You’ve tricked out your backyard with a sweet grill, a fire pit, and maybe even a set of Adirondack chairs you built yourself. But for a true oasis, nothing quite says relaxation like installing a hammock.
People have been hanging around in hammocks for centuries, so it should come as no surprise that there are several designs and materials to choose from.
Our list of eight top-rated backyard hammocks includes a variety of styles and prices to make your buying process almost as enjoyable as cracking open a cold one and kicking back.
Types of Hammocks
Most backyard hammocks come in one of two designs: a Brazilian hammock or a spreader bar hammock.
The Brazilian model features a fabric sling that gathers together at each end.
This style is very packable, making it easy to move among the trees in your yard, store in the winter months, or take along in your day pack.
Brazilian hammocks are often competitively priced, so if budget is a concern, this is the way to go.
The stereotypical backyard hammock has a wide, relatively flat design created by the addition of spreader bars.
These bars are generally pieces of wood that attach to the hammock between the bed area and the suspension attachment points.
The sling itself can be made of fabric, mesh, quilted material that offers a slight cushion, or breathable woven rope.
Regardless of the sling material, this design is often more comfortable, especially for two people, than a Brazilian hammock.
However, it is prone to tipping, especially when the suspension is taut. Give it some slack and lounge carefully.
If you prefer to sit instead of lie, look for a hammock chair. Some styles have a pod that hangs from an overhead stand, while others have a smaller sling that suspends much like a Brazilian hammock but not as far apart.
Other Considerations
It goes without saying that your hammock should be large and strong enough to support you and anyone else in the sling.
Most backyard hammocks fit two people and boast a 450-pound capacity limit, but there are some single-person designs if space is at a premium in your yard.
All hammocks have built-in loops or rings that you attach to a suspension system, but most don’t include tree straps or a stand, which you’ll need if your yard doesn’t have appropriately spaced trees.
You can buy these items separately, or look for a combination hammock-stand set.
Although a set is more expensive than a hammock alone, it’s usually a better deal than buying the parts individually.
When it comes to extending the life of your hammock, the sling material will make a difference.
Cotton fabric or rope is more breathable than some synthetics, but the natural fiber wears more quickly and is slower to dry.
Polyester is the most common synthetic fabric, but over time dyed colors will fade.
The most weatherproof options are heavy-duty synthetics such as Sunbrella, Textilene, and DuraCord.
These materials are fast-drying, easy to clean, and UV-resistant so colors won’t fade as quickly.
Unless you live in a warm climate, it’s best to store your hammock indoors during the winter or other extended periods when you don’t plan to use it. You can also get a hammock cover to protect it.
1. Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with Stand
Capacity: 450 lb. | Bed Dimensions: 87 x 47 in. | Consumer Score: 93% give it 4 stars or higher
This Vivere hammock gives you everything you’ll need at a great price to start lounging.
The Brazilian-style design fits two people, and the sling made from your choice of cotton, mesh, polyester, or Sunbrella is available in more than 40 colors.
Suspend it on the included powder-coated steel stand. Although this requires assembly, you won’t need any tools to do it, and customers report it is easy to set up and take down.
The Double Hammock with Stand also comes with a case for compact storage.
2. Best Choice Products 2-Person Indoor Outdoor Brazilian
Capacity: 450 lb. | Bed Dimensions: 76 x 57 in. | Consumer Score: 86% give it 4 stars or higher
Like the Vivere, the 2-Person Brazilian-Style Hammock Set from Best Choice Products comes with a steel stand and a carrying case but at even more of a bargain.
In exchange for the savings, the hammock is available only in cotton and with fewer color choices.
It’s also shorter, though most people will still be comfortable in the 7-foot, 1-inch sling.
Some customers have experienced issues with durability, but on the whole, people say it’s sturdy and comfortable.
3. Original Pawleys Island Duracord Rope Hammock
Capacity: 450 lb. | Bed Dimensions: 82 x 55 in. | Consumer Score: 85% give it 4 stars or higher
For many, Pawleys Island is synonymous with rope hammocks, which the North Carolina company has been producing since the 1890s.
Also available in a single-person size, the Large Original Hammock accommodates two people and boasts one of the largest beds on our list.
Pawleys Island constructs the hammock with cotton and polyester rope, but we suggest the DuraCord model.
The parent company of Pawleys Island developed this synthetic fiber, which is soft like cotton but more capable of weathering the elements.
4. Hammock Sky Brazilian Double Hammock
Capacity: 475 lb. | Bed Dimensions: 98 x 59 in. | Consumer Score: 93% give it 4 stars or higher
For fuss-free relaxation in your backyard or at the local park, pick Hammock Sky’s Brazilian Double Hammock.
The cotton and polyester hammock stuffs down to about the size of a bread loaf and stores neatly in the included carry bag.
That means you can move it around your yard or take it with you on day trips. Bring along some tree straps and you’re ready to go.
5. Flower House Hanging Pumpkin Loveseat Chair with Stand
Capacity: 400 lb. | Bed Dimensions: 50 x 43 in. | Consumer Score: 79% give it 4 stars or higher
Curl up in the FlowerHouse Pumpkin Patio Swing. It swings just like a regular hammock but takes up less real estate, making it ideal for smaller yards.
Available in three colors, the hammock chair attaches to the metal stand with a strap and features a plush cushion with room for two.
The hand-woven material is fade and mildew-resistant.
