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Use and Maintenance
Home » Outdoor Furniture » Hammocks » Use and MaintenanceWhen considering a hammock, most people probably envision their hammock hanging between two trees, and that’s certainly an easy option if you possess two trees that are appropriately spaced and adequately strong. In order to ensure that your trees possess the necessary strength to support your hammock, it’s a good idea to use trees that are at least 1’ in diameter. Most hammocks are 13’ in length, so if you choose a hammock with wooden spreader bars it’s best if your trees are at least that far apart, though it’s possible to use a rope or chain if your chosen trees are too far from one another. Of course, hammocks without wooden spreader bars don’t require the same level of precision. Those hammocks are designed to hang with a dip, so the distance between your trees or stand can – and in fact should – be less than the length of the hammock.
Height considerations also vary between hammocks with and without wooden spreader bars. Hammocks that use the wooden spreaders don’t lay with much of a dip, so you can safely set their heights at four to five feet off of the ground. Cocoon-style hammocks, such as the Mayan hammock, do have that dip, so you’ll probably want to hang that type of hammock at least six feet off of the ground. Remember also that trees aren’t your only option. Any of the styles mentioned in this article can also be hung between a hammock stand, and the Mayan hammocks in particular are often hung from ceiling hooks indoors. If you choose to purchase a hammock stand, however, you’ll usually pay an additional $100.00 for the accessory.
Regardless of the style or fabric you choose for your hammock, make every possible effort to bring your hammock inside if you expect bad weather. Cheaper hammocks generally take longer to dry than the more expensive options, but none of the fabrics dry quickly. Moreover, repeated exposure to moisture weakens the hammock and, in certain fabrics, may result in mildew. Retailers offer several types of protective sprays to protect and extend the lifespan their hammocks, but it’s still a good idea to store your hammock indoors if it isn’t in use.
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