Patio Hammock Stands

First things first, you need to think about the reasons for buying a hammock. You need to determine when, where, and how are you planning to use a hammock before making a purchase. 

Once you get this part straight, everything else is really just details. If you're not sure how to answer this question, here are a few uses for hammocks:

• Trekking, hiking, or backpacking 
• Lounging outdoors by the pool or in the backyard 
• Lounging indoors
• Camping trips 
• Trips to the beach 
• As a permanent outdoor shelter  
• As a bed alternative  

Note down which one of these purposes best describes your situation and you'll find the perfect hammock in no time. 

Once you decide that, you are ready to determine the right type, material, and size for your hammock.

Most hammocks are made of either cotton or polyester. 

Cotton Hammocks 

These hammocks are softer and have a more natural appearance than polyester hammocks. However, with extended exposure to the sun, cotton hammocks eventually turn tan and their color may fade. If you buy this one, make sure you store it in a garage or a shed when it is not in use, otherwise its lifespan will be a lot shorter.

Polyester Hammocks 

If you want a hammock that will withstand any kind of weather conditions Mother Nature throw at it, go with a polyester hammock.

They might not be as soft as a cotton hammock, but that's not to say that they are abrasive or rough in texture. Manufacturers are constantly coming up with ways to make polyester hammocks softer so you won't regret it, unless of course you are super sensitive or allergic to polyester.

In addition to being weather-resistant, polyester hammocks retain their color for longer as well. Continuous sun exposure may not harm them as much, but it is still recommended to keep them indoors (when not in use) to increase their longevity.

When it comes to the size, you need to consider how big of a hammock bed do you need. Hammock bed refers to the midsection part of the hammock on which you will laze away. 

There are different width sizes available for hammock bed. The width will determine whether a hammock can comfortably hold one person or an entire family. Here are the common sizes you can choose from:

• Single: Their bed size width ranges from 39 -- 50 inches which is suitable for one average sized adult. The length is usually 76 -- 79 inches.
• Double: These are 52 -- 60 inches wide and can hold two average-sized adults. They are typically 74 -- 79 inches long.
• Queen: Also known as "Matrimonial" sized hammocks, these can easily fit 3 average-sized adults. They are generally 69-inches wide and 79-inches long.
• King/Family: Much like beds, a king-sized hammock is big enough to accommodate 3-4 average-sized adults. The exact measurements vary from brand to brand, but you can expect them to be 79-inches wide and 79-inches long.

Please keep in mind the weight capacity of a hammock before buying. It is important for your safety that you don't exceed the weight capacity of a hammock.

The choice of a specific type of hammock will depend on your specific needs. Here are some pupular types and their advantages:

• Rope Hammocks 

As the name suggests, the rope hammocks are loosely woven from thick ropes. Have you seen a hammock, suspended between two palm trees on a tropical beach? That's what rope hammocks look like. 

Their loose weave means they are very breathable, which is perfect for hot days. If you want a durable rope hammock so you can read or nap in it, choose one with polyester cords.

• Poolside Hammocks  

If you live close to the ocean or in a warmer climate, a poolside hammock will be a great option. They are made with textilene and Sunbrella fabrics which is resistant to mold, mildew, and fading. It means that you can get into the hammock without damaging it even if you are not 100% dry.

Poolside hammocks are equipped with spreader bars so you can easily get in and out of it. Also, these hammocks are easy to clean -- all you need is a little bit of liquid soap and warm water.

• Quilted Hammocks 

If you are looking for a tight hammock that will provide maximum support to your body, consider a quilted hammock. They are made from 2 layers of tightly interlaced fabric with wadding stuffed between them.  

Most quilted hammocks come with spreader bars to keep them from flipping over. Since they don't stretch to different lengths between trees, these hammocks work well on hammock stands.

• Camping Hammocks 

These hammocks are especially designed for backpackers and campers so they are light and portable. They usually have an attached sack or pocket which you can stuff the hammock into for quick packing and carrying.  

These are made from nylon fabric, so they are resistant to mildew as well. If you are going to travel with your hammock or you want something highly durable, a camping hammock is the way to go. One downside is, they don't offer much support compared to quilted or polyester hammocks.

• Fabric Hammocks 

You may be thinking that fabric hammocks are just another name for cotton hammocks, but that's not the case. Fabric hammocks are made of quick-dry polyester blends which makes them perfect for beach and poolside usage. 

