minimal DIY indoor hammock stand

[alukban]

I have always wanted to try this idea for an indoor stand of sorts.

You essentially jam a 2x6 between the ceiling and the floor at a slight angle and wedge the floor end so it doesn't kick out. The ceiling end may mar the ceiling and it wouldn't work if you have curvy molding. Definitely use a through bolt.

It should work but I just have not tried it myself yet. Maybe I would put rubber padding on the ceiling end. I guess one could make an adjustable version out of telescoping square aluminum tubing with T's at the ends.

[gmcttr]

Make sure they are under ceiling joists so there will be something to hold them after the 5 seconds it takes to go through the drywall....that is assuming the ceiling joists are nailed down well enough to hold.

[alukban]

I had thought of that but, in thinking about it some more, the forces on the ceiling will mostly be parallel to the plane of the ceiling.

I don't think it's necessary but it couldn't hurt to make sure the top has a joist directly above it.

[nickgann]

Now that's a solid idea... I can feel myself getting rid of the bed!

[Detail Man]

You're going to have issues with it wanting to put a hole in the ceiling. Adding a ridge pole will keep the that from happening. The other issue is preventing the boards from falling over. You could try an A-frame on each end.

[alukban]

You could be right. Switch the board to a 2x12 to keep it simple. I'm not sure how bad the ceiling thing would be. Maybe put a rubber mat glued onto a piece of plywood up there - make sure to span the joists unless you do know where you joists are.

The thing would be to try it.

[Redoleary]

+1 to detailman. would be much easier to add a ridge pole into the mix. You could hang the ridge pole from the ceiling joists, or hold up the ridge pole with a small A frame against the wall etc (think children's swing set) When you put the bulk of the forces on to the ridge pole many potential problems go away.

[alukban]

Yeah but... then you have a ridge pole

This set up just puts the vertical pieces in compression.

[Knotty]

Also consider lateral stability. What keeps the system from falling over sideways?

[alukban]

the width of the wooden board - 2x12