The fastest places to find replacement slings

Replacement slings are sold at big-box home improvement stores, online retailers, specialty patio furniture shops, and directly from chair manufacturers. The store you choose depends on whether you need the sling today, whether you know your chair's exact model, and how much you want to spend.

Home Depot and Lowe's stock slings in their garden sections year-round, though selection is larger in spring and early summer. You can see and feel the fabric before buying, and most locations will let you return unused slings within 30 days. Walmart carries basic slings in-store and online, usually at lower prices than specialty retailers, but the selection is smaller.

Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock have the widest range of colors, patterns, and sizes. Shipping typically takes three to seven business days. Specialty patio furniture stores—both local shops and national chains like Patio.com and PatioLiving—often carry slings for multiple chair brands and can help you match your exact model if you bring a photo or measurements.

Key Takeaways

  • Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart have slings in stock for same-day or next-day pickup, but online retailers offer more colors and patterns.
  • Measure your chair's frame width and length before shopping, or bring the chair model number if you have it, to avoid ordering the wrong size.
  • Manufacturer websites and customer service lines can tell you the exact sling dimensions and fabric type your chair needs.
  • Slings range from $30 to $150 depending on fabric quality, size, and whether they include hardware like clips or ties.
  • Local patio furniture repair shops can sometimes order slings directly from manufacturers and install them for you if DIY replacement seems difficult.

How to find the right size and model

Before you search, you need three pieces of information: the chair's width (measured across the frame), the length (from top to bottom of the frame), and ideally the manufacturer name and model number. This information is usually printed on a tag attached to the chair frame or on the underside of the seat.

If you cannot find a tag, take a clear photo of the entire chair from the side and front, and measure the frame with a tape measure. Most slings are sold by frame size—common sizes are 19 inches wide by 26 inches long, or 20 inches by 28 inches—so accuracy matters. Write down your measurements and bring them with you to the store or enter them into the online search box.

Manufacturer websites are the most reliable source for exact specifications. Search "[brand name] patio chair sling" and look for the support or parts section. Many brands like Tropitone, Telescope, and Woodard list sling dimensions and part numbers on their sites. If your chair is older or the brand is no longer in business, a local patio furniture repair shop can often identify it by sight and order the correct replacement.

In-store shopping at big-box retailers

Home Depot and Lowe's organize slings by size and color in the outdoor furniture section, usually near the cushions and replacement parts. Staff can help you measure if you bring the chair or a photo. Prices typically range from $40 to $100 for standard sizes. The advantage is that you can inspect the fabric quality, check the stitching, and see how the hardware (clips, ties, or velcro) attaches before you buy.

Walmart's in-store sling selection is smaller and changes by season, but prices are often $10 to $20 lower than other retailers. Call ahead to confirm they have your size in stock, because online inventory does not always match what is on the shelf. Return policies are generous—most stores accept returns within 30 days with a receipt, even if you have opened the package.

The downside of in-store shopping is limited color and pattern choices. If you want a specific shade or design, you will likely need to order online. Also, staff at big-box stores may not be familiar with older or less common chair brands, so bring your measurements and model number to speed up the process.

Online retailers and what to expect

Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock carry hundreds of sling styles and sizes, with prices ranging from $30 to $150. Search by frame dimensions or by chair brand if you know it. Read customer reviews carefully—they often mention whether the sling fits snugly, whether the fabric fades in sunlight, and how long it lasts before the stitching fails.

Shipping times vary. Standard shipping is usually five to seven business days; expedited options cost more but arrive in two to three days. Most online retailers offer free returns within 30 days if the sling does not fit or you change your mind. Check the return shipping cost before you order—some retailers cover it, others charge a restocking fee.

Specialty patio sites like Patio.com and PatioLiving often have slings for specific chair brands and can match you to the right product if you upload a photo or provide the model number. These sites sometimes offer bulk discounts if you are replacing slings on multiple chairs. Customer service is usually more knowledgeable than at general retailers, and they can advise on fabric durability and color matching.

