Swing Set for Kids / Hammock Stand for Dad

**jcksparow** · 08-27-2019, 22:23

IMG_3096.jpg

I just finished my stand using a similar swing set kit. Went with 16' for the top beam, which works out just about perfect. Installed L-tracks to provide some flexibility in my suspension angles.

Couple tips:
- Get an exact measurement of the inner dimensions of the kit and try to find lumber to match. Larger lumber can always be shaved down, but the first set of 4x4's I picked up were much too loose.
- Definitely have an extra set of hands to help with assembly. A pressure treated 4x6 that's 16 feet long is freaking HEAVY.

Works out great. My wife kicked me out of my hammock to test it, then promptly took a 3 hour nap.

**Checklist** · 08-28-2019, 11:45

Originally Posted by jcksparow

IMG_3096.jpg

I just finished my stand using a similar swing set kit. Went with 16' for the top beam, which works out just about perfect. Installed L-tracks to provide some flexibility in my suspension angles.

Couple tips:
- Get an exact measurement of the inner dimensions of the kit and try to find lumber to match. Larger lumber can always be shaved down, but the first set of 4x4's I picked up were much too loose.
- Definitely have an extra set of hands to help with assembly. A pressure treated 4x6 that's 16 feet long is freaking HEAVY.

Works out great. My wife kicked me out of my hammock to test it, then promptly took a 3 hour nap.

jcksparow... that’s a really nice looking setup! Which makes me happy because I order what I believe is the exact same kit from Amazon yesterday. Thanks for the tips. I will definitely benefit from them. Hoping to work on it over the long weekend.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Biker Bob** · 08-29-2019, 12:12

Looks like the kit I built for the grandsons five or so years ago. It's about to get its second test by hurricane in St Augustine next week.

**gargoyle** · 08-29-2019, 13:27

Originally Posted by oldgringo

You can only dodge the "crazy" bullet so many times. Man up, and get it over with.

The voice of experience.

**OneClick** · 08-30-2019, 14:21

Just checked on delivery for a 4x6x16: $35 plus $214. I guess that's out. Need someone with a big trailer! This is a good looking stand I would actually want in my yard.

**Checklist** · 08-30-2019, 15:49

Originally Posted by OneClick

Just checked on delivery for a 4x6x16: $35 plus $214. I guess that's out. Need someone with a big trailer! This is a good looking stand I would actually want in my yard.

Ouch! I was curious about the same thing. Now I know.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Seadug** · 08-30-2019, 18:55

Makes me think of the way I picked up my lumber
I couldn't get the 6X8's local so I bought them in Portland ME and drove back to CT with them 200 miles. 4 twelve foot and one eighteen foot 6X8 on 2 sawhorses in my old short bed Dodge Dakota. Pretty sketchy but it worked.

**oldgringo** · 08-31-2019, 15:54

Laminate 2x boards to make your beams. Glue and screw ftw.

**jcksparow** · 09-02-2019, 14:59

We just used our kayak carrier on the roof rack to transport the massive 4x6, and we drove VERY slowly.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**OneClick** · 09-03-2019, 07:25

Originally Posted by jcksparow

We just used our kayak carrier on the roof rack to transport the massive 4x6, and we drove VERY slowly.

I did that last year with a ladder I borrowed. I think it was 30', so about 17' collapsed. That was a scary ride. Hit some RR tracks on a hill at 3mph tops and that thing was teetering like you wouldn't believe.