Hammock Stands – To Buy Or To Build
Finding two perfect trees to be used as hanging posts for your hammock can be frustrating. It becomes even more dismaying if there is not enough space in the backyard to accommodate your dream hammock. You know full well that a hammock needs the right location to be installed where it can be stretched at its right length. When overstretched, there is much rigidity and tension not only to you but to the hammock also. When under-stretched you may likely find any part of your body hitting the ground. This is the time to consider using any hammock stands available in the market or you can start creating your own.
A good stand must provide the needed support to the hammock. It must have the convenient feature of portability to move the hammock easily to a desired location even if space can be a problem. A good stand must have posts that can be easily adjusted to the length of the hammock. Some hammock models can be purchased with a set of stand included in the kit.
The Different Kinds of Hammock Stands
Hammock stands come in an array of styles and are made of different materials. The more modern ones are aluminum-made which most hammock users prefer because of their durability and lightweight feature thus making them easier to carry to any location. They can also withstand being exposed to outdoor elements. There are also stands made from wicker material. Hammock lovers can choose from a variety of colors. If the owner prefers a stand with natural wood finish, there are models that are really made from natural wood. The most popular wood materials are from eucalyptus and cypress. Both of which have natural properties resilient from the elements. When used as stand materials, protective coatings are applied for added durability.
Buying a stand depends on your hammock design. If you have a model with spreader bars, you need to buy a stand suited for its design. Hammocks types that have no spreader bars hang deeper than the ones with those spreader bars. Don’t try using a stand designed for models with spreader bars because you are just going to end up so low that you are almost touching the ground.
A stand for hammock is usually part of the set. In the absence of one, the owner can create his own stand using the next easy steps.
How to Build a Hammock Stand
• Assemble the materials needed. For this project, the following materials are required: 2 pieces 4 x 4 wood (6’ and 8’ long), a miter saw, a measuring tape, an electric driller, 5 pieces 1/2 x 2” bolts, 4 pieces 3/8 x 2” bolts, 12 pieces 3/8” nuts, 24 pieces 3/8” washers.
• Using a miter saw, cut both ends of the 6-foot long wood angled at 30 degrees. Measure one foot at both ends of the 8-foot long wood; mark the measurement. Lay it on a flat surface and position the angled end of the 6-foot wood on the markings. Be sure to position the angles outwardly to enable the other 8 -foot long wood to be attached on top of it. The shorter pieces must be between the longer woods.
• Be sure to measure accurately to ensure the exact fitting of the 4-foot section. This will serve as the base for the stand. Drill a hole on every side of the 8-foot long wood. When you are ready to connect the pieces together, insert the set of bolts, nuts, and washers. Be sure to screw them tightly.
Assembling a stand, whether it is part of the package or self-made, is the best alternative when there are no perfect trees to hang your hammock. Even if there are, you may still want to enjoy a hammock ride using any of the hammock stands available knowing in your mind that you can be swaying in another location with a single lift of your hands.
