Patio Sling Store - One Piece Chair Sling - Chair Care Patio - Replacement Outdoor Furniture Slings and Parts

Sling Measuring Instructions

Click Here to download a PDF version of the How To Measure for Slings instructions listed below. To download a reader for PDF documents, click the Adobe Acrobat link provided below.

All replacement slings produced at Chair Care Patio are made to customer specifications. Due to this fact, sling measurements need to be taken by the customer as accurately as possible. These instructions will provide you with the necessary details on how to take and accurate measurement of your outdoor patio furniture.

Chair Care Patio recommends always measuring the actual chair frame whenever possible. Measuring existing slings removed from the chair frame typically wields inaccurate measurements as the sling has already been stretched and worn. Measurements may be taken on the chair frame with either the original sling installed or removed. However, in order to achieve accurate results, it is imperative that the rails of the frame and all spreader bars be intact and tightened before measuring.

Chair Care Patio requires all customers seeking replacement slings to provide the length and width of the chair frame.

Measuring Length
	To arrive at the length, measure the length of the sling rail from top to bottom using a cloth measuring tape. Be sure that the measuring tape rests along the bend of the chair rail and does not move out of position while measuring. Note: When measuring a chaise lounge, it is best to measure the length of the sling along the chaise rail. Chaise lounge bottom slings are not always made to fit along the entire length of the sling rail.
Measuring Width
	In order to obtain the width of the chair frame, a measurement must be taken from center rail to center rail of the chair frame. Imagine a center line that runs the length of the slot in the chair rail. This is the center point of the rail. Measure from one center point to the opposite. When measuring the frame for width three measurements should be taken. Chair Care Patio has found it is best to measure in areas where the bolts and spreader bars are attached. For instance, on a chair frame, measure the back of the chair where the bolts attach, the seat of the chair, and the front of the chair where the bolts attach near the knees. Please do not provide measurements taken from the very top of the chair rails as they tend to naturally flair out overtime. Always measure at least five inches down from the top of the chair frame. Take the average of the three measurements and round to the nearest eighth of an inch and this will be the width. If your chair has a slight taper of a quarter inch of less from top to bottom keep in mind that this is most likely due to the natural movement of the sling rails. Chair Care Patio recommends that customers provide one overall measurement as often as possible as most chair frames/slings are made square with the exception of a few with evident tapers of a half inch or more. Be sure to measure all chairs in your set as some of them may differ in size. If the size varies by a random quarter or eighth of an inch here and there please provide an average overall measurement for all pieces in the set as they should be made at one standard size. Replacement slings are non-returnable and non-refundable if made to your specifications. Make certain that the measurements you provide are accurate before placing an order. Remember, measure twice, cut once. All measurements should be made to the nearest eighth inch at all times. Do not make any adjustments to the measurements that you take. Chair Care Patio will add the necessary seam allowances for the length and width.

Contact Us
If you have any questions about this procedure, please give us a call at:
214-638-6416 Our hours are M-F 8:00 am - 4:00 p.m. CST.

Sling Chair Install Process

Click Here to download a PDF version of the How To Install Slings instructions listed below. To download a reader for PDF documents, click the Adobe Acrobat link provided below.

Tools You Need
	-hammer -pliers -wire cutters or scissors -ratchet and socket or allen wrench -utility knife -flat head screw driver -watered down dish soap -penetrating oil Note: Take careful note of how your chair comes apart. If you own a digital camera it would be beneficial to take photos of your chair before disassembling.
Remove the End Caps
	Using a flat head screw driver or pliers, gently remove the plastic end caps from both ends of the sling rails. Be careful when removing your old end caps, they are often dry, brittle and break easily.
Remove the Old Sling Material
	The easiest way to remove the old sling is to slice it down the middle using a utility knife or heavy duty scissors. If you choose not to destroy your old slings by cutting them in half, unbolt both sling rails before proceeding.
	It is not uncommon for the sling to be wedged inside the sling rail. Using both hands, break the sling free by pushing it back inside the sling rail.
	Spray the edge of the sling rail with watered down dish soap. The soap helps to loosen the old material from the sling rail, making it easier to remove. Give the soap a minute or two to absorb before proceeding. Grasp the sling by hand or using a pair of pliers and strip it from the sling rail.
	If the sling does not detach, break the fabric loose with a flat head screw driver.
Remove Hardware
	One or both of the sling rails will be attached to chair frame with bolts. Using the appropriate tool, remove all bolts (typically 4-6). If your bolts prove difficult to remove, spray them with a penetrating oil (Liquid Wrench, NAPA 6300). The oil will help to loosen any rust or corrosion on the bolt. Let the oil soak for at least an hour before proceeding. Save bolts and any other hardware for reinstallation. If your bolts are bent or rusty it is a good idea to replace them.
Insert Sling Spline
	The slings will be shipped without the plastic sling spline installed. Insert the sling spline in to each side of the sling. The spline will be longer than necessary; do not trim away the excess until later in the installation process. If you are having trouble inserting the sling spline, try sharpening the end in a pencil sharpener. A pointed end tends to slide easier.
Insert Material Into the Sling Rails
	Before sliding the sling into the rail, make sure the rails are in the same position as they were before they were removed. Slide the fabric through the sling rails making sure to keep the "Chair Care” tag at the top of the chair as this differentiates the top and bottom of the sling.
Start All Bolts
	Place the sling rails with the newly installed sling onto the chair frame. Line up the holes and finger-tighten all of the bolts.
Tighten Bottom Bolts
	Starting with the bottom of the chair, pull the sling until it is even with both sling rails. Once the sling is flush with BOTH sling rails, tighten only the two bottom bolts. This will keep the bottom of the sling tight and in place.
Stretch the Sling Material and Tighten
	Eliminate any wrinkles left in the bend of the seat by stretching the fabric upward. Note: It may be helpful to use a pair of clamps to hold the fabric as it tends to slip back down the sling rail. If you do not have clamps available, having someone to help with this step may prove useful. Position yourself behind the chair. Using pliers, stretch the sling upward to the edge of the sling rail so that both fabric and sling rail are even. At this point, use clamps or have someone hold the sling in place while you tighten the remaining bolts. The sling should now be tight and free of wrinkles.
Install Spreader Bar
	If your chair was equipped with spreader bars they must be reinserted. Flip your chair upside down being careful not to scratch the arms. Try bending the spreader bar over your knee just enough to allow the spreader bar to fit in to place. If you cannot bend the spreader bar, a spreader tool will be needed to spread the slings rails apart allowing room for the spreader bar. If needed a spreader tool can be ordered from our website, ChairCarePatio.Com
	Once the spreader bar is in place, hit the center of the bar with a rubber mallet until tight.
Cut Excess Spline and Re-Install End Caps
	Cut all excess sling spline with scissors or pliers and re-install end caps into sling rails by carefully tapping them in with a rubber mallet.

Contact Us
If you have any questions about this procedure, please give us a call at
214-638-6416 Our hours are M-F 8:00 am - 4:00 p.m. CST.

How do I measure my furniture for new replacement slings?

I don't know my original model number or who made my patio furniture?

Can I send you my old sling for measurements?

The width measurement on the top and bottom of my chair differs by almost an inch.

How long does it take to ship my replacement sling order?

Are replacement slings hard to install?

Do I need any special tools to install my new patio chair slings?

What kind of material are replacement slings made of?

How long with the replacement sling fabric last?

Can I get fabric swatches before I order?

Can you match my existing sling fabric?

Can I send you a piece of my old sling so you can match the fabric?

Can I order the sling fabric by the yard so I can make my own slings?

Do I have to measure both slings on my loveseat glider?

I only need to order the bottom piece of my 2 piece chaise lounge sling.

