$200 DIY pergola hammock stand

**OneClick** · 02-21-2019, 09:28

I know we already have eleventy-billion "4x4 posts" and "outdoor stand" threads, but I wanted to focus on this specific plan I found online. Even though they made it for a generic lounging hammock, the specs look good for a gathered end hammock after running the numbers in the calculator (14.5' span).

http://dfohome.com/blog/2015/10/how-...-for-under-200

4x4s are typically frowned upon, but with a strong upper support on this pergola, it seems like it would be fine. And something more aesthetically pleasing after you paint/stain, grow some vines on it, etc.

Something I'm considering, but likely won't happen after I recall the first time I tired sleeping out back (idiots leaving flood lights on, dog barking, car noise, etc.)

**kthompson** · 02-21-2019, 09:49

I think the difference between a good stand and a great one is portability. If you have the room for a dedicated piece like this count yourself lucky.

It does look nice and simple though.

**rweb82** · 02-21-2019, 09:56

That looks like a nice plan. And you could save a good bit of $ if you forego pergola look for aesthetics. All you really need are the 4x4s and 2x6s, concrete, carriage bolts, nuts, and washers. I would do this myself, however we live on a corner lot and don't have a privacy fence. I just don't feel right sleeping overnight in my exposed yard.

**TominMN** · 02-21-2019, 10:03

As soon as you add that top member, the 4X4s are plenty adequate. If it were me and I had the room, I'd make it with 4 posts, maybe 8' wide by however long, and have a truly useful structure.

I'll never understand though why people keep putting posts in concrete. It's a sure recipe for rot. Generally you want half as much post in the ground as above the ground and gravel is a far better choice than concrete. It's even a bad choice for steel, causing it to rust more rapidly. There's a reason why you don't put untreated wood on concrete in home construction and that's above grade!

**OneClick** · 02-21-2019, 10:07

Interesting about the concrete. Around here it's pretty heavy on the clay. I guess packing that down would be close to concrete in a way.

**TominMN** · 02-21-2019, 10:33

Originally Posted by OneClick

Interesting about the concrete. Around here it's pretty heavy on the clay. I guess packing that down would be close to concrete in a way.

Gravel is better yet. Doesn't hold moisture and serves as a substantially firm support.

**Floridahanger** · 03-05-2019, 15:55

I've had fence posts both in concrete and just in ground. The posts without concrete were still strong when I removed them while the concrete posts often break at the concrete. The single hammock pergola looks nice but I agree that it's a single use looking item needing some extra space around it for more adaptable use.

For my backyard hammock, I have a pergola covering a patio I made with 2x2 pavers. Since I'm a Utilitarian and my wife likes to have nice looking things, I combined both to make this patio because the posts are 16' apart with 1x2 super strips with 4" spacing on top and we have a 6 seat table with umbrella and a portable fire pit there. It looks good, its a great place for lunch or supper and it holds my hammock.

You can see the patio behind there.
IMG_0650.jpg IMG_0651.jpg

And you can see one of the 4x4 post used for the 4 corners
IMG_0653.jpg IMG_0656.jpg

As far as the posts in the ground, This pergola used to be next to my house for 3 years before I moved it to this location 10 years ago. The posts are not in concrete.

**oldgringo** · 03-06-2019, 13:51

No concrete for me.
I live on sandy soil. When I set posts, I add enough water to make a slurry. It drains quickly, and the posts are rock solid. That said, in all of my hammock hanging projects, of which there have been several, I always incorporate an overhead joist. Cheap peace of mind.

**OneClick** · 03-06-2019, 14:31

So using just soil/clay, I assume you pack it down with a 2x2 or some kind of tool? Or does it naturally settle?

**oldgringo** · 03-06-2019, 15:15

Originally Posted by OneClick

So using just soil/clay, I assume you pack it down with a 2x2 or some kind of tool? Or does it naturally settle?

It does not naturally settle. There will be air pockets that will compromise the structure. Ideally, you need a heavy iron bar to tamp your fill. The process starts at the bottom of the hole after the first couple of inches of fill are returned. Then shovel, tamp, shovel, tamp, and so on. Break clods up before filling.

This is a critical process that gets less attention than it should.