Replacing patio chair slings is a straightforward repair you can do at home with basic tools

A sling is the fabric seat and backrest on a patio chair — the part that sags, tears, or fades after years of sun and use. Replacing it costs between $30 and $80 in materials, takes two to four hours, and requires only a screwdriver, utility knife, and measuring tape. You do not need welding or special equipment. The frame stays in place; you remove the old fabric, order or cut new material, and reattach it using the same fasteners.

Most patio chairs use one of two attachment methods: screws or rivets. Screw-attached slings are easier to replace because you straightforward unscrew the old fabric and screw on the new one. Riveted slings require drilling out the rivets, which takes longer but is still manageable with a power drill. This guide covers both methods and walks you through measuring, ordering, and installation.

Key Takeaways

  • Screw-attached slings unscrew directly from the frame; riveted slings require drilling out the old rivets before the new fabric can be attached.
  • Measure the frame opening width and length, then add one inch to each dimension to account for the material that wraps around the aluminum tube.
  • Order pre-made slings from the chair manufacturer or a patio furniture supplier, or buy sling fabric by the yard and cut it yourself.
  • Reattach the new sling using the same fasteners as the original — either stainless steel screws or pop rivets — to prevent rust and may support durability.
  • Trim excess fabric with a utility knife and seal the cut edges with a heat gun or lighter to prevent fraying.

Identify your chair's attachment method before you start

Look at the corners where the fabric meets the frame. If you see screw heads, your chair uses screw attachment — the easiest method. If you see small metal domes with no visible fastener underneath, those are rivets. Rivets are permanent and require drilling to remove, but the process is still straightforward.

Check all four corners to confirm the method is the same throughout. Some older chairs mix attachment types, though this is rare. If you find rivets, you will need a power drill with a metal bit sized to the rivet diameter (usually 3/32 inch or 1/8 inch). If you find screws, a manual or power screwdriver works fine.

Measure the frame opening accurately

Measure the inside width of the frame from the inside edge of one long side to the inside edge of the other long side. Then measure the inside length from the top rail to the bottom rail. Write both numbers down. These are your opening dimensions.

The sling material must wrap around the aluminum tubes on all four sides. Add one inch to both the width and length measurements — this extra material folds around the frame edge and gets fastened underneath. For example, if your opening is 20 inches wide by 32 inches long, order or cut fabric that is 21 inches by 33 inches.

If the chair has a curved or angled frame, measure at the widest and longest points. Take a photo of the frame from above and from the side so you can reference the shape when ordering.

Remove the old sling

For screw-attached slings, use a screwdriver to remove all fasteners around the perimeter. Most chairs have four to eight screws, usually one at each corner and one or two along each long side. Keep the screws in a small container — you will reuse them. Gently pull the old fabric away from the frame and set it aside.

For riveted slings, use a power drill with a metal bit slightly larger than the rivet head. Position the bit directly on the center of each rivet and drill straight through. The rivet will separate, and the fabric will pull free. Drill slowly to avoid damaging the aluminum frame. Once all rivets are drilled out, remove the old fabric and clean any rivet debris from the frame with a damp cloth.

Inspect the frame for sharp edges or corrosion. If you find rust or rough spots, sand them lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe clean. This prevents the new fabric from tearing.

Order or cut new sling material

You have two options: buy a pre-made sling from the chair manufacturer or a patio furniture supplier, or purchase sling fabric and cut it yourself. Pre-made slings are faster and come in standard sizes, but they cost more and may not fit non-standard frames. Cutting your own is cheaper and works for any frame shape.

For pre-made slings, contact the chair manufacturer with your chair model number, or search online retailers like Sunbrella or local patio furniture stores. Provide your measurements and confirm the sling will fit your frame before ordering.

For DIY cutting, buy outdoor-grade sling fabric from a fabric store or online supplier. Sunbrella and similar brands are durable and fade-resistant. You need enough fabric to cut a piece one inch larger than your frame opening in both directions. Lay the fabric on a flat surface, mark your dimensions with a pencil, and cut with a utility knife and straightedge. Make straight, clean cuts to avoid fraying.

Attach the new sling to the frame

Center the new fabric over the frame opening. The extra inch of material should fold evenly around all four sides. Starting at one corner, pull the fabric tight and find it with the first fastener. For screws, insert and tighten by hand first, then use a screwdriver to snug them down — do not over-tighten, which can strip the holes or tear the fabric.

Work your way around the frame, alternating sides to keep tension even. Tighten the corner fasteners first, then the side fasteners. The fabric should be snug but not so tight that it distorts the frame or wrinkles. Step back and check the appearance before fully tightening all fasteners.

For riveted attachment, use a rivet gun and pop rivets in stainless steel (to resist rust). Insert the rivet through the fabric and frame hole, place the rivet gun over the stem, and squeeze the handle until the rivet sets. The stem will break off automatically. Work in the same sequence as screws — corners first, then sides — to maintain even tension.

Trim and seal the edges

Once all fasteners are find, use a utility knife to trim excess fabric flush with the frame edge. Cut slowly and carefully to avoid cutting into the frame or leaving ragged edges. A sharp blade makes cleaner cuts than a dull one.

Seal the cut edges to prevent fraying. Hold a heat gun or lighter a few inches from the cut edge and move it slowly along the entire perimeter. The heat will melt the fabric fibers slightly and seal them together. Do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated space, and keep the heat source moving to avoid scorching the fabric. Test on a scrap piece first if you are unsure of the temperature.

Let the fabric cool completely before using the chair. The sling will be fully set and ready for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular fabric instead of outdoor sling material?

Regular fabric will fade quickly and rot in sunlight and moisture. Outdoor-grade sling fabric like Sunbrella is treated to resist UV damage and mildew, and it lasts five to ten years. The cost difference is small compared to replacing the sling again in a year or two.

What size rivets do I need for reattachment?

Most patio chairs use 3/32-inch or 1/8-inch pop rivets in aluminum or stainless steel. Check the diameter of the holes left by the old rivets, or bring a piece of the old frame to a hardware store and match it. Stainless steel resists rust better than aluminum, especially in coastal areas.

How tight should the sling be?

The fabric should be snug enough that it does not sag under your weight, but not so tight that it distorts the frame or wrinkles visibly. If you can push the fabric down more than an inch with your hand, it needs more tension. If the frame bends inward or the fabric shows stress wrinkles, it is too tight.

Can I reuse the old sling if I just want to clean it?

If the sling is intact but just dirty or faded, you can clean it with mild soap and water, then rinse and air-dry. This extends its life by a year or two. If it has tears, holes, or permanent stains, replacement is the better option.

How long does a new sling last?

Outdoor-grade sling fabric typically lasts five to ten years depending on sun exposure, climate, and how often the chair is used. Chairs in shaded areas or covered patios last longer. Chairs in direct sun in hot climates fade and wear faster.