Can A Pergola Support A Hammock? Important Facts and Tips

Ask anyone who spends time outside and they’ll tell you that a pergola is the perfect resting place. For those of us who enjoy the outdoors, a pergola provides shade from the sun and protection from the elements — rain, snow, wind, sunburn…the list goes on.

But if you liked the idea of using a hammock on your pergola then you may be wondering whether it can support it?

A sturdy pergola can support a hammock so long as you have attached your hammock securely to the pergola so that the hammock itself does not cause “swaying” on the support standing directly beneath it.

Using A Hammock In Your Pergola

There are many types of pergolas, and some can be much stronger than others. The design of a pergola is a large factor in its strength. It has four posts with beams that span between them.

All of these beams add to both the length and width of the pergola. These added dimensions will determine whether or not the pergola can support your hammock.

If your pergola is well-designed, it should be strong enough to support even a large hammock.

How Much Weight Can A Pergola Support?

How much weight does a pergola support is a common question and it’s important to know if you plan to hang a hammock from one.

The amount of weight a pergola can hold will vary depending on the quality of the wood and frame design, but it’s typically safe to say that a pergola can handle at least 300lbs. Of course, you will need strong chains and attachments that will support that weight as well. If you purchase a pergola kit then be sure to check the allowable weight limit on it. If you are DIY-ing it, then just be sure to build it solid and sturdy and your hammock will be supported just fine.

How Far Apart Should Hammock Supports Be?

The short answer is the pergola beam should be 2 feet greater than the total length of your hammock.

The main things to keep in mind when measuring how far apart the hammock supports should be are the size of the hammock and the distance from the pergola beams that you want to hang it.

To figure out your support distance, take the size of the hammock you’re putting up and add 1 foot to each end.

For example, if you are putting an 8-foot hammock up, you would need 10 feet between trees for hanging supports. If your pergola beams are closer than this distance — closer than 9 feet apart — you need to use a rope or a chain instead of the hammocks’ included metal rings.

Can a 4×4 Pergola Post Support A Hammock?

A lot of homeowners have reported that 4×4 posts do not hold up well enough to support hammocks. Just to clear it out though, 4×4 won’t bend like they’re going to snap but they can bow inwards towards each other if a person with a weight of 135 lbs or more uses it. This is enough for the hammock to approach the ground.

A 4×4 pergola post can support a hammock but it is not advisable to use one. The wood used in pergola posts is usually pressure treated and only rated to hold 15 lbs, although the weight rating on pergola posts will vary depending on the type of wood. Pressure-treated wood is designed to last a few years longer than untreated wood, but will still be susceptible to rotting. It would also be weak enough that it could break if someone sat in your hammock while it was hung from 4×4 wood.

We don’t recommend using 4×4 for any structure that will be holding up your hammock or you will be asking for trouble. We do suggest pressure-treated 6×6 post and make sure you attach your hammock as solid as possible.

Tips When Using A Hammock In Your Pergola

A lot of people are starting to invest in hammocks, and they want to hang them in their pergolas. You might not know how to do this, or you might have it done wrong. No matter why you are reading this guide here is some useful information to help you out.

Safety

To stay safe while using and relaxing with your hammock, make sure not to hang your hammock in your pergola if it is showing signs of rotting or have known structural problems. Even though it may appear strong and sturdy, it’s always best to check it thoroughly first or have it inspected by a professional especially that if you live in an area where strong winds and heavy rain often occur.

Springs

For even more fun, springs give hammock chairs and extra bounce! Even if you don’t have one now, you can easily add a spring later if you like! Just attach one end of the spring to the hook and the other end to the hammock and you’re ready for some bounce!

And you don’t need to buy a special hammock spring. A large coil of steel wire will work just as well! Make sure the spring is connected securely so you won’t get a sudden bounce and scare your neighbors!

Pillow/Seat Form Your Hammock

A pillow or seat form can be used to turn an ordinary hammock into a more comfortable sitting experience. Some people opt to use pillows because they’re convenient or just like them better, but others find that sits snugger for them. If you prefer sitting in a reclining position when using a hammock, you can opt for the seat form instead.

Weight Considerations

The main point to consider when hanging a hammock in your pergola is the weight it can hold. If there is not enough support, it can cause the pergola to break and possibly injure someone.

As you are going to hang your hammock chair, keep in mind that it is only as strong as its weakest point. We recommend using straps or rope 5.5 to 9 mm thick and rated at 1000 lbs or more.

To make it secure, start by adding straps between each post and then add additional support on the other side of the hammock. Also, make sure that you have enough sway to hang your hammock but not so much that you will need to use ropes or straps to hold it up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there’s no doubt that a pergola can be your ideal spot to hang your hammock and relax. However, you have to make sure it’s strong enough to support the weight of the hammock. And if you picked a small, skinny hammock for your pergola, chances are it won’t hold up well.

In that case, you may want to go for a hammock stand instead. If you prefer hanging your hammock on a 4×4 post, then your pergola is probably not built strong enough to support it.