Hammock Buying Guide

Hammocks

You can find fabric, fish net and rope hammocks, hammock chairs and portable hammocks. Each hammock style has its qualities, and one (or two or three hammocks) is sure to be perfect for your needs.

Solid fabric hammocks

Fabric hammocks are some of the most comfortable hammocks available. Quilted fabric hammocks, usually made of cotton, are very comfortable and one of the most luxurious additions to home and patio furniture. Usually, if a hammock states that it is appropriate for sleeping, you can bet that hammock is made from fabric. Certain fabrics are better suited for one task or another, and the material could determine if a hammock is right for however you intend to use it.

• Cotton: Cotton is comfortable, breathable and good looking. The fabric is not very weatherproof and the colors can fade. For that reason, cotton hammocks are always great indoors and occasionally outdoors. Cotton is prone to mold and mildew and should not be left outside in bad weather.
• Polyester: Polyester is very durable and weather resistant, making polyester hammocks great for use outdoors. Polyester is less prone to mold and mildew and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Polyester can also be as comfortable as cotton, depending on the way it is made.
• Canvas: Canvas is very tough and durable, making it an ideal hammock lounger material for outside use. Canvas hammocks can be made from cotton or polyester, so check to see which material it is so it can be cared for properly.

Rope hammocks

Rope hammocks are classics with roots in pre-Columbian Latin America. Fibrous, woven hammocks remain vibrant cultural products of the indigenous craftsmen and women of the Urarina in Peruvian Amazonia. When you climb into the comfort of a rope hammock, you're whisked away to a tropical paradise where you swing gently on an outdoor bed rocked by an ocean breeze. Or you're reminded of lazy summer days in the backyard under the shade of a tree, drinking lemonade and watching your kid mow the lawn while you relax.

Relaxing on a rope hammock can be tricky; if you use a rope hammock for a long period of time you could end up with crisscross patterns where your skin contacts the ropes. Aside from that minor danger, the material of the rope hammock can greatly affect its comfort and durability.

• Cotton rope hammocks: Cotton rope is quite comfortable. Cotton can stretch and conform to your body shape, and it feels good against the skin.
• Polyester rope hammocks: Polyester rope, because it is man-made, is much more durable, less susceptible to mold and mildew and it will fade less in direct sunlight.

Cotton isn't as durable as polyester, and polyester isn't as comfortable as cotton. If your hammock will be used outside exclusively and not stored during bad weather, look for a rope hammock in polyester. If you're looking for a hammock to take camping, either material will be fine; however, make sure you air out (until completely dry) your rope hammock, or any hammock, before storing.

Hammock chairs

Hammock chairs are a great alternative to full sized hammocks, especially if you are tight on space. Hammock chairs only require one point of support. They made from the same materials as other hammocks, so decide which material you would like.

Hammock chairs are a great option for families with children. They are more stable than other hammocks and they are more difficult to fall out of, making them ideal for kids.

When online shopping for hammock chairs, try to purchase your hammock and stand together so you know they'll fit each other perfectly.

Portable hammocks and stands

Most hammocks can be considered portable. When you buy a hammock stand you are free from tying your hammock between two trees, but there are even more portable hammocks and frames. Folding or collapsible hammock chairs are the most popular. The frame folds for storage and moving, making these hammocks great for picnics and the beach. Even hammocks that are strung between two trees are portable; you can take them down and put them back up wherever you want.

There are a few considerations you should take into account when selecting portable hammocks:

• Hammock size: The size of your hammock when folded will be important for storage and transportation.
• Hammock weight: Look for light-weight hammocks; a 40-pound hammock isn't that portable.
• Hammockstrength: Avoid flimsy hammock frames; you want to find one that can support at least double your own weight.

Hammock stands have many advantages:

• You can put them anywhere
• Spreader bars help retain the hammock shape
• Metal hammock stands are popular and pretty lightweight
• Wooden hammock stands are elegant and the color goes with almost everything
• Wooden hammock stands have more weight which makes them more stable
• Unlike trees, if you move, your hammock stand can move to your new home with you.

Swings

Porch swings are a sign of true relaxation; sitting on your front or back porch, rocking gently and enjoying the view are a special treat for anyone. But porch swings aren't the only swings available for outdoor furniture. Stand-alone swings can be placed on the patio, behind the garden gate or on the lawn.

There are several types of swings to choose from. Porch swings can be made from wood, painted wood, resin wicker, plastic and metal. Familiarize yourself with their advantages and disadvantages before selecting the swing for you.

• Hanging porch swings hang from your porch or awning and come with hanging chains and hooks. Make sure you have a large enough area to hold a porch swing. Most porch swings are 4 to 5 feet long and should fit any standard porch area.
• Yard swings include a frame so they can stand alone. Some yard swings have a canopy and cushioned seats for added protection against the elements and for comfort. Watch out for windy areas if you want a canopy swing; the wind can pick them up and move them, resulting in damage.
• Hanging porch swing gliders are very similar to hanging porch swings but they have a gliding motion that is more fluid.
• Yard swing gliders are similar to yard swings. They can have a canopy or be left bare. Some yard gliders are more like outdoor benches and don't hang on anything.

Swing variations

Some variations you will find in porch swings and outdoor yard swings include the size, back style and slat placement.

• Size: The standard swing size is 5 feet in length. Some porch swings can be a little larger, but generally they are made between 4 and 5 feet long.
• Back styles: Some swings have straight backs, others have a slight curve. Some styles have decorative and ornate carvings along the top rail. You can also find heart-shaped or oval-shaped backs.
• Slats: The seat slats can be arranged vertically or horizontally. Both can be comfortable, depending on your preferences.

Caring for your hammock or swing

Hammocks:

• Air out hammocks completely before storing.
• If using a metal hammock stand, check for rust and remove it quickly, then seal with something to prevent rust.
• Seal wood hammock stands with varnish or sealant.

Swings:

• For metal swings check for rust and remove it quickly, then use a sealer.
• Cedar swings require little maintenance but can do well with a sealant.
• Vinyl and plastic porch swings are maintenance free: clean with water when dirty.
• Clean swing cushions when needed.

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