Backyard set up...distance between poles

[SerenitySeeker]

Is all concrete made the same? as in are there different grades of cement concrete for sturdier uses? I'll go look that up now.

[MedicineMan]

when we did the carport we used concrete with shreds of fiberglass mixed in for extra strength. We requested this when we ordered the concrete.

[oldgringo]

Thanks neighbor, I will call JULIE and dig deep enough for frost line. MrClean that looks really weak even though it says it holds 500lbs, let me know how sturdy it is...we're heading to cabellas next week anyway, love their keen oxfords. Ours doesn't carry alot in store for hammocks though so I am sure I won't get to see it there.

Those stands are plenty sturdy, but they are made for spreader bar hammocks like you see in the picture...the geometry is all wrong for gathered end camping hammocks (too long and too low).

In reference to your concrete question, all concrete is not equal...the details are beyond me, but I can tell you this: most people use too much water, and wet concrete is weak concrete. All concrete will, however, form a "bucket" around a wooden post, holding moisture and leading to premature failure. Gravel will drain, and if you pack it properly, is solid as bedrock.

I just built an arbor that spans my drive...it supports my fat self and my hammock just fine. The posts are 5x5, set in sand. The strength of this setup lies in the 2x6 headers that connect the poles.

[oldgringo]

when we did the carport we used concrete with shreds of fiberglass mixed in for extra strength. We requested this when we ordered the concrete.

Fibermesh...good stuff. Same idea as rebar.

[SerenitySeeker]

Well I must say you have all saved me some very expensive mistakes, I like doing it well the first time. I will send pics of the finished project...Thanks...

[ohski]

I hung my new (also my first) hammock in the basement tonight when I got home. It's a Warbonnet Black Bird if that matters. I thought I would pass on what I have learned so far.... I was told 13' to 18' was perfect... I'm hanging right at 15' (inside to inside measurement) and I think 6' high would make a near perfect hang. The further you go apart the higher you have to hang on the pole. I'm sure each hammock is a bit different but this should give you a good starting point.

Ski

[kquest]

Hi,

I am new to the forum, but I would like to share my backyard setup. I have suspended my bugnet hammock and tarp between two 4 X 4 treated posts (sunk 4' in concrete) 11' apart.

After reading some of the posts in this topic, I am thinking of extending my distance to 13' between posts, sunk 4' in gravel (6' above ground. Any comments/advice would be welcomed.IMG_20190726_174359124.jpgIMG_20190907_143456212.jpg

[TominMN]

Gravel is a far better option than concrete. A crossbar across the top would make it bomb-proof.

[kquest]

Gravel is a far better option than concrete. A crossbar across the top would make it bomb-proof.

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Could describe how to add a cross bar . For instance, what do you use as a crossbar (material). I can't quite picture how the setup looks. I imagine it being a pole connecting the two posts at there tops (something like a ridgeline) Could you give more detail on what materials to use for the cross bar. Thank you in advance.

[TominMN]

I'd notch it into the uprights. Probably go with a 2X6. If you want to put caps on the uprights, notch just below the caps.