4x4 post as a support?

[Stormstaff]

I only have one tree in my backyard. Could I sink a 4x4 in concrete and use it as the second support to hang from?

If so, what distance between them should I try for?

[brushybill]

you should be fine with a 4x4 ,,just make sure it is a couple of feet in the ground and use plenty of sakrete, i usually set my posts slightly on an angle facing away from center to keep them from trying to pull inwards so much.
about 15-16 feet apart should be fine

[oldgringo]

Here's a little light reading for you:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ghlight=gravel

Choose your post carefully...no knots. A stronger, more reliable option is a glued and screwed sandwich of three 2x4s.

[Stormstaff]

I'd probably use a 10' 4x4 since they say you need to go down 36"-42" to get past the frost line. Not like it would matter since it's not attached to a fence or deck but I may feel better just knowing.

Do you use a biner attached to an eye bolt or do you wrap your straps around the 4x4?

[Stormstaff]

Here's a little light reading for you:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ghlight=gravel

Choose your post carefully...no knots. A stronger, more reliable option is a glued and screwed sandwich of three 2x4s.

3 - 2x4's would be doable also. Glued & screwed?

[oldgringo]

3 - 2x4's would be doable also. Glued & screwed?

Liquid Nails construction cement + deck screws. That way, you don't have to clamp it.

[flatline]

i would suggest at least 14 ' to give plenty of room for a tarp.
pick out a 4x4 that has very few knots, especially watch out for large knots.
sink it at least 24" in the ground and at least 8" hole dia.
be sure the bottom of the hole has rocks for the post to sit on.
brace the post and double check for plumb.
then throw in 5 or 6" of dirt and pack that down tightly around the base of the post.(to allow any water that runs down the 4x4 to escape).
then pour in the concrete and allow a couple of days to set up completely...
sorry for the long explanation but so many people don't take preventative measures and their post begin to lean or break due to bottom rot.
(i think they make a paste or salve for "bottom rot")
for more longevity paint the in round portion to above the grass line.

best

dang everybody beat me.

[Stormstaff]

So, I'd want how much above ground? One person says plumb and one person says angled away?

[flatline]

at least 6 feet above the ground. if you want to angle the post it will be okay. (plumb posts are more acceptable to spouses)

[Stormstaff]

at least 6 feet above the ground. if you want to angle the post it will be okay. (plumb posts are more acceptable to spouses)

Funny, I was asking because of the wife. hehe