Anyone that is wanting to replicate that feeling of relaxing in a hammock on a picturesque, sandy beach…a garden hammock may be your perfect solution! There really is nothing more soothing than spending a few hours snoozing, reading or just soaking up the sun in a gently rocking hammock – and why should you have to only enjoy this luxury when you are on holiday?
On top of the obvious enjoyment that you are going to get from rocking in a garden hammock, you also have other benefits…such as the flexibility in the places that you will be able to position them, their portability (depending on the type that you choose) and how easy they will be to store when you aren’t using them! Or, if you are wanting a bigger freestanding model, you have the luxury of being able to position your hammock wherever you desire in your garden to bask in the best sunlight Britain has to offer!
Our Buyers Guide aims to give you all the tips and advice you need to buy the perfect garden hammock, plus some of the best garden hammocks that we have found! Why spend hours trawling the internet when you could spend hours reclining and rocking in your garden hammock?
Best Pick – Vivere Denim Hammock with Steel Stand
- Includes double hammock space-saving steel stand and carrying case
- Hammock bed is 63 x 94-Inch with a total length of 130-Inch accommodates two adults 450-Pound capacity
- Don’t have 20 years to wait for those trees? Set-up this stand in your yard and start relaxing now
- Easily adjustable hammock hooks allow you to decide how low or high you want to lay
- Rubber end caps allow you to safely assemble this stand indoors They said it couldn’t be done a hammock INDOORS
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
Time is precious, so why waste it trying to find the right garden hammock? Or even worse purchasing the wrong one? Here is all the essential information that you need to find the best garden hammock.
Design and Style
By far the first thing that you need to think about is the design and style of garden hammock that you choose to buy. The first thing to ask yourself is whether you want a freestanding hammock or one that can be attached to a tree or post. There are a number of factors that this will affect such as the price, the location for your hammock and the ease at which it can be assembled and moved! They really couldn’t be more polar opposites!
A freestanding garden hammock is going to come with a base and posts that the hammock is attached to. There are many benefits to this, but the main one is the fact that you will be able to position your hammock wherever you would like in the garden – this will stop you from being limited to positioning your hammock under two trees so you will be able to make a real feature of your hammock, or place it in a more shaded corner! Why restrict yourself to only buying a hammock if you have the trees or posts to fit it to? Another benefit is the safety and security that they are able to offer. You may be aware that hammocks aren’t always the easiest things to get in and out of – there is definitely a technique to be learnt! But by purchasing a garden hammock that is attached to a base and posts, you have the benefit of knowing that your hammock is safely secured and more fixed into position!
However, there are downsides to purchasing a freestanding garden hammock – largely the additional price that you are going to have to pay, which is considerably more! Not only this, but you will also find that an unmounted hammock is going to be much lighter, more portable and MUCH easier to store over those winter months! This allows you the flexibility of moving your hammock around your garden, or even taking it with you on holidays or days out! Then, once the weather is less hammock-suitable you can simply fold it away until summer returns! Our only real downside to these types of hammocks is the difficulty that you can have fitting them! Finding two trees or posts that are going to be exactly the right distance apart isn’t easy, or if they come with posts then you have to have somewhere to secure these!
TOP TIP: Make sure to consider the weight that your trees or posts are going to have to hold before purchasing and fitting your hammock to avoid any accidents!
Build Material
You also need to think about when purchasing a garden hammock is the materials that have been used when creating your garden hammock! Traditionally a hammock is a piece of material that would be hung from two trees, making it a perfect way for someone to stop and relax wherever they may be! This means that obviously the main focus material to consider is the fabric that has been used for the bed/seat part of the hammock. These are usually going to be made from types of cotton, as the material will be soft, comfortable and have enough give to allow it to adjust to you whilst you are getting settled! However, the main downside to this is that the material is not going to be waterproof, so you are going to need to remove it when the hammock isn’t being used – which can become quite a faff. Obviously, it doesn’t matter massively if the cotton gets wet but it won’t dry nearly as quickly as waterproof materials where the water runs off. We did find some garden hammocks that come with a more wax-coated waterproof material, which will avoid these problems but they are often not as soft and flexible.
If by this point, you have decided to purchase a freestanding garden hammock, then you are also going to need to think about the materials that have been used for the frame of the hammock. These are almost always going to be made from either metal or wood, as plastic would struggle to take the weight necessary and stand up against winds and adverse weather! Both metal and wood are going to be more than strong enough to cope, but there are still pros and cons to both! We love the traditional look that you will achieve from choosing a wooden frame, and the sturdiness that this is going to offer. But this does come with the compromise of the maintenance that you are going to have to complete regularly to keep the wood from rotting. Metal is going to require less maintenance but will rust over time and if not strong enough can bend!
It is important to also check the fastenings or springs that are used to secure the seat of your garden hammock as these are often very different. Some will be in keeping with the traditional look and use rope, which can be more than strong enough providing it is good quality and checked regularly for any fraying. Others will use more elastic type cords with metal clasps. These aren’t going to have the same look but are arguably safer and easier to secure.
