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Hanging A Hammock From A Tree? Make Sure The Tree Is Sound and Strong

March 21st, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

We all know and love the idyllic image of hanging a hammock from a pair of stout trees. That shade-dappled haven calls us like a siren to come and hang out for a while. But even if your hammock’s been hanging from that tree like forever, you must check the tree every year for soundness and stability. Tragically that lesson was brought home in Bromfield MA this week when a mother and 15-year-old daughter were critically injured in a freak backyard accident. The pair were resting in a hammock suspended between trees after doing yardwork. Unknown to them, a 24-inch diameter tree supporting the hammock had rotted over the winter. It fell, pinning them underneath it. The daughter later died from her injuries. The mother is expected to survive. It’s very sad that such a wonderful day spent outdoors together should end so horribly.

The harsh winter has taken a toll on many trees. Here in Georgia the ongoing drought has severely weakened many trees and they can fall in an instant. I’ve got a few on my property (quite smaller than the one in the story) that I’ve literally pushed over with a good shove.

Before you suspend that beautiful hammock from any tree or get into a hammock that’s been hanging from a tree for many seasons, check that tree thoroughly for soundness and stability. Give it a good healthy shove or two. If in doubt, call an arborist to check your trees’ health. Better safe than badly injured or worse. Don’t forget to check the ropes or hammock hanging straps for any signs of decay or wear, and replace them if they’re worn. It’s generally recommended that a tree be at least six to seven inches in diameter to hang a hammock, and that it be a hardwood tree like oak or maple. Check out our previous post for more hammock hanging tips here. Please, before you take that first hammock siesta of the year, check the tree supporting your hammock. Your health and life may indeed hang on it.

Tragedy Claims Bromfield Freshman - via Nashoba Publishing Online 

How to Hang A Hammock Indoors - More Tips

February 25th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Here’s a great DIY article from the San Francisco Chronicle (CA, USA) on how to hang a hammock indoors in an older apartment building. The old building in question seems to have no detectable studs, but is plaster and wood lath on brick. The column offers great tips and tricks in detail on hanging your hammock if you have to anchor your hooks in masonry walls.  Great stuff! If you live in a similar type building and/or need to put lead anchors into brick for your hanging hooks, read up. You CAN hang a hammock indoors even if your walls are made of brick.

Hanging A Hammock In A Windy City Walkup - via SFGate.com

Steel Hammock Post Is Removable for Easy Yard Maintenance

December 8th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

This steel hammock post by Algoma elegantly solves your hammock hanging problems. For starters, no more worries about where to hang your hammock. If you don’t have two suitable trees in your yard - or any suitable trees, for that matter - you can still hang a hammock wherever you like by installing one or two of these metal hammock posts. Secondly, it’s removable, meaning that you can neatly mow and maintain your lawn around the hammock post without having to resort to the string trimmer (which lashing might mar the forest green powdercoat finish). The green color is designed to blend into your yard. Sturdy 11-gauge metal is rated to hold 325 pounds and is weather-resistant.

The steel ground post has a “ground tube” or sleeve which goes into the ground to support the hammock post. You’ll dig a hole about 24 to 27 inches in depth. The ground tube is secured in this hole by backfilling cement around it. Detailed installation instructions and handy tips are included with the hammock steel post kit along with s-hooks and a post cap that can be used on the post, or to cap the ground tube when the hammock post is not in use. Note that the steel hammock post is suitable for stretcher bar hammocks only. The posts are not tall enough to hang a non-stretcher bar hammock.

Even if the ground is frozen solid where you live, take advantage of cheap off-season pricing and gift yourself or a friend with one or two of these. It won’t be winter forever…. You’re welcome! Check out this steel hammock post today.

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.

Consider an Indoor Hammock For Your Home

March 12th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Lots of people think that they don’t have enough room for an indoor hammock, or can’t imagine how a hammock might coordinate with other furnishings in their house or apartment. A hammock isn’t appropriate for all rooms; examples include formal living or dining rooms, and perhaps the kitchen as well . But if you can find space for a small sofa, you have space for hanging an indoor hammock or hammock chair. Let’s look at five reasons you might think about an indoor hammock:

An Indoor Hammock Can Be Used All Year Long
We all know how great hammocks are in the summer. Lying outside, swinging under the summer sun with a slight cooling breeze, refreshment nearby,…ahhhh, the relaxation! But when summer’s gone, your relaxation need not go with it. You can enjoy that same stress-free experience indoors year ’round if you have an indoor hammock.

Hammocks Great for Family Rooms, Bedrooms
A bedroom is a great place for an indoor hammock. In fact, hammocks were originally used as beds in Central and South America, and by sailors at sea. If you use a nautical, tropical or island theme for your bedroom, your hammock can fit right in. An indoor hammock could also be used in your family room or rec room, or on your enclosed porch. Imagine watching your fave DVD movies or listening to your mp3 collection while enjoying your sweet hammock. Snow may pile up to the roof outside, but you won’t care….

Makes a Unique Conversation Piece
How many other people have hammocks indoors to relax in? It’s a unique concept. When your friends visit they may wonder why they didn’t think about a hammock for their place. Hanging a hammock indoors displays your originality and independent spirit. You could start a style trend. Really.

Indoor Hammocks Are Great For Guests
Your indoor hammock makes great extra seating for guests.  It can double as a guest bed if needed. Hammocks can be a fun and funky alternative to a staid twin bed or a sleeper sofa.

You Want To Treat Yourself…
…to the best year round, 24/7 form of relaxation and stress reduction. We understand. So what’s stopping you? Go ahead, buy that indoor hammock!

Any hammock sold on the market can be used indoors. Your personal requirements and size considerations are the only limits. You may find that non-spreader bar hammocks such as the Mayan, Nicaraguan and Brazilian styles use less space.  Fabric hammocks may be best for families with little children as there’s less chances for entanglement. Never allow kids to play by themselves around hammocks. Make sure the hammock and hanging hardware you choose is rated to hold the weight of the person or persons who will use it. An indoor hammock can be suspended from two wall studs or ceiling joists. If your space is exceptionally tight, all is not lost; an indoor hammock chair just needs a good ceiling joist for support. Use a wall stud finder (sold at home improvement stores) to locate the center of the stud or joist and predrill a hole for a large bolt to attach the hammock hanging hardware. Or,if drilling into the walls isn’t feasible, buy a hammock stand to hang the hammock. Always follow the instructions for hanging hammocks that came with your hammock. When finished, take a well-deserved rest in your new indoor hammock.

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