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Even if you don’t have trees to hang a hammock from, you can enjoy the soothing sway of this comforting outdoor bed by choosing a freestanding hammock that comes with its own stand. Built for the weather, these furniture pieces are designed to withstand the elements in order to provide years of relaxing service.
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Featuring a durable yet comfortable lounging bed, a great hammock supports enough weight to safely hold one or more people. Plus, there are also many other features to consider when narrowing down the options. Read on for shopping tips and a curated selection of some of the best freestanding hammock options for your backyard or camping trip.
- BEST OVERALL: Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Space Saving Stand
- BEST BUDGET: Sorbus Double Hammock Two Person Adjustable Bed
- BEST LUXURY: Outsunny 13′ Hammock with Wood Stand, Canopy Shelter
- BEST WOOD: Vivere Solid Pine Wood Hammock Combo
- BEST QUILTED: SUNCREAT Double Outdoor Hammock with Stand
- BEST FOR SLEEPING: Sorbus Hammock with Stand & Spreader Bars and Pillow
- BEST FOR CAMPING: Tranquillo Universal Hammock Stand with Hanging Net
- BEST FOR BACKYARD POOLS: Patio Watcher 11 FT Quick Dry Hammock
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Freestanding Hammock
Many backyard or lounging hammocks have wooden spreaders (or poles) along the length of each end, which keep the beds open after they are suspended from hammock stands with hanging hooks and chains. Before making a purchase, consider the following factors that distinguish options available and help narrow the choices to find the best hammock for your needs.
Bed Fabric
The most suitable hammock material comes down to desired usage and which style you prefer. The various hammock styles are associated with certain fabrics, so we’ll discuss the features of hammocks made with these materials first.
- Cotton: Hammocks made of tightly woven cotton are among the most affordable. This fabric is breathable, soft, and has a bit of stretch to it, allowing it to contour comfortably to a body. The downsides to cotton are its low stain resistance and potential color fading. It also absorbs moisture and dries slower than other materials, so it’s more likely to develop mold and mildew.
- Nylon: This lightweight, synthetic fabric offers more durability than cotton. It resists water damage and staining. Since it dries quicker, it’s less likely to develop mold and mildew. Nylon holds color well, unless it’s exposed to UV rays. It doesn’t hold up to direct sunlight and is better suited for shady areas.
- Polyester: This synthetic material shares many features with nylon. The main differences are that polyester costs less and is more resistant to UV damage and heat. However, compared to nylon, it has a lower strength-to-weight ratio, though it’s still considered durable.
- Textilene: A synthetic fabric made of high-strength polyesters with PVC compound, the fabric is UV resistant and won’t fade in the sun. It’s also comfortable and easy to clean. The fast-drying material is also resistant to mold and mildew.
- Olefin: This synthetic fiber is made from polyolefins, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is resistant to stains, sunlight, abrasion, sunlight, fire, and chemicals. The material is fast drying and easy to clean, and it won’t fade because it is UV resistant.
- Sunbrella: A weather-resistant synthetic fabric that resists mold and mildew, it is made of 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic. It is also fade-proof and UV resistant. And, sunbrella is stain resistant because it’s engineered with built-in moisture resistance.
Stand Material
Choosing the best hammock stand might have a lot to do with the material. For instance, those who would prefer a reasonable and low-cost material might have different opinions on materials than those who want a bit higher-end hammock and stand.
In general, the most affordable hammock stands are made of metal tubing. These are less expensive and plenty strong, but they might only last a few years before corrosion becomes an issue. For those who want a more luxurious touch for their expensive hammock, tropical hardwoods are available that will resist rot and harsh weather.
Style
Hammocks are available in a plethora of styles, from those made for camping to those whose function is to operate as a place to rest and to add an aesthetic touch to outdoor decor.
- Rope hammocks feature an open-weave design and are usually made from cotton ropes. Some rope hammocks are made of a synthetic material, but these don’t have the same attractive beachy look as traditional cotton. These breezy rope hammocks provide maximum airflow, so they’re great for warm climates. Some rope hammocks contain a wooden spreader bar that creates a flat-lying surface. Others have a cozy, cocoon-like design that wraps around the user.
- Quilted hammocks have two layers of cotton or polyester fabric with padding in between. They’re often reversible, with a solid color on one side and a pattern design on the other. Since they don’t have holes or gaps on the surface like rope hammocks, they’re a safer option for families with children. Quilted fabric hammocks usually contain spreader bars.
- Mayan hammocks are constructed of thin cotton or nylon thread with no spreader bar. The flexible and lightweight design allows users to cocoon themselves inside the fabric. Taking a cue from their traditional roots, Mayan hammocks are often bright and colorful.
