Hammock Size
Your new hammock may measure shorter than the size listed when taken fresh from the package. This is because, while in storage, the rope has relaxed and thickened. It will stretch to its proper length after a short time in use. You will probably have to get in and out of the hammock a couple of times to make adjustments to the hanging hardware before it conforms to your personal preference. A large hammock has a board that is 5’ wide while a small hammock’s board is only 4’.
Location
Your Good Life hammock is versitile! Although traditionally swung between two big trees, you can also hang it between posts set in the ground, on a porch or on a hammock stand. (Available from us)
Safety First
For your safety and comfort, please read and observe all the precautions listed within. Use only hardware strong enough for the purpose, such as 3/8″ steel hooks and welded steel chain. (Available from us)
Hanging Points
It’s easiest to hang your hammock in a space at least a foot longer than the overall length listed for the hammock. If you have less space, try hanging the hammock higher than the height recommended below. The hardware to hang your hammock should ordinarily be mounted five to six feet off the ground. You may wish to hang it higher or lower depending on the distance between your supports and on your personal preference.
Installing Hooks
Make certain the wooden supports you are using are strong enough. We recommend trees or posts be a minimum of 6″ in diameter or 4″ X 6″ in size. Do not use wood supports which are cracked, split or rotten or which are too soft to properly hold the screw hooks. Drill a pilot hole where you want your hooks. This pilot hole should be approximately 1/2 the diameter of the screw of the hook. For example, if the hook is 3/8″ in diameter, then the pilot hole should be approximately 3/16″. Screw the hook into the pilot hole. Be sure to set the screw deep enough that the eye is against the wood but do not overtighten the screw or allow the hook assembly or eye screw to be twisted or bent. Install screw hooks only on the side of the tree or post facing the hammock. Your hammock should not pull sideways on the hook.
Installing the Hammock
Use one or two lengths of chain and S-hooks as necessary to reach between the hammock and the hooks. It is normal for your new hammock to stretch considerably when it is first used. As it stretches out to its full length, take up the slack in the chain. Do not wrap chain around the hook. Do not allow chain to become twisted between the hook assembly and the ring of the hammock. Either of these conditions may damage or weaken the chain.
Using Posts to Hang Your Hammock
Setting posts in the ground allows you to install your hammock wherever you like, even if you don’t have trees. If you only have one tree it is also possible to use a post for the other side. It is recommended that the posts be 4″ x 6″ or 6″ x 6″ in size and about 8’ long. These should be available from your local lumber yard. For a large hammock you should dig the post holes at least 15’ apart and for a small hammock they should be at least 13’ apart. It is always better that the supports be farther apart than to have them too close together. Post holes should be dug about three feet deep. Insert the posts and carefully back-fill the holes with concrete. Remove air pockets. Wait at least 48 hours to allow the concrete to set before hanging your hammock. Install the hooks on the posts about 4 1/2 to 5 feet above the ground.
Safe Use of Your Hammock
Follow installation directions carefully. Prior to each use, inspect your chair, hardware, installation points and objects supporting your hammock for wear or weakness. Proceed carefully and take your time getting into and out of your hammock. Swing gently. The hammock is not a playground swing and excessive swinging and other rough play may result in falls and may wear out your hammock and hardware prematurely. Small children should not play unsupervised in your hammock. Maximum safe weight limit is 450 lbs.
Hammock Cleaning
The synthetic rope of your hammock is washable with warm water and a mild detergent or soap. Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners or bleach. Rinse well and dry it thoroughly before storage.
The Wood Finish
Your hammock’s spreader boards are solid white oak. Left alone they will weather to a natural barn grey. If you prefer to keep the attractive look of finished wood, we recommend you re-varnish it frequently (every six months of outdoor use). We used a gloss marine spar varnish on it originally so you may wish to continue with a similar product.
Caring for Your Hammock
Under normal use, your hammock will last for years. You can increase its useful life by putting it away during seasons when it’s not in use (always store it dry), hanging it where it will be shaded most of the day, and protecting it from dogs, rodents and other animals which might chew or nest in the rope. Do not underestimate the ability of squirrels and chipmunks to get onto the hammock and chew the rope. Also, do not underestimate the ability of mice to get into the hammock during storage in a garage or barn and to make nests in the hammock with the rope. Do not run over the hammock with lawn mowers. Do not tie pet dogs within reach of the hammock.
Repairs or Replacement
At Good Life Products, we are committed to offering the highest quality products at fair prices. We guarantee all of our products against defects in workmanship and materials (not including damage due to misuse or abuse) for 1 year from date of purchase. If a manufacturing defect becomes evident within a year of purchase, we will repair or replace your hammock at no charge (excluding shipping costs). After one year we will repair your hammock (when possible) for a small charge. The white oak spreader bars are guaranteed against breakage for as long as the rope is in usable condition and the wood has been revarnished every year according to directions. Not varnishing the spreader bars each and every year invalidates free replacement warranty on them. Many repairs are possible to be done by you at home. Please do not send products back to us without calling for approval and shipping directions first. We will give you a full credit (excluding shipping costs) if the product is unrepairable and is within the warranty period.