Have you have been dreaming about relaxing in a hammock in your backyard, gently rocking with the breeze? Unfortunately, if you lack the trees necessary to hang a hammock, you may have given up on this idea entirely. Discovering the best hammock stand on the market for your lifestyle may be the perfect start to your relaxing summer plans!

Not only do hammock stands provide a safe and secure location to hang your favorite hammock, but they can also add to your home or backyard décor with their unique designs. In this article, we will look at the different styles of hammock stands and which products stand out for their quality, comfort, and value.

The Backyard Boss Top Hammock Stand for Summer 2021

PRODUCT

FEATURES

Tranquillo R9RY Universal Hammock Stand - $$title$$

Tranquillo R9RY Universal Hammock Stand

  • Max Weight: 550 pounds
  • Rust Resistant Electrostatic Powder Coated Steel
  • Portable

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ENO Nomad Hammock Stand - $$title$$

ENO Nomad Hammock Stand

  • Max Weight: 300 pounds
  • Aluminum Alloy
  • Portable

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Petra Leisure Steel Arc Hammock Stand - $$title$$

Petra Leisure Steel Arc Hammock Stand

  • Max Weight: 450 pounds
  • Anti-Rust Powder Coated Steel
  • Traditional

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Sunnydaze Curved Wood Hammock Stand - $$title$$

Sunnydaze Curved Wood Hammock Stand

  • Max Weight: 400 pounds
  • Russian Pine Hardwood
  • Traditional

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Best Choice Cotton Hammock and Steel Stand - $$title$$

Best Choice Cotton Hammock and Steel Stand

  • Max Weight: 450 pounds
  • Tempered Steel
  • Portable

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Why You Can Trust Us

With the realization that napping and sleeping in a hammock provide some great benefits including a more relaxing, deep sleep, many people have been adding hammocks to their outdoor gear.  I was no exception. My first hammock was gifted to me as a teenager, and I quickly realized how comfortable it could be. Since that time, my husband and I have collected several different hammocks and hammock gear options for our yard and our outdoor travel.

A grey, blue and lime green dome tent set up outdoors next to a powder-coated steel hammock stand holding a blue striped hammock

My hammock set up while camping at a local park.

We did, however, recognize that there was one big challenge to "hammock life," and that was the struggle to find the perfect place to hang a hammock at each location. While our backyard is a fair size, there are only a couple of trees and they are spaced out too far for a hammock. This led us to start experimenting with and discovering our favorite hammock stands. I am now using this experience combined with the knowledge of the Backyard Boss team to share our top backyard hammock stand and portable hammock stand choices with you!

Best Heavy-Duty Double Hammock Stand

Tranquillo R9RY Universal Hammock Stand

    With a weight capacity of 550 pounds, this portable hammock stand is designed to support a double hammock in your home, your backyard, or on the go.

      Pros:

    • High weight capacity of 550 pounds
    • Offers three levels of adjustability
    • Folds up for easy travel
      Cons:

    • Shorter 9.5 feet length limits the size of hammock

Why We Like It: The Tranquillo Universal Hammock Stand offers the heavy-duty support of a double hammock stand while also folding up easily for travel or storage. With a weight capacity of 550 pounds, it can easily support two people relaxing in their favorite double hammock or a person with their dogs if that is more your style.

The stand is constructed with thick electrostatic powder-coated steel which works to protect it from the elements. The bottom of the stand includes rubber feet which both help the stability of the stand and minimize any damage when setting the stand up on the deck or indoors. The stand is adjustable with a two- and three-notch design, making it easy to set up your hammock for sitting and reading, sleeping, or any other activity. Meanwhile, the ball bearing on the hammock hook itself allows the hammock to rock back and forth smoothly with no unnecessary noises.

Who Should Buy It: This stand is a great option for anyone that is looking to enjoy their hammock with a spouse, friends, children, or their pets, requiring additional weight support.

Best Folding/Collapsible Stand

ENO Nomad Hammock Stand

    A lightweight and portable stand that can easily be set up in minutes, ideal for the beach, camping or your backyard.

