unclip one and clip on another. This DIY hammock stand is ideal for those who want a low-cost solution for their ideal relaxation area in the garden.

This area is ideal as it provides a certain level of shade from the hot summer sun and is surrounded by lush green vegetation including tall bamboo, cherry laurel and camellia japonica. We also have space for a seating area or when the hammock is taken down we have a suitable yoga or exercise area.

Let me jump straight into the build process so that you can have a go yourself. The decking frame is quite standard but I’ll show you how to build it to last and long time. The framework also supports the hammock posts to ensure they don’t move under the weight of the hammock. This is quite a low lying hammock but you can adjust the height to the posts to your own personal preferences.

How to Build a Hammock Stand on Decking – Step-by-Step guide

Step One – The Outer Decking Frame

The decking frame is the starting point of this project. It’s based on a basic rectagular shape, roughly 25cm from the ground.

For complex decking projects or installations requiring electrical work and utilities planning, consulting with professional building services consultants ensures your outdoor construction meets all relevant building codes and safety standards whilst optimising functionality and
long-term performance.

• Measure your area and cut the four outer timbers to length. Ensure the two oposite sides are equal in length.
• Mark out the four corners and digg a 1-2ft hole in which the support posts will sit.
• Fill 1/4 of the hole with hardcore rubble. This will provide a strong base for the decking.
• Cut the four corner support posts the the correct depth.
• Treat one end of the post with creosote or another type of wood preserver. This will stop the post from rotting in the soil.
• Place the post in the hole and pour in 5l of water.
• Add Postcrete mix into the hole so that it surrounds the post.
• Mix the Postcrete cement and water until it begins to harden.
• Leave to set for 15 minutes.
• Repeat this process for each of the corner posts.

Step Two – The Inner Decking Frame

Now it’s time to complete the inner frame of the decking with cross support beams.

• Using the same timber, create cross support in the opposite direction that the decking boards will be laid. 90-degrees.
• These can be secured in place using 100mm screws, Apply 3 or 4 in each end.
• Space each beam no more than 50cm apart. Space them closer together for a stronger decking finish. (This is useful if you intend to have heavy items on the decking, like a hot tub.)
• Dig more holes for extra support posts.
• It’s important to have support posts at least every 1m to ensure a strong base.
• Repeat the support post installation process detailed above until you have enough support for the frame.

Step Three – Protecting the Decking Frame

This isn’t essential but I like to protect the frame with a waterproof tape to ensure the deck lasts a long time. This simple step adds about £20 to the cost but will extend the life of your deck by 15 years.

• Measure and cut lengths of tape and apply them to the top of the rafters (beams)
• Ensure each length of tape covers the top of every section of the frame.
• Push the tape over the top and around the edges.

Step Four – Creating the hammock Support Posts

This is the next vital stage to complete the support posts for the hammock. it’s important to use a strong timber of at least 100mm thickness. This will prevent any movement to the post when weigh is applied to the hammock.

• Measure and cut the hammock posts to length. Ensure you measure the height of your hammock, the height of your deck to the floor and add an extra 2ft. This will be burried in the ground.
• Find the location of each post. To do this you can measure your hammock. Measure the length and width. Ensure you have some room to swing the hammock on the decking without bumping into anything.
• Add an extra ~10cm to the length to allow for karabiner hooks which will hold the hammock to the posts.
• Dig a hole about 2ft deep into the ground. Place some hardcore in the bottom and compact it with the post.
• Place the post in the ground and fill with Postcrete as in the first step of this guide. Ensure the posts are level by using a spirit level.
• Allow the cement to set.
• Add additional support around the posts to secure in place. Attach these to the decking frame for a super strong hold.

Step Five – Test the Strength and Add Additional Support if Required

It is vital that the support posts are solid and don’t move at all. Test each post by leaning against it with all your weight. If you feel like there is any movement, ad some additional support around the base.

• Cut some timbers to size and span them across the frame.
• Secure timber to the beams and side frame where possible.
• Strengthen each post with additional screws.
• Larger screws will provide a stronger hold. Use 100mm screws where possible.

Step Six – Add the Decking Boards

Now it’s time to secure the decking boards in place.

• Cut each board to length.
• Starting from the outer edge (the edge visible at the front of the decking), work your way across the deck.
• Use 6mm spacers in between each board to allow for expansion and contraction.
• Secure the decking boards to the frame using ~60mm decking screws. Secure two screws at each intersecting frame timber.
• Cut the decking boards around the hammock support posts using a jigsaw. Measure and cut these carefully to ensure no gaps are left. Allow a 2mm gap for expansion.

Step Seven – Add Support Anchors on the Posts

We added these heavy duty eyelet bolts to ensure a good strong hold for the hammock.

• Measure and mark where the eyelet bolt will be added
• Drill a 8mm hole through the support posts
• Insert the eyelet bolt and secure with a nut.
• You can counter-sink the far side so that the bolt sits within the post.

Step Eight – Stain or Paint the Decking and Posts

The final stage is to stain or paint the timber.

• Clean the decking with a broom or power hose. (allow to dry)
• Apply the paint or stain using a brush or decking pad.
• Apply two or three coats for a long lasting finish

Now you can hang your hammock and adjust as required.

Conclusion

This is a simple enough job and can be retrofitted to any wooden or composite decking. If you’re looking for a simple DIY solution to your hammock requirements then why not give this a try? With a few basic tools and a bit of woodworking experience you an make this happen. If you are new to dcking and would like some more inspiration you can read my in-depth guide on how to build a decking area. it covers two main processes to completing a decking build from scratch.

How much does a hammock stand cost to build yourself?

Excluding my decking this hammock stand only cost about £40. That’s the cost of the 100mm support posts, a couple of bags of Postcrete, some construction timber, two eyelet bolts and a handful of screws.

How long does it take to build a hammock stand?

This hammock stand took about three days to complete with the decking. if you are retro fitting the stand then it wouldn’t take more than 4 hours.

Can I leave a hammock stand in the rain?

This hammock stand is designed to be in the rain all year round but it will require annual treatment to ensure the wood doesn’t rot. Applying a coat or two of stain or paint will ensure it lasts for many, many years.

Happy Hammock Building

If you have any questions about this build or any of my other builds please feel free to reach out and I’ll do my best to answer them. leave a comment below with your email address and I’ll get back to as soon as I can.