TOP TIP: If you opt for a freestanding garden hammock with a wooden frame then we would recommend making sure that the wood has been pressure treated. This helps to “force” the treatment deep into the grain of wood, protecting it from rot for as long as possible!
Size
Last but definitely not least, the final main feature that you need to consider when purchasing a garden hammock is the size that is going to be best for you. To start with, you need to decide whether you are wanting a garden hammock for one person or a garden hammock for two, as there are both to choose from! In actual fact, we quite like being greedy and having a two person hammock just to ourselves, as this gives you much more space to be cocooned by the hammock – but this is just us!
If you have chosen a freestanding garden hammock then the size is going to impact on where in your garden you can position it. Remember that you need space around the garden hammock as well to allow for movement when you get in and out of the hammock, plus whilst you are laying in it.
Single person hammocks tend to have a maximum width of around 140cm whereas double hammocks can be up to 200cm in width. The lengths of hammocks are also more varied than you would think, ranging from around 100cm up to 160cm. This is definitely worth checking for depending on your height, especially if you are wanting support for your whole body and not just part!
Best Budget – Woodside Hammock
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The Best Garden Hammock Features
We have finished educating you with the main features to consider when purchasing a garden hammock – now it is time to delight you with some of the features that we found in only the best garden hammocks! Whether it be ways to make your garden hammock look at its best in your garden or ways to get you the best value for money – we have it covered here!
- Spreader bar – One of the most frustrating things we found with hammocks is the tendency for the material to all scrunch together when it is empty. This can leave your hammock looking rather messy and not as inviting. We love garden hammocks that come with a spreader bar at either end of the fabric to keep it in position as this will keep the material open and really add to the look of your hammock. It can also make it easier for you to get into the hammock in the first place!
- Travel hammock – If you know that you are going to be wanting to take your hammock on the go with you then why not purchase a travel hammock. These are made from parachute material and will come with a handy bag to pack them away making them more portable.
- Chair hammock – Almost all hammocks are going to leave you with no option but to lie down (which is great if this is what you are wanting) but we did also find some garden chair hammocks that will actually support you in an upright position instead – so you still get to enjoy the feel of a hammock but from a more practical sitting position instead.
- Colour – Most hammocks are going to be bright in colour, which helps them to stand out and can add some well needed colour to your garden! This also helps to hide any marks and dirt but they will be more prone to fading!
- Machine washable – whilst we are on the topic of dirt, it is worth checking if the seat of your garden hammock is going to be machine washable! Just remember this could affect any waterproof qualities!
- Weight capacity – It is important not to overload the maximum weight capacity of your garden hammock. This ranges from around 80kg up to 250kg which is a considerable difference!
- Cover – Freestanding garden hammocks sometimes come with covers to keep the stand and material protected when it is not in use. This may cost more initially but will greatly increase the life of your garden hammock!
Best of the Rest
- This Brazilian hammock combo is roomy enough for sharing a snooze with a friend
- Stunning colours or neutral pattern - take your pick to make this hammock the highlight of the yard
- Don’t have 20 years to wait for those trees? Set-up this stand in your yard and start relaxing now
- Easily adjustable hammock hooks allow you to decide how low or high you want to lay
- Rest easy knowing that that the Solid Pine is responsibly harvested per FSC standards, encouraging strong, healthy forests
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
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- ROOM FOR TWO: Get summer in full swing with the VonHaus 2 person hammock, perfect for lazing around in the summer sun with a loved one. At H110 x W120 x D300cm, sway away in spacious style.
- COMFORTABLE COTTON BLEND: Soft to the touch and boasting breathability, sink back into complete comfort. Bringing flair and functionality, the double hammock’s cheerful orange stripes add a pop of colour.
- FREESTANDING DESIGN: Your outdoor hammock is set on a powder coated steel frame, for simple assembly. With a lightweight design, enjoy luxury relaxation anywhere from your garden to the campsite.
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: Raise the 2 seater hammock’s height when lounging in pairs, or stay lower when you don’t fancy sharing! Whatever your preference, relax comfortably and confidently with the 220kg weight capacity.
- OUR BRAND PROMISE: Established in 2009, VonHaus is the helping hand you need to craft your dream garden. Designed to the highest standards, kick back, relax, and use our garden hammock with confidence.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I erect a garden hammock?
If you have decided to purchase an unmounted garden hammock then choosing the best position in your garden is going to be essential. You will need to make sure that you have two tree trunks or standard posts that are exactly the right distance apart (normally between 6 and 7ft). You will also need to make sure that they can hold enough weight depending on whether your hammock is for one person or two! Finally, make sure your hammock is not positioned too close to a wall or fence so that there is space for some movement.
How should I maintain my garden hammock?
Regularly maintaining your garden hammock is important if you are wanting to get the best value for money. If you choose a mounted garden hammock that is made with a wooden frame then this is going to need treating a couple of times a year to avoid rotting. Equally, even with many types of wooden frame, painting these will help to prevent rust. The fabric seat of your hammock will need to be washed every few months to help prevent it being discoloured from the damp. We would also recommend storing your garden hammock over winter months if possible.
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