Hammock How-to Guides
How to Choose a Hammock
The three choices are rope, Quick-Dry (poolside), and quilted. There are many different characteristics to each style of hammock and choosing a hammock usually comes down to personal preference. Rope hammocks comes in 3 different rope types: cotton, polyester and DuraCord. Cotton rope is the softest but unfortunately does not last as long. Softspun polyester rope is a bright white rope and is mildew and mold resistant giving the advantage of longer lasting rope. We have had great comments on the Presidential in Polyester by Pawleys Island Hammocks. The DuraCord rope hammock is the best rope. It comes in many different colors and has the comfort of a cotton hammock but is also mildew and mold resistant. The DuraCord rope is great when trying to color coordinate to other outdoor furniture. Quilted hammocks are made of padded fabric for extra comfort. The quilted hammock is made of a full bed, which allows more support throughout the body. With the different patterns and colors available, it is easy to find one that matches your taste and decor. Take a look at one of our favorite designs, the Garden Stripe Quilted Hammock by Pawleys Island Hammocks. If you want a breeze to flow through the hammock, it is better to choose a rope hammock.
The quilted hammock offers a more supportive bed and the latest in fashion. The poolside hammocks, also known as Quick Dry hammocks, are excellent for homes that are near water such as lake or beach properties. They are made of a single layer of acrylic vinyl or DuraCord fabric, which will dry in minutes. One of the poolside's latest and most popular designs is the Portland Dots Quick Dry Hammock by Hatteras Hammocks. These hammocks also offers the latest in fashion and style.
We would also like to mention another kind of hammock that does not fall into any of the other categories, which are the Mayan and Brazilian hammocks. These hammocks create a more exotic look than the others. Brazilian Hammocks are made of fabric and Mayan Hammocks are hand made of tightly woven threads. Mayan and Brazilian hammocks can be put inside between posts or on an indoor porch. Please note that these hammocks are more fragile and must be brought inside when not in use. They also need to be hung higher at about 7 feet but need less length, about 11ft. Many people love to give hammocks as a gift, because it is a nice way to help a person lay back and take a breather.
Buying a hammock is a nice idea but it is important to make sure that they have a place to put a hammock. If they have trees in their backyard, then find out if the space is at least 13 ft, if not then a stand will be needed. Many times it is much easier to find a hammock and stand combo. Deciding on which hammock and stand works best for you, your customer, or a recipient takes a little time and reading. Once you have found that perfect hammock, it's all rest and relaxation from there on!
How to choose a hammock stand
Having trouble picking out a stand for your hammock? We have put together a few tips and examples to guide you in the right direction to picking a stand that works for your hammock. Because there are many sizes and types, picking a stand needs a little "know how" starting with the length of space you have available or if you already have a hammock you need to know the length from ring to ring. If you are purchasing a standard hammock such as the Large Oatmeal DuraCord Rope Hammock by Pawleys Island, that is 13 ft from ring to ring not including the chains, it is best to buy a stand that is 2 feet longer than the hammock putting the stand right at 15 ft. Most stands are 15 ft in total length. Hammocks have increased in sizes in the last few years and it is now hard to find a stand under 15 ft.
The most popular hammock stand is the Forest Green Tri-Beam Stand by Hatteras Hammocks. It has a weight capacity of 600 lbs, making it the sturdiest stand available. It is also compatible with all of the stand accessories such as the hammock stand table, the wheel kit and the hammock canopy. This stand can also be purchased in three different colors which are green, bronze and taupe. If a less expensive stand is desired, the basic hammock stand that holds 450 lbs is perfect, like this taupe hammock stand. Unfortunately this stand is not compatible with the side table. Metal stands assemble and disassemble in less than 10 minutes which makes storing for the winter easier.
If you have more decorative tastes, the Steel Arc stands is a great idea. It is 15 ft long as well and will accommodate any of the 13 ft hammocks. The Steel Arc stand has a weight capacity of 450lbs. This stand also comes in green, bronze and stainless steel. The Stainless Steel Arc stand is slightly more expensive but it is more rust resistant than any other stand. No accessories work with this stand.
If you are looking for a wooden stand, the gorgeous Roman Arc Cypress Hammock stand, which comes in 4 ply wood or 7 ply, is the solution. Both are 15ft long, fitting all of the large, deluxe and Presidential hammocks. The weight capacity for both is 450lbs. The difference is in the size of the beam and not the durability. The 7 ply is much more imposing. You can lay back, relax, sit back and admire this masterpiece. Last but not least if you prefer Mayan or Brazilian hammocks you will need a different type of stand.
If you are unsure and would rather not do any comparing to make sure your hammock and stand are compatible, we would suggest checking on a combo package for example this Hatteras Hammocks combo. Good Luck and Enjoy!
How to hang a hammock
First off, it is best to find out where the hammock would work best, are there any trees, if not a stand is your best option. If you are using trees, find a 15 ft space to fit a 13 ft hammock. You will need the extra room to adjust the chains because the hammock will stretch once it is used. If you have less space, you will need a Mayan or Brazilian hammock. Refer to the chart below to know at what height you need to hang your hammock hooks. If you have odd distances between trees or post, refer to this page.
Height of Tree Hooks (in inches)
| Distance Between Trees or Posts | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammock Length* | 10' | 11' | 12' | 13' | 14' | 15' |
| 9' | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| 10' | 54 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| 11' | 66 | 54 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| 12' | 84 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 48 | 48 |
| 13' | 96 | 84 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 48 |
| 14' | 108 | 96 | 84 | 72 | 60 | 48 |
*Distance in feet measured from ring to ring when laid flat on the floor
**Heights in the shaded areas are not recommended because the
hammock may have too pronounced of an arch, possibly making it uncomfortable.
Important Note: It is normal for a new hammock to be up to 2 feet shorter. A new hammock is in an "unstretched state." With the first use, the hammock will stretch from 1 to 2 feet . You may need to use a small extension of chain or rope during the initial hangin. But stretching will occur and the hammock will gain its proper length.
