Hammocks are a great way to relax at home or while on vacation. Just picturing a hammock conjures up images of relaxing on a beach with cocktail in hand, curled up in the garden with a good book or just snoozing through the afternoon.

Traditional hammocks however, require a sturdy structure to be tied to such as trees or columns of a building. These supports must be strong enough to support your body weight and at the right distance apart for the hammock to hang at a comfortable angle.

Not all homes and gardens have suitable trees or structures to support a hammock. There is another solution – it is now possible to purchase a portable hammock stand on which to hang your hammock.

These stands can be used wherever you like and have an additional advantage over a traditional hammock in that they can be moved into the shade as the sun moves throughout the day.

Setting up a hammock can be tricky but stands remove the hard work from the equation. They’re specially designed to support the hammock and your body weight so you don’t need to worry about finding a strong enough structure or tying the right kind of knot.

Hammock stands can be made from metal or wood and the type you choose will depend on the hammock you intend to use with it. Hammocks with spreader bars require a much lower stand than those without.

Metal stands can be lighter than wooden versions but they are generally not as attractive. They are also at risk of rusting if the protective paintwork is chipped. This problem can be avoided with a stainless steel stand.

Wooden hammock stands are durable and attractive but they can be expensive. Stands made from wood should be treated with water repellent on a yearly basis to avoid damage.

A portable hammock stand is usually made from metal so it is light and can be dismantled and transported easily. These types of stands are constructed easily within minutes, making it a great choice if you intend to use your hammock outside the home.

Portable hammocks and stands are great for camping, trips to the beach or park and family pool parties.

Many stands come as a set complete with a hammock, which ensures that hammock and stand are a perfect fit for each other. All you need to do to prepare for your day out at the beach is fold down the stand, roll up the hammock and place them in a carry bag. You’ll be surprised how small and light a portable hammock stand can be.

Whether you go camping or just enjoy relaxing in the tranquillity of your own back yard, a hammock with stand is a useful piece of furniture.

The basic stand is designed from lightweight steel and comes as tubes you connect to create the frame. This allows the hammock with stand to be easily transported from one place to another, so it is a good item to take camping.

The frame can be set up in a matter of minutes and the hammock section attached in seconds. The cloth covering, used for lying on, is attached using a simple hook and ring connection.

The various types of hammock with stand are available with the fabric constructed from different types of materials. You will find open weave styles as well as traditional solid piece items.

The open weave or rope designs resemble large pieces of netting material and will include a metal or wood rod at each end. These woven styles of a hammock with stand are available as standard sizes and the new large style that will accommodate two people.

It can be used with the traditional metal frame or the style of connectors that allow you to attach it to a tree.

There are also some hand woven styles available in the various hammock with stand designs. These are products that may come from other regions such as Nicaragua and have an open textured material with close weaves.

Some of these items may include added embellishments such as fringed trim along the edges. Another variation is the quilted style, which uses a quilted material for the hammock cover.

All of these styles will generally include the hammock pillow, which can sometimes be attached to the top ring section to hold it in place on your hammock. The pillows are generally a small rounded shape and will be covered in the same material as the particular hammock.

An exception to the included pillow types may be the netting styles. It is possible to purchase these as accessory items if you need a replacement pillow or your hammock does not include one.

In addition to the various styles mentioned there are reversible styles and styles designed to accommodate three or more people in one hammock. The fabrics used for creating this item can be polyester, cotton or a blend of different synthetics.

The metal frame is available in various colored finishes that are coated to help prevent them from rusting. A hammock is an attractive and inviting item to keep on hand for outdoor relaxation.

Find the best hammock with stand here for your next trip!