Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Apr 30, 2004 10:55pm | #1

   I'd have to say it doesn't really matter. 6x6 is plenty of beef to support the hammock.Grain direction isn't nearly as important as sound lumber- no big knots. I think they mention to angle the posts back in order to give maximum strength because the posts are now in tension, as opposed to standing vertical. As long as it it's on a solid footing, it should be fine.

   
   

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   Edited 4/30/2004 4:11 pm ET by JACKPLANE

2. 
   andybuildz | May 01, 2004 12:01am | #2

   6x6 seems like over kill to me. Seems 4x4's would be fine but whadda I know. Unless you plan on having several people in the hammock at once.

   After you sink the poles in crete I'd use some flashing cement around the posts that butt the crete to keep water from leaching in.

   with a 6x6 the grain really doesnt matter which way it faces although the grain front to back would be stronger if you insist on an answer....lol.

   Hope you plan on doing some nice trim or carvings in and around it....post some pictures when yer finished

   BE well

              andy

   My life is my passion!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

3. 
   jonblakemore | May 01, 2004 12:04am | #3

   The stronger orientation would be with the grain paralell to the long axis of the hammock.

   You likely will get 6x6's that have 180° or more of grain "swirl", so you may not be able to determing which way the grain runs.

    

   Jon Blakemore

4. 
   Piffin | May 01, 2004 01:50am | #4

   "enormous lateral stress"?????

   Will Rosie and Rosanne BOTH be in this at the same time or someting? ^X^s would hold a small elephant in a hammock, if you could talk the elephant into it!

   Probably the geater forces will focus at the ground level. I abree that a good quality 4x4 will do the job, but I would set it four feet in.

    

    

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   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
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1. 
   andybuildz | May 01, 2004 02:12am | #5

   I was gonna say the four feet in too but forgot.

   I think the hammock people were thinking frost line while you and me were thinking elephants.

   Be such nice weather that peeps are talkin' hammocks..whewwwwwww

                                                                               andyMy life is my passion!

   http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

5. 
   MojoMan | May 01, 2004 02:18am | #6

   I certainly agree with Piffin that 4x4s would be strong enough and that the weak point will be in the soil around the posts. Personally, I'd dig at least 3' down, 4', as Piffin suggests, would be better, but that depends on your soil. I wouldn't bother with concrete, I'd pack the soil in layers thoroughly with a 2x4 as I back-filled.

   The 6x6 might look more substantial if that's a look you want , but if your primary concern is strength, the 4x4 should be plenty.

   Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

1. 
   Piffin | May 01, 2004 03:51am | #7

   yeah, I never like to see posts set in crete because it will rot them faster and the freezing will break the create anyway. But the Hammock folks are probably in Florida or suny southern Calif where things are different. I suppose they say to use 6x6 so they are covered by the overkill liability disclaimer.

   ;)

   Another option to stabnilize against elephantine loading woudl be to use tall posts and build a decorative arbor to span the distance between at the top to resist the compressive loading. I could look asd nice as that rose covered pergola gate that Mike Smith has posted, and provide a bit of shade for the swinging, relaxing elephant. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!