strong enough?

**catalyst** · 08-22-2011, 14:02

So, for a little while I've been considering hanging a hammock on my porch. But, I'm a little unsure whether the beam I want to hang it from is strong enough. I've included some pictures and wanted to get your thoughts. I'm in the bottom apartment. The beam is 12 ft. long, 11" high, and 5.5" wide. I weigh 160 lbs. I have also considered just hanging a hammock from it for my daughter who is only 30 lbs. The last picture shows a gap where I'd be able to loop the suspension around the beam. Your thoughts?

**Dutch** · 08-22-2011, 14:07

Looks plenty strong enough to me. As long as you can get around the beam rather than an eye bolt.

**default** · 08-22-2011, 14:11

haha, all i can think of is him trying to hang off those nails....

**catalyst** · 08-22-2011, 14:25

Originally Posted by REV

haha, all i can think of is him trying to hang off those nails....

Ha, I'd definitely have to video tape that.

Just the bird feeder from the nails.

**Lonely Raven** · 08-22-2011, 14:27

I'm 250lb and I've hung off 2X4. I think you'll be fine as long as you're going around the beam.

**AaronAlso** · 08-22-2011, 15:12

I've hung from a single I-screw, properly installed, in 2x6 floor joist using a single point hanging hammock chair. I weight 265lbs and I never had a concern about the floor coming down on my head.

**shumway** · 08-22-2011, 15:18

Any idea how the ends are supported? First glance tells me it's fine, and I'd likely try it.

PS: Advice from internet forum readers isn't likely to cover your butt if you end up knocking down the building.

**hppyfngy** · 08-22-2011, 15:28

A 6x12 beam will hold you and your wife and child too.

**Rain Man** · 08-22-2011, 15:42

Originally Posted by AaronAlso

I weight 265lbs and I never had a concern about the floor coming down on my head.

If you can stand on top of it, you can also hang from the bottom of it. Only concern would be the hardware used to attach to the bottom.

Rain Man

.

**AaronAlso** · 08-22-2011, 15:56

Originally Posted by Rain Man

If you can stand on top of it, you can also hang from the bottom of it. Only concern would be the hardware used to attach to the bottom.

Rain Man

.

True!, however on the floor above my weight is dispersed across the flooring and the joist doesn't take my entire weight at a single point, as is the case in the hammock. I did initially have concerns. I marked and gauged the I-screw regularly for several weeks. I still have not seen any signs of deflection or damage to the beam 6 months later. This is just my experience; YMMV.