How to Choose Hammock Stands

Nothing beats relaxing in a hammock. The gentle rocking motion of a hammock is relaxing and soothing. Traditionally, the hammock has been associated with rural life but more and more people are using a hammock in their city yard or patio. Since properly spaced trees are less common in the city, most people use a hammock stand with their hammock.

Hammocks have an almost universal appeal. Their gentle swaying motion is relaxing and calming, making them a great place to spend a lazy summer afternoon. Hammocks have traditionally been slung between trees, but if you don’t have convenient the space trees available in your backyard, hammock stands can be used to place your hammock anywhere.Hammock stands are available in a wide variety of styles and materials. Using a stand allows you to place the hammock in any convenient location and you can easily move the hammock too shady or sunny spot. A hammock stand is a freestanding structure that can be placed anywhere.

Stands are usually constructed of either metal or wood, and are strong enough to support at least two adults. You can find stands for hammocks anywhere that hammocks are sold. The popularity of hammocks means that every medium-size city has several hammock stores to choose from.When buying a stand your hammock, you need to consider whether your hammock has spreader bars or not.

Spreader bars are the wood inserts at each end of the hammock which keep it open all the time. Some hammocks have spreader bars and some do not. Carefully inspect the construction details. You want to be sure that the metal welding is strong and secure, or if it is a wooden stand, that there are no defects (such as cracks) in the wood.

Each stand should be rated for the amount of weight it can hold. The two most common stand materials for hammocks are wood and metal tubing. Metal stands are little bit cheaper than wood stands because they are easier to manufacture. They are usually between 13 feet and 15 feet in length. Look for stands that are made of heavy gauge tubular steel — they offer the greatest strength and will be more durable than stands made from light gauge steel.

Steel stands should be coated for outdoor use. Powder coating is a durable finish for metal and is often used in finishing outdoor furniture. Your stand should also have end caps to prevent moisture from entering the tubular steel frame. Above all, your stand should be able to support enough weight — at least enough for two adults.

A wood stand for your hammock is an attractive addition to any yard or patio. Wooden stands are often made of high quality plywood which gives both strength and stability. The natural look of wood makes it a good material to complement hammock lifestyle — relaxed and laid-back. There are many wood stands available in attractive and appealing designs.Wooden stands for hammocks need to be finished with an exterior paint or varnish. Because of their length (approximately 16 feet) is impractical to bring stands indoors every time it rains. This means that your stand for your hammock must have a durable finish.

Since both hammocks and stands are used outdoors, the finish on the stand is very important. It must be able to withstand moisture and sunlight while protecting the material underneath. A common finish for metal stands is powder coating. It is durable and attractive and can protect your stand from rusting.A stand your hammock allows you to enjoy your hammocks almost anywhere. You will be able to relax on the patio, the lawn or even inside the house.