How do I refinish my spreader bars when they start to flake?
In refinishing spreader bars, you want to keep the varnish off the hammock ropes as much as possible; you can nonetheless easily and effectively touch up the most-exposed parts of the wood. To protect rope life, we do not recommend attempting to apply varnish into the spreader-bar holes, however, and not doing so should not greatly affect either the useful life or looks of your spreader bars since the holes are neither as visible nor as exposed to the elements as are the tops of the spreaders themselves. Begin by sanding the tops of both spreader bars with 120-grit sandpaper, then wipe the dust clean with a slightly damp cloth. Flip your hammock over and repeat for the opposite sides of the spreader bars. For the actual refinishing, you can use any shade of polyurethane marine-grade varnish. We used high-gloss in honey-gold color, available at any hardware store. We originally applied three coats, though two ought to be enough for periodic upkeep. Slide each spreader a few inches away from the tie-on knots. Then, if you're confident you can apply the varnish carefully to the tops of your spreaders without splashing on the ropes, skip to Step 4. Otherwise, there are a few precautions you can take toward protecting the rope as you apply the varnish. Wrap each individual spreader-bar rope tightly in regular painter's tape, then work the tape as far as you can into the spreader bar holes. This can be extremely time-consuming, since you'll need to wrap the ropes on both sides of the spreader bar. A quicker, though not quite as thorough option, is to wrap painter's tape (the widest width is best) across the tops of all the exposed ropes coming through the spreader; the tape edge should run alongside the edge of the spreader bar. Do this on both sides of the spreader, so the wood is completely bordered by tape, then flip your hammock and do the same thing to the reverse side. Using a good-quality narrow brush, apply coats to the tops of both spreader bars, then carefully flip your hammock upside down and apply coats to the backs of the spreader bars as well. Let the newly varnished wood air-dry for 24 hours, then lightly re-sand, wipe away the dust and then apply a second coat of varnish, following the steps above. We also offer replacement spreader bars if you do not want to tackle the refinishing yourself. They can be found on our replacement parts page.
Can I leave my hammocks out all year long?
We don't recommend leaving a hammock outside continuously exposed to the elements. As it will shorten the hammock lifespan of use.
How long can I expect my hammock to last?
With climate,care, and maintenance, along with materials from which it is crafted all greatly affect how long it will last. Particularly if the hammock rope is made from a natural fiber such as cotton, the hammock's lifespan can be as short as one year if proper care is not taken to protect it from the elements. However, if a hammock is routinely cleaned, and also taken down and stored during periods of bad weather, it's not uncommon for even a cotton-rope model to last for upwards of 20 years; hammocks made from quality synthetic materials like our DURACORD® can last indefinitely if properly cared for.
Is it normal for my hammock to fray?
Yes, it is. We call the effect "tasseling," and it's a look very much in keeping with the classic American rope hammock. Tasseling in no way affects the durability of the rope; the bowline knots we use actually tighten further as weight is applied to them, which keeps any fraying from progressing past the knot itself. You'll probably discover the effect happening at different times with different pieces of rope. To aid our weavers in their work, the ends of our cotton rope are typically dipped in wax, while synthetic-rope ends are sealed with a hot knife. However, normal use of a hammock eventually frees both waxed and heat-sealed ends to where they tassel as well.
Will my hammock stretch any?
Yes it will stretch anywhere from 1-2 feet.
If I decide to use posts to hang my hammock, how do I install them?
1. When scouting out a suitable location to install your hammock post(s), look for soil that's dense and compact enough to provide decent support. If the soil is loose, pick a different spot. 2. Check the package your hammock came in to find its overall length (measured from ring to ring when the hammock is spread flat on the ground), then add 24 inches to that number to determine the distance you'll need between your post(s) or other hanging point. 3. Dig a hole for each hammock post you're installing. Each hole will need to be a minimum of 18 inches in diameter and 26 inches deep. Purchase the necessary amount of unmixed concrete to fill the hole(s). Consult your local hardware store or lawn-and-garden center if you need assistance with how to use the concrete. 4. Install the hanging hook(s) in your pole(s) before you put the pole(s) into the ground. For each hammock hook, first drill a 1/8 inch-3/16 inch pilot hole (the smaller the better) about 4 feet up from the ground (check "The Right Height & Distance for Hanging Your Hammock" chart, for exact height). Start the hook in the hole by hand and then grip the hook eye with a wrench or thread the eye with a screwdriver to twist all the way in. Stop when the eye makes contact with wood; over-twisting can damage the metal and weaken support. 5. Place your post(s) in the ground at a vertical angle, filling the hole(s) the rest of the way with concrete mixed according to its package directions. Allow the concrete to set overnight before hanging your hammock from the post(s).
Will tree hooks hurt my trees?
No, they shouldn't affect the health of your trees; however, tree hooks will leave behind holes should you ever decide to remove the hooks. For that reason, we recommend using tree straps instead. Tree straps require no drilling and allow easy changing of hammock height – plus you get the added convenience of easily being able to move your hammock from place to place whenever you want!
What is the difference between the 4-ply cypress wood hammock stand and the 7-ply cypress wood hammock stand?
The difference between the 4 ply and the 7 ply is the thickness of the wood. The 4 ply is compiled with 4 layers of 3x3 beams while the 7 ply has 7 layers of 3x5 beams.
If my stand wiggles, is it defective?
No, a little wiggle in the stand is to be expected. We manufacture our stands this way to better accommodate the natural swaying motion of a hammock or swing.
What is the difference between the TRI-BEAM® stand and the Steel Stand?
The TRI-BEAM® Hammock Stand is made here in the USA where our experienced welders attach foot poles to base poles using our patented 360-degree Right Connection weld. This weld provides extra strength making our TRI-BEAM® stand the safest and most secure on the market. The stand is painted using the Cape Shield finishing process, which is a special technique of cleaning, preparing, and powder coating the stand to make it weather resistant and give you many years of enjoyment. The Steel Stand is imported and does not have the Right Connection weld or Cape Shield coating, but is still rust resistant.
How do I clean my hammock to keep it looking new as long as possible?
In general, don't let leaves, sticks and other yard debris accumulate in your hammock. This can lead to mold and mildew appearing on your hammock once it gets down into the fibers of the hammock. Beyond that, periodic cleaning is key. For our cotton rope – Soak the hammock in mild soapy water and rub the rope against itself or use a soft bristle scrub brush and then rinse the rope with a hose. Let your hammock hang to dry, or else lay it on a clean, flat surface. Keep the spreader bars out of the water as much as possible. For our DURACORD® rope – Follow the suggestions for cleaning cotton rope. For our quilted and tufted fabrics – In general, light spot cleaning is best. Our quilted hammocks contain polyester fiber-fill batting; cleaning too vigorously can cause the batting to bunch up, and it may be difficult to get it to return to its original shape. If more extensive cleaning becomes necessary, carefully wash using a mild soap-and-water solution and a soft-bristled scrub brush. Rinse completely with a hose, then hang your hammock back up to let it air-dry. Store-bought spot-remover solutions can also be used for problem areas. For our quick-dry and soft weave fabrics – Using a mild soapy-water solution, scrub the fabric gently with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse completely with a hose, then hang your hammock back up to let it air-dry. For more serious cleaning, try using a solution that's one part bleach to four parts soapy water. Keep the spreader bars out of the water as much as you can.
