Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hammock

The sight of a hammock slung between two trees can't help but put you into a vacation frame of mind. They're the symbol of comfort and relaxation. While hammocks are typically seen as outdoor leisure "furniture," an increasing number of adults and college students are investing in hammock chairs and hammocks for use indoors. As with other types of purchases, choosing the perfect hammock for your needs requires a bit of consideration and research. These questions can help you determine your requirements and needs when you're thinking about purchasing hammocks, hammock chairs and hammock stands.
How Will You Use It?
* Relaxing in a permanent (or semi-permanent) outdoor location. Hammocks that are hung outdoors seasonally or permanently must be constructed of materials that can withstand the elements without mildewing or fading. There are a few high quality choices for hammocks that meet those standards, such as rope hammocks made of soft spun polyester and high quality soft spun polyester fabric hammocks. 
* Outdoors in a sheltered location. Less expensive materials that still offer some weather resistance will work for hammocks that will be in a sheltered location and will be protected from the worst of the elements. Those materials include soft spun polyester rope, which is less prone to mold and mildew than cotton rope, and offers similar comfort.  In fact, soft spun polyester will last five times as long as cotton rope hammocks, even when they're exposed to the elements.
* Indoors for sleeping or sitting. If your hammock will be exclusively used inside, it can be made of a variety of materials, including colorful fabrics, cotton rope and soft spun polyester fabric or rope. 
How Will You Hang It?
* With a Hammock Stand. A hammock stand is the ideal solution for a hammock or hammock chair that you'll be leaving in place permanently or seasonally. Sturdy stands with hammocks are the perfect replacement alternative for uncomfortable dorm beds at college, and an excellent, low cost and comfortable solution for your home bedroom. A hammock on a stand means that you don't have to drill holes in walls or ceilings, or worry about finding ceiling joists or wall support beams. Just place the hammock and stand wherever you wish and you're all set.
* Between Two Fixed Points. The most common hanging solution for hammocks, and the one that most people are familiar with, is slung between two posts. Your posts may be a pair of trees or a pair of supporting posts for your patio or pergola, as long as they are anchored well and can withstand the amount of weight the hammock will be holding. You will need specific hardware designed to support the hammock.
* From a Single Point. Caribbean style and Brazilian style hammocks and hammock chairs are designed to hang from a single point and "cocoon" their occupants. As with other types of hammocks, it's important that you have the appropriate type of hardware to hang it. These are very popular options for camping and hiking.
When shopping for a hammock, you should also consider its size, its weight capacity, and any style considerations you might have. The bottom line is that with all the options for comfortable hammocks and hammock chairs, there's a perfect choice for just about anyone who would love to relax in the shade - or the sun - island style.