How To Hang A Hammock On A Balcony (Balcony Hammock Guide)


Man relaxing in a hammock on a balcony - how to hang a hammock on a balcony

In this article, you’ll learn how to hang a hammock on a balcony the easiest way possible. You will also find the best hammock options available online, in case you do not yet own a hammock.

Having a balcony hammock is an excellent way to enjoy your surroundings. A hammock has many advantages over a traditional chair. It is mobile and can be placed anywhere. In case of bad weather, you can just move it indoors.

Most hammocks are made of sturdy materials. The ropes and fabrics are sturdy enough to support an adult’s weight. It feels like you’re floating on air when you’re in the hammock, so you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Keep reading to find out everything you’ll need to know about hammocks on balconies!

Can you hang a hammock on an apartment balcony?

Many renters wonder can you hang a hammock on an apartment balcony?

It is practically possible and normally permitted to hang a hammock on an apartment balcony. However, before hanging a hammock on your balcony, you should always check with your landlord if it is indeed permitted or not.

Below are four of the most common ways on how to hang a hammock on a balcony that you can use:

1. Attach hammock to the balcony wall

How do you hang a hammock on the wall?

To start, you will need to measure the height and length of your balcony. The next step is to measure the wall. The wall on which you will hang your hammock must have posts, beams, or two studs in it. Using a stud finder (Amazon link) will allow you to locate a stud and mark its location with a pencil.

If you can’t find studs in your balcony walls, check with your apartment building manager to see if you can install a stud in the wall. Once you’ve secured a stud, attach fasteners and screw eyes, then hang your hammock.

If any posts are not that deep, you can use an eyebolt instead. A post is not a decorative piece, but it should be strong enough to support the weight of a hammock.

Likewise, you must make sure that any beams are strong enough to support the weight of the hammock. A bolt with a hook must be fixed on the wall.

A wall is a great place for hanging a hammock, but be sure to take the proper measurements.

2. Hang balcony hammock from ceiling

Wondering how to hang a hammock from the ceiling?

If you want to hang a hammock from the ceiling, use a stud with a screwdriver or drill. To hang a hammock from the ceiling, you need to find a beam with a suitable diameter. The beam should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the hammock. To find the beam, you can use a stud finder to locate it. Once you have found the beam, you need to install a bolt with a hook on it.

3. Hang a hammock from balcony railing

If you want to hang a hammock on your balcony, you need to find strong support.

Can you hang a hammock on a balcony railing?

A horizontal or vertical balcony railing can be used. Make sure the anchor is strong enough to support the weight of the hammock. Also, make sure to follow all regulations as regards security to make sure there is no risk of falling over the balcony railing.

Make sure that the distance between the posts/anchors is longer than the length of the hammock, so it will be easy to secure it to the balcony railing. You can also use a hammock stand that will allow you to keep your hammock upright.

4. Use a hammock stand

Using a hammock stand is often the perfect solution for balconies as you don’t have to drill the walls. Just follow the user manual that comes with the product and you’ll have the hammock stand ready for use in no time at all.

Scroll down the article to see our top selection of hammocks and stands. Don’t forget to measure your balcony space before ordering.

How to hang a hammock on a balcony without drilling

If you’d like to enjoy the sun on your balcony, but you are not allowed to drill, you’ll have to find another way to hang your hammock. In most cases, this is possible by using a thick rope and a free-standing wall beam, ceiling beam, balcony railing, or a hammock stand.

Picture of a hammock with stand and white background.

There are also hybrid methods that use rope and hooks. To get started, choose the best option mentioned above for your balcony and gather all the necessary tools and materials.

Where to find the best balcony hammock

A balcony hammock is a great way to unwind and enjoy your outdoor space. The best hammocks are made from durable materials and require very little storage space. When it comes to size, there are several options available. Consider if you need a one-person hammock or a double hammock.

Most of the models mentioned below are available in various colors and styles. You can also customize the design to fit your space. Read on to learn about some of the features that make these the best hammocks for balconies!