I only need to order the bottom piece of my 2 piece patio chair sling.

Are replacement slings made by Chair Care Patio sewn on all sides?

Is it worth replacing the slings on my patio furniture?

Do I receive new plastic slings rods with my replacement sling order?

My plastic rods I received are not the same size as my original ones.

How should I clean my patio sling furniture?

What if my replacement slings don't fit when I get them?

I just received my sling and the length is not correct.

My patio chair has a welded spreader bar in the back.

How do I measure my furniture for new replacement slings?

How do I measure my furniture for new replacement slings?

Measuring the frame is the most important part of the replacement sling ordering process. You will find detailed measuring instructions with pictures that explain how to accurately measure the patio chair or patio chaise lounge frame. Most replacement patio chair slings are inserted into a rail that is subsequently bolted to the frame of the patio chair or chaise with bolts. Imagine a centerline running down the middle of that rail. We need you to measure from center to center on the top and bottom of the chair as well as the length. To make a new replacement slings, we need three measurements from the patio chair or chaise lounge frame. If you have a one piece patio sling chair, 3 measurements will be required. If you have a sling style chaise lounge with a separate piece of material for the top and bottom of the chaise lounge, 6 measurements will be taken on the chaise lounge frame. Please measure to the closest 1/8". Do not measure the old sling. This is not an accurate measurement as slings can stretch and change shape over time. Chair Care Patio will add the necessary fabric for seam allowances as well as the fabric inside the sling rail. We also take into consideration the replacement sling fabric you choose as certain outdoor sling fabrics stretch more than others. Please do not add anything to your measurements. You can find detailed instructions on how to measure for patio furniture replacement slings on our website in the how to section.

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I don't know my original model number or who made my patio furniture?

Don't worry! You don't need to know your original model number to order replacement slings from Chair Care Patio. All we ask is that you take a few simple measurements on your chair frame. By measuring the actual patio chair or chaise lounge frame we can make a replacement sling that fits. When ordering by part number, you take the chance of ordering incorrectly. Chair Care Patio will take the frame measurements and add the necessary seam allowances as well as account for the material that is inside of the sling rail. Please see our detailed instructions on how to measure.

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Can I send you my old sling for measurements?

Thank you but, no! Please don't send us an old sling for us to measure. It is not an accurate measurement. Old slings can stretch or bag out over time. If we measure an old sling, we take the risk of the sling being too big. We prefer that you measure the frame of your patio sling chair or patio sling chaise with the old sling installed. The sling rails should be tightly attached to the frame. Please see our replacement sling measuring instructions for detailed information. If you are still unsure of how to measure, please call us and we will try to help you.

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The width measurement on the top and bottom of my patio chair differs by almost an inch.

If you find that the top width and bottom width measurements vary but almost an inch, and your furniture is 15-20 years old, you may have Woodard Margarita or Sea Isle, which was actually a tapered sling. PIease call our office and ask for customer service. We can assist you in determining if you have this old style furniture. You will need to take some additional measurements on you sling chair so we can make a new replacement sling that will have a slight taper.

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How long does it take to ship my replacement sling order?

Single layer replacement sling orders are processed within 10-15 working days plus ship time. Shipping time with UPS ground is 3-5 working days. Choosing a faster shipping method will not make your sling order process any faster. Sling orders are processed in the order they are received. During peak summer season, leads times may vary. Please plan ahead for any parties or events. During peak season we cannot accommodate rush orders.

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Are replacement patio slings hard to install?

Some people find patio sling installation a breeze while others find it a bit difficult. It's really depends on your comfort level with do-it-yourself projects using a few simple hand tools. On a scale of 1-10, replacement sling installation is about a 5 or 6. The average homeowner should have no problem disassembling their patio furniture and installing new slings. We provide some generic instructions on this website, which will give you a general idea of how patio chair slings are installed. Please read the instruction before placing your order to determine whether do-it-yourself sling installation is a project you want to tackle. Click here to find general information on how to install patio furniture replacement slings from Chair Care Patio.

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Do I need any special tools to install my new slings?

This truly depends on the type of furniture you have. In addition to some simple hand tools that most homeowners already have, Chair Care Patio offers 2 levels of sling installation tools on our website. Both tools help you to spread the sling rails apart long enough to get the stabilizer or spread bar back in place at the back of the chair frame. The smaller tool is adequate for the average homeowner patio sling installation. The larger pipe spreader tool is designed for commercial users doing large quantities of installations. You can see how the small spreader tool is used by viewing our sling installation instructions. Both patio sling installation tools can be purchased online when placing your sling order.

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What kind of material are replacement slings made of?

Designed for your distinctive life-style, our replacement slings fabrics meet the highest quality standards of the casual furniture industry. Our replacement sling fabric collection offers you a colorful selections of stripes, solids and elegant jacquard designs to give your outdoor patio furniture a distinctive look an feel. Using only the finest in American-made raw materials, our outdoor fabric collection includes top quality sling fabrics that will be strong, long lasting and durable, season after season. Woven from all-weather, vinyl-coated polyester yarn, our replacement sling fabric collection is the perfect fabric choice for replacement slings as well as outdoor patio cushions and patio umbrellas. With over 80 beautiful colors and designs to choose from, our sling fabrics offer extreme durability, and endless choices for you to mirror your own personal backyard style!

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How long with the replacement sling outdoor fabric last?

Most American made outdoor patio furniture manufacturers will give you a one year warranty on the sling fabric itself. The warranty usually covers seams ripping or flaws in the fabric. Warranties usually DO NOT COVER fading of the fabric. There is no way to give a firm time line on how long your sling will last as each customer will expose their patio sling furniture to different factors which can affect the life span of the sling material. It has been our experience that a quality American made replacement sling supplied from the original manufacturer can last on average 3-5 years. We have also seen some customers get as much as 8-10 years out of their sling material as well. The amount of exposure to the UV rays of the sun and how often the furniture is cleaned can affect the life span of the sling material.

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Can I get sling fabric swatches?

We realize that colors are very difficult to view on your computer monitor. Chair Care Patio takes the guess work out of which sling fabric to choose by offering our replacement sling customer FREE replacement sling fabric samples prior to ordering. When viewing our replacement sling fabric collection, our website allows customer to order free fabric sample. Replacement slings are NOT RETURNABLE due to incorrect color choose. So we strongly encourage you to order sling fabric samples in advance. Our handy online sling fabric sample request form makes it easy for everyone. Complete the information and select your sling fabric samples. (a limit of 4 please) We will get those out to you by US Mail ASAP! Click here to view our replacement sling fabric selection and order free fabric samples. Remember, this is a FREE service we offer and we will get your samples in the mail as quickly as possible.

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Can you match my existing sling fabric?

Unfortunately most patio sling fabrics used by the OEM's are proprietary to their line of products. In other words, we are unable to purchase original sling fabrics on a bulk basis from the manufacturer of the fabric. They are the property and design of the patio furniture manufacturer such as Brown Jordan, Winston, Woodard or Agio. In addition, patio furniture manufacturer’s will discontinue sling fabrics from time to time. We therefore offer our own selection of top quality outdoor grade replacement sling fabrics. We are sure you can find something that will compliment your frame and outdoor decor. In addition, you are welcome to order FREE replacement sling fabric samples prior to order to ensure you are choosing a fabric that will compliment the frame color of your patio chair or chaise.

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Can I send you a piece of my old chair sling so you can match the fabric?

Please don't send us your old sling for fabric matching. It is unlikely that we have the original sling fabric offered by the original patio furniture manufacturer. You are welcome to order free fabric swatches from our website to assist you in choosing a new fabric. We are a small company and do not have the personnel available to process custom requests.

