Hanging A Hammock Indoors

This video shows the process for hanging a hammock indoors.

I often get asked how to hang a hammock inside. This is actually very easy to accomplish. I’ve been using large metal eye bolts for years, but there are also hanging kits specifically made for hammocks, including the ENO Hanging Kit.

The process is straightforward:

  1. Measure the distance inside your room (wall to wall)
  2. Use the hang calculator to determine the hang point
  3. Locate the wall stud
  4. Drill the holes
  5. Insert the eye bolt (or other hardware)

Materials Needed

1 – Measuring tape
1 – Stud finder (you can also use a nail and hammer a series of holes until you find the stud edges and measure for the center)
1 – Hammock Hang Calculator
2 – Eye bolts (or hanging kit)
1 – Drill with drill bit

If you are installing a single hardware piece like the eye bolt, be sure to drill the hole in the center of the stud.

The minimum hang distance for a hammock, generally speaking, is about 9 ft (2.7 m), but much depends on what hammock you have. A lot of bedrooms are built with 10 or 12 ft (3 to 3.6 m) floor space, but if you have a small room, you could also go diagonally across a room for more distance.

Wall studs are easily found on corners or around window frames, but using a stud finder or using the nail method are good ways to make sure you are drilling or installing in the right place.

One the hardware is installed, hang your hammock! I use various hardware pieces I’ve collected over the years, including large steel S-hooks, steel carabiners, and even short lengths of chain. The chain is a nice because it provides variable hang points every few inches.

I also often use a short length of webbing that I hook on to the eye bolt and then use the Becket Hitch to tie off the hammock. This is a traditional method used in South America.

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195 responses to “Hanging A Hammock Indoors”

  1. Kimber Avatar
    Kimber

    Hi Derek,
    I live in an apartment building and my balcony walls are cement, or maybe one would say concrete/block walls. Is it possible to hang a hammock?
    Thanks in advance

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Yes. Just use the appropriate anchor bolts. Consult with a building manager.

  2. David Avatar
    David

    Derek, thanks for all the info on the site. I may be dense, but could you explain how to use the calculator for hanging a hammock not from a wall but from ceiling joists, on both ends? For example, is the “angle” to put in the calculator just the angle from an imaginary vertical line perpendicular to the ceiling point of attachment? Anything to consider differently when talking about both attachment points being on the ceiling?

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      This version of the calculator doesn’t do well with ceilings but I’m working with the developers on an update. You basically take the hang angle and continue the Suspension along a straight line until it intersects with the ceiling. With the calculator, play with the hang distance until the hang point equals the ceiling height.

  3. Mark Avatar
    Mark

    any advice if its a hammock floor instead?

  4. […] Yes, you don’t need to be a happy camper to enjoy resting in a hammock. It can be hung inside your home as well, thus providing you with an opportunity to use it all-year-round. Instead of planting a tree indoors to have a place where to hang a hammock, you might take a look at these tips. […]

  5. my name is Grace horse Avatar

    hello my name is Grace and I have two daughters and it’s their birthday and they are twins I’m going to buy them a double hammock if you sell any of them just give me the price and show me some pictures I want to see lots and lots of pictures and if you have a orange hammock and then the bottom one is blue then just let me know give me lots of pictures and let me know what the prices I’m only going for $180 and I want to see if you have anything for Christmas that I could get for them so just text me back whenever you can♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Sorry, I don’t sell or make hammocks, just talk about them 🙂

  6. my name is Grace horse Avatar

    is there even is a yard sale just let me know if there’s anything light ShannoI mean hammock sorry so sorry
    ♥♥♥♥♥

  7. […] it is to install hammocks in your house? They’re fun, more comfortable than chairs, and…they’re hammocks! In your home! On lazy sunday afternoons, they’ll be nothing better than gently rocking as you […]

  8. Michael Avatar

    Any suggestions for a Florida house. I have one inside wall with studs, but the opposite wall is drywall with 3/4″ strips and then block.

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      Is the block filled with cement or is it hollow?

      1. Michael Avatar

        Should be hollow except for every six feet where it would be a steel reinforced concrete column. Are you thinking “toggle”?

