Do you want to relax on a low maintenance piece of garden furniture? If so, a rope hammock may be the perfect choice for you and your family.
Rope hammocks are made of sturdy, durable material. They have few problems and need very little maintenance. In fact, unless a squirrel or other garden pest decides to gnaw through the rope, the only problem you will face is mold on the ropes if your hammock is too damp. Rope can take a lot of time to dry out, so your hammock may not dry completely between frequent rainfalls. To extend the life of your hammock, you should bring it indoors during the rainiest months of the year.
Before you buy your hammock, look for sturdy spreader bars. You also want to be sure the spaces between the knots on the hammock are not too large, so that your body does not dip into them. Also, think about how you want to hang your hammock. If you are going to use a hammock stand, it is easiest to buy it with the hammock so that you are sure you get your measurements right.
Once you bring your hammock home, you will need to install it. Hammocks can be fastened to two trees, but there are other options, as well. For instance, a hammock can be fastened between two pressure treated wood posts that are concreted securely into the ground. You can also attach a hammock to a single post and a tree. If you don’t have a porch swing, install a hammock on your porch, instead. Just be sure you do not screw the hammock into hollow porch posts.
Perhaps you want to be able to use your rope hammock year round. If so, you can install it inside the house. Make sure you anchor the hooks into wall studs, since drywall will not be able to handle the stress from a swinging hammock, even if you use anchors in the drywall. You can even trade your traditional mattress in for a rope hammock and enjoy a comfortable sleep cradled in your gently swaying bed.
If you plan to use your rope hammock for more than a few minutes at a time, you will need to place a blanket and pillow in the hammock to prevent the rope from making uncomfortable grooves in your skin. Also, you may want to keep a throw on the hammock so that you can relax in it on even the chillier evenings.