FAQ

Why buy a hammock?

There is simply no better way to relax. Everybody loves a hammock and what better way to unbend the mind and recharge the body, than lounging in your own handmade cradle of joy.
Rooted deep in the culture of many ancient societies the tradition of relaxing in a hammock and demonstrating a well practiced disdain for physical activity is only now catching on in our so called advanced society.

As furniture, hammocks ar more comfortable than conventional lounges and available at a fraction of the cost. They are also very portable and take up little space when not in use. They also make excellent storage nets.Many of Hammock Headquarter´s hammocks are suited to more than 1 person. Woo-hoo!

Why buy one of our hammocks?

As self-confessed hammock junkies the proprietors of Hammock Headquarter´s have admitted our mission in life is to try every hammock available on earth and make the best available to you. Our lofty standards, testing methods and the fact we often buy direct from the artisans who create them, ensures your get a wide variety of quality hammocks at the best possible price.
We have the widest range in Australia and plenty of accessories and advice to ensure hassle-free hanging.

What types are there?

Hammock Headquarters stocks dozens of different hammocks manufactured in many different parts of the world. To assist you we have broken these down to four separate groups, each one having the same basic features. Most hammocks are made of soft cotton, although some nylon styles are also available.

WOVEN NET VARIETY

In a class of their own is the Mexican or Mayan hammock. Hand-woven from up to two miles of strong cotton cord, these cradles of bliss are arguably the world’s most comfortable hammocks. With their unique web-like weave and the fact that you can lie across as well as end to end, you’ll experience what we call true suspension therapy. They spread wide and are big enough for 2, 3 even 4 people.

SPREADER-BAR VARIETY

These hammocks are often found in resorts and consist of a bed of thick nylon or cotton weave spread out with wooden spreader bars. Available now is one typically found in camping and disposals shops and our high end range from Nicaragua.

HAMMOCK CHAIR

These are perfect if you don’t have the space to hang a traditional hammock. All you need is a single point to suspend your nest, while a single spreader bar above your head spreads the fabric or weave wide enough for you to perch in. We have these woven in cotton or nylon and also solid fabric varieties. Another is available with a footrest whilst another is more structured with foam inserts.

SOLID FABRIC VARIETY

Commonly found in Brazil & Thailand these hammocks are as the name suggests hand made from solid cloth. We presently have at least a dozen different versions of this variety ranging from a simple calico number with basic trimmings right up to intricately tasseled masterpieces of elegance and style.

Which hammock is the most comfortable?

Like any human experience, what is comfortable is entirely subjective and as individual as the person wishing to relax. Our opinion is on comfort alone the Mexican hammock is tough to beat as by lying across the fine cotton weave you are totally supported without pressure points. For those who enjoy the snugly feel of closely woven fabric, have small kids and/or prefer to lie end to end the other hammocks may be more appropriate.

Which type of hammock is the best?

Although comfort is vital we have discovered many other factors influence the hammock purchase. These can include durability, portability, shareability, bonkability, which way you prefer to lie and how often it will be used. What is best for some is not always ideal for another. What we can offer is an honest appraisal of each variety from devoted hammock aficionados and veg-out specialists.

MAYAN/MEXICAN

If you can imagine yourself suspended in a soft web of pliable cotton cord you go some way to visualizing the Mayan hammock experience. Their diamond weave and the natural give of cotton means it will mold to any body shape or size. Combine this with their unique ability to facilitate you lying across them, and you can begin to understand why it often described as floating on air. Weighing as little as 1kg the Mexican hammock with the custom made mozzie net is also the ultimate travel accessory. Ideal for all you camper, hiker and backpacker dudes. Also great if you wish to share your hammock. This hammock comes in four sizes the single, queen, king and Jumbo. Choosing your size is usually a height issue(as you want to be able lay across as well as end to end). If you are tall and are going to regularly share the hammock the king size is for you. For two smaller or one fatty person the queen is usually sufficient. The jumbo is huge and is the party hammock. For the boating set the King size is available in all nylon.

SOLID FABRIC

If you prefer the snuggly feel of an all cloth hammock, admire quality fabric and intricate trimmings and like to lie end to end then this is your gig. Those from Brazil are the best of this grouping. Although not as portable as the Mexican variety they maybe less prone to careless damage from disrespectful visitors and rambunctious tots. Comfortable for one to two people these hammocks, with their attractive hand-woven fringes will complement any décor indoors or out. Available in a variety of colors, fabrics and finishes and both 1 and 2 person sizes. For ‘just hanging there no-one in it’ aesthetic appeal these rate very highly. The difference in the price of the various styles reflects the size, heaviness and quality of the cotton, and whether there are tassels or not.

SPREADER BAR VARIETY

These hammocks are for those who enjoy the flat open feel of a bed and enjoy a good view of the world. Not as portable as the other varieties these are what many Aussies think a hammock is, as they have grown up with seeing these in camping shops. The budget spreader is a good example of this.
The comfort of the rope variety is greatly enhanced by the addition of a thin mattress. Although these may look more stable don’t be deceived. Sudden changes in weight distribution don’t agree with spreader bar hammocks and if you are considering sharing or enjoy a lager or ten the other hammocks are probably more suitable.

HAMMOCK CHAIR

If you prefer to be more upright or just don’t have the space for a traditional hammock, our suspended chairs maybe more suitable. Perfect for pergolas, verandas, backyards, in fact anywhere there is a sturdy hanging point above the chairs intended position. Hammock HQ currently has 10 different varieties including The Brazilian – cotton fabric with simple tassels, The Mexican – broad cotton weave, The Foam Chair – structured with foam inserts, The Sky Chair – canvas or acrylic fabric chair with three wooden spreaders c/w footrest and The Sling – strong nylon net that can double as a full stretch hammock.

How are they made?

Most of our hammocks are hand-woven on a vertical loom consisting of two posts planted on the ground. With a special needle the bed of the hammock is then woven around the posts before the nylon end strings are passed through the loops formed on the post. The end strings are then gathered and woven tightly in a loop to form the end of the hammock.
The solid fabric types are also handmade and cut from various indigenous fabric types.
The spreader bar hammocks are also hand-woven on looms with each end string passing through a hole in a wooden spreader bar at each end of the hammock and looped at the end.
The body of the Mex chair and Sling are handwoven in Mexico while the spreader bar is cut and finished by Hammock Hq. The body of The Brazilian is cut from cotton cloth while the spreader is an elegantly lathed length of hardwood. The Sky Chairs is wholly made in Australia.

Who makes them?

We directly source our hammocks from all over the world. Typically, hammocks woven by artisans in their home villages. Hammock weaving provides an important additional income source, and is encouraged by organisations like the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). In the Mayan Peninsula of Mexico, hammocks have been made for centuries, and are used as the main furniture of their village houses. A chair, a bed, a lounge; and an off-ground storage space all in one.
Hammock Headquarters undertakes to carefully select our suppliers and to regularly visit them to ensure not only their integrity, but that you get the best value for money, quality hammocks.

What colors are available?

The Mayan variety is a multi-colored blend of 2,3,4 and sometimes 5 different hues. Some solid colours are also available. Each hammock is a unique work of art as individual as the craftsman who wove it.
As each hammock is different it is difficult to give colour choice over the phone, although requests for single colour hammocks can sometimes be accommodated. There is a wide choice of all colours at our shop locations.

Where can I hang it?

To hang your hammock, you will need two fixed points between 3-5 metres apart and although two trees is perfect, lots of other options exist. Fence posts, pergola supports, verandas, boat decks, balconies, street signs, roof-racks and posts set in the ground have all been home to the odd hammock.
Using appropriate eye bolts (long and strong screw-in type, or appropriate masonry hook drilled into concrete or brick), hammocks can be affixed to solid walls or other solid structures capable of supporting your weight.
Hammocks are great indoors, for er, fun with a loved one (especially the chair!?), or just relaxing and reading, or even as storage for the kids toys. When not in use, they can be easily detached from one wall to hang flat against the other. Using an S-Hook to connect your hammock means that you can not only forget knots, but also easily get your hammock up and down.
Distances further apart can easily accommodated for any size hammock as rope can be used as an extension between the point of attachment and the hammock. For smaller areas check out our hanging chairs! Hammock Hq stocks our own Hanging kits phone for options.

How do I hang my hammock?

You don’t have to know knots! Using an S-hook and combined with our pre-knotted rope, means you can get your hammock up and down in seconds. For the touring type, knots will obviously help, so we’ve included instructions on tying the best knots to ensure your hammock stays where it’s supposed! From brick walls to trees our easy to understand instructions will advise the best way to sling your hammock. We also have sturdy steel hammock frames suited to most of our hammocks.

Are the strong enough for my “well fed husband”?

All our hammocks will support the weight of even the biggest person. Some will comfortably support 2,3, even 4 people. Anecdotal evidence suggests it is usually inadequate tying points or weak rope that leads to the humbling, sudden bum-on-ground effect. Always carefully check connections for wear and tear before boarding your hammock.
Use 10mm+ marine quality rope.

Can I get out once I get in?

You may not want to… but it’s really just like getting in and out of a chair albeit with a little more care.

Will they support my back properly?

Mayan hammocks are suspended by hundreds of strands of strong cotton and nylon cord that delicately conform to your body providing incredible balance and back support. Quality solid fabric and spreader bar varieties will also firmly support you if you lie correctly, diagonally up and down.

Can I sleep in it?

Of course! Millions worldwide regularly use hammocks as their bed or furniture. Mayan hammocks were developed for sleeping in the extreme heat and humidity of southern Mexico and if the hammock is to double as a bed the Mexican variety is probably best. Apart from the comfort offered these hammocks cradle the body while the sides raise up around you making it very difficult to fall out, Whether sleeping, reaching for a drink or engaging in heavy canoodling these hammocks remain relatively stable.
The fabric hammocks are warmer to sleep in than others and some people prefer these because of this fact.
The spreader bar variety with the open weave is probably best slept in with a thin mattress to prevent the rope digging into you. As these hammocks are flat with no sides, anyone, with peripatetic sleeping habits should look to other hammocks for sleeping.

How long will my hammock last?

First of all the most comfortable hammocks are cotton and are by far the most popular. The biggest enemy of these hammocks is if they get wet and stay wet for an extended period. They can be washed; even left out in the rain however they must dry within a certain amount of time as mildew may set in. We say most can be left out in summer as if they get wet they will usually dry quickly however in colder months bring them in. Following the basic care instructions our hammocks should keep you swinging for more than a few years, often longer.
We know of those who have used their fave regularly for more than 10 years. Although very resilient, hammocks left out all day every day will have a shorter life than those stored indoors. Although they don’t offer the supreme comfort of the other hammocks some hammocks are available in synthetic fabrics and may be more suitable for boats and areas of constant moisture. As with most things the better you take care of them the longer they last.
We guarantee our hammocks unconditionally for a year. If something happens to it after the year we will still attempt to repair it free of charge.

I don´t have any fixed points? Do you have free-standing frames?

Yes. Powder coated in a variety of colors our hammock stand is a heavy duty galvanized steel construction consisting of 5 easy to assemble parts. Rated to 170kg (2 average persons) the stand means you can enjoy your hammock virtually anywhere. Easy to understand instructions are included. Also available polished wood frame/hammock combination and a polished wood version that is ideal for indoors.

Is there a guarantee?

Yes we offer a minimum 12 month guarantee on all our hammocks and 2 years on frames.