      Pros:

    • Packs down to 2 feet and 8 inches, 15 pounds for travel
    • Easy to assemble and break down
      Cons:

    • Lower max weight of 300 pounds
    • Limited adjustability

Why We Like It: This hammock stand was built for campers and beachgoers that are looking for an easy-to-transport hammock stand for their outdoor adventures. Unlike the majority of hammock stands on the market, this stand folds down into a compact and lightweight storage bag, making it easy to pack with your other outdoor gear. When you arrive at your destination, the shock-corded design allows a single person to set the stand up in minutes.

While the max weight capacity of the ENO Nomad Hammock Stand is lower than the other options on our list, at 300 pounds, it can easily support a standard single hammock. The stand is 13 feet and 9 inches long when fully set up, which may require more space than other portable options. However, the crossbar can be used as an easy ridgeline for a rain fly or tarp.

Who Should Buy It: If you are looking for a hammock stand that is easy to bring along on your outdoor travels, this may be the perfect choice for you.

Best for Outdoors

Petra Leisure Steel Arc Hammock Stand

    This large traditional style hammock stand is designed to handle exposure to the elements with ease while supporting a wide variety of different hammocks.

      Pros:

    • 15-foot design accommodates most single, double or extra-large hammocks
    • Anti-rust powder-coated steel and black oxide bolts to prevent rust
      Cons:

    • Heavy weight and large size make it hard to move
    • Requires two people to assemble

Why We Like It: Traditional in design, the Petra Leisure Steel Arc Hammock Stand is designed to stand up to the elements while adding a modern statement piece to any yard or deck space. With a max weight capacity of 450 pounds and a length of 15 feet, it will easily support, single, double, and extra-large hammocks. Weighing in at 60 pounds, it can be moved around the yard with two people but is not the best choice for regular travel.

The stand is constructed with anti-rust powder-coated steel and black oxide bolts, creating a rust and corrosion-resistant structure that can be left outdoors throughout the season without concerns. Each pole is capped off with a vinyl cap that protects both the pole end and your deck.

Who Should Buy It: Hammock lovers that are looking for a hammock stand that can be set up in their yard or on their deck and left throughout the season without concern about weather damage should consider this Petra Leisure stand.

Best for Indoors

Sunnydaze Curved Wood Hammock Stand

    The Russian Pine construction of this hammock stand will look sharp in any room while supporting most single and double hammocks.

      Pros:

    • Natural looking medium-tone Russian pine hardwood with tree oil finish
    • Easy to assemble
      Cons:

    • Requires annual maintenance to upkeep wood
    • Heavy weight and large size make it hard to move

Why We Like It: This wood arc hammock stand is constructed from Russian pine hardwood and finished with a non-toxic medium-tone tree oil finish. The result is a beautiful natural wood stand that will complement nearly any home style or décor, making it a great choice for indoor use. Fully assembled, this stand is 12 feet in length and weighs approximately 50 pounds, meaning that it can be moved, however, it is not easily moved to various locations.

The Sunnydaze Curved Wood Hammock Stand is designed to fit hammock ranging from 8 feet to 11 feet long. The 400-pound max weight capacity allows it to be used with both single and double hammocks, making it a great option for relaxing with a loved one.

Unlike the steel options, wooden hammock stands do require ongoing annual maintenance. This includes coating your hammock with a good oil or clear stain each year to protect the wood’s appearance and help it to resist moisture.

Who Should Buy It: If you are searching for a hammock stand that will not only offer secure support but also add positively to your home décor, this wooden hammock stand is sure to bring lots of compliments.

Best Budget Hammock Stand

Best Choice Cotton Hammock and Steel Stand

    This low-cost tempered steel hammock stand is sturdy and easy to adjust, making it easy to get comfortable indoors or outdoors.

