Product Guide & FAQ

How to Hang a Hammock: Hanging & Set Up

How do I hang my hammock?

Such an important question. To be able to fully relax and enjoy your hammock also means finding the perfect place for your new hammock. The area you choose for your hammock should not only provide enough space but should also be able to accommodate one of the common suspension options. Below is a full rundown of everything you might want to consider as you are deciding where and how to hang your hammock (things like load-bearing branches, walls or ceilings; enough space to hang your hammock at the desired height off the ground; etc.).

How do I hang a hammock between two trees?

Probably the most classic way to set up a hammock is between two trees. Depending on the size of your hammock, the trees should be at least three feet apart and strong enough to hold your body weight. To attach the hammock between two trees, you need two ropes, which are wrapped around the tree and then connected to the hammock. As a rule of thumb: the further apart the two trees are, the higher you must attach the ropes to the trees (which also requires a longer rope). Higher anchor points allow the hammock to sag even when the trees are far apart.

How do I hang a hammock from two walls, two beams, or from the ceiling?

To hang a hammock indoors, you need solid concrete walls or weight-bearing studs/ joists if you have drywall. To attach the hammock to the wall or ceiling, a hook is first attached and then connected to the hammock using a rope. You can use a standard hook from your local hardware store, or you can use one of our recommended Universal Rope Multipurpose Suspension Kits. The most important part is ensuring that you can locate strong joists/ studs if you have drywall and that your ropes are long enough to account for the distance between both anchor points.

How much space do I need to hang a hammock?

The required distance between the two suspension points and the required height of the suspension points can be determined by a simple rule of thumb: The suspension height (y) should be about half of the suspension distance (x). If you are looking for a place with more space between the suspensions, you also have to remember to place your suspension points higher in order to account for the added distance between the two anchor points. Note: With every additional foot of distance between anchor points, your suspension must move up half a foot higher.

Tip:If your hammock seems too short for the space you want to use, it’s not—you just need longer ropes!

If you’ve found the perfect spot for your hammock, be sure to check whether the available space is sufficient for the size of your hammock. Every hammock has its own, unique minimum required hanging distance based on the size and length of the hammock. Knowing this before you purchase your hammock is often quite useful and usually informs your hammock decision.

What’s the most comfortable way to hang a hammock? Should a hammock sag or be taut?

Classic hammocks (or traditional South American hammocks) should always have a nice sag once suspended. This is what will ensure optimal comfort and weight distribution when you are lying in your hammock. As a general rule of thumb, the shape of the hammock should resemble a banana or a smile when no one is laying in it.

The one exception to this rule is when it comes to hammocks with a spreader bar. In order to achieve maximum comfort and relaxation on a spreader bar hammock, it needs to be tightly suspended (taut), with little to no sag. But beware—this tight suspension is also one of the things that make spreader bar hammocks so easy to fall out of!

How do I hang a hanging chair or hammock chair?

To attach a hanging chair, the Seguro Suspension Set or the Universal Rope Set by LA SIESTA are recommended. They are not only easy to set up and adjust but have also been tested for safety. That said, the same rules apply for hanging a hammock chair as for hanging a hammock. If you are suspending your hanging chair from a tree, always remember to ensure that the tree limb is strong, load-bearing, and shows no signs of rot or damage. If you’re hanging the hammock chair indoors, the most important things to remember are finding a solid concrete ceiling or finding a solid, weight-bearing joist if you have drywall ceilings.

You may also choose to suspend your hanging chair using a stand. LA SIESTA hanging chair stands are made using FSC®-certified sustainable wood and powder-coated steel.

What minimum height does a hanging chair require?

All Basic Hanging Chairs (Caribeña, Sonrisa, Orquídea, and Modesta) require a minimum mounting height of 6.5’ (ft) or 200 cm. Lounger Hanging Chairs (Currambera, Domingo, and Habana) require a minimum suspension height of 7.2’ (ft) or 220 cm.

How do I setup the Joki Hanging Nest Chair for Kids?

To hang the Joki Hanging Nest, you first need a suspension point (ceiling, branch or beam). Remember to ensure that all tree branches are load-bearing and show no signs of rot, damage or distress and that all ceilings are either solid concrete or contain a solid joist from which weight can be suspended.

Joki Hanging Nests takes up very little space and can be used in most small children's rooms. All LA SIESTA suspension options for the Joki allow easy removal of the chair from the suspension point so that you can take it down when not in use if you prefer.

Joki Hanging Nests for Kids require a minimum suspension height of 6.5’ (ft) or 200 cm. If the suspension is at a higher point, all that is required is a longer rope. This allows you to hang the Joki while maintaining the desired distance off the ground.

How To Lie in a Hammock

What’s the “right” / "wrong" way to lay in a hammock?

When it comes to hammocking, our philosophy is that there really is no “right” or “wrong” way to lie in a hammock. Regardless of how you choose to use it, what’s most important is that you’re comfortable and that you feel good when using it. Having said that, there are some generally agreed on tips and common practices that we can pass along.

How to Lie in a Spreader Bar Hammock

The most comfortable position for lying in a hammock with spreader bars differs fundamentally from that of traditional hammocks and camping hammocks—and is essentially the exact opposite. Because the laying surface of a spreader bar hammock is so taut and tightly suspended, lying lengthwise is the most comfortable position (and also helps to prevent you from falling out or tipping the hammock).

Can you also lie down or recline back in a hanging chair?

