You’re either a hammock person or you’re not. Those who aren’t — the sort who get up before dawn drink too much coffee and race around staying busy all day long — can just go outside and build a new deck this afternoon. Or refinish some hardwood floors. Whatever. This story isn’t for you. It’s for those who smile at the thought of a quiet siesta on a hot summer’s day, or an hour of comfortable relaxing with a fully loaded iPod and a stack of trashy magazines. If you fit that description, all you have to do to make your goofing-off dreams come true is find the right hammock. Here’s how SELECTION The type of hammock you buy will depend on a variety of factors, according to information on www. hammock-ham mocks. com: Will it be used indoors, outdoors or both ? An outdoor hammock needs to be sturdy and colorfast to stand up to the elements. Is it for camping ? Camping hammocks are a functional alternative to tents and aren’t the same as the kind you sprawl on while engaging in doing nothing. Or will the hammock be for lounging and be hung between two fixed objects ? If that’s the case, don’t buy more hammock than you need. Which is more important: The look or the feel ? Fabric hammocks are handsome but can be hot because they lack ventilation; string hammocks, though not as pretty, are super-ventilated and fit the person who occupies them. What are weight capacity considerations ? Weighty or multiple users will require a stronger hammock (and hammock stand ). How much are you willing to spend ? Prices found at www. hammocks. com start at around $ 100 for a hammock or a stand. Items on sale can be found for less.
TYPES OF HAMMOCKS Rope hammocks are usually made of cotton or polypropylene. They can be hung between two trees or placed on a variety of stands. Although they will not conform to your body because of the thick rope they’re made from, they’re comfortable and durable. The smaller the space between the ropes, the more comfy it will be.
Fabric hammocks are easy to maintain. They’re cozy, especially those without spreader bars, and are often used in place of a bed. Because of their close weave, they offer less ventilation than rope or string hammocks, but those made of quality synthetic fabric can wick away moisture. String or Mayan-style hammocks have a weblike design, which doesn’t require use of spreader bars and allows them to conform to body shape. They’re well ventilated and have good size and weight capacity. The beautiful colors and patterns can fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
LOCATION Where you set up your hammock is a personal decision. Some people like a traditional outdoor setup — porch, garden, yard — while others prefer their hammocks indoors. HAMMOCK SAFETY 1. Follow instructions provided with the hammock. These guidelines are recommended by the manufacturers and retailers not only for safety, but also to extend the life and enjoyment of the hammock. When hanging a hammock, for instance, the hanging points for each end should be within the recommended minimum and maximum distance prescribed by the manufacturer. If the hammock is stretched too far between hanging points it will be more likely to tip. If it’s not stretched far enough, it will sag, and a user may hit the ground when sitting in it.
2. Hang the hammock in a secure location. If a stand is not used, the hammock should be fastened to structures that are able to support its weight and its occupant. Make sure the hammock is properly tied or fastened tightly to the structures so that it will not loosen or fall; it should never be fastened to an object that has the potential to move.
3. Unsupervised children should not be allowed to use the hammock. Kids can get tangled in hammock strings, which can cause injury. Hammocks can become unsteady at times, and kids may not have the balance or coordination to enter or exit the hammock without falling. Horseplay in or around a hammock is a bad idea. 4. Before you get in, make sure the hammock is set up properly. Move slowly so that you do not put the hammock into a state of imbalance. When you are in the hammock, don’t make any sudden movements; you could tip out and get hurt.
HAMMOCK STANDS Three types of stands can be used to support a hammock: Stainless steel, wood and steel. 1. Stainless steel stands, usually silver in color, never rust. They’re a good selection for outdoor use in regions prone to inclement weather.
2. Wood stands resist the elements and offer a refined look. Metal hardware on these stands is generally plated with zinc for rust protection, so they’re weatherproof. Many wooden hammock stands have capacities of 450 pounds or more, so they’re a good choice for a heavy user or multiple users.
3. Steel hammock stands are strong and economical. They usually assemble quickly without tools and are available in a wide array of colors and styles.
INSTALLATION The Web site www. ehow. com has the following advice: 1. Stand where the breeze blows in your yard and look for shade (from trees, a porch or other structure ). Arkansas’ sultry summers may dictate that you place your hammock on a roofed porch beneath a ceiling fan, or inside in a sunroom. 2. A freestanding frame can be placed wherever you want it. If using trees for hammock mounting, trunks should be at least 6 inches in diameter. Loop nylon rope around the trunk above a crotch to hold it in place, secure it with a hitch knot, then attach the hammock or its chains to the rope with a bowline knot.
3. Install poles to make a stable frame anywhere you can dig a hole and pour some concrete. Sink 8-foot-tall, treated 4-by-4 posts into the ground at least 18 inches deep and space them the length of your hammock plus one foot. 4. Use S hooks to shorten your hammock’s chains to a comfortable position and to take up the slack when the hammock stretches slightly with use. 5. Add extra lengths of heavyduty chain to hanging loops if you’ll need to adjust the height frequently to accommodate children.
HAMMOCK STAND SAFETY 1. Most hammock stands are put together using a combination of bolts and nuts. Make sure all the bolts and nuts are tightened. Be sure bolts are assembled according to instructions and parts are used properly. 2. When attempting to hang a hammock on a stand, be sure the rings and the hooks are attached securely and that the hammock is pulled as tightly as possible to minimize slack. Otherwise the hammock will not hang properly.
3. Are the hammock and stand compatible ? If you try to hang a Mayan hammock on a hammock stand for spreader bar hammocks, you will have a problem.
HAMMOCK CARE To launder a hammock in a washing machine, start by holding the two end rings, one in each hand, and then bring them together, which folds the hammock in half. Next, tie the hammock together using string placed below the rings. Starting on the opposite end, tie the hammock again, and then one last time in the middle portion. This is to prevent the metal rings from becoming tangled. Place the hammock in a pillowcase, using string to close the opening. Use a mild detergent; never use bleach. When the cycle is complete, gently remove all the strings and hang the hammock to dry, preferably on a clothesline outdoors.
To hand wash a hammock, tie it as described above, then place the hammock in a large sink or bathtub. Add mild soap. Fully immerse the hammock. Use your hands to agitate the hammock for several minutes until clean. Rinse with clean water until all the soap is gone. Carefully untie the hammock and hang it up to dry. To launder hammocks that do not have removable spreader bars, lay it flat on a driveway or a large deck. Using mild soapy water and a soft-bristle brush, scrub each side. When finished with both sides, use a garden hose to wash off the soapy water. Once completely cleaned, find a place for it to hang until dry.
Before storing, wash the hammock by using one of these options and dry it thoroughly. Store it where no bugs, dirt or moisture can get to it and damage or mildew it. The best method is to purchase a storage bag constructed from weather-resistant fabric that is durable and breathable. You can also hang the hammock in a garage, basement or other location where it can stay dry.
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