It’s build time again! Honestly, I have a few feelings about this project that had me in a tizzy. But… I am glad to be able to say I bring to you my very own DIY adjustable hammock stand with FREE BUILD PLANS for you!

If you didn’t know it already, my project gallery is full of free everything for you.

This story starts with this original backyard project at my previous home as seen HERE.

Then, fast-forward TEN YEARS {{gasp!!}} and I still have this hammock my kids and I adore.

However, it’s been in storage for most of three years because… well… life.

After my move eight months ago and after building my garage six months ago, it’s been tucked up in the rafters… just staring at me.

Not anymore.

Today is the day I am keeping a promise to my kids as well as myself to get this lovely, cushy accessory a much-deserved rebirth, of sorts.

BUILD TIME

Before I get share my latest build with you, keep in mind that at the moment these plans are free and are MINE. See note below.

TERMS OF USE: If you want to create this DIY adjustable hammock stand, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.

I’ve had far too many projects of mine over the last fourteen years stolen or hacked. I hope that my time and skills are not taken for granted. Thank you! ☺️

Per usual, I have the plans here below but also have a vlog/video tutorial to help you. You will need both to complete this. I also share my mess-ups and what I learn along the way, so you don’t have to.

In the weeee early morning hours, I have to work outside before the temps head near 100° as they have been lately.

Here is the stop at the top of my terrace that I want, no, HAVE to clean up.

There’s still so much poison ivy and I know I will be glad when it’s done.

For fun, here’s where my backyard space has been through the last couple of months:

• backyard official beginning
• installing my French drain
• felling the rotted trees
• clearing the terrace
• building my stone retaining wall
• DIY slope stairs
• DIY fire pit

WHAT YOU NEED TO START

Initial Cut List:

• 2 – 4″ x 4″ x 48″ (feet)
• 4 – 2″ x 4″ x 72″ (middle side supports)
• 1 – 4″ x 4″ x 8′ (middle center support beam)
• 2 – 4″ x 4″ x 53″ (angled end brace cut on 30° angle)
• 2 – 4″ x 4″ x 25″ (angled end brace supports – cut on angle measuring from corner to 20″ down – diagram below)

Materials: (cost is $140-$150 for wood and hardware)

• 2 – 2″ x 4″ x 8″ pressure treated boards
• 4 – 4″ x 4″ x 8″ pressure treated boards
• 12 – 8″ exterior carriage bolts
• 4 – 6″ exterior carriage bolts
• 16 – ⅜” exterior washers
• 2 – 8″ eye bolts (may already have nut)
• 16 – ⅜” exterior nuts (unless eye bolts have nuts, then only 14)
• 4 – 3″ deck screws
• exterior stain or protectant, if desired

Tools:

• miter saw
• circular saw
• drill with bits (⅜” drill bit – either standard, spade, or forstner – I prefer spade for deep drills like this)
• dill bit extension (or an 8″ or longer bit since these holes need to be deep)
• tape measure
• builder’s square
• rachet with ⁹⁄₁₆” socket (deep socket, if you have it)
• level
• clamps
• scrap wood support blocks
• small sledge or hammer

READY TO GO

Let’s get this build party started!

First, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email or comment should you have any questions. And I highly recommend having a helper on hand during assembly.

While I have the steps outlined, I also took insane amount of time to draw up sketches for you to make the process clearer.

I do love drafting, but sometimes it’s so far between when I use the program that I half forget how to use it. But it’s always a treat to give my brain a workout.

STEP 1

At this point, you should have completed your shopping and your initial cut list.

Here’s a peek at my chaos as I figure it all out. Notice I’m trying to stay in the wee bit of shade.

You may notice my dry fits don’t match my finished product. That’s because I did the hard work for you. {{wink, wink}}

Now we need to fine-tune those cuts for assembly.

Beginning with the 48″ feet, here’s what they need to look like. I show how to create the notches in my vlog above.

STEP 2

Next, you will create the center beam using your 2″ x 4″‘s and the 4″ x 8″ x 8’ board and your drill with bit. Using a level surface to assemble is key which is why I moved into my garage.

Even though this was my garage “oven” temperature with 90% humidity. eep!

In my vlog, I discuss the benefits of which kind of drill bit to use – forstner, spade, or standard.

First, I measure and mark as shown. I have two diagrams in one for you:

1.  starting at one end and measuring all the marks at once (right measurements)

OR

1. measure 2″ inward from each end (left measurements)
2. find center and measure out towards each end 3″
3. from either the 2″ end measurement or the 3″ center measurements, measure out 10 ¾” creating five holes on each side.

Also, I mention in my vlog that I use a ⅜” bit which makes the holes snug. However, in hindsight, I wonder if I used scrap and tried a ½” bit to see if that would be just as functional. Why? Well, this is meant to be adjustable and if I ever want to adjust this easier then pounding out the bolts (which is fine with me as I want it sturdy), I take that into consideration. But… I feel this setup is strong and safe.

After that, follow the steps I show in my vlog how to make corresponding holes in the 2″ x 4″ supports.

I found it easier to assemble the middle beam first. Using the 8″ carriage bolts, washers, and nuts with clamps to hold.

STEP 3

NOTE: I did NOT assemble all the pieces in my garage. Instead, I dry assembled the center beam and end supports in my garage and then relocated the pieces up on my terrace (see vlog). This entire DIY adjustable hammock stand is heavy and easier to make assembly holes on a level surface.

I rest my assembled beam on the feet and clamp together while using scrap wood support blocks.

Then, I pre-drill holes for the feet attaching to beam, the end braces, and attach the eye bolts on the angled supports as shown in diagrams below.

NOTE: While pre-drilling the holes for the end braces and beam, I used a large Phillips screwdriver or a similar rod to hold the holes in place. And also used it again when assembling to keep everything lined up.

STEP 4

Finally, once all the holes are predrilled and our parts are assembled, we can begin the final assembly on site.

My area is clear and I use landscaping fabric and mulch to create a spot.

First, I place the feet and make sure they’re as level as possible. I even put fabric under them. However, also consider treating the spots you made cuts to better protect them. I will be staining/protecting my stand once the treated wood has cured for about 60-90 days for best absorption.

Huge thank you to my kids that helped me get this done.

Notice Loula is ready for her first try at a hammock – fun story in vlog.

ENJOY

It’s funny… I literally had minutes to enjoy this before the rain poured and continued off and on for a couple days. Much like my fire pit I haven’t used yet because it’s been SO HOT. Soon… soon we will get to enjoy.

In my vlog and in the photo above, you can see the 3″ deck screws I used to hold the brace support in place while I pre-drilled for the carriage bolt.

I look forward to a cool autumn evening in my comfy sweatpants and a blanket gazing up at the fall foliage with a cozy fire down below. mmm…

If you’re hankerin’ to build your own, it is worth the time invested.

UPDATE: See how I stain my recent builds HERE.

Again, feel free to ask any questions. Leave some comment love below as well as pin and share!

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Check out these past projects for more inspiration like my DIY adjustable hammock stand: