Replace fabric on a patio sling chair.
Your patio chairs still have strong frames, but the fabric is faded, sagging, or torn. Do you really need to replace the entire set?
Good news: you can just replace the fabric on your patio sling chair and give your furniture a second life.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to replace the fabric on a patio sling chair, what tools you need, and how to order custom replacement slings from American Slings—so you get a perfect fit without guesswork.
Is It Worth Replacing the Fabric on a Patio Sling Chair?
Before you start, it’s natural to ask: is it even worth it?
In many cases, the metal or aluminum frames of quality patio furniture are built to last for years, sometimes decades. What usually fails first is the sling fabric—it stretches, fades, or tears after years of sun, rain, pool water, and daily use. Replacing the fabric instead of the entire chair lets you:
- Save money compared to buying a brand-new set
- Keep your heavy-duty frames that are still in great shape
- Upgrade the look with fresh, modern fabrics
- Reduce waste by refurbishing instead of throwing away
Companies like American Slings & Patio Supplies have specialized in replacement slings, straps, parts, and supplies since 2008, focusing exactly on this kind of repair.
If your frames are structurally sound, replacing the fabric on your patio sling chair is almost always worth it.
What You Need to Replace Patio Sling Chair Fabric
To replace the fabric on a patio sling chair, gather a few basic tools and parts:
Tools
- Screwdriver or Allen key (to loosen the sling rails)
- Pliers
- Utility knife
- Rubber mallet (optional, for stubborn parts)
- Work gloves (recommended
Parts
- Custom replacement sling (made to your chair’s measurements or brand)
- New sling spline (the plastic rod that slides into the side hem of the sling fabric)
- Replacement end caps or rail caps if your old ones are cracked or missing
At American Slings, you can order:
- Custom chair slings
- Chaise slings
- Loveseat and ottoman slings
- Replacement parts like end caps and more
How to Measure Your Patio Sling Chair Correctly
The most important part of replacing fabric on a patio sling chair is getting the measurements right. Incorrect measurements can result in slings that are too loose or too tight.
General measuring guidelines:
- Measure the width
- Measure from outside channel to outside channel of the two sling rails, across the seating area.
- Measure to the nearest 1/8″ or 1/4″.
- Measure the length
- For one-piece chairs, measure from the top of the back to the end of the seat along the sling.
- For two-piece chaise loungers, measure the back and seat sections separately.
- Note the number of pieces
- Single-piece sling (common on standard chairs).
- Two-piece sling (common on chaise lounges and recliners).
- Check spline size
- Many replacement systems use 1/4″ (0.250″) spline, but check what your manufacturer or supplier recommends.
💡 Tip: It’s often best to measure while the old sling is still installed on the chair, as old fabric can stretch when removed.
On your site, you can link this section to a dedicated page such as “How to Measure Your Slings” with illustrations or photos
How to Remove the Old Sling Fabric Safely
Now it’s time to remove the old sling.
- Remove the end caps
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or pliers to gently pry off the plastic end caps from the sling rails.
- Save them if they’re in good shape, or plan to replace them with new ones.
- Loosen or remove the sling rails
- Loosen the bolts that hold the sling rails to the chair frame.
- You may need to completely remove one or both rails to slide the fabric out.
- Cut and remove the old sling
- Use a utility knife to cut the old sling down the middle.
- Pull each side out of its channel, along with the old spline.
- Old fabric and spline can be brittle and break into pieces—this is normal. Patio Direct Online+1
Wear gloves and take your time. Very old slings can be stubborn, but once they’re out, the hardest part is done.
How to Install the New Sling Fabric
Here’s where your custom replacement sling does the heavy lifting.
- Insert the spline into the new sling
- Feed the spline through the side hems of the new sling fabric.
- Make sure the spline runs smoothly end to end.
- Slide the sling into the first rail
- Start at one end and feed the sling (with spline) into the channel of the first sling rail.
- Keep the fabric straight and untwisted as you slide it through.
- Attach the rail and install the second side
- Temporarily attach the first rail back to the chair frame (loose bolts).
- Slide the other edge of the sling into the second rail while it’s still off the frame.
- Once the fabric is installed in both rails, reattach and tighten both rails evenly.
- Adjust the tension
- As you tighten the bolts, gently pull the fabric toward the ends of the rails to remove wrinkles.
