You will need a hammock if you do not plan to hang your hammock among the trees; Or if you don’t have trees, structures or posts to hang the hammock safely.
When buying a stand, it is important to think a bit about the material with which it is built. You should consider whether you will use the hammock primarily indoors or outdoors, in a protected area or perhaps outdoors next to your pool or under a tree. The material used in the manufacture of the hammock stand should be strong and perhaps weatherproof, and you will want to complement your backyard or interior decoration. Also consider who or how many people will use the hammock. Will two or more people use the hammock at the same time? Be sure to buy a strong support with the weight capacity to support all users at once. Always keep in mind while you and/or your loved ones are suspended in the air that your hammock is as safe as the tree, the pole or the support that supports it.
You should also consider the type of hammock you have. Many stalls you see in stores are built for hammocks that have spacer bars, the wooden bars that you can see at each end of certain hammocks. If you have a hammock that does not have spacer bars, such as a Mayan hammock, you should buy a stand made specifically for such a hammock. What is the difference? Hammocks without bars should hang considerably higher than those with bars, otherwise, you will be sitting on the floor. Also consider 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, wood and metal (usually steel or aluminum).
Wooden hammock stand
Wooden stands have a classic look on them. These supports are very strong, stable and durable. If you want to use an outdoor wooden support, you can do so, but you should look for supports made of wood that resists moisture. Cypress, teak and cedar are types of wood known for their weather resistance. The finish of a wooden stand will change with exposure to the elements. You may want to generously apply a wood preservative to the base of the support to protect it, especially if it sits on a damp floor. To preserve the original appearance of unfinished wood, treat it annually with a quality wood moisture repellent. You can stain these supports or paint them; or simply leave the wooden hammock stands outdoors untreated and they will wear slowly until a silver-gray finish is achieved.
Steel and stainless steel brackets
Steel is a common material for stands. It is very strong and durable. The lower the steel gauge, the stronger and more durable it is. For example, a support made of 12 gauge steel is heavier and stronger than a 16 gauge steel bracket. The best supports use 12 gauge steel or less. Larger gauge steel brackets are less expensive, but they are often of lower quality. You can buy steel brackets in many colors to match your design scheme. Look for steel brackets with powder finishes. Many of these supports are made for the hammocks of the separator bar, but you can find quality steel brackets for bar hammocks without separator.
Why would you want a stainless steel bracket? In addition to its striking appearance, if your hammock is outdoors in an open courtyard, the lawn or near salt water or a swimming pool will be exposed to the elements. A stainless steel hammock stand better resists rust and moisture damage, allowing you to stay strong and able to support the weight of your body. Stainless steel brackets are somewhat more expensive than ordinary steel ones, but their durability and good appearance can offset the costs.
Aluminum brackets
Some brackets are made of aluminum. Many are not as strong as others made of steel or wood. Aluminum stands are generally used for portable hammocks. Metal is used for its light qualities, which makes it easy to take your hammock to a picnic or party for single-person use.
You will find the largest variety of stands on the Internet. This makes it easy to compare prices and choose what you like. Use our tips to find the best hammock support for your needs.