You will need
• 290x45mm timber seat, pre-cut to 700mm long by timber merchant
• 6mm drill bit
• 18mm drill bit
• Drill
• Sandpaper
• 18mm sisal rope, cut into 2 x 5m lengths
• 2 hammock hooks
• Scissors
Step 1
Start by taking your pre-cut timber for the seat and measure out the four holes for the rope. You want to put them as wide apart as possible to create stability, but not too close to the edge as it will weaken the timber. Ours is 40mm from the outside edge and 60mm from the end edge.
Step 2
Drill holes all the way through. The holes need to be at least the size of your rope. Start with a smaller 6mm drill but to get the holes accurately placed, then drill through with an 18mm bit.
Step 3
Sandpaper the surface, sides and corners of the seat, then stain with Resene Woodsman Whitewash.
Step 4
Install your hooks. We used two hammock hooks purchased from a hardware store. Mark these out and make them slightly wider than the seat, again for stability. These are 800mm apart. Drill your marked hole with the 6mm drill bit, then screw your hammock hooks in using your hands by threading a screwdriver through the loophole for leverage.
Step 5
Trim your rope to length, allowing extra for the knots. Thread one end of the rope through the first hole and tie under the seat. We tied a basic knot – nothing flash! Repeat this with the other end of the rope.
Step 6
Now make a loop knot at the top or midpoint of the rope that will hook over the hammock hook. You need to make sure the rope is even, so tie the know exactly halfway or the seat won’t sit flat.
Step 7
Repeat steps 5 and 6 on the other side of the seat, pulling all the knots tight. Ensure you wiggle it all as your tighten them again, so the seat sits flat. Unravel the rope below the seat knots and trim with scissors.
More stains to try (left to right): Resene Woodsman Cedar, Resene Woodsman Heartwood
