I have had this stand for almost 2 years. I love the look, strength and price on this stand. I paid a fraction of the cost that other dealers wanted, though shipping was expensive because of its weight. The item sells at $130 and shipping was $77. I hated paying almost the same in shipping as the item, but other sites sell this for $300 - $600.We brought the stand in for the winter last year, but didn't have room this year during the winter. I can see the polyurethane is starting to peel up, and we may have to re-coat it before next winter in order to keep the wood protected, but that seems to be the only effect. I would definitely recommend this item at the price I paid.In reading other reviews, I realized that their comments were correct, the hammock itself is cheaply made, and will not hold up. However, I have bought EXPENSIVE cotton hammocks, and they all say DO NOT LEAVE OUT IN THE RAIN, etc. Well, I don't know anyone OCD enough to run out every time it rains to bring the hammock in, so they ALL wear out fairly quickly. After years of buying hammocks, I did the smart thing: at the end of the season I purchased a decent polypropylene hammock (Lowes had a nice one)for a very reasonable price. I chose to buy green, as it is not as obvious that it is not cotton, and the green doesn't show stains like the white cotton does. The good polypropylene ones are soft and wear like iron even if outside for 6 months. Check Pawley's Island as well-they sell poly hammocks too. Mine is still like new and we are going on the third summer with it. I purchased this stand for the price of the stand, not for the hammock. If you want the look of a curved cypress stand, you won't find it cheaper anywhere. Also, comments are correct, some double hammocks are too long for this stand, but I am pretty sure in the specs it tells you what size hammock will work. The one at Lowes fits just fine, and it is the double size hammock. If you are large or heavy, you will have to use much less chain to keep it off the ground when laying in it.UPDATE: Going into 3rd summer,no problems w/stand or poly hammock. Still looks great and I expect the hammock to last through the summer without a problem.