How to Measure Patio Chair Slings (One-Piece vs Two-Piece)

Learn how to measure replacement slings for patio chairs (one-piece vs two-piece) to avoid mistakes and order the right fit from American Slings. If you’ve ever ordered the “almost right” size, you already know: measuring is the whole game. This guide makes it simple—so you avoid returns, reduce mistakes, and get a clean, professional fit the first time.

At American Slings and Patio Supplies, we see the same pattern every week: the best-looking installs come from the best measurements. (And yes—American Slings and Patio Supplies can make slings for most brands/frames, but your numbers must be accurate.)

Step 0 — Identify your sling type (1 minute)

One-piece sling: one continuous piece (seat + back).
Two-piece sling: separate back sling + seat sling.

Pro tip: Don’t guess—look at the chair. If you can clearly see a seam/gap where seat ends and back begins (two separate panels), it’s usually two-piece.

Before you measure (do this first)

• Use a metal or cloth tape measure.
• Do not remove the old slings to measure (measure while installed).
• Measure in inches to the nearest 1/8″ if possible.
• Write each chair’s measurements down immediately (Chair A, Chair B, etc.).

How to measure replacement slings for ONE-PIECE sling

You’ll record 3 numbers:

1) Top Width (visible fabric only)

Place the tape where the visible material starts, stretch across to where it ends—do not include rails.

2) Bottom Width (visible fabric only)

Repeat the same method across the bottom—again, fabric only.

3) Length (measure along the rail, exclude end caps)

Place the tape at the top of the rail, keep it flush, and measure to the bottom—do not include end caps.

How to measure replacement slings for TWO-PIECE sling

You’ll record 6 numbers (3 for the back, 3 for the seat):

Back Sling (3 numbers)

1. Top Width (visible fabric only)
2. Bottom Width (visible fabric only)
3. Back Length (along the rail, exclude end caps)

Seat Sling (3 numbers)

1. Back Width (visible fabric only)
2. Front Width (visible fabric only)
3. Seat Length (along the rail, exclude end caps)

The 5 most common measuring mistakes (avoid these)

1. Measuring rail-to-rail instead of visible fabric only.
2. Including end caps in length.
3. Removing the sling first (old slings can be distorted).
4. Mixing inches with decimals (stick to one format).
5. Assuming all chairs are identical (even “same set” chairs can vary).

HOA / Hotel / Resort tip: standardize “chair batches” fast

If you’re measuring 10–200 chairs, do this:

• Create batches by model + location (Pool Deck North, Courtyard, etc.)
• Measure 3 sample chairs in the batch. If they match, measure every 5th chair for QC.
• Label chairs with painter’s tape: “Batch A-01, A-02…”
• Keep a simple log: Type (1-piece/2-piece) + widths + lengths + notes (end caps, rods, special frames)

This is how American Slings and Patio Supplies customers reduce wrong orders and speed up approvals.

Special cases (when to ask for help)

• Chairs with top and bottom rods, or unusual shapes: you may need extra guidance (and sometimes a pattern/replication approach).
• If you’re unsure, use the measuring hub and contact support before ordering.

Next step: order with confidence

Once your measurements are ready:

• Use the Measuring hub for quick reference
• Then shop Custom Patio Chair Slings and match your chair type.

American Slings and Patio Supplies serves online customers nationwide—and provides local Florida help for re-sling projects (perfect when you need a team to handle the install).

Need a quick reference before you order? Use the Measuring Your Slings hub to double-check one-piece vs two-piece measurements and avoid ordering the wrong size.

For fabric credibility (durability + care), Phifer explains the pros/cons of sling mesh and the basics of maintenance here: Outdoor Furniture Fabric for Sling Chairs (Phifer) .