- Ensure the sling is centered and evenly tensioned along the whole chair.
If your chair has spreader bars, you may need to gently flex the frame to reinstall them—this part can take some muscle, but it’s what keeps the sling fabric tight.
Trim & Finish the Sling
You’re almost done replacing the fabric on your patio sling chair.
- Trim excess spline
- Use a utility knife or side cutters to trim any spline sticking out of the channel.
- Reinstall end caps
- Tap the plastic end caps back into place (a rubber mallet helps if they’re tight).
- Replace any broken caps with new ones sized for your rail.
- Final inspection
- Sit in the chair and check comfort and firmness.
- Look for wrinkles or loose areas—slight adjustments on the bolts or gentle fabric pulling can help smooth things out.
Now your patio sling chair fabric is fully replaced and ready for many more seasons of use.
What Kind of Fabric Is Best for Patio Sling Chairs?
Not all fabrics are created equal. When you replace the fabric on a patio sling chair, you want materials designed for outdoor performance:
Look for:
- UV-resistant fabric to reduce fading
- Mold and mildew resistance
- Quick-drying mesh suitable for poolside and patio use
- Durable weave that supports body weight without sagging
American Slings offers a large selection of outdoor sling fabrics, including many popular patterns and textures, so you can match your existing set or completely refresh your outdoor space.
Is It Cheaper to Replace Slings or Buy New Patio Chairs?
In most situations, replacing the fabric is significantly cheaper than buying new furniture—especially if you invested in quality frames.
When you replace fabric on a patio sling chair with custom slings:
- You keep your strong, durable frames
- You pay only for fabric and parts
- You avoid the cost and hassle of shopping, delivery, and assembly
With custom slings, straps, and parts available and made-to-order in the USA, American Slings helps homeowners get a high-end result without the high-end replacement price.
Can You Replace Patio Sling Fabric Yourself—or Should You Hire a Pro?
Most homeowners with basic tools and patience can replace the fabric on a patio sling chair themselves. It’s a medium-level DIY project:
You should be comfortable with:
- Using hand tools (screwdriver, pliers, utility knife)
- Taking careful measurements
- Applying some force to remove old parts and install spreader bars
If you prefer not to DIY, you can still order custom replacement slings and have a local handyman, furniture repair shop, or patio specialist install them for you. Many people choose this option but still save money compared to buying all-new chairs.
Where to Order Custom Replacement Slings for Patio Chairs
Ready to replace the fabric on your patio sling chair?
At American Slings & Patio Supplies, you’ll find:
- Custom patio chair slings made to your measurements
- Replacement slings for chairs, chaises, loveseats, and ottomans
- Replacement parts like sling rail end caps
- Helpful customer support and how-to resources, including video tutorials on sling installation
Next Steps
- Measure your patio sling chair using our measuring guide.
- Choose your sling fabric from our outdoor fabric collections.
- Order your custom replacement sling online.
- Install it yourself or share this guide with your handyman.
Your frames are still good—they just need new slings.
Instead of saying goodbye to your favorite patio set, give it a fresh look and many more years of comfort.
FAQ
Q1. How do you replace the fabric on a patio sling chair?
To replace the fabric on a patio sling chair, remove the end caps and loosen the sling rails, cut and slide out the old sling, then install a custom replacement sling with new spline into the rails, reattach everything, and trim the excess spline.
Q2. Can you replace the fabric on a sling patio chair yourself?
Yes. With basic tools and careful measuring, most homeowners can replace the fabric on a sling patio chair themselves. If you prefer, you can still order custom slings and have a handyman install them.
Q3. Is it cheaper to replace slings or buy new patio chairs?
In most cases, it’s cheaper to replace the slings, especially if your frames are sturdy. Custom replacement slings cost less than a full new patio set and give your furniture a like-new look.
Q4. What kind of fabric is best for patio sling chairs?
The best fabric for patio sling chairs is UV-resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant, quick-drying outdoor mesh designed to handle sun, rain, and regular use.
Q5. How long do patio sling chairs last before the slings need replacing?
Depending on sun exposure, climate, and usage, sling fabric often needs replacing every several years, while the frames can last much longer if they’re high quality.
Q6. Where can I order custom replacement slings for my patio chairs?
You can order custom replacement slings online from American Slings & Patio Supplies, which offers made-to-measure slings, replacement parts, and helpful installation resources.