Lazy Summer: Make Your Own Simple Hammock

While we’re in the heat of summer, all of us at Gardenista can’t help but think about outdoor sleeping arrangements, the ultimate option being the hammock.

Whether you’re looking for a quick fix, or are inspired to whip out the sewing machine and install metal grommets into canvas, this utilitarian DIY hammock is the way to go for outdoor lounging.

Above: A white canvas hammock from Le Beanock.

Above: A 12-by-12-Foot Drop Cloth is $25.89 from Tarps Plus. Consider doubling up on the canvas by splitting the large drop cloth in half, or sewing two smaller pieces together.

Above: Source four Stainless Steel Grommets with Washers in a 3/8″ size; $11.98 for 24 from My Tarp.

Above: The 3/8″ Zinc-Plated Steel Chain (L) is $94.97 for a box of 30 feet from Home Depot; the Nite Ize Stainless Steel S-Biner (R) is $2.94 from Home Depot.

For more ideas on summer lounging in comfort, visit Gardenista’s posts Color in the Garden and Swing from the Trees.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Angela B.

7:29PM PDT on Aug 22, 2012

I was just saying we needed a hammock....lol

August 22
send a green star

Lydia W.

10:10PM PDT on Aug 9, 2012

Clever , Wonder if I could make a sun sail with a drop cloth , Thanks

August 9
send a green star

Lynde T.

7:56PM PDT on Aug 4, 2012

If you have the supplies laying around than this would be worth it. But not if you didn't, might as well by a ready-made one. But I love the fabric hammocks, I keep thinking I should get one for the porch.

August 4
send a green star

Rana N.

3:57PM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

Why would anyone do this? The cost is much higher than a regular hammock and almost as high as a hammock on a stand!

July 30
send a green star

Sandi C.

10:23AM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

I used to have one the cats loved it!

Laurie G.

10:08AM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

cute!

Angel C.

8:12AM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

This is cool!!

Ernie M.

7:38AM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

Interesting? more important is how do you hang it? for thoes of you that one one Aldi has them in some of their stores for about $50 right now including a steel frame that will hold it. I bought mine before they started discounting them but it is pretty nice. Easy to pull from place to place in the yard or break down and take to the lack or camping with you.

Duane B.

6:33AM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

Thanks for sharing, but these components are well over-priced!

Christine C.

5:21AM PDT on Jul 30, 2012

Thanks