Buying directly from manufacturers

If your chair is a recognizable brand like Tropitone, Telescope, Woodard, or Brown Jordan, you can order replacement slings directly from the manufacturer's website or by calling their customer service line. This is the most reliable way to get the exact sling your chair was designed for, and it guarantees the fit.

Manufacturer slings are usually more expensive than aftermarket options—often $80 to $150—but they use the same fabric and hardware as the original. Shipping typically takes one to two weeks. Some manufacturers require you to provide proof of purchase or the original invoice, so have that information ready if you have it.

If you cannot find your chair's brand online, try a reverse image search: upload a photo of your chair to Google Images and see what comes up. You can also post the photo on patio furniture forums or Facebook groups dedicated to outdoor furniture—other enthusiasts often recognize brands and can point you to the right manufacturer.

Local patio furniture repair and restoration shops

Independent patio furniture repair shops in your area can order slings from manufacturers or wholesalers and often install them for you. This is worth considering if your chair is valuable, if the frame needs repair at the same time, or if you are unsure about the correct size and want informed help.

Repair shops typically charge $50 to $150 for labor plus the cost of the sling itself. They can also recolor or customize slings if you want something different from the original. Search online for "patio furniture repair near me" or ask at local garden centers for recommendations. Call ahead with a photo or model number so they can give you an accurate quote.

This option takes longer—usually two to four weeks—but it removes the guesswork and ensures the sling is installed correctly. Some shops also offer rewebbing (replacing the entire sling structure) if the frame itself is damaged, which costs more but extends the chair's life significantly.

Fabric types and durability

Replacement slings are made from several materials, each with different costs and lifespans. Textilene (a vinyl-coated polyester mesh) is the most common and costs $40 to $80. It resists fading, dries quickly, and lasts five to seven years in regular use. Sunbrella fabric is premium, costs $80 to $150, and lasts ten years or longer because it is treated to resist UV damage and mildew.

Basic polyester or cotton blends are the cheapest option at $30 to $50 but fade faster and may develop mildew in humid climates. They typically last two to four years. If your chair is in direct sun most of the day, invest in Textilene or Sunbrella. If it is in shade or used seasonally, a basic sling is fine.

Check the product description for UV rating and mildew resistance. Darker colors fade more noticeably than light colors, so factor that into your choice. Some retailers offer fabric samples by mail, which is worth requesting if you are spending over $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sling from a different brand if it is the same size?

Yes, as long as the frame dimensions match exactly. Aftermarket slings are designed to fit standard frame sizes, not specific brands. Measure your frame carefully and compare it to the product listing. The attachment method (clips, ties, or velcro) may differ from your original, but most slings work on most chairs.

What if my chair frame is bent or damaged?

A new sling will not fix a bent frame. If the frame is slightly bent, a new sling may still fit, but if it is severely warped, the sling will not hang evenly. A patio furniture repair shop can straighten aluminum frames or replace damaged parts before installing a new sling.

How do I know if a sling will fit my chair?

Measure the inside width and length of your chair frame with a tape measure. Compare those measurements to the product listing. Most slings are labeled by frame size (for example, "19 x 26 inches"). If your frame is 19 inches wide and 26 inches long, that sling will fit. When in doubt, contact the retailer's customer service with your measurements and a photo.

Do I need special tools to replace a sling myself?

Most slings attach with clips, ties, or velcro and require no tools. Some older chairs have slings that are sewn or riveted to the frame, which requires a sewing machine or rivet tool. Check the product description or call the retailer to confirm the attachment method before you order. If it requires riveting, a repair shop is your best option.

Where can I find slings for vintage or discontinued chair brands?

Try patio furniture forums, Facebook groups, and eBay, where people sell used and reproduction slings for older brands. You can also contact local antique furniture restorers or patio repair shops—they often have connections to wholesalers who stock hard-to-find sizes. Bring a photo and measurements to speed up the search.