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Wooden Hammock Stands Recalled by Pottery Barn

October 2nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

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Pottery Barn Inc. and the US Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced yesterday a recall of 30,000 Chinese-manufactured wooden hammock stands. It seem that when the stands are used outdoors, the wood can deteriorate over time and break, resulting in falls, lacerations, and in one instance fractured ribs.  There have been 50 reports of the stands breaking, with 12 incidents of injury. OW! Not good!

The wooden hammock stands measure about 154 ½ inches long by 53 ½ inches in height by 53 inches in width. There are two black metal brackets on the base and on the arms of the hammock stand. The stands were sold from the Pottery Barn’s catalog and Web site from March 2003 through July 2008 for about $300. All Pottery Barn two pole wooden hammock stands sold from 2003 through 2008 are included in this recall.

Now if you or someone you know bought one of these wood hammock stands, Pottery Barn wants you to remove and save the two top side metal brackets of the hammock stand (circled in red on the photo at left) and throw out the remaining portion of the hammock stand. Do save your hammock - I assume it’s something you may still want. ;-) Then, contact Pottery Barn to schedule a free pickup of the brackets and to receive a merchandise credit for the amount of the stand. If you have any questions or need additional info about the recall contact Pottery Barn toll-free at (888) 942-9245 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.potterybarn.com/content/shop/recall/index.cfm (link will take you to the company’s hammock stand recall page).

If you need a new hammock stand check out our articles on how to choose hammock stands, buying discounted hammock stands, and our feature of the beautiful Roman Arc hammock stand.  If you’re a DIY’er, check out this wooden hammock stand kit.

A Heavenly Hammock: Instructions To Make a Hammock Yourself

August 22nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

A while back I wrote a post on hammock patterns for those interested in making their own hammock. That has got to be the number one most-read post on this blog. I really admire all you crafty do-it-yourselfers! Here’s another link to a vintage article, again courtesy of the venerable Mother Earth News circa 1982, on tying your own hammock using common knots. It’s illustrated and shows you how to weave or net the hammock using a shuttle. There’s lots of detail on materials, and the hammock can be sized for one or two persons. Again, I warn that I haven’t tried the pattern myself and cannot make any warranty or guarantee of suitability. But if you’re looking for instructions on how to make a hammock yourself, you may want to check this one out.

Discounted Hammock Stands? You CAN Find A Bargain

August 5th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

You’re looking for discounted hammock stands because you want to be economical and stretch that hard-earned dollar, I’ll bet. In these high-priced times, every little bit helps. The stand is usually the most expensive piece, with good reason: you want quality construction that will support you while you are at your most vulnerable state, lying down suspended in mid-air. A fall would be quite painful. There’s bargains, quality bargains, out there if you shop carefully. And the closer we get to the end of summer (Noooooooooooooo!) the more numerous the summer clearance sales for hammocks and hammock stands will become. Let’s scope out some of these discounted hammock stands.

How To Shop For Discounted Hammock Stands

Usually, you will find that metal hammock stands are the most heavily discounted and most often sold at lower costs. When choosing a metal hammock stand, keep in mind that the higher the gauge of steel, the lower the construction quality. A stand made of 12 gauge steel is the sturdiest, strongest stand available and is safer than a 16 gauge stand, which will not hold much weight and worse, may bend or break with prolonged use. You also want to look for powdercoated stands, as this will help protect the metal in the outdoor elements. Hammocks.com and EveryHammock.com both feature great quality discounted hammock stands.

The adjustable hammock stand pictured at left is designed for nearly all sizes of non-spreader bar hammock styles such as the Brazilian, Nicaraguan and Mayan hammocks; however, it is said to accomodate spreader bar hammocks as well. It is made of powdercoated heavy-gauge steel and features a unique hanging system that requires no extra hardware such as chain or hooks. Available from Hammocks.com, it’s on sale for under US$110 as of this writing. That’s a great discount.

This 15-foot hammock stand for spreader bar hammocks pictured at right is made of 12-gauge powdercoated steel and is available in a wide range of colors. The stand will accomodate hammocks between 12 and 15 feet in length. Tough and durable, it should support two average sized people securely. Hanging hardware is needed for this discounted hammock stand and it is not included in the price; it must be purchased at checkout. Still, at well under US$150 (including the add-on hardware) at this writing, that’s a decent price for a hammock stand.

If you have limited space, the Bliss Steel Hammock stand (pictured at left) may be just for you. This stand accomodates hammocks that are less than nine feet in length - great for those who are looking for a smaller indoor hammock stand. This stand features a baked enamel finish which will also protect it outdoors. The Bliss stand is available from EveryHammock.com and modestly priced at under US$100 as of this writing. EveryHammock.com offers shipping to Canada as well as the US.

This should give you an idea of the variety of hammock stands for sale that are available at every price point. Shop wisely and well for the best value. The internet makes it easy to find discounted hammock stands that fit your needs and budget.

