General Patio Sling Replacement Questions

Patio Slings – Custom Replacement Slings Made to Order

Looking to replace worn or sagging patio slings? Our custom replacement slings are made to order for your existing sling chair or chaise lounge frame—so you can restore comfort, support, and style without replacing your entire outdoor furniture set. We use premium, American-made sling fabrics from trusted manufacturers including Phifer, Sunbrella, and Twitchell, all engineered for strength, UV resistance, and long-lasting outdoor performance. Every sling is cut and sewn specifically to your frame measurements and includes new spline for installation. Cascadia is online-only and provides detailed DIY measuring and installation guides to help you order with confidence and install successfully at home.

Are there types of replacement slings you don’t make?

Yes.

We do not manufacture replacement slings for:

• Chairs where the spline rails run horizontally (top and bottom instead of left and right)

• Chairs with curved tops and tapered seat bottoms using horizontal rails

• Frames where the sling wraps around the back or side with hidden rail openings

• Certain high-end frames with concealed side-entry systems

• Frames with welded stabilizer bars that cannot be removed

These styles are extremely difficult to measure and install properly. There is rarely standard sizing, and fit cannot be guaranteed through online ordering.

If your rails run vertically (left and right side when facing the chair), you’re good.

If you're unsure — send photos before ordering.

Measuring & Ordering

How do I measure for replacement slings?

Always measure the frame, never the old sling.

For one-piece sling chairs:
You will need:

• Width (center of rail to center of rail at top)

• Width (center of rail to center of rail at bottom)

• Length (top to bottom centerline)

For two-piece chairs:

• Seat panel width + length

• Back panel width + length

For two-piece chaise lounges:

• 6 measurements total (3 for seat, 3 for back)

Measure to the nearest 1/8".

We provide detailed step-by-step measuring guides with photos on our website.

DO NOT Measure the Old Sling

Old sling fabric stretches and distorts over time.

If we manufacture based on stretched fabric, your new sling will be too large.

We calculate:

• Seam allowances

• Rail insertion allowance

• Fabric stretch factor

You only provide frame measurements.

Do I Need the Model Number?

No.

We do not manufacture by model number.

Frame measurements are the only reliable way to ensure proper fit.

Can I Send You My Old Sling as a Pattern?

No.

It will not produce an accurate fit.

Old slings stretch, shrink, and distort over time.

Always measure the frame.

Installation Questions

Are Replacement Slings Hard to Install?

For most homeowners: moderate difficulty.

On a scale of 1–10:
Installation is about a 5 or 6.

If you’re comfortable using:

• Basic hand tools

• Allen wrenches

• A rubber mallet

• Patience

You can likely handle it.

We provide detailed DIY installation instructions.

Do I Need Special Tools?

Most installations require basic tools.

For certain chairs, a sling rail spreader tool may help during reassembly. We offer tools for purchase or rental.

My Chair Has a Welded Spreader Bar. Can I Install a Sling?

If the stabilizer bar is welded and cannot be removed, installation becomes very difficult.

We recommend contacting us before ordering if your chair has a welded support bar.

What If My Slings Don’t Fit?

Call us.

If we made an error, we will remake them.

If measurements were incorrect, we will work with you toward a solution.

Our goal is successful installation — not frustration.

Patio Sling Fabric & Materials

What Are Replacement Slings Made Of?

Replacement sling fabric is woven from:

PVC-coated polyester yarn
Designed specifically for tension seating

Features include:

• UV resistance

• Mildew resistance

• Quick drying mesh construction

• Commercial durability

• Breathability

We use American-made sling fabrics from the same mills used by major outdoor furniture manufacturers.

How Long Will Replacement Sling Fabric Last?

Average lifespan:

• 3–5 years in high sun climates

• 5–8+ years in moderate climates

Factors affecting lifespan:

• UV exposure

• Cleaning habits

• Winter storage

• Pool chemicals

• Body oils and sunscreen

Nothing lasts forever outdoors — but proper care significantly extends life.

Does Replacement Sling fabric Fade?

Darker fabrics may fade faster than lighter colors.

Lighter colors show dirt more easily.

All sling fabrics are UV resistant, but sun exposure varies by region.

Is One Patio Sling Fabric Better Than Another?

No significant difference in lifespan.

Weaving styles may vary (smooth mesh vs textured jacquard), but base material is similar across manufacturers.

Is One Sling Fabric Harder to Install?

Yes.

Thicker or textured fabrics (such as wicker-look styles) are more difficult to stretch and install.

Thinner fabrics are more forgiving during installation.

Can I Get Fabric Swatches?

Yes.

We offer free swatches (limit 4).

Larger 6” x 12” swatches are available for a small fee.

Replacement slings are custom made and non-returnable due to color selection, so we strongly encourage ordering samples.

Can You Match My Existing Sling Fabric?

Usually not.

Most original sling fabrics are proprietary to furniture manufacturers.

We offer a large selection of high-quality alternatives.

If you want a perfect match, replacement through the original manufacturer may be required.

'Can I Use Sunbrella Cushion Fabric for a Sling?

No.

Sunbrella cushion fabric is not designed for single-layer tension seating.

Sling mesh fabric is engineered to hold body weight under tension.

Does Sunbrella Make Sling Fabric?

Yes — but in a limited selection.

We offer select Sunbrella sling fabrics in our collection.

Construction & Thread

How Are Your Slings Sewn?

Each sling includes:

• 1” hems top and bottom

• 1½” side hems

• Double needle stitching on all sides

• Polyester UV Durable Thread

The thread will outlast the fabric.

Do I Receive New Spline (Sling Rod)?

Yes.

New spline is included with every sling order.

Standard size:  7/32” diameter (most common)

If you require a different size, contact us.

We recommend using new spline. Old spline becomes brittle.

Installation tip: Sharpen one end slightly for easier insertion into rod pocket.

Troubleshooting

My Sling Keeps Popping Out of the Rail

This is often caused by freeze damage.

Water enters the sling rail, freezes, expands, and widens the rail opening.

If the rail opening exceeds 1/4”, the sling may not stay secured.

Inspect your rails carefully before ordering.

Severely expanded rails cannot be repaired.

My Sling Length Seems Incorrect

Contact us before returning anything.

Length adjustments can often be made.

I Only Want to Replace the Bottom of My Chaise

You can — but we do not recommend it.

Reasons:

• Color mismatch

• Sun fading difference

• Discontinued fabrics

For best appearance, replace both panels.

Big Box vs Better Quality Furniture

Is It Worth Replacing My Slings?

If your furniture is:

✔ Aluminum frame
✔ Specialty patio store quality
✔ Structurally sound

Then YES.

If your furniture was:

• Low-cost import

• Meant to be disposable

• Originally inexpensive

Replacement may cost close to original purchase price.

You must evaluate whether the frame quality justifies repair.

However, repairing instead of discarding aluminum frames is environmentally responsible.

Cleaning & Maintenance

How Do I Clean Sling Fabric?

Monthly cleaning recommended.

Use:

• Mild household cleaner (non-bleach)

• Soft brush

• Garden hose rinse

Avoid:

• Bleach

• Pool dipping

• Harsh chlorine

Let air dry.

Keeping sling fabric clean significantly extends lifespan.

Umbrellas & Accessories

Can I Get a