Stands For HammocksThe main advantage of hammock stands is that you can put them anywhere. Not being attached to a particular tree or wall means that you can easily move to be in the sun or shade. There are other advantages as well, but they depend on what particular type of hammock stand you have, and there are several available.It is very important to make sure that the stand you choose is suitable for your hammock. Obviously, chair hammocks require a different shape compared to their rope or fabric cousins, but it's more complicated than that. Does your hammock have spreader bars which require a particular type of attachment? Those without spreader bars have completely different needs, so make sure that you find out the exact requirements before making a purchase. There is an easy way to avoid confusion, and that's to buy the hammock and stand together as a package. If the two come bundled together you can be sure they are well suited to each other, meaning your hammock will hang well and look good. The next thing to think about is do you prefer metal or wood? Each have their advantages and disadvantages, so let's look at them in turn. Metal is by far the most popular. It is relatively light weight, and easy to assemble. Most are made of steel, which can rust if left outside. To prevent this get one that has been painted with a protective coating. Any chips and scratches can easily be touched up using automotive paint. Better yet, choose stainless steel which doesn't rust. Stainless steel will cost a little more, but is extremely low maintenance making it an ideal choice for outside use. Wooden stands are usually chosen because of the elegant designs available. You simply can't beat the look of natural wood, and the color goes with almost anything. You can even buy hand carved designs, personalized to your own requirements. Wood tends to be heavier than metal making them harder to move and assemble, but the extra weight will make your hammock more stable. Some woods like Cyprus have natural oils that protect them and keep them looking great. Others are varnished or pressure treated. Some sort of protection is vital, and this may mean you have two do some work to keep your stand in mint condition. If looked after, both metal and wood are capable of lasting many years, and both are strong enough for the task. Even if you buy a low maintenance model, it is advisable to check the joins occasionally as the bolts and screws can work loose, and you don't want to fall on the floor. One final tip: for maximum convenience, add wheels! Some stands have these built-in, or you can buy them separately as a kit. |
|