Hammocks With Mosquito Net Are A Great Idea

July 25th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

If like me you live in an area where mosquitos, gnats and no-see-ums are legion, you’ll appreciate a hammock with a mosquito net. Nothing ruins a great afternoon like these pests. I buy bottles of Off! mosquito repellant like crazy ’cause I’m allergic to the stings; the bites blow up like balloons on my arms and legs, and HURT, not just itch. There are mosquito nets that you can buy separately as an add-on to your existing hammock; but they’re not too well made, may not enclose your hammock fully (meaning bugs will still get in) and look kinda, well, cheap. Your best bet is to buy a camping hammock that has the mosquito net built into it.  That way you know that the whole thing fits together well and that there are no gaps where a stray pest can get in.

I like this model - Hammock Bliss’ No See ‘Um No More - because it features very fine mosquito netting with 2100 holes per square inch - meaning that nothing, not even the tinest sandfly, will invite itself in. The netting is attached the full length of the hammock. Double pull zippers inside and out make it easy to get in and out. As a camping hammock, it’s quick-drying for outdoor use and lightweight. And at well under $100 at this writing, the price is right. Available at Amazon.com. If you need tips for hanging your hammock outside, check out this post. Don’t let the ’skeeters beat you out of a relaxing afternoon in the hammock. Hammocks with a mosquito net will help you take back your yard.

Cotton Hammocks Are A Classic Summer Backyard Accessory

April 8th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Cotton hammocks are what many people choose when they’re looking for a hammock. Cotton rope hammocks are a classic among summer backyard furnishings. Hammocks made of cotton are very popular for their soft feel against the skin and their ability to stretch and mold to the body’s contours. Let’s take a look at this well-loved hammock material and the many styles available.

Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from the cotton plant. Its use stretches back thousands of years. The fiber was used for clothing in ancient Egypt, India and China. Native Americans used cotton to weave clothes and textiles. In Central America cotton was used to make into fishing nets and traded as a commodity. It’s believed that hammocks were derived from these woven fishing nets.

A single cotton fiber of itself is not very strong. But when multiple cotton fibers are twisted and interlocked together they make a strong, smooth thread, string or rope. Cotton is renowned for its softness and comfort, especially in clothing. Notably, “Egyptian cotton” is used to make luxury bed sheets and bath towels. As a soft natural fiber, cotton readily absorbs water which can make it susceptible to mold and mildew. Cotton is sometimes blended with other fibers such as polyester or linen to create textural interest or add additional strength and durability.

Types of Cotton Hammocks

Cotton string and cotton rope are often used to make hammocks. Cotton rope hammocks are perhaps the most well known and traditional hammock style. Most rope hammocks are made with spreader bars as pictured above. Bars are often made of wood and are attached at each end of the hammock. Spreader bars help keep the hammock open to lie in and support the user’s weight. If you have small children, you may not want to choose a cotton rope hammock as the large open weave may entangle small hands and feet. The hammock can be hung in the classic manner between two trees; or if desired, suspended from a stand. Cotton rope hammock stands are available from a wide variety of vendors at competitive prices online.

Other hammock styles made from cotton include Mayan hammocks and Brazilian hammocks. Mayan hammocks are made from cotton string, often brightly colored, and hand-woven in a complex yet flexible weave. They are very strong and can hold lots of weight - some hold 3 people and more! - yet are light enough to use for backpacking and camping. Mayan cotton hammocks do not have spreader bars and must be hung higher above the ground than a spreader bar hammock. Some care must be taken with Mayans as their intricate weave can be easily damaged with an errant clothing button or zipper, or sharp object.

Brazilian hammocks are made from cotton that is hand woven into a colorful fabric that features beautiful fringe at the hammock’s sides. Most Brazilian cotton hammocks are non-spreader bar types. These fabric hammocks are somewhat safer for small children because there are no large holes or gaps to get caught in. Keep a watchful eye on children around any hammock.

A fun new style is the hammock swing. Cotton hammock swings may be just the thing if you’re looking for a great way to enjoy hammocks without fear of falling. Hammock swings are a lovely cross between a traditional porch swing and a hammock. The comfort is quite addictive; I’m plotting where to install a few around my home.

Cotton hammocks of any style may be used indoors or outside. Keep in mind that hammocks made of cotton will not last long exposed to the elements outdoors because they will absorb moisture which will eventually weaken the fibers and cause mildew and rot. If you choose to use a hammock stand with cotton hammocks, make sure that you choose the right hammock stand for the hammock style you have. Stands for spreader bar hammocks cannot be used for hammocks without spreader bars; and vice versa. As cotton is a natural material, it will stretch to its full length, sometimes as much as 2 feet, within the first several uses. Because of this natural stretch, you may need to use a little extra rope or chain when first hanging your cotton hammock. As you use the hammock and it stretches out, you will likely need to adjust its height several times by tightening and shortening the ropes or chains. This adjustment period is normal. Check our other tips for hanging hammocks when you buy your cotton hammock.

Summer’s almost here…where’s your hammock? Cotton hammocks can be a wonderful addition to your home or backyard utopia.