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How To Hang A Hammock
One of the most frequently asked questions we get here at OnlyHammocks.com, is customers asking how they should hang their hammock.
In order to best answer this question, it is important to note that the answer depends on several factors including the hanging method being used, the type of hammock being used and even personal preference.
Using A Hammock Stand
Let's first look at the hanging method being used. When it comes to hanging your hammock, you have several options. The ideal method is to use a hammock stand. Hammock stands are specifically designed to provide the strength and stability needed to support a hammock. They are also convenient because they are somewhat portable - you can easily move a hammock stand to be in or out of the sunshine, which is something that you obviously cannot achieve with the trees in the backyard. If you are using a hammock stand, you want to make sure that it is long enough and strong enough to support the hammock that you intend to use. You should always check the weight capacity on both the hammock and the hammock stand to ensure they are in line with one another. When in doubt, always use the smaller of the two values. For example, if you have a hammock that has a weight capacity of 450 lbs. and a hammock stand that has a weight capacity of 350 lbs., you want to use the 350 lb. value to be safe.
Using A Pair Of Trees
Another option that many people choose is to hang their hammock from a pair of trees. This method is less desirable than a hammock stand, but with the proper setup, you can make good use of the trees in the backyard. As with a hammock stand, you want to be sure that the trees you are using are far enough apart and strong enough to accomodate your hammock. Unfortunately, trees do not come with a weight capacity, so it is important to use good judgment when using this method. We recommend using trees that are in good condition and have a thick trunk that you can tie into. While most of our hammocks come with the necessary hardware to hang a hammock from a stand, some additional hardware will be needed if you choose to hang your hammock between two trees. You will either want to get a tree hanging kit or go to your local hardware store to pick up some heavy duty steel screw hooks to anchor into the tree. When using screw hooks, be sure to anchor the threads of the screw deep into the tree for maximum support. You also want to be sure that each screw hook is installed at the same height on both sides so that your hammock will be level.
Using Hammock Posts
Yet another method to hang your hammock is to use hammock posts. One advantage of using this method is the customization. Since you are using two posts independant of one another, you can easily adjust the posts during installation to find the right hanging distance and the right place in the yard to hang your hammock. Again, we want to think safety first here, which means embedding your hammock posts far enough into the ground to provide the proper support for you and your hammock. We recommend inserting the hammock post approximately one and a half to two feet into the ground, but this will ultimately depend on how hard or soft the ground is. Be sure to exercise common sense when installing the posts.
Why Does The Type Of Hammock I Use Matter?
When you are using one of the methods listed above to hang your hammock, you will want to take into consideration the type of hammock that you are using. The reason for this is because some hammocks - particularly those with spreader bars - are designed to lay parallel to the ground while other hammocks, such as most brazilian hammocks, are designed to sag in the middle. So for hammocks with spreader bars, such as most rope hammocks and fabric hammocks, you will want to hang your hammock tight enough so it lays parallel to the ground with no one in it. For hammocks without spreader bars, you will want to let the hammock hang much looser so that the middle portion dips down.
Personal Comfort & Common Sense
When installing your hammock, a lot of it comes down to the user's personal preference. Use this article as a general guideline. Be sure to test out your hammock and find the best level of comfort for you. And remember safety first - always exercise common sense when hanging your hammock.
Have more questions about how to hang your hammock? Feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help you out. |