Rope hammocks

There are several types of balcony hammocks on the market, and each of them has its benefits. For example, rope hammocks are lightweight and require minimal space, but they aren’t as comfortable as fabric hammocks. Rope hammocks also tend to have holes, which can create pressure points, and small children can get stuck in them with their legs, etc.

The Y- STOP 13.2 ft Hammock is a traditional cotton rope hammock able to host two persons.

Fabric hammocks

Fabric hammocks are very durable and usually more comfortable and more suitable for colder climates. They come in various materials and colors, so there are plenty of designs to choose from.

The Sunnydaze Quilted Fabric Hammock is a beautiful and comfy hammock able to host two persons.

Hammock chair

Another type is the hammock chair or hammock swing, which is a hammock that doubles as a chair. This hanging chair requires less space but doesn’t allow you to take naps in it… Nevertheless, they are super comfy and perfect for reading a good book or enjoying a drink.

The PETNOZ Large Hammock Chair (Max 500 Lbs) with 2 seat cushions and a side pocket is a thing of beauty. You can’t go wrong with this one.

Foldable hammock

If you’re on a budget, you can go with a foldable hammock, which can be placed both indoors and outdoors. The foldable and portable hammock option is a great choice for a small balcony. You can also bring it with you when camping outdoors.

The Tranquillo Foldable Net Hammock comes with a practical carry bag.

Hammock stands

Perhaps the best hammock for balconies is hammocks on stands, as you don’t have to worry about drilling or tying ropes in different corners of your balcony space. These are usually sold as a package which makes them extremely easy to set up and enjoy.

The Sorbus Hammock is a heavy-duty hammock with stand (450-pound capacity) able to accommodate two people.

Why a small hammock is good for a balcony

A hammock can be used both inside and outside the home and is ideal for balcony seating. There are different types of hammocks, and a smaller one is great for a smaller balcony space.

The size of the hammock is determined by the size of the balcony and the amount of space available. In addition, a small hammock is easier to install than a large one. And because it’s small, you won’t have to worry about the hammock weighing down the balcony.

When choosing a hammock and considering how to hang a hammock on a balcony, you will have to decide where to hang it. The best place is where it will be relaxing and comfortable. The hammock will usually hang on a ceiling beam or wall beam, depending on its size.

However, it’s important to remember that a hammock doesn’t need a beam or a special structure to hang. Freestanding hammocks are just as practical and beautiful!

How to make DIY hammock for apartment balcony

If you have an apartment balcony, you may be wondering how to make a hammock DIY style. First, check your rental contract for restrictions on using hammocks on your apartment balcony, or better, talk to your landlord.

After measuring the length of your apartment balcony, choose a rope and a bedsheet.

DIY hammocks can usually only support a maximum of 176 to 220 pounds, so keep that in mind.

You might also need a mattress to make your DIY hammock more comfortable. A stud finder and a spacer will help you hang the hammock. Then, you will likely need to drill holes in the wall beams.

Alternatively, you can hang it on the railing (like in the video below) or buy or build a hammock stand for it.

Conclusion: how to hang a hammock on a balcony

When learning how to hang a hammock on a balcony, you need to choose a place where it will be stable. Then, you should secure it to a horizontal railing or a vertical post.

Before you hang your hammock, be sure that you check the strength of the anchor point. It should be strong enough to support the weight of the hammock (with a person in it).

In addition, you must ensure the safety of your children, pets, and guests.

The easiest way to hang a hammock on an apartment balcony is in many cases to use a hammock stand that is constructed for this sole purpose, they are strong and will last over time.

To make your hammock balcony experience as great as possible, we recommend putting artificial grass on your balcony floor before hanging your hammock. This will make your apartment balcony space feel more like a small garden.

Lastly, don’t forget to add plants and flowers!

Frequently asked questions

Do I need straps for my hammock?

