- The manufacturer's load capacity and dimensions are more important than rules of thumb.
- Fit wall hooks only in load-bearing masonry with suitable wall plugs.
- Cotton is pleasant but does not cope with continuous rain.
- For trees use wide straps instead of thin ropes.
Which hammock suits you?
| Type | Good for | Points to note |
|---|---|---|
| Brazilian rede (woven) | Balcony, living room, garden; wraps around you comfortably | Cotton: store dry, hang up to dry when wet |
| Fabric hammock | Even lying surface, light | Less of a cocooning effect |
| Outdoor / parachute fabric | Camping, trekking | Less comfort in everyday use |
| Spreader-bar hammock | Flatter lying surface | Tips more easily, needs more space |
Size and load capacity
Manufacturers usually offer hammocks in single, double and family sizes. Actual dimensions differ by brand. Check:
- Total length and width of the lying surface,
- maximum load – higher for family or double sizes,
- whether the dimensions are stated including fringes and hanging loops.
If you want to lie in it with someone else, deliberately choose a size for two and leave a safety margin in the load rating.
Hanging: distance and height
As a rough guide: the fixing points should be a little further apart than the hammock is long, and the hammock should hang at an angle of around 30°. For hammocks about three metres long that is often 3.5–4.5 m apart and a fixing height of about 1.5 m. An empty hammock hangs higher; with a person in it, it sags lower.
The manufacturer's hanging instructions always come first. Test the setup first at a low height and with little load.
Fixing and safety
- Wall: Only concrete, solid brick or beams are suitable. Hollow walls and aerated concrete need special fixings. Hooks, screws and wall plugs must be rated for dynamic load.
- Stand: Free-standing frames in wood or steel work without drilling. Check stability and the stated weight limit.
- Trees: Wide tree straps protect the bark and spread the load. Thin ropes cut in.
- Carabiners and ropes: Only use material with a stated load rating.
- Children: Never leave them unsupervised, do not let them swing, and keep ropes away from their necks.
Care and storage
- Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions (often a delicate wash).
- Take down in winter or in rain and store dry.
- UV light makes colours fade – do not leave the hammock in the sun all the time.
Handy extras
If you would like to look at matching products: Ad: The Amazon links are affiliate links. They lead to search results, not to a specific offer.
Brazilian hammock (rede)
Look at size, load and material information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sleep in the hammock?
Occasionally yes, many do it on holiday. If you sleep in it regularly, look for an ergonomic lying surface and safe hanging.
Do I need a stand?
Only if wall or tree fixing is not possible. A stand is more flexible but needs space.
How high should the hammock hang?
So that you can sit down easily when getting in, and your weight does not bring it down to the ground. The manufacturer's hanging height is the best guide.
Updated: October 2026 · General notes; the manufacturer's instructions and load ratings always take precedence.
