Best Hammock Stands – Metal or Wood? (All Types) Stationary, Portable, and DIY Options

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best hammock stands

Hammock stands are specially designed for hanging hammocks of all different styles and sizes. Best hammock stands are brilliant option if you don’t have any conveniently placed trees, or are worried about hooks on your walls or deck not being able to support your weight. All the metal and wooden hammock stands are really simple to assemble, and are sturdy and safe to use. A real bonus is that a stand can easily be moved should you feel like lazing in a different spot, or if you need to move your hammock indoors in bad weather.

Hammock Stands – Make it easy to hang your hammock

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When buying a hammock stand, it’s important to check that it’s compatible with your choice of hammock. For example, different stands are needed for hammocks with and without spreader bars.

Best Hammock Stands on Amazon

House of Hammocks (HOH) has loads of information about hanging hammocks, so it should be easy to find exactly what you need. Best Wooden Hammock Stand or Best Metal Hammock Stand?

Here is a List of the Best Hammock Stands in 2021

Stands are made from wood or metal, so you should find one that matches the style of your hammock and the theme of your backyard. Stainless steel is a popular choice, as it’s resistant to rust. Natural wood such as cypress is another favorite. On other hand hammocks have their own types and styles.

Amazon and other retailers also offer a range of accessories such as chain kits, tree straps and even a specially made post (useful if you’ve only got one tree!).

What to consider when buying hammock stand?

If you want to sprawl out in your hammock then it has to be hung from something. Most commonly, hammocks are hung between two trees but with a hammock stand you can pretty much hang your hammock wherever you want. They can be placed inside or outside, by your pool, patio, yard – pretty much anywhere. Stands remove the need for trees or other large objects to attach the hammock to, like the side of a building.

Versatile and Portable

There are some very obvious benefits to being able to simply set up your hammock within a stand, the two largest of which are versatility and portability. They can be taken on family outings, picnics, vacations or even to your neighbor’s barbeque.

Easy and Quick

Another good thing is that setting up a hammock in a stand is easy and quick. Imagine hooking your hammock onto a stand.. now imagine taking measurements, grabbing some tools and trying to affix the ends of your hammock to a tree or a wall… see what I mean (maybe I’m just a bit lazy).

Bear in mind though that there are many different types of hammock stands out there, as with everything some are good and some are bad and some types that are good for some people are not right for others. You have some decisions to make regards style, substance and budget.

So, Before You Buy Your Hammock Stand

Do these things, consider these points, ask and answer these questions: –

  • Measure up the place (or places) where you would like to place your hammock stand to ensure it is going to fit
  • Decide on the type of material you want, and ask yourself how weather resistant it will need to be or just how plain gorgeous you want it to look
  • Decide upon a design and whether or not you want spreader bars
  • Think about, and pay attention to maximum load capacity
  • Buy it, Set it up, Get on it, Relax and Enjoy It!

Hammock Stand’s Material

Hammock Stand Materials

What Do You Want Your Stand To Be Made Of?

There are 4 main materials being used currently to make hammock stands:

  • Metal Hammock Stands
  • Steel Hammock Stands
  • Wood Hammock Stands
  • Stainless Steel Hammock Stands

At the end of the day there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these choices, but they do all have different positive and negative qualities. Have a read below and think about what is most important to you.

Metal or Steel Hammock Stands

By far the most common option you will find out of all of the available models you can buy. They do the job and they do it well and there are no issues when it comes to durability – so they make sense. One of the biggest reasons for their popularity is that they are most affordable when you compare them to the other options.

They do not have the aesthetic appeal of wood or the weather resistance of stainless steel but those factors come at a premium so you have to decide how important they are to you and your wallet.

Stainless steel Hammock Stands

When it comes to having a stand for a hammock that is going to be spending most of its life outside then this is probably the best option. Since they do not rust they are the most highly resistant to the many forms of weather they are going to be subjected to outdoors. The ultimate choice in practicality and durability makes them some of the more expensive stands on the market.

Wooden hammock stands

There is no denying that they can look stunning, ooze style and provide a much more natural look. There are many companies out there offering a multitude of styles and designs but it is important you look for one where the maker has factored in durability. If they have not gone to the trouble of finishing and treating the wood properly then don’t bother buying it.

My favorite design in wood is the arched hammock stand, this design also has the added advantage of being able to handle more weight. As with most things you get what you pay for and when it comes to wood you need to choose carefully as there are just so many different types of woods, strengths, finishes and designs on offer. Don’t fall straight away for a pretty face, do some research first to make sure it won’t be pretty useless

With or Without Spreader Bars

After deciding upon your preferred material you then need to decide if you are going to go for a hammock with or without spreader bars. These are strips of wood attached to each end of the hammock that quite simply spread the hammock out a little more.

Traditionalists don’t like spreader bars but I wouldn’t let that factor into your decision one little bit. A hammock is for relaxation and recreation and both allow you to do that just fine. Have a look at the pros and cons of each and decide which style is right for you: –

Without Spreader Bars

  • Many people believe that the traditional style is the more comfortable and stable because the hammock is able to adapt to your body better
  • They are easier to put in the washing machine
  • Without the extra wood they are lighter, more portable and typically less expensive

With Spreader Bars

  • The biggest advantage of spreader bars, and it is a biggie, is that they make it much easier for you to get in and out of your hammock
  • Much easier and more practical for multi-person occupancy
  • Many consider that the open style is more aesthetically pleasing and inviting
  • When it gets wet it dries a lot quicker

A special note about cocooning – some like it, some don’t. I like it sometimes, not at others… go figure (but I have several hammocks so it makes no difference to my weird moods). If you want to be cocooned you’ll want to go for the traditional style without the spreader bars as they don’t really allow for it