Hammock Design
Hammock chairs are like hammocks in their design. The difference is that hammock chairs are designed to allow you to sit instead or lie down. Hammock chairs are designed to swing and sway, but they do so while you are in a seated position. Some people find hammock chairs easier to get in and out of than traditional hammocks, since getting into the hammock chair essentially is the same as sitting down on a canvas lawn chair.
Netting vs. Cloth
Some hammock chairs are made from the same type of netting material that traditional hammocks with spreader bars use. Others use a cloth material to create the chair surface. The choice of material is a matter of personal preference. Some people find the cloth variety more comfortable, while others prefer standard hammock netting.
Freestanding vs. Hanging
When you shop for a hammock chair, you may choose a freestanding model that includes an overhead hanger from which the chair is suspended. This design is a good choice if you want to move the hammock chair from place to place, perhaps taking it out to the backyard or by the pool to take advantage of nice summer weather. You also may choose a hammock chair designed to hang from a tree branch or overhead post. This kind of chair is a good choice if you have a solid tree in your backyard.
Installation Requirements
If you purchase a hammock chair designed to hang from a tree or overhead beam, take note of the installation requirements. The combined weight of the hammock chair and the person in it could be several hundred pounds, and you need to make sure the overhead beam or tree branch from which you hang it is capable of handling that weight. The hammock chair should come with the mounting hardware you need to mount it safely, but it is your responsibility to make sure it is mounted correctly.