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Can I order the sling fabric by the yard so I can make my own slings?

All of our custom made sling fabric material is available for purchase by the yard and can be ordered directly on our website. See our outdoor fabric by the yard section of the website for more information. The bolt width is 54".

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Do I have to measure both slings on my loveseat glider?

It is best to take a few moments and measure both slings on a loveseat glider. It is unlikely that they are two different sizes. Ninety-nine percent of the time, loveseat glider slings will be the same size.

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I only need to order the bottom piece of my 2 piece chaise lounge sling.

No problem, just order a one-piece chair sling instead.

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I only need to order the bottom piece of my 2 piece chair sling.

No problem, just order an ottoman sling instead.

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Are the replacement slings made by Chair Care Patio sewn on all sides?

The new custom made replacement slings you receive will have a 1" hem on the top and bottom and 1 1/2" hems on either side. We use a double needle seem on all 4 sides of the replacement sling material to insure a strong and long lasting seam. We also use Gore Tenara threads, which have a lifetime warranty against deterioration.

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Is it worth replacing the slings on my patio furniture?

If you purchased better quality patio furniture from a specialty, patio furniture store, then the answer is a definite YES! Replacement slings from Chair Care Patio are cheaper than buying new furniture and an inexpensive way to protect your furniture investment. Our slings are usually less expensive than re-ordering from the furniture manufacturer. American manufacturers such as Brown Jordan, Woodard, Winston, Tropitone, Carter Grandle, Telecope, Summer Classicss are just a few of the better quality outdoor furniture manufacturers. The average price of a brand new sling style chair can range from $200 - $400 per chair. A replacement sling for $60 is well worth the investment. Usually the metal frame is in good condition and will last for many years if properly maintained. The replacement sling material will usually last 3-5 years on average and can easily and economically be replaced. Better quality patio furniture frames can also be refinished and extend the usability of your furniture investment.

If you purchased your furniture from a big box store such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Sam's, Costco, Walmart or K-Mart or similar, the answer is NO and maybe YES. Furniture purchased from discount stores is imported from China. It looks great on the surface and the price is usually very attractive to the consumer. Many times, the cost of replacement slings from Chair Care Patio will be almost as much as the original price of the set.

Import furniture from big box stores will typically last a season or two before the slings deteriorate or some of the plastic parts start to break. The frames are typically made of powder-coated aluminum and remain in fairly good condition. The unfortunate thing is that there are no replacement parts such as slings, vinyl strap, cushions or parts available in the United States to fix import furniture. The furniture is brought to the states in ocean going containers and distributed across the United States. The importer/manufacturer did not intend for this furniture to be repaired. It was meant to be thrown away at the end of it's life. Most of it ends up on the curb on trash day. Perfectly good aluminum that could be recycled, ends up in your local landfill. The importer and big box store hope you will buy yet another set to replace it.

So instead of throwing away a perfectly good aluminum chair frame, you have the option of ordering replacement slings from Chair Care Patio. It may cost you close to what you paid for the set originally. Repairing and refurbishing what you have and not contributing to the local landfill is an environmentally friendly alternative.

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Do I receive new plastic slings rods with my sling order?

All replacement slings from Chair Care Patio will include new sling rods or spline. There is no additional charge for sling spline. You do not have to order sling spline separately when ordering replacement slings from Chair Care Patio. The spline or rod is included in the price of the replacement sling. We highly recommend using new spline as the old spline or plastic rod is not as flexible and may have become dry and brittle with exposure to the elements. The new rods will be 7/32" in diameter and a bit longer than the length of your patio sling. The new rods will be soft and flexible for easy installation. Spline will not be installed into your sling. You will find it rolled up inside the package. You will need to install them along the hem of your new replacement sling when you begin the installation process. Here is a little hint: If you are having trouble threading the sling rod through the edges of the sling, sharpen one end in an old-fashioned crank pencil sharpener. The pointy end makes it easier to thread.

