6x6, 12' posts for RR in yard, how far apart?

[BillyBob58]

Just an FY!: I hung for years from untreated(but not in the ground) 2X4. The key was the top rail bar that spanned the 15 ft between the uprights and prevented any flex. Now, this was fence top rail in segments that was beefed up near the joints with a slightly larger diameter fence upright posts, with the top rail paced thru a few feet of the stouter fence post at any joints. As far as I could tell, it never flexed any amount that could be noticed. Probably could have also simply used another 2X4 - or even 2 of them if I was worried- for that top rail. But, I see that ascetics are important to you, so you probably will need something else. But, maybe not 6X6?

[RyanLowdermilk]

Wow. That's awesome.

UPDATE: It's starting to become clear that building a "hammock pergola" in the backyard is going to be cost prohibitive. I just don't want to spend the money.

[gunner76]

If there are any marinas around, check to see where they got the pilings they used to build the docks. At my house on the coast, pier pilings are available in all diameters and length. I used 7 to 8 inch diameter and 12 ft long post and buried them 3+ feet deep on top of several inches of gravel and tamped the dirt in as I backfilled.

[TrailSlug]

I sunk a 4x6 in the ground 16 feet from a tree and used this so I can put it up and take it down. Works perfectly for my Warbonnet RR hammock. I put the pole up when not in use.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Post-Pro...4642/203165680

[canoebie]

I was building a privacy fence and the guy at the lumberyard ( a real one) suggested I coat the portion that goes underground with foundation coating. It seems to have worked really well. The posts seem to be totally sealed and I am guessing it will extend the life considerably. If and when I set posts for a hammock, I will do this.

[WVwanderer]

UPDATE: Spoken to a few folks this morning. 6x6, 12' cedar posts are running ~$200-300 each right now! Whoa, mama! I emailed Greg over at Warbonnet to ensure the optimal distance between posts for the Ridgerunner. Here is his helpful (and speedy) reply:

Ryan,With just using the dogbones, not the continuous loop or other suspension options 13' minimum. With suspension 14-16 would work well. The farther the distance between the two poles, the higher the anchor will have to be.
Regards,
Greg

4x6 pressure treated should last for years. Maybe not quite as long as cedar but probably as long as you own the house.

[WVwanderer]

Yes - If "looks" aren't a pre-req than treated for sure. However, I need to be cognizant of ascetics. So, cedar is required.

You could always wrap the 4x6 pressure treated posts with 1x cedar boards and stain them to make it look more "acceptable".

[TominMN]

I was building a privacy fence and the guy at the lumberyard ( a real one) suggested I coat the portion that goes underground with foundation coating. It seems to have worked really well. The posts seem to be totally sealed and I am guessing it will extend the life considerably. If and when I set posts for a hammock, I will do this.

Sounds like a great idea for cedar, especially considering the nice look above ground. But it would seem to be overkill with treated lumber, but then treated lumber is a bit ugly anyway without a finish on it. I wonder if using untreated S-F-P would hold up with foundation coating(?) It seems that anything other than cedar or redwood is probably going to require some sort of finish above ground anyway.

[TominMN]

4x6 pressure treated should last for years. Maybe not quite as long as cedar but probably as long as you own the house.

FWIW, treated would probably outlast cedar. but it seems that aesthetics are important here and treated is probably not an option.

[ylnfrt]

You could always wrap the 4x6 pressure treated posts with 1x cedar boards and stain them to make it look more "acceptable".

^^^^^^^ excellent solution !