HANGING OUT/ Backyard hammocks suspend hectic week for many

When Alcibiades, a student of Socrates, invented the hammock around 450 B.C., philosophers the world over must have stomped their sandaled feet and screamed to the gods, "Why didn't I think of that? "

Because of their sinful comfort, hammocks are often associated with leisurely tropical vacations and overpriced island resorts. But for suburban dwellers, the outdoor beds can provide a welcome change of pace from basic patio furniture.

So if the last time you rested on a hammock was during a 1985 trip to Hawaii, you might want to consider reliving the memories in your own back yard.

"I think the hammock is the ultimate sign of relaxation and success," said Doug Neilsen, president of Hammocks.com. "Hammock owners take in and enjoy the environment they've created in their own home."

Matt LeMaster of Ahwatukee Foothills, Ariz., enjoys the environment he's created in his back yard. And he uses it frequently to take a sweet sigh of relief.

Hung between a canary palm tree and a pole, the hammock is the most popular meeting spot during backyard get-togethers, LeMaster said.

"That's the first place (my friends) go to," LeMaster said. "There's always people on the hammock."

Cotton-rope hammocks such as LeMaster's are the most popular choice.

"Everybody has their own picture of what they think a hammock is," Neilsen said. "Clearly, I think a lot of people associate the traditional rope hammock with what a hammock is."

And unlike many outdoor fixtures, cotton-rope hammocks stay cool.

Lori Osiecki's charming back yard in Mesa, Ariz., mostly caters to her children, age 6 and 9. One of their favorite items is the rope hammock that hangs between a concrete pillar and a tree.

"My kids think they are part of some kind of ride," said Osiecki.

Because the Osiecki hammock goes through a lot of wear and tear, the family replaces it often. Neilsen said an important part of maintaining a hammock is proper care.

"It's kind of like a car. Some people wash their car every day, some people never wash it," he said.

"A hammock can last a long time or you can replace it every season. How you take care of it will affect its life."

In addition to the traditional cotton-rope hammock, there are fabric hammocks, Mayan hammocks, hammocks made of synthetic materials, portable hammocks and indoor hammocks, among others. Cost ranges from $20 to $200.

Tempe, Ariz., resident Joseph Lewis has a canvas hammock in his back yard.

"Eventually, when I retire, I want to retire to my hammock," joked Lewis. "It's relaxing. I can sway and forget all of my problems."

Sometimes hammocks are not easy to find. Osiecki's was a gift from her in-laws, who brought it back from Poland.

For those of us who don't plan to travel overseas anytime soon, chain stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond generally carry traditional hammocks.

As for the more unusual alternatives, online resources such as www.hammocks.com, www.hatham.com and www.pawleys.com are good choices.

Q &A

Q. How far apart do the trees or points of attachment have to be?

A. From 8 to 30 feet, providing you have enough height to attach the hammock and get the proper curve you need for optimum comfort. You will need extra lengths of rope to span the distance to farther points.

Q. How high should a hammock be attached?

A. Optimum height is 6 to 8 feet for distances from 8 to 14 feet. For greater distances between points, more height may be required.

Q. Can hammocks be hooked up indoors?

A. Using hanging hardware or any strong fastener, you can screw hooks into any solid wall or ceiling stud or beam. Make sure that it is screwed in as far as it can go, and that the stud or beams are not rotting or old.

SOURCE: www.Hammocks.com

HOW TO HANDLE A HAMMOCK

String a hammock between any two solid points (including fence posts, trees, garage, house) using heavy-duty screw hooks and/or high- test marine nylon rope (for larger distances). A gentle curve with the center about 2 to 2 1/2 feet above the ground is ideal. For indoor applications, be sure the hooks are inserted directly into the wall or ceiling studs.

When entering a hammock, center yourself with your back facing the hammock. Grasp one-third to one-half of the far side of the hammock so the center is exposed and flat. With the other hand, hold the closer portion firmly and sit down gently in the center while holding the backside up behind you. Lie back until the hammock is taut and your back is well-supported. Lift your legs and bend your knees, then place your feet on the edge of the hammock. Stretch out.

Lying diagonally allows you to lie flatter and is thus the ideal siesta position. Avoid wearing footwear and beware of buttons, zippers, buckles and any sharp protruding object that may snag or break hammock strings. Avoid direct sunlight, rain or snow to give your hammock greater longevity. Fading may occur.

To clean, hand rinse with cold mild detergent or soap while hanging, or in a bucket, keeping the end loops separated and outside the bucket. Never use bleach. Rinse well and hang dry.

SOURCE: www.Hammocks.com

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