You can also find a fabric hammock with a pillow sewn into it.

• Woven Hammocks  

We have South America to thank for introducing us to woven hammocks. There are many styles of woven hammocks, like Mayan hammocks and Brazilian Hammocks.

Mayan hammocks are woven out of gauzy-like cotton that is very lightweight but surprisingly sturdy. These are available in gorgeous patterns and bright colors, and they feature a cocoon-like style. 

You can also hang the ends close together so your Mayan hammock can double up as a chair. But these usually don't come with a spreader bar. 

Brazilian or Nicaraguan hammocks are tightly woven with Nylon, so you get the look of a cotton hammock but with additional support. Many campers like to use the Brazilian hammocks instead of a sleeping bag.

So, now you know why you need a hammock and what types of hammocks are available in the market. You are ready to look at all the factors you need to consider when picking out your hammock:

Construction Quality and Material

Your choice of material must be based on how and where you will use the hammock. For example, if you want to use it for backpacking/camping, you want a hammock that is made of quick-dry, tear-resistant material. 

On the other hand, if you want to install a hammock indoors -- in your living room or bedroom -- a blend of polyester and cotton will be the best option.

And carefully go analyze the stitches and seams of the hammock before buying. If you see frayed seams or stitches unraveling, let it go and buy another one.

Weight and Size

Think about the weight, portability and size of the hammock you have your eye on, especially if you plan to go camping with it. 

• A lightweight and compact camping hammock is far easier to travel with. For a backyard or indoors hammock, portability is obviously not an issue.  
• Do you have a partner or small children or pets who would be keeping you company in that hammock? If so, you may want to choose a double or queen-sized hammock that can hold up to 450 or more pounds.
• Most single or one-person hammocks can hold up to 250 pounds of weight. Even if you are not going to curl up with special someone, a bigger hammock may offer more comfort.

Accessories

Many camping hammocks come with extra accessories to keep the backpacker/camper comfortable, such as:

• A mosquito net with super fine netting 
• Quilts, to keep you cozy and warm 
• A rainfly or tarp, to protect you from the elements 
• Straps 
• A set of locking carabiners 

If you are specifically buying a hammock for outdoor adventures, you may want to pick one that come with extra accessories like mentioned above.

Don't have time to go through the whole guide? It's okay, just follow these tips and you'll be fine:

• Cotton hammocks are salient for indoors or really hot weather, since they are the most breathable.
• But polyester hammocks are unbeatable in terms of durability and comfort (unless you're allergic to polyester!) 
• Pick a queen-sized or king-sized hammock if you want to cuddle up with your loved one, small children, or a pet in the hammock. 
• Pick a double-sized hammock if you want maximum comfort, even if you are flying solo
• Choose a hammock with accessories like straps, carabiners, mosquito net, tarp, or quilts if you will use it outdoors.

Hammock stands can be argued to be one of modern man's greatest inventions. They save us from the often-grueling set-up and maintenance associated with traditional hammocks.

Before the hammock stands, you were required to find a suitable area, install screw-in hooks, and then hope nothing went wrong. Nowadays, having an awesome hammock experience is as simple as selecting the right stand, so we'll be guiding you through that process today.

The first and most important consideration to be made when purchasing a hammock stand is the material your stand will be made of. The material of your stand not only determines its aesthetics and how well it fits into your décor but also, it's longevity, utility and, ability to withstand the weather.

Steel Hammock Stands

Steel hammock stands are an all-round, solid purchase for most environments. Typically, they are coated in a paint that makes them mostly weatherproof, although long-term exposure to the elements can cause this paint to chip, leaving your steel frame vulnerable.

Steel frames are also most often hollow, so you won't have to worry too much about them being difficult to move. Set up is also extremely simple since most pieces fit into each other seamlessly and are secured in place with relatively few screws.

Steel frames, when maintained properly, can last a really long time and are generally pet-proof except in extreme circumstances, so you won't have to worry too much about isolating your pets from your beloved hammock stand.

Wooden Hammock Stands

Wooden hammock stands, offer more variety of choice when it comes to aesthetic appeal than steel stands. Not only can you purchase stands made from a variety of hardwoods or softwoods, but each wood can be finished to fit your décor most appropriately.

