| Mayan hammocks have very different hanging | | | | Use "Tree Huggers", straps, or a strong rope tied |
| requirements from the more commonly observed | | | | around the tree trunk. Screwing hardware into |
| rope and bar hammocks. Following the guide lines | | | | trees is ill advised. Tree trunks or branches used |
| below will ensure a safe installation and hours of | | | | to support hammocks should generally be at least |
| unbelievable comfort. | | | | 6" to 8" in diameter to support the weight at the |
| How to Hang a Hammock Properly | | | | attachment height. If you use rope, be sure you |
| At each end of the Mayan hammock are loops, | | | | know your knots, or you will get to know the |
| called the eyes of the hammock. These loops | | | | ground! |
| should be 5 or 6 feet above the ground when the | | | | From Posts |
| Mayan hammock is installed properly. The distance | | | | Set 10' pressure-treated 4"x4" or larger posts |
| between supports can be about a foot less than | | | | firmly in the ground approximately 12 -15 feet |
| the length of the hammock. For most Mayan | | | | apart, depending on the hammock size. Bury the |
| sizes, this will mean 11-13 feet. If you have more | | | | posts at least 3 feet in the ground, surround |
| distance, that is great. Use adjusting ropes, and | | | | them with concrete, and allow the concrete to |
| attach the hammock a little higher off the ground. | | | | cure two or three days before using the |
| The greater the hanging distance, the higher the | | | | hammock. Install 3/8 inch diameter 4 1/2 inch long |
| attachment points must be. The hammock should | | | | lag eye screws in the posts for hammock attach |
| hang in a catenary droop with the bottom about | | | | points. |
| 2-3 feet above the ground. The best installations | | | | Inside Your Home |
| space the supports a little wider than the | | | | Locate a stud or beam by tapping the wall or |
| minimum, and take up the difference with the use | | | | ceiling or by using a stud-finder. You will hear a |
| of rope. This allows you to adjust easily for | | | | solid sound when you hit one. Hammer a small nail |
| stretching. | | | | or drill with a narrow bit to make absolutely |
| A Special Tip: The first time you set up your | | | | certain you're directly on the stud or beam. |
| Mayan hammock, hang it, then sit on it, | | | | Locate the center of the beam by tapping |
| unopened...and bounce your full weight a few | | | | additional holes to the left and right of the first |
| times to test the installation and stretch the | | | | one. Once properly located, drill a 1/4" starter |
| weave. | | | | hole, then attach a heavy-duty 3/8" eye lag |
| From Hammock Stands | | | | screw. Then use S hooks and poly rope to attach |
| If you have one of those typical low hammock | | | | hammock. You MUST hang your hammock from |
| stands that fit your old bar hammock. Forget | | | | a structural member such as a wall stud, ceiling |
| about it. It just won't work. You will need a stand | | | | beam, or concrete wall, etc. Never try to hang a |
| that is taller. | | | | hammock from plaster or wall board! |
| From Trees | | | | |