How to Hang a Hammock in the Basement

Locate a ceiling joist with a stud finder in the area where you want to hang the hammock. Place the hammock on the basement floor below the joist, fully stretched out, and mark a position about four to five feet from each end of the hammock. The marks show where you need to install the ceiling mounts to achieve a comfortable swing on the hammock.

Place the ceiling mounts in position on the ceiling and mark the bolt holes. Drill four holes, sized to fit the toggle bolts, into each marked position. Drill through the ceiling joist.

Place the ceiling mounts over the drilled holes. Fold in the ends of the toggle bolts, which have two collapsible "wings" on the end that spring open once inserted into a hole, giving a very secure hold.

Drive the bolts into the holes until you hear a “pop,” which means the ends of the toggle bolts have sprung open on the other side of the ceiling joist.

Screw the eyebolt into the center of the ceiling mount and attach the swivel hook.

Hang each end of the hammock strings to the swivel hook. A buntline hitch knot works well for attaching the hammock strings securely, but a cow hitch or a pile hitch will also securely attach the ropes.

Adjust the height of the hammock by tying the hammock strings higher or lower on the swivel hook. For most people, two feet off of the floor is an ideal hanging height.