LA SIESTA Lounger-size Hanging Chair Hammocks are designed so that most adults can lie down and fully recline while using them in addition to sitting upright and using them as you would any other hanging chair. To lie down in a LA SIESTA Lounger Hammock Chair, simply begin by sitting back a little further than you might normally. Once seated, lift your feet off the ground and onto the edge of the chair, and extend your legs outward pushing and spreading out the fabric as you go. When you’re done, you should be sitting in a reclined position with the fabric of the chair fully supporting both of your legs.

How To Choose the Best Stand for a Hammock or Hanging Chair

What are the advantages of using a hammock stand or a hanging chair stand?

Matching stands for hammocks or a hammock chairs have several advantages. Stands add a visually appealing design element to your hammock set up and creates a perfect scene—almost like a picture frame for your hammock or hanging chair. Stands also make setting up your hammock or hanging chair much less complicated. Starting with the placement, you won’t have to worry whether the perfect spot for your hammock is also capable of accommodating suspension options based on the distance between the two anchor points, whether the walls or tree branches are load-bearing, etc. Furthermore, you won’t need to worry about drilling holes or finding studs and joists.

What are the differences between wooden and steel stands for hammocks and hanging chairs?

In general, the decision between buying a wooden hammock stand or a steel hammock stand depends largely on style, design, and aesthetic preferences. There’s really no way to go wrong—both wooden and powder-coated steel stands by LA SIESTA are made from high-quality materials and meet the highest quality standards. It’s about whatever works best for you.

If you’re looking for mobility or to move the location of your hammock often, we recommend a stand made of powder-coated steel because they weigh less than wooden stands and are easier to set up and disassemble. Steel stands are commonly used to set up hammocks at parks or on the beach for this very same reason: they are lightweight and very easy to use.

If you’re looking for a more visually striking or permanent option, we recommend wooden hammock stands. Wooden stands for hammocks make a bold statement and perfectly compliment any beautifully decorated interior or exterior space. LA SIESTA wooden stands are just as safe to use outdoors as the steel stands, so there’s no limit to where you can use a wooden stand to add some flair to your home décor.

How do I set up a stand for a hammock or a hanging chair?

All LA SIESTA stands are designed to be easy and intuitive to set up. They are always accompanied by easy to understand installation instructions. If the set up guide doesn’t fully answer all of your questions, feel free to give us a shout—we’re happy to help!

Materials & Fabrics

What is the difference between cotton and outdoor/ weatherproof fabric?

Most hammocks and hanging chairs are made of cotton since it’s an all-around practical and comfortable material. Cotton is tear-resistant, absorbs moisture and is extremely soft to the touch.

LA SIESTA’s HamacTex outdoor material is resistant to mold-, mildew-, and UV-damage. It’s also fast-drying and fadeproof. What makes LA SIESTA weatherproof products so special is that we took the time and effort to work on developing a better weather-resistant fabric, one that’s softer (and therefore more comfortable). While it’s not quite the same feeling as cotton, we truly believe that we have the softest, most comfortable weatherproof outdoor hammocks on the market. If you’re looking to leave your hammock outdoors (uncovered and not under a shelter) or if you’re looking to sleep outside overnight in a hammock, then look no further—LA SIESTA weather-resistant hammocks and hanging chairs are exactly what you’re looking for. No matter wind, sun or rain, both the functionality and radiance of your hammock or chair will be unaffected.

What is organic cotton?

Organic cotton is grown according to strict environmental standards and ecological principles. It forgoes the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and prohibits the use of genetically modified seeds (GMOs).

In the cultivation of organic cotton, the water consumption is significantly lower compared to conventional cotton cultivation. Crop rotations preserve the soil’s natural fertility. Furthermore, organic cotton farmers usually organize themselves into cooperatives, helping them achieve higher prices for their harvest—thus becoming more independent from the prices, fluctuations, and volatility of the global cotton market at-large.

You can read more about the use of organic cotton in LA SIESTA products, and be sure to also check out what LA SIESTA is doing to help promote and spread the cultivation of organic cotton across Latin America.

Quality & Safety

How strong are hammocks?

The load capacity of different hammocks varies from model to model and can be found within the respective product detail page. All LA-SIESTA hammocks and hanging chairs are subjected to extreme stress tests. Our products are hung in a specially designed machine and loaded with a weight that is 2.5 times greater than the maximum weight capacity that you see listed on our product details and packaging. These tests identify and eliminate potential vulnerabilities before the product goes to market.

How safe is the Joki Children's Hanging Nest?

For a children's product, safety is of course the highest priority. The Joki is perfectly equipped with its reinforced edges. The soft organic cotton material is extremely resistant to tearing and is reliable even under heavy use.

The completely closed suspension of the Joki offers additional safety. It is particularly tear-resistant and does not need cords or similar. The patented SafetySwivel prevents the Joki from twisting. The Joki Hanging Nest can be used with a load of up to 80 kg.

Care & Maintenance

How do I care for my hammock or hanging chair? Are hammocks and hanging chairs machine washable?

Unless otherwise noted, all hammocks and hanging chairs by LA SIESTA are machine washable. If your hammock has a spreader bar, remove it, and wash at 30 degrees on gentle cycle. You should tie the suspension cords together in a neat knot before washing to avoid tangling and unwanted knotting.

Can you wash the Joki Hanging Nest Chair for Kids?

Looking after the Joki Hanging Nest Chair for Kids and keeping it clean is very easy: the pillow (cushion insert) is removable, and the hanging nest itself can be washed at 30 degrees on the gentle cycle in the washing machine. No need to worry about stains and dirt: you can relax and let the little ones play freely!