        Also, after the original post a couple years ago, are you still in a hammock?

        I’m working on a project for replacement housing for Haiti and would like to incorporate the idea as the space needed to sleep is GREATLY reduced and can provide a smaller footprint (something we could all use….- lol)

  9. Kay Avatar
    Kay

    Hello,

    I have recently purchased a round marrakech swing chair and wish to install it indoor. I live in FL in a newly built home. Would hanging it on a joist compromise the structure in any way? Or am I safer to go with a frame stand instead? Any tips would be appreciated..

    Thanks!

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      You need to make sure the mount is solid and the weight is equally distributed. When in doubt contact a contractor or structural engineer. Or grandpa.

  10. MARIA HESHMATPOUR Avatar
    MARIA HESHMATPOUR

    Hi, I would like your advice on how to install a hammock chair on a drywall type of ceiling. I am afraid it would not hold it. What advice can you give me?

    1. Derek Avatar
      Derek

      You’re going to need to install a ceiling mount. It’s not trivial. Consult a general contractor for details.

  11. jonathan roemer Avatar
    jonathan roemer

    hi derek i am wanting to hang a hammock indoors and i was wondering if the studs are where the window frame is. the frame it self is a wooden frame

    1. dejoha Avatar
      dejoha

      The studs, typically 2×4, would be next to the window frame, yes. I can’t speak directly to your situation, so contact a local contractor for specific questions.

  12. Joao Avatar
    Joao

    Hi,

    First off, thanks to Derek for such and an informative article and a great calculator. Like the song, STOP… Hammock time.

    I live in Portugal. Most homes here are concrete and brick. Basically, you have concrete pillars at the corners or in between set distances and clay (some concrete) bricks to fill the gaps. Trick is, bricks are hollow and pillars are tough as hell and have rebar in them. Drilling in pillars is not usually an option as the chance of hitting iron is high.
    In the bricks, as a standard approach, I would say people use brick anchors with some sorte of hook and plate, but that does not work for me. I’ll be using a chemical compound to secure a large steel rod (16 mm) into the wall and the use a “female” bolt in eyelet or some sort. Hopefully it works as I’m not a light person. I think I’m overdoing it, but I always go safe.
    I’ll update as it goes. I need to hire a guy to fo the drilling. My drill is not powerfull enough.

    1. Joao Avatar
      Joao

      I was doing my final preps and started doubting the placing. I’m hanging this on my bedroom that I am converting into some sort of exercise room (dojo). I’m placing a punch bad on a corner and some other stuff. The room is only about 10′ x 12′. I’ll set the hammock up to I can take it off (or at least hang it to one side to clear room), but… should I go near or away from the window (south facing) feet into window… Also, how much clearance do I need on the sides?
      Sorry for all the doubts.

  13. Justin Risley Avatar
    Justin Risley

    I am a Youth Pastor and many of my students are big into hammocks. I’m really starting to enjoy them too. I would love any suggestions on how to hang multiple hammocks in our student building. Its basically a metal building, but the layout prevents connecting to the walls. We have 2 large steel beams (14″ tall x 7″ wide) running the length of our building (27 feet).
    They are 15 feet apart, and perfect for hanging multiple hammocks. However, they are 10.5 feet off the ground. I’m not sure if longer straps would work… Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

    1. Derek Hansen Avatar

      Hey Justin! Sounds like a fun project! I would recommend hanging down from the steel beams, but the trick is getting anchor points set up. Are the beams solid or do they have openings where you can make attachments? Email me directly and share photos. My hammock app can also help approximate the hang distance with a ceiling hang point.

  14. Nick Avatar

    Should I put a ridgeline in the hammock first and then hang it? Or do i just use the calculator?

    1. Derek Hansen Avatar

      The calculator assumes a default ridgeline based on the hammock size and angle. It’s essentially calculating a triangle. If you have a specific ridgeline length add it, but it isn’t required.

  15. Chris Avatar

    Can I do this if I am renting?

    1. Derek Hansen Avatar

      Check with your landlord.