Hammock and swing buying guide

Garden swings

Garden swings are perfect for a spot of relaxation on a summer's day. Used in an upright or reclined position, they can seat up to four people, meaning you can catch up with friends while you swing! Equipped with cushions for comfort and boasting a solid structure made from wood, wrought iron, resin or powder-coated steel, garden swings may also feature an adjustable canopy roof to protect you from the sun. The quality and properties of individual fabric types will differ from one swing to the next, as will the comfort of the seat, backrest and cushions. One-seater swing seats are also available and these are known as swing chairs. The same guidelines will apply with regards to comfort and quality.

Hammocks

Made up of fabric or rope, hammocks can be hung between two trees or suspended from a stand made of wood or metal. In the latter case, they are called free-standing hammocks or, more commonly, hammocks with stands. The structure material will often be referred to in the product name (hammock with a metal stand, hammock with a wooden stand, etc.). There are various hammock sizes available right up to extra-large models designed for several people to use at once. Just like swings, hammocks can also be designed for individual use, and these are generally called chair hammocks. Hammocks are, however, typically used by one person lying down. The quality of a hammock, along with the level of comfort it offers, will be determined by the quality of its fabric and its size. It's worth remembering that hammocks are ultimately designed for taking naps! Hammocks and swings should also be chosen to match the garden furniture you already have. An additional piece of garden apparatus, you should make sure the style, colour and material of your hammock or swing coordinate with items such as garden lounge sets, shade sails or gazebos.

Swing structure or framework

Swing structures come in a variety of materials (metal, wood or resin) and should be selected with the rest of your garden furniture in mind. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, particularly with regards to performance and wear over time.

• Wooden swings do require some upkeep. Swings made of teak wood, for example, should be treated with oil (exotic woods tends to grey otherwise);

• Most commonly made of powder-coated steel, metal swings do not require any maintenance. However, you should be careful not to scratch the surface as this can compromise the material's anti-rust protection;

• Resin garden swings are lighter and more modern in style. However, this material tends to fade over time.

Number of seats and swing set-up

Garden swings have evolved in recent years from the traditional three-seater swing to a variety of options. You can now buy individual or two-seater canopy swings and even semi-reclining double or single chair swings.

Cushions

Some swings come with built-in seat cushions while others do not (giving you the option to choose your own colour). Make sure to choose waterproof cushions with detachable covers.

Canopy covers

Swing canopies also come in a variety of materials which provide different levels of protection. Resin swings usually feature resin roofs that let in some light. In contrast, textilene and polyester canopies offer good resistance to UV rays and water. The weight of these materials (measure in grams per metre square) will determine the quality of the fabric, its degree of water-tightness and its durability; the higher the gr/m², the better the quality. Opt for a water-repellent material for water to run off rather than penetrate.

Seat

Just like hammocks, swings can seat between one and four people. Some can even be converted into reclining beds – ideal for taking a post-lunch nap! The seat material may also vary and can be made up of synthetic materials like nylon, a steel framework or wooden slats.

Types of hammock

You will also notice a range of different hammock types. Make your choice according to your preferences and where the hammock will be installed.

• hammock chairs are mainly used for reading while sitting upright;

• Hanging hammocks will require two trees or posts for installation;

• Free-standing hammocks, or hammocks with stands, are self-supported;

• A spreader bar can be used to create a tauter fabric for both hammocks and hammocks with stands.

Hammock fabric

There are three common material types:

• cotton comes in all kinds of colours and patterns. It is weather-resistant and can be used to brighten up your garden;

• parachute silk is very strong but tends to come in more garish colours. Nevertheless, this nylon material can be brought anywhere, making it ideal for adventurers!

• woven netting is traditionally used for 'authentic' hammocks. These woven nets are usually made of cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. The size of the weave will depend of the size of the hammock.

When it comes to cleaning, your fabric can be hand-washed or put it in the washing machine. You just need to remove any metal or wooden parts and choose the right temperature and setting for the material type.

Hammock sizes

Hammocks come in a number of sizes and can be used by one or several people. There are three types of hammock:

• Extra-large hammocks can withstand weights of up to 250 kg (which roughly translates to two adults and two children). The length of these hammocks will usually be around 2.5 metres, so you can really stretch out in any direction!

• Two-person hammocks are ideal for snuggling up. As big as a double bed, you’ll soon be coming back for more!

• One-seater hammocks are traditional models that are perfect for solo nappers.

Chair hammocks are individual hammocks featuring one upright seat. These hanging models can be made from ropes or fabric.

Hammock stands are usually sold separately.

While hammocks have to be fixed to something, swing structures don't always feature set points for attachment. In fact, this tends to be quite rare – wooden swings are usually the only models to offer anchor points.

Installing a hammock 

In theory, your hammock will be supplied with a kit with everything you need to install it, such as ropes, hooks or carabiners. You can also get detachable hanging kits for moving the hammock around. The number ofend strings a hammock features should be noted in the product specifications. These strings are made of cotton or nylon rope which hold up the length of the hammock in a ring knot. The more end strings there are, the sturdier the hammock will be. This does, however, vary widely from hammock to hammock. Individual parts can also be easily sourced if you do not want to buy a full kit. As such, you can replace a frayed rope or broken carabiner or simply change the position of your hammock (whether it be attached between trees, fixed to walls or installed on a stand).

Installing a swing 

While fixings will usually be provided to attach the feet of stands – and swings will generally be installed into concrete – make sure you use the right Rawl plugs for full support. If the swing is installed on a wooden deck, go for stainless steel wood screws. If no fasteners have been provided and you live in a particularly windy area, feel free to attach your swing to the ground using brackets or any other type of fixing.

You can choose from a number of accessories designed to enhance the comfort of your garden swing or hammock, as well as to protect them from the winter elements.

• protective / winter covers ;

• extra cushions ;

• a footrest for swings.

Swings and hammocks also come in versions designed for indoor use or even for babies. Your little ones will love playing on a hammock that has been specially designed for children or babies. This is an option well worth considering as your family grows! For ultimate comfort, you can have a swish or two! Check out our other guides:

• How to design and decorate your garden

• Pergola and gazebo buying guide

• Parasol and accessories buying guide

• Outdoor blind buying guide

• Garden dining set buying guide