How to Install a 13 Foot Hammock

Find two trees whose distance is at least 13 feet apart or a little more. You can always add a few inches of chain if it is a little too wide, but if the trees are too close, your hammock will hang too loosely.

Mark a spot on the tree about 6 feet high from the ground. You might think this is too high, but the hammock will actually stretch when you get in it and also after a few weeks of hanging outside. Mark both trees at the same height so that the marks are facing each other.

Drill a pilot hole on both trees for your eye bolts to facilitate the bolt screwing in. Use a 1/4-inch drill bit so you have plenty of bite into the wood. Screw the bolt into the pilot hole until there is only about an inch outside. You may have to use a wrench to get the proper leverage.

Slip an S-hook into the eye bolt and attach one end of your hammock into the hook. Do the same to the other side. Your hammock should hang almost straight across, with just a slight droop in the middle.

Adjust your width between the trees, if the hammock cannot reach both sides, with a section of strong chain and another S-hook. Do not use more than 6 or 7 inches, or your hammock might swing too much.