When hanging your hammock, straps are essential. You will want to choose the appropriate length to ensure a secure hang. You don’t want to make your straps too long or too short. It’s best to buy straps that are long enough to accommodate the length of your hammock plus the length of the straps. Sometimes hammock straps are included when you buy a hammock, but many times they are not.

How to hang a hammock from a beam

To hang your hammock, you need stable support, such as a beam, post, or tree. To hang the hammock from a beam, you must first locate a suitable beam. The most obvious place to look is near the ceiling, so make sure that the beam is not hidden (or use a stud finder to locate it).

Once you have located a good spot, install two bolts and a hook in each location. Adding a chain or rope to the hook will add more distance between the two. Once you have the right anchor points, hang the hammock.

How do you use a hammock hanging kit?

Woman reading book in hammock chair on balcony.

The first step in using a hammock hanging kit is to determine if it is suitable for your structure. Most wooden structures have studs, but the edges of windows and doors are often not anchored to studs.

If you hang hammock from two walls, you need to locate wooden studs. You can do this with a hammer and nail, or you can also use an electronic stud finder. Typically, it is best to tap on the wall gently with a hammer to locate a strut.

Once you have a stud, drill a hole through it. Most hammocks are supplied with carabiners, but you can always buy one separately. You can attach chains or S-hooks to the studs. You can buy complete hammock hanging kits online or in stores that carry hammocks etc.

How high off the ground should you hang a hammock?

When hanging your hammock, always leave a clearance of two feet from the ground. This allows you to stretch the hammock fabric horizontally to ensure the best fit. Usually, a hanging height of two-thirds off the ground is adequate for young children, but this can be a bit less than ideal for older kids.

Injuries can happen when kids are playing on a hammock, so make sure to consider safety before installing a hammock, especially on a balcony.

Are double hammocks comfortable?

If you plan to spend lots of time on a hammock, you may be wondering if double hammocks are comfortable.

A double hammock is often more comfortable than a single one, particularly when you’re laying on your side or stomach. A double hammock is broader and longer, which means you’ll have more space to stretch out in the hammock and find the right position.

The double hammock can also support two people more easily. Compared to one person hammocks, doubles usually weigh between 24 to 29 ounces, making them heavier than a single one.

Are cheap hammocks worth it?

Cheap hammocks are generally of decent quality, but you may need to compromise on some features. Polyester camping hammocks are less expensive than nylon ones, but they are not as durable.

When choosing a hammock, you should pay attention to the construction. High-quality hammocks are easier to hang and stay put in if you fall asleep. The materials they’re made of are comfortable, and you’ll never have to worry about tearing your hammock.

Double-strap hammocks are more sturdy than single-strap hammocks, and they can often support up to 500 pounds. Some even have daisy loops so you can hang them in any direction.

If you’re looking to purchase a hammock for outdoor use, it’s best to choose a durable, lightweight option. A few hundred dollars can get you a high-quality hammock, but a cheap one may not be the best option. In such a case, make sure you check the quality and durability before purchase. 

Why are hammocks so popular?

The first reason why hammocks are so popular is their comfort. They typically force the relaxing person to lie on his or her back, so that the body is supported. The hammock allows the body to relax, and it forces the person to keep their head elevated, which helps relieve stress.

Another great benefit of a hammock is its ability to keep you cool during the summer or to keep the body warm in the winter if you add a blanket.

Hammocks are easier to set up in the yard or balcony than a traditional bed or sofa. Many people enjoy the shade while sleeping in a hammock. You can also use it for daytime naps while gardening or doing other activities.

How to hang a hammock on a cruise ship balcony?

One way to enjoy the view of the sea from your balcony is to hang a hammock. These are sometimes found in cruise ships.

So, how do you hang a hammock on a cruise ship balcony?

You should always check the ship’s policies and regulations before hanging your hammock, as this is a question of security. You can contact the cruise company in advance to learn about their policies regarding balcony hammocks.

Nick Peters

Nick describes himself as a “balcony geek” as he loves all things balcony. Besides blogging about balconies, Nick loves reading and writing about tech and cool gadgets.

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