- Brazilian hammocks are handwoven from cotton fibers, which are crafted into a cozy and thick cover. The thickness of the fabric makes it suitable for cooler climates. Brazilian hammocks are accented by bright colors, sometimes with an ornamental fringe. Most Brazilian hammocks do not have spreader bars.
- Poolside and seaside hammocks are designed to resist moisture, fading, ultraviolet rays, and salt exposure. While some feature cotton, those that are made with textilene, olefin, and Sunbrella fabrics offer the most UV resistance and are the quickest to dry. Both a spreader bar hammock and a hammock without a spreader bar can be found in this category.
- Camping hammocks are lightweight and portable, typically made of nylon or polyester. They can withstand most weather conditions, and many camping hammocks come with a mesh net to protect from bugs. Some freestanding options feature a pop-up stand, as opposed to the typical Y-shaped versions.
Size and Capacity
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Length is less important than width when it comes to comfort. The rule of thumb for length is to look for something that is at least 2 feet longer than the user’s height. For width, the wider the hammock, the snugger it will feel. For this exact reason, a lot of people purchase a hammock that fits two people to use solo.
All hammocks have a “carrying capacity,” with weight limits ranging from 150 to 500 pounds. Solo hammocks usually top out at about 250 pounds, while hammocks for couples are designed to hold 350 to 500 pounds. Weight limits only apply for static weight capacity; jumping, swinging, and other vigorous activity will lessen the total weight capacity as well as shorten the lifespan of a hammock.
Setup
Putting a hammock together largely comes down to setting up the stand. From a space-saving steel stand to a wood stand, they’re usually pretty straightforward to put together, requiring the user to slide a few poles into one another, tighten a few bolts, and hang the hammock from the hooks, but there are a few typical things to expect. Some feature hex-head bolts and nuts, so a set of wrenches and sockets will speed up the process.
Also, be sure to tighten everything completely before getting on the hammock. And remember that the chains that most spreader bar hammock stands feature make up quite a bit of the adjustability, so don’t worry about cutting off excess links—they might be necessary if the hammock ever needs to be replaced.
Accessories
Think about how the hammock will be used and whether any of the following extras are important.
- Carrying bags are included with most portable hammocks, allowing users to fold up the material/fabric and store it with other vacation, seasonal, or camping gear.
- Canopies come with some hammocks designed for camping and backpacking, usually as a tarp that shields the user from the sun’s rays or the occasional rain shower.
- Sleeping pads and pillows come with some hammocks, usually as a detachable accessory.
- Storage pockets are included with multiple types of hammocks so that users can store a phone, books, sunscreen, and other small items.
Our Top Picks
Regardless of the material and style, a hammock can help you chill out, kick back, and relax in the comfort of your own backyard. Organized by type, these are a few of our favorite picks among the best freestanding hammocks available.
Our Verdict
For lounging around on your deck or patio, consider the Vivere double hammock. The bed measures 94 inches long by 63 inches wide and provides plenty of room for snuggling up with a loved one or lounging around on your own. If you need a budget-friendly hammock, consider the Sorbus double hammock. It includes a hammock stand made for two and is offered at an affordable price.
How We Chose the Best Freestanding Hammocks
When looking at products for the best freestanding hammock, material, durability, style, capacity, weight limit, and setup were all factors we considered. We narrowed our research to focus on durability and weight capacity to ensure users would have a long-lasting product. The list of products curated was developed from extensive product research.
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Our favorite models include double hammocks that allow two people to enjoy time together. We also like solid wood or powder-coated frames and weather- and UV-resistant materials for the bed. And we took into account aesthetics for the backyard: some products are available in various colors and patterns and different types of material to provide a selection for a variety of preferences and needs.
FAQs
After reviewing the important features to consider, there may still be some lingering questions about hammocks. Check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on freestanding hammocks. If additional concerns arise, contact the manufacturer.
Q: What is the most comfortable hammock material?
Cotton fabric is considered very comfortable. It is breathable, soft, and has a bit of stretch to it, allowing it to contour comfortably to a body.
Q: What is the best brand of hammock?
Some of the best hammock brands include Vivere, Patio Watcher, and Sorbus.
Q: Which freestanding hammocks are most comfortable?
Among the most comfortable hammocks are Brazilian-style options, which have a cocoon-like effect on the body. Quilted fabrics and built-in pillows also enhance comfort.
Q: How long is a typical hammock?
A traditional hammock is between 9 and 15 feet long.
Q: What is the best height for a hammock?
The bottom of the hammock should hang about 8 inches off the ground when using it, so hang it about 5 to 6 feet high.
Q: What is the safest hammock?
The safest hammock is one that can hold a user’s weight. Check product details for weight capacity, and always keep an eye on the stand. When you see that the stand is rusting or cracking, consider buying a new frame or a new freestanding hammock altogether.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor