If you are looking for a portable hammock solution, or you don’t have anything to hang your hammock from, then this buyers guide and list of the best hammock stands is just what you need. Don’t let a lack of mounting points limit you hammock usage, you could be missing out on having a premium relaxation location, everywhere you go!
Who Needs a Hammock Stand?
Hammock stands are not quite a “necessity” for all hammock users. If you have different means of suspension for your hammock available, such as wall hooks or appropriately-spaced trees and durable straps, a hammock stand may be redundant. However, having a hammock stand that can be positioned however you like, wherever you like, can appeal to many users.
The best hammock stands are usually easy to disassemble. Standard metal stands come in about 5 pieces, held together through handled bolts or tab buttons. The tab button approach allows users to take apart the stand by simply pushing the buttons and pulling pieces apart. The bolt approach usually involves hand-unscrewing and is a little more time-consuming. However, each approach is viable and equivalent. The wooden stand options, however, are not often as easily disassembled.
What Should I Look For in a Hammock Stand?
Build Material
Most hammock stands are made of either steel or wood. A select few are made of other materials such as bamboo, which is incredibly sturdy and looks a lot like wood in most cases. Wooden frames are typically considerably heavier than metal frames. They are, therefore, less easily moved, which is something you should consider when you purchase such a frame. Metal hammock stand frames have the benefit of being relatively portable, and you can often take them with you on travels.
Weight Limit
These are generally within a 350lb to 450lb range. There are, of course, plenty of options outside of this range, and 100 pounds can make all the difference between a hammock stand for one and a hammock stand for two. Keep your eye on this number, especially if you’re going to be expecting company in your hammocks.
Appearance
Most steel stands are designed with pure functionality in mind and are rarely anything more than just black bars. If you are looking for a hammock stand to compliment the appearance of your gorgeous brand-new Brazilian hammock, you might want to consider getting a wooden or bamboo frame. Otherwise, steel has a great price-to-performance ratio and gets the job done well.
Size
Hammock stands vary greatly in size, some being referred to as “universal.” Such stands are about 9 feet long with adjustments to accommodate a variety of different-sized hammocks. Several stands are appropriate for hammocks sized between 9.5 feet and 15 feet. However, even larger stands exist and are specifically made to accommodate spreader bar hammocks or oversized hammocks. The specific hammock stand you choose should match the size of hammock you plan to use it with. Please check your hammock model for its suggested hanging distance before making final decisions in hammock stands.
Best Hammock Stand Options Reviewed
You can find hammock stands made of various materials and for different purposes, with differing weight limits and aesthetic value. Let’s look at the top three options available.
Sunnydaze Multi-Use Universal Hammock Stand
Designed to accommodate both spreader bar and non-spreader bar hammocks, this Sunnydaze Multi-Use Universal Hammock Stand offers an adaptability that easily renders it one of the best hammock stands on the market.
Hammock sizes tolerated by this design are between 9 and 14 feet long, which is a large portion of the hammocks out there. It fits together using the button-lock design, so it is usually easy to disassemble. The Sunnydaze hammock stand is also relatively light at just 25 pounds.
It’s rust resistant, but users will typically want to store this model during harsh weather. This model sports great user reviews and comes with a couple chains and hooks to assist in hanging your hammocks as well.
PROS:
- Button-lock design
- Range of hammock sizes supported
- Rust-resistant for outdoor usage
- Steel construction for durability
- Heavy Duty Weight Limit: 550 pounds for 2 person hammocks rated that high
- Weighs: 25 pounds
- Size: 124″ x 40″
CONS:
- Appearance – It’s a big ugly in my opinion
Best Choice Products Space Saving Steel Hammock Stand 9′
The Best Choice Products steel stand is much like the Sunnydaze model in performance and adaptability. It is held together with the hand-screwed bolt design, so while disassembly may still be relatively easy, it does require some wrist work.
Hammocks supported include those larger than 9 feet, as the legs have adjustable hooks for accommodating longer hammocks; take note that this does not mean 9 feet and up, but rather they don’t specify a maximum hammock size. Something to note is that the arm bars on this hammock are known to have “a little give” when met with weights towards the stand’s the upper limit. It still holds up to the limit, however, so don’t let that deter you.
While the Sunnydaze model was marginally lighter, this Best Choice Products model comes with a convenient carrying case, which makes it great for on-the-go hammock enjoyment.
PROS:
- Steel construction for durability in the elements
- Supports a range of hammock sizes
- 450 lbs weight limit – great for 2 person hammocks with higher weight ratings
- Weight: 26lbs for portability
- Dimensions: 115″ x 48″
- Hand-Screw design
CONS:
- Arms bend slightly with heavier weight exposure however it supports the stated maximum weight
Sunnydaze Wooden Curved Arc Hammock Stand
This Sunnydaze hammock stand is made of wood, and it looks fantastic. It is built solid and supports 400 pounds. However, it is also not easily taken down and put back up, weighs over 80 pounds, and is far from being portable at its size.
It will require periodic maintenance if kept outside exposed to the elements, though it is designed to last you through the years. Sunnydaze offers a 12-foot and a 13-foot model of this hammock stand, including some options with spreader-bar hammocks included (in case you want to be absolutely certain your hammock will match your stand).
This stand really pulls together an outdoor space with its impressive aesthetics, so if you’re looking for something that looks beautiful in your garden or patio space, this is a great option for you.
PROS:
- Hardwood construction
- Simply beautiful to look at to add character to your hammock space
- Weight Limit: 400 pounds making it suitable for some 2 person hammocks. If you like the idea of a wooden stand, see our reviews of double hammocks with wooden stands here
CONS:
- Weighs: 83.6 pounds which limits its portability, but that is the price of the hardwood construction
- Cost: It is more expensive than the steel hammocks
- Dimensions: 162″ x 47″ so it takes up more room than other stands
- Some 2 person assembly is required