When people think of long summer days, there is perhaps
no image more timeless than relaxing with a cold drink
while lounging lazily in a hammock. Indeed hammocks are
a wonderful way to enjoy a day off, or even after a long
day at the office for that matter. Hammocks come in many
shapes, sizes and materials, and are designed to accomodate
any space in which one might desire to place it, both
outdoors and indoors. The following article is designed
to assist the homeowner in selecting, installing, and
safely using a hammock. In no time, you will be enjoying
your new hammock, so read on!
The
first step is, of course, selecting the right hammock
for your needs. Hammocks can be purchsed relatively inexpensively
from most hardware stores or large retail stores in the
yard or garden department, and they come in a variety
of styles and materials, everything from canvas to nylon
mesh. Apart from looks, the material makes little difference
in function. The only thing you might want to consider
is whether or not your hammock has spreader bars. These
are two bars at either end of the hammock that keep the
material pulled tight, to allow more than one person to
fit in it.
So
you've purchased your brand new hammock, and you can't
wait to use it, right? Not so fast...we still have to
figure out where it's going! The first thing you should
do is find an appropriate place. A general rule of thumb
is to select an area 2-3 feet longer than your hammock.
Your hammock will stretch out when someone lies in it,
so keep that in mind. Choose an area too narrow, and your
hammock will end up touching the ground. If you are using
two trees to hang it, make sure they are strong and sturdy.
If you don't have trees to use, don't worry...anything
stable will do. If you are hanging it indoors, the same
rules apply.
Most,
if not all, hammock kits will include the appropriate
installation hardware. If yours does not, all you will
need is two high-strength S-hook screws. Drill a hole
into your mounting surface, then simply screw in the S-hooks.
If you are hanging the hammock indoors, be very careful.
Ensure that you are installing the screws into something
stable. Do not use drywall, as it will not support the
weight and likely severely damage your walls. Also, ensure
that you do not inadvertently drill into an electric or
water line, which can be very costly and very dangerous.
All
that's left now is to hang your hammock. More than likely,
you will need a length or rope or chain to make up the
distance between the end of your hammock and the installed
S-hooks. Often, these are pre-attached to ensure that
the lengths are even, to prevent your hammock from being
off-balance. If your hammock is equipped with spreader
bars, make sure it is hung to allow even weight distribution.
Always
check the hammock's stability and security before getting
into it, to avoid injuries. It is also advisable, to avoid
damage to your outdoor hammock, to disconnect it during
adverse weather conditions.
And
you're finished. The last, and most important step, is
of course to enjoy your hammock! If used properly and
safely, it will provide years of comfort and relaxation.