Choosing, Hanging & Caring for your Hammock
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How to Choose your Hammock
- What type of hammock is best?
- Spreader bars or no?
- Can I use my hammock as a bed? Which hammocks are best for sleeping in?
- Hanging & Care Instructions
- How much space do I need to hang my hammock?
- What height do I need to hang my hammock?
- What is my hammock's weight capacity?
- Will hooks damage my trees?
- How to install hanging posts?
- How do I hang my swing?
Hanging & Caring for your Hammock
- What type of hammock is best?
- We carry a wide variety of hammocks and each has their own unique features. The best place to start is by viewing our “Quick Hammock Buying Guide below:
- Spreader bars or no?
- This is a question of personal taste. Spreader bars are usually found on rope hammocks, quilted fabric hammocks or poolside hammocks. They are usually made of wood and serve to keep the hammock open at both ends. They can enhance the look of a hammock (beautiful traditional style), however, they can also be more prone to tipping.
- Can I use my hammock as a bed? Which hammocks are best for sleeping in?
- Absolutely! Millions around the world use hammocks as beds every night. We recommend sticking to non-spreader bar hammocks as beds (in case of sleep movement). In particular, Mayan and Brazilian Hammocks make the most comfortable beds (sponge effect). The Mayan and Brazilians have used them as beds for generations.
- HAMMOCK HANGING & CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Mayan Hammocks
- Getting Into your Mayan hammock:
NEVER climb in feet first. Sit with your back to the hammock, as if you were sitting on a chair. Reach behind you and spread out the hammock before sitting (this will ensure you make full use of the space and your weight is distributed evenly). Now sit, lay back and relax.
- Finding an Angle:
The most comfortable way to enjoy your Mayan hammock is to lay at an angle. This ensures better distribution of weight, lessening tension, and greater back support. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite position.
- Hanging Indoors:
Hang hammock from wall studs or ceiling beams. Find center of stud or beam and screw in hooks with a power drill. Ropes or chains can be used to compensate for extra distance. Never hang loops end directly from hanging hook. Suggested distance is 12+ feet.
- Hanging Outdoors:
Can be hung from trees, strong fence posts, side of garage, patio beams, etc… Hammock should be hung about 6 feet from the ground. Use rope or chain to compensate for extra distance. Never hang loops end directly from hanging hook. Suggested distance is 12+ feet.
- Mayan hammock Care:
* Hand wash in mild detergent
* Always tie up arms to avoid tangles
* To store hammock, hang both ends from one hook on the wall, or fold and store
(fig. 1)
* Never hang hammock directly on hooks as friction may occur. Instead, loop a chain or rope from a hook through the loop end of the hammock (fig. 2)
* Should a string break on a hammock, tie the 2 broken ends to avoid the development of a hole
Rope Hammocks
- rope hammock Care:
While our rope hammocks are made to be thoroughly enjoyed indoors and especially outdoors, like all things natural the spreaders are eventually susceptible to the elements. It's a good idea to wax them regularly, to help prevent moisture from affecting the wood and to extend the beauty of the spreaders. In addition, since sharp-toothed animals are everywhere, count them among the elements! Some have a predilection for hammock cord to line their nests, or simply to have something to chew on. So when hanging or storing your hammock, make sure it is out of reach of such animals.
- Hanging your rope hammock:
The hammock should be strung between two solid support structures preferably the length of the hammock apart or slightly more, but a little less is doable. Solid support structures include strong trees, sturdy well-secured posts, and a portable hammock stand. Our stands are 2 or 3 feet longer than the hammocks, and come with chains to bridge the gap.
Always ensure that the hammock is securely attached. This means, if you're using hooks to attach to a tree, turn the hooks deep into the wood, not just into the bark of the tree. Since every good hammock has a little "give" when you lie in it, install the hooks about 4 feet from the ground to avoid "scraping bottom". You can also adjust the tightness of the hammock: the tighter it's stretched, the higher you stay off the ground. Always ensure that the hammock is safely located. This means that you should not hang it too close to the edge of your deck or any other precipice, or anywhere someone might get hurt after getting out in an uncontrolled fashion.
Brazilian Hammocks
- Brazilian hammock Care:
Our Brazilian Hammocks can be left outdoors, but will fade like that comfortable pair of jeans with the sun. Your hammock should not be put away wet… avoid mildew! Hand wash with mild detergent and hang dry… no machine washing of drying, please!
- Hanging Brazilian Hammocks:
Hang with a deep " U " curve and lay diagonally in the Brazilian Style- How much space do I need to hang my hammock?
- The optimum distance for hanging a hammock is 10-15 feet. If the distance is LESS than that, it will be necessary to raise the location of the hooks. If the trees are MORE than the recommended distance, you can compensate with one of our hammock hanging accessories. Our flexible hammock stands are also a good option. Hanging distance needed for specific hammocks will be visible on the product screen when selecting your hammock (also shown in the graph below).
- What height do I need to hang my hammock?
* RED: Not Recommended
* Distance measured from loop end to loop end- What is my hammock's weight capacity?
- That depends on the hammock. Weight capacities are listed for all our individual hammocks in their descriptions. At the minimum, our hammocks can support one very large adult (often many more).
- Will hooks damage my trees?
- Not likely, however, we recommend not taking the risk if you care about your trees. Instead of leaving holes in your trees, consider using hammock hanging accessories.
- How to install hanging posts?
- These supports can be metal or wooden poles. The poles must be buried in the ground to a depth of 1.5 to 2 feet. Additionally, the support poles should be cemented following the package instructions for the cement mixture.
- How do I hang my Hanging Hammock Chair?
- Hang from a solid beam. Ensure the structure should be solid and able to hold a large weight capacity.