      Pros:

    • Low-Cost
    • Can support both single and double hammocks
    • Easy to Assemble
      Cons:

    • Weighs 30 pounds, making it heavy for travel
    • Will rust if left outdoors in the elements too long

Why We Like It: If you are looking for a highly reliable hammock stand without spending a lot, the Best Choice Cotton Hammock and Steel Stand is a great option. The stand is easy to assemble and disassemble with no tools required, which makes it easier to travel and store for the winter. With a max weight capacity of 450 pounds, it can accommodate both single and double hammocks.

In addition to the stand, Best Choice also includes a Brazilian gathered-end style double hammock and a durable carry bag to hold both hammock and stand. The cotton/polyester blend of the hammock is both breathable and weather resistant.

Who Should Buy It: The Best Choice Cotton Hammock and Steel Stand is a great option for anyone that is looking for a sturdy hammock stand at a minimal cost.

How to Pick a Hammock Stand

A woman wearing a black and white plaid shirt and jeans is laying in a blue hammock hung on a steel hammock stand next to a tree and a tent. A man in a red, black and white shirt is standing next to her drinking from a silver mug.

Image Credits: Tranquillo via Amazon

Picking the perfect hammock stand can be overwhelming due to the many different options available, but it doesn’t have to be! Take the time to consider these factors to help narrow down your list and decide.

Size

One of the first things that you need to consider when selecting a hammock stand is the size of the space that you are working with. If you have a large, open yard you will have more workable options than you would for a smaller apartment patio. The good news is that stands come in a variety of different sizes ranging from large statement pieces to space-saving options.

If you know that you are working with limited space, take the time to carefully measure it out. Then, using the information that I’ve included below, compare the measurements of the hammock stands you are considering to the measurements of your yard, deck, or indoor space.

When determining the right size, you also must consider the size of your hammock. The ideal size for a hammock stand should measure approximately 2 feet longer than the full length of your hammock with the exception of some space-saving alternatives. This means that a 10-foot hammock would require a 12-foot hammock stand.

Weight Capacity

The biggest factor to consider when determining the weight capacity for your ideal hammock stand is whether you are looking to enjoy it solo or to lounge with a loved one. Keep in mind that even children and dogs will add to this number.

Maximum weight limits range, on average, from 300 pounds to 500 pounds. Lighter and more portable stands may fall below that limit due to the materials used to keep the stand’s overall weight down. Meanwhile, heavy-duty stands (like the Tranquillo R9RY Universal Hammock Stand listed above) can often handle an even greater weight capacity.

Materials

The two common materials used for hammock stands are wood and metal including steel or, for more portable designs, aluminum. This can impact the strength of the stand, the weight, and the amount of ongoing maintenance and care required.

Most steel hammock stands are powder-coated to protect the stand against the elements and prevent rust. They are a stronger stand than the aluminum alternatives, however, they also weigh more. For this reason, aluminum stands are often preferred by those interested in traveling.

Wooden stands bring a nice natural aesthetic. They are often a preferred choice for adding décor to yards and homes. The weight capacity for these stands is comparable to a standard steel stand. The biggest difference is the ongoing maintenance. Wooden hammock stands need to be coated with oil or clear stain annually to protect them against moisture and the damage that it can cause.

Design

Just as there are many different designs and styles of hammocks, there are also many different designs of hammock stands. Deciding on the right design is largely a matter of personal preference, however, there are some additional factors to consider.

Traditional arc-style hammock stands are larger in size and weight. Due to their construction, they are harder to move, meaning that they are designed to be set up and kept in one place for longer periods of time. They are often designed to be aesthetically pleasing, adding to your home décor, and drawing compliments from your visitors.

Smaller space-saving stands and multi-use stands are often made from steel and secure your hammock while taking up as little space as possible. They are generally focused more on function than appearance, with a simple structure of steel or aluminum pieces that sit relatively close to the hammock itself to save on space.

Most hammock stands designed for hammock chairs are taller than a standard hammock stand as they suspend the hammock chair from above. This means that they need less ground space or square footage, however, you need to be mindful of roof heights or structures like pergolas.

Finally, there are hammock stands that are designed primarily for a specific style of hammock. A stand that is designed for a Brazilian gathered-end style hammock is often structured in a way that pulls the end of the hammock together to support this. If you are looking to hang a bridge-style hammock with a spreader bar, it may not fit properly in this type of stand.

