Hammock History and Styles
Thursday, July 08, 2010 - Posted by Classy Hammocks - 0 comments
The hammock was developed in Pre-Columbian Latin America and continues to be produced widely throughout the region.  Though it is unknown who invented the hammock, many maintain that it was a device created out of tradition and need and used for sleeping or resting.
The English language derivation of hammock and various European equivalents is borrowed from the Spanish hamaca or hamac around 1700.  Hammocks were first introduced in Europe by Christopher Columbus when he brought many hammocks back to Spain from islands in the present day Bahamas.

Mayan hammocks are made on a loom and are hand woven by men, women, and children.  Hammocks are so symbolically and culturally important for the Yucatans that even the most humble of homes have hammock hooks in the walls; in rural El Salvador, a family home may have multiple hammocks strung across the main room, for use as seating, as beds, or as sleep-swings for infants.

Styles:
Current popular hammock styles include Spreader-bar (Jumbo Hammocks, Rope Hammocks, Hammock Chairs and Mayan Hammocks.  Each style is distinctive and has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.  Many hammocks come in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes ranging from a one person to two or three person.  Common dimensions for Spreader-bar and Mayan hammocks fall in a range between 11' and 14' across and 6' to 11' wide.

The spreader-bar hammock is easily recognized by wooden or metal bars at the head and foot of the hammock, spreading its width and allowing for easy access.  This style is generally considered less stable and less comfortable for sleeping than other styles.  Some are made of cotton and some are made of weather resistant soft-spun polyester.  Whether you enjoy it by yourself or with the entire family, you are sure to relax and enjoy!

The Mayan hammock is similar in form, but differs by material and construction.  The mayan hammock is made from either cotton or nylon strings that are woven to form a supportive net.  Mayan hammocks are considered by some to have the potential to be more comfortable than others as they cradle your body.


Rope Hammocks - Extremely Durable!
Thursday, July 08, 2010 - Posted by Classy Hammocks - 0 comments
We are introducing Caribbean Rope Hammocks to our site!
Our rope hammocks are constructed of heavy duty soft-spun polyester and are one of the most comfortable and extremely durable rope hammocks you'll find.
It is made of outdoor durable polyester cord and withstands high humidity, salt water air and UV rays.  Choose your rope hammock for beach houses and ocean side properties and be sure that they with withstand the weather.  We've got many colors to choose from.....coastal blue, green, light blue, mocha, orange, purple, red, tan, white and yellow so I'm sure you will find one that you like.

We also carry hammock pillows that will be the perfect compliment to your rope hammock.  Our hammock pillows also come in many coordinating colors for you to choose from.   They too are weather resistant and easy to clean.  Why not get a pillow to rest your head on as you relax in your new rope hammock!


Relaxing 101
Thursday, May 27, 2010 - Posted by Classy Hammocks - 0 comments

Need the basic steps to doing basically nothing?

Relaxing should come relatively easy, but for many people, it does not.  You need to give your brain a chance to rest once in a while, and let go of life's obligations, problems and worries....that's all part of  Relaxing 101.

One of the world's most natural tools in helping you relax, is the hammock.  It allows you to reach that peaceful state of mind that we don't get all that often.  Here are some tips that can clear your head and help you feel a spiritual connection.  
  • Take a breath of fresh air:  The more we think about our breathing, the less we think about anything else.  Whether you are sitting comfortably in your hammock chair, or lying in your jumbo hammock, just relax your face, keep your eyes open but unfocused, and breathe in and out, slowly and evenly.  Deep breathing lowers stress and heart-rate in a very healthy way.
  • Let your muscles go:  It is amazing how much our bodies try to hold us up.  Even if you feel relaxed, your muscles are probably fighting gravity.  Try this to release your muscles;  Start with your toes, and clench them as tight as you can, then let them relax.  Do this with your other leg muscles, your forehead, and even your eyes.  In the end you'll actually feel much heavier when you sink in to your hammock, as if gravity has increased, because your relieved muscles have dropped their load.
  • Stick with it:  Most meditation techniques involve a mantra of some sort.  If you concentrate on something, make it something good!  and most of all, stick with it, don't give up when your mind starts to wander or clutter up.  That is normal and it happens to everyone.
Relaxation and peace will come, even if it takes a while, and soon, you'll be in hammock heaven!


The Hammock Chair
Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - Posted by Classy Hammocks - 0 comments
The Hammock Chair has become one of the newest and best innovations in the world of hammocks. The hammock chair has only been around for approximately 25 years. The full size, or jumbo, hammock has been around for thousands of years. It is not known who invented the hammock chair, but it originates in the countryside of Nicaragua. Part of the special appeal of the hammock chair is that it is very easy to hang. For a full size hammock you need 2 suspension points, or 2 trees the perfect distance apart, or you have to cement 2 posts, etc. But for a hammock chair, all you need is one suspension point, whether it's a tree limb, the front or back porch, or even in your house. It is so versatile it can be put in small apartments, dorm rooms or even your basement recreation room. They usually run about half the price of a full size hammock.

Our Caribbean Jumbo Hammock Chair stays true to it's origin, but it has been upgraded to include a four foot wide tropical hard wood spreader bar for ample shoulder room. The spreader bar has been coated with multiple coats of marine varnish to protect it from the elements. There is also an extra long footrest so you can easily stretch out, and the body is woven of soft-spun polyester so it will not rot, mold or mildew. With all these special features, it is probably the most luxurious and comfortable hammock chair on the market today. Customer review have been consistently in the 4 to 5 star range since the introduction of this high quality product. Why not try one out today, you will not be disappointed, I can assure you.


Teak vs. Eucalyptus Wood
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - Posted by Classy Hammocks - 0 comments
Both Teak and Eucalyptus provide excellent wood for furniture. While there are a few similarities, they are vastly different in appearance, cost and availability.

Teak furniture is made of wood from the teak tree and is a dense, course-textured wood with a high oil content. It has a strong scent and is known for it's weather-resistance. It naturally deters termites.

Eucalyptus furniture is made of wood from the eucalyptus tree. Originally native to the East Coast of Australia, it is now grown in Southern US and South America. It is a reasonably priced alternative to Teak and 10-20% more dense. It earns high marks for strength, durability and offers excellent weathering characteristics. It is pinkish brown in color and turns to a reddish-brown with age and exposure to light. It's resistance to decay is relative to Teak wood.

The beautiful Eucalyptus Arc Stand offered by www.ClassyHammocks.com is constructed with stainless steel hardware for additional strength and durability. Our Eucalyptus Arc Stand is elegant in design, grand in appearance and naturally easy to maintain. Like Teak, Eucalyptus is a durable and beautiful tropical hardwood that is naturally resistant to insect infestation and damage caused by moisture. Unlike Teak, Eucalyptus trees are fast growing and more readily available; as a result, products made from Eucalyptus wood are less expensive.

We have many colors to choose from when you purchase our Hammock with Stand Sets. We also have matching pillows for added comfort. Now's the time to take a look and purchase one for your back yard oasis!