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My plastic rods I received are not the same size as my original ones.

Each new replacement sling from Chair Care Patio is sent with medium size sling rod which is 7/32" in diameter. This is the most common diameter used by patio furniture manufacturers. However, some brands of outdoor sling furniture may have used a larger or smaller diameter rod. If you need a different size rod, please contact us at 1-866-638-6416. We have 2 additional spline diameters available and would be glad to send whatever you need to complete the installation.

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How should I clean my patio sling furniture?

Never use bleach based products on your patio slings or dip the sling chairs in your pool to clean them. The chlorine will cause your sling material to fade and dry out prematurely. You should use a mild cleaner/degreaser such as Fantastic, 409 or Simple Green. Even dish soap will work. Your goal is to remove the dirt, body oils, sun tan lotions, bird droppings etc from the fabric. In combination with the UV rays of the sun, body oils and suntan lotion can cause the fabric to discolor and stain. Use a soft bristled brush and gently scrub the sling fabric. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Chair Care Patio also offers a great cleaner called Casual Clean that is specifically made to clean vinyl strap and outdoor sling fabric. You can find this on our website in the miscellaneous parts section.

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What if my patio chair or chaise slings don't fit when I get them?

We want you to be happy and successful with your replacement sling installation. Please call us if the slings don't fit properly. If we made a mistake, we will gladly make new slings without question. If your measurements were wrong we would gladly work with you to adjust the slings if possible. Our goal is to make sure you are happy with our products and service. We won't leave you hanging! We'll find a mutually agreeable solution if there is a problem with your slings.

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I just received my sling and the length is not correct.

If your slings are too short or too long in length, please contact our customer service department at 1-866-638-6416. We can usually adjust the length as needed.

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My chair has a welded spreader bar in the back.

If you chair has a spreader bar in the back that is welded to the frame and can not be removed, please call Chair Care Patio before you place your sling order. This will be a very difficult installation for the average homeowner and we do not recommend ordering replacement slings from us unless you have a professional experienced sling installer to assist you.

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How do I measure my furniture for new replacement slings?

For full instructions on how to measure your furniture for new replacement slings go to our "How To Measure Slings" page at this link.

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Click Here to download a PDF version of Spreader Tool Operating Instructions below. To download a reader for PDF documents, click the Adobe Acrobat link provided below.

Spreader Tool Operating Instructions

	Chair Care Patio furniture repair makes it easy for anyone to replace the slings on their outdoor patio chairs. One of the most common problems during a typical sling chair installation is not being able to reinstall the spreader bars into the chair frame after installing a new sling. Due to the new sling being tightly installed, it is not uncommon to have trouble reinstalling the original spreader bars into the sling chair frame. The spreader tool offered by Chair Care Patio furniture repair allows our customers to effortlessly reinstall stubborn spreader bars back into the chair frames.
	The Chair Care Patio spreader tool operates on two threads working against each other when turning the center tube. Open the spreader tool by turning the threads on both ends so that it sits comfortably between the two sling rails. Try to the position the spreader tool as close as possible to the holes in the sling rail where the spreader bar will be installed.
	Once in position, place the clamps over the angled brackets on each side of the spreader tool. The clamps help prevent the angle brackets from turning during operation.
	Use a ¾" open end wrench to turn the center tube. While turning the center tube, the threads on each of the spreader tool will begin to work opposite from each other, spreading the chair rails. Keep turning the center tube until the sling chair rails have spread just enough to allow the spreader bar to fit into place. The sling materials offered by Chair Care Patio furniture repair will stretch, however, take care not to overspread the chair rails as it may damage your sling.
	Once the spreader bar is in place, slowly turn the center tube of the Chair Care Patio spreader tool in the opposite direction to release tension off of the sling rails. Keep turning the center tube until the spreader tool can be easily removed from the chair frame.