This was originally intended to be a portable hammock stand but ended up only semi portable, but incredibly sturdy. I weigh 240lbs so I wanted something that would support me as well as something that could withstand our 3 kids.

Step 1: Supplies Needed:

1 = 4x4x12
2 = 4x4x8
4 = 8' decking boards
4 = 6" galvanized bolts
2 = 4" eye bolts
3" long screws

Tools I used:
Tape measure
Circular saw
Cordless drill/driver
Speed square
Square
Level
Wrench

Step 2: Step 1: Base & Vertical Posts

I used the 12' 4x4 as the base.

Cut the two 4x4x8 into 4'6" lengths. The remaining length will be used for the feet.

I used 3" hinges to attach them (when I was trying to make it portable). You don't need to do this, but the hinges do help with holding it in place.

Step 3: Step 2 -- Angled Supports

You could probably get away with using one per side but I used 2 decking boards (cut at 45° angles) on each end for extra bracing.

The length is flexible but I set mine 3' in from the end (which also went 3' up on the vertical posts).

I screwed them in on each side, made sure they were square, & then drilled the hole for the bolt.

Step 4: Step 3: Feet

I used the leftover 4x4x8 pieces for the feet. Find the center & cut out the width of a 4x4 (3.5"). I cut them out 1.75" deep.

Step 5: Step 4: End Braces

I used the remaining ends of the decking boards to create end braces, that really stabilized the stand!

I just measured from the end of the feet at a 45° angle and cut the pieces to match.

*THE REALLY IMPORTANT THING HERE IS TO MAKE SURE YOUR VERTICAL POSTS ARE SQUARE WITH THE FEET & BASE, BEFORE SCREWING YOUR BRACES IN!!

**once these are screwed in I would suggest laying the stand on its side and screwing the feet to the base from the bottom with several screws; so they don't slide when moving the stand.

Step 6: Step 5: Eye Bolts

The stand is essentially ready to go at this point and eye bolts are really optional.

Just center them on the vertical posts near the top and you're good to go