Hardwood hammock stands do involve a little more responsibility than steel stands. Of course, while most hardwood stands are finished in weatherproof resin, it's almost inevitable that resin will peel or get scratched, leaving vulnerabilities. This being the case, you'll want to do the occasional check of your hammock stand, just to be sure that there are no gaping wounds in your finish.

If you find big scratches, you need to refinish your stand as soon as possible, to prevent excess exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Leaving these vulnerabilities exposed will shorten your stand's lifespan. Two treatments a year are recommended for the best results.

Steel frames have notoriously good weight-bearing capacity, but it's always a good idea to double-check. Most standard single person hammocks can hold up to 250 lbs, so if you're hoping to share evenings with your special someone or have children who'd enjoy sharing, getting a 2-person hammock is a solid bet.

It goes without saying that steel, by design and composition, can simply bear more weight than a wooden frame pound for pound. That is not to say that wooden frames are necessarily poor weight bearers, however, the more weight you want your hammock to bear, the thicker and longer your wooden frame will need to be.

This won't be a problem for people who intend to simply "set it and forget it", but for those of you with the occasional bouts of adverse weather, moving a heavy wooden hammock frame can be an issue.

In exchange for reduced weight-bearing capacity, wooden frames offer a more "natural" comfort than steel frames. Wooden frames can safely flex under your weight in ways that steel frame joints cannot necessarily imitate.

Among us, there are a unique few who don't enjoy the soothing rocking of a hammock. At least - they don't enjoy lying down on a hammock but wouldn't mind the unique and comforting swinging sensation in the outdoors.

If you're among this group or are simply looking for a new option for enjoying your outdoor or indoor space, then a hammock chair stand could be for you. Hammock chair stands allow for all the comforts of a hammock, except from a relaxed sitting position.

This type of hammock stand has the added benefit of taking up significantly less space than a full hammock stand, so they are suitable for apartment balconies or small decks that may not have been able to accommodate a full hammock.

Now that you've decided on what type of hammock stand you'll be using let's take a look at some accessories that can take your hammock experience to another level.

• Spreader Bar

Keeping a taut hammock can be a minor or major comfort depending on how you look at it. If you've chosen a quilted hammock, then you likely already have spreader bars installed. Manufacturers often choose to pair these two since spreader bars preserve the integrity of your hammock's quilts for the long-term by keeping them taut.

The tension provided by spreader bars offers the added benefit of lumbar support for those who prefer a firmer mattress. One possible downside of a spreader bar is the potential for difficulty getting into or out of your hammock. The extra tension can sometimes make balancing the hammock more difficult.

Hammocks with no spreader bar tend to mold to your body well and provide more comfort for those who require a "cozy" feel when using their hammock. There are also no issues with getting into or out of the hammock, but there is also less lumbar support.

• Suspension Tree Strap

A suspension tree strap does exactly as it's name implies and allows you to suspend your hammock from a tree in lieu of a hammock stand. These straps generally don't cause any direct harm to the tree, unlike screw-in hooks would and are an excellent choice for taking your hammock camping or just for some versatility.

• Outdoor Pillows

Unlike their indoor cousins, outdoor pillows are designed to withstand adverse weather conditions while maintaining their comfort factor. If you want an extra bit of "cozy" from your hammock, these are a worthwhile investment.

• Underquilt

If you frequently use your hammock at night, for camping or just have an excessive evening breeze near the ocean, then an underquilt could be a good purchase. These nifty little extras prevent drafts from chilling you from the underside of the hammock.

• Rain tarp

Rain tarps can be an incredibly fun add-on for your hammock, especially if your area is notorious for rain at a particular time of year. Not only do these lightweight tarps prevent your hammock and hammock stand from taking excessive weather damage - but you also get to enjoy the experience of lying down outside in a shower! If you're a rain-lover, definitely consider giving this a shot and be prepared to bring your favorite tea or coffee and a good novel with you.

• Bug nets

Living in a tropical climate makes a good hammock almost necessary, but evening time hammock use can come with a lot of unwanted guests, namely mosquitoes. A bug net can go a long way to making sure your evening hammock use is uninterrupted by these pests.

• Chair Springs and Other Spare Parts

Hammock repairs, while often simple, can be very niche. That means you won't necessarily be able to get the parts you need for a proper repair anywhere other than the manufacturer. Having extra parts on hand like hammock springs can save you a lot of headache and waiting if something goes wrong.