Understanding the different styles of hammocks will help you to choose a hammock and stand that work together best for your comfort.

a wooden hammock stand on a stone tile patio area, holding a white rope hammock

Portability

While traditional stands are designed to be set up and remain in one spot, portable hammock stands were created with travel in mind. They are ideal for campers, beachgoers, and those that like to move around their home or backyard regularly.

These stands can be made from a wide variety of materials including wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. They are easy to set up and fold down or come apart with carrying cases or bags. The weight of these stands can vary significantly, from 50-60-pound steel stands to smaller 15-pound aluminum stands. The general rule of thumb, however, is that the lighter the hammock stand, the lower its maximum weight capacity will be.

If you are looking for a hammock stand that can easily move with you on the go but still hold a double hammock, you will likely have to sacrifice slightly and settle for a stand that weighs more during transit.

Ease of Assembly

The last factor to consider is the work that’s required to set up your new hammock stand. Smaller space-saving stands and portable stands are often designed to be put together quickly and easily without the need for tools. However, if you are considering purchasing a larger traditional hammock stand, you may want to read through the directions and consumer reviews first. Many of these stands require more assembly and may even require two people to put together.

How to Measure the Space Needed for a Hammock Stand

The biggest concern that many new hammock stand buyers have is whether the stand that they are considering will fit in their space, whether that’s a backyard, deck, or indoors in a specific room. Hammock stands are, on average, 3 to 4 feet wide and can range anywhere from 5 to 15 feet in length. This doesn't take into consideration the space that you will actually need for your hammock and stand to be functional.

As discussed above, you need to ensure that your hammock stand is, on average, 2 feet longer than the length of your hammock, but how does this translate into the space needed for the hammock and stand to work? In addition to the extra 2 feet required on length for the hammock to fit in the stand, you will also need to add extra space (approximately 1 foot) total to the length needed to allow for the function of the stand, ability for the hammock to move freely and any additional gear that may be attached to the stand that sticks out slightly like hooks for hanging purposes.

While the listing will also include a designated width, this is just the width of the widest point of the stand itself. Hammocks generally rock back and forth during use, which means that they require more room than just the width of the hammock or stand itself. There will also be additional room required for getting in and out of the hammock.  At a bare minimum, it is recommended that you have at least 2 feet additional width to allow for all of these factors.

Don’t forget to also consider the height of the stand, especially if you are considering purchasing a more traditional design.  If you are setting your hammock up outdoors free from any structure or overhang, this may not be a concern. However, if it is being set up under a patio umbrella, pergola, or roof, you need to make sure that it will fit your space. A little extra clearance will make it easier to move the stand in and out of the space if needed.

How We Picked

Hammock stands allow us to enjoy our favorite hammocks wherever we choose, including indoors, our backyards, or even during travel. Choosing the right hammock stand is important if you are going to create a comfortable place to relax as you need to find an option that suits the size and style of your hammock. This meant that we set out to find the best hammock stand for a selection of different lifestyles and uses.

We looked specifically at the quality of material and craftsmanship that went into each hammock stand, maximum weight requirements, ease of assembly and disassembly (especially for portable styles), consumer reviews, and the overall cost. With so many different great options, it wasn’t easy to pick the best. With all of this in mind, we were able to narrow our list to give great options to suit your needs.

Our Pick for Best Hammock Stand Is...

In order to choose the best hammock stand for you and your lifestyle, there are a few factors that you need to consider. This includes deciding who is going to be using the hammock (and whether you are using it together at the same time), whether you need a stand that can travel with you, and how much work you are willing to do work to maintain your stand over time.

Our favorite overall choice was the Tranquillo R9RY Universal Hammock Stand. While this stand may not be the lightest stand for travel purposes, it does fold up nicely. Unlike other portable stands that we explored, it offers a surprisingly high maximum weight capacity of 550 pounds. Additionally, it can be easily adjusted to find the perfect position to optimize your comfort.