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A Heavenly Hammock: Instructions To Make a Hammock Yourself

August 22nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

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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.

Hammock Stand: Choose Well for Safety, Comfort and Durability

May 29th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you don’t plan to hang your hammock among trees; or if you don’t have any trees to safely hang the hammock from, you’ll need a hammock stand.  A hammock is only as comfortable, sturdy and as safe as the hammock stand or frame that supports it.  When choosing a hammock stand, the material that the hammock stand is constructed from is  important.  You should consider whether you’ll be using the hammock mostly indoors or out, in a sheltered area or perhaps in open air next to your pool. Not only should the material used in the manufacturing of the hammock stand be strong enough, but you’ll probably want to complement your backyard or interior décor.

You should also take into account the type of hammock you have.  Many hammock stands you see are built for hammocks that have spreader bars – the wooden bars one sees at each end of certain hammocks.  If you have a hammock that does not have spreader bars, such as a Mayan hammock, you must buy a stand specifically made for such a hammock.  What’s the difference?  The hammocks without bars must be hung at a higher height that those with bars, otherwise you’ll be sitting on the ground.  Also account for the length of the hammock you have, and buy a stand that can accommodate that length.

There are two basic materials used for hammock stands – metal (usually steel) and wood.

Steel and Stainless Steel Hammock Stands

adjustable hammock stand is said to work with both non-spreader bar and spreader bar hammocks. Made of weather-resistant powdercoated steel. Click for info.” src=”http://hammocks.backyardutopia.com/images/adjhammstanddisc.jpg” align=”right” border=”0″ />Steel is a common hammock stand material.  It is very strong and durable.  The lower the gauge of steel, the tougher it is. For example, a stand made from 12 gauge steel is heavier and much more sturdy than a 16 gauge steel stand. The very best stands are 12 gauge. Higher-gauge steel hammock stands are less expensive; but are often lower quality. You can buy steel stands in many colors to match your design scheme.  If the finish becomes chipped and you mostly use the hammock outside, be ready with touch-up metal paint to minimize and hopefully prevent rust.  Most of these stands are made for the spreader bar hammocks.

a hammock stand made from stainless steel is a good choice for many reasons.  For example if your hammock is placed on the open patio or deck, on the lawn or near salt water or a pool, it will be exposed to water and the elements of nature.  A stainless steel hammock stand is best suited to resist rust and moisture damage, allowing it to remain strong and able to support your body weight.  Stainless steel stands are a little more expensive than the common steel ones.

Aluminum Hammock Stand

Some hammock stands are made from aluminum.  These hammock stands are not as strong as the other materials.  They are generally used for portable hammocks.  Aluminum is used in this instance for its lightweight qualities, making it easy to carry your hammock to a picnic or party for use.

Wooden Hammock Stands

Wood hammock stands have a beautiful classic look about them.  Wooden stands are the strongest, most stable and most durable of hammock stands.  A wooden roman arc hammock stand is a striking piece of furniture for your house.  If you want to use a wooden hammock stand outdoors you can, but look for stands made of wood that can resist moisture. Cypress, teak and cedar are woods known for their weather resistance. The finish will change on exposure to the elements.  You may want to generously apply wood preservative to the base of the stand to protect it, especially if it will sit on damp ground.  To preserve unfinished wood’s original appearance apply a moisture repellent treatment yearly.  You can stain them or paint them; or simply leave outdoor wood hammock stands untreated and they’ll slowly weather to a silver gray finish.  

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