Hammock Info

Hammocks are traditionally made with cotton and used only as indoor furniture extensively throughout Central and South America.

Cotton hammocks are unsuitable for outdoor use, where the natural organic fiber will mildew and rot in any damp environment. Outdoor hammocks need to be made with a good quality 100% non-organic fiber, to withstand mildew and eventual rot.

Nylon is an excellent synthetic fiber which is used extensively throughout the marine environment where it withstands sun, salt and water extremely well. Nylon has the highest tensile strength of any fiber suitable for the manufacture of 'netting' hammocks. Nylon also has the best resistance to ultraviolet deterioration from sunlight (UV stability). www.lehighgroup.com/fiber.htm

CAUTION - Some hammock manufacturers use polypropylene, but 'market' the fiber as nylon. Our experience has shown that polypropylene is not a reliable fiber for the manufacture of hammocks. Polypropylene, commonly known as 'polyprop', is a less expensive synthetic fiber and will not withstand the harsh outdoor conditions as well as nylon. Polypropylene is not as strong as nylon. It is also affected by sunlight deterioration more than any other synthetic or natural rope fiber. As a consequence of these lesser qualities, polyprop cord is the least suitable fiber for the manufacture of 'outdoor hammocks', so purchase wisely!

Telling the difference between Genuine Nylon and Polyprop cord is not easy for the layperson. It is essential therefore, to purchase your 'outdoor' netting hammocks from a reputable supplier, if you want your hammock to last outdoors.

Nylon fibers can be easily dyed to produce the range of fashionable colored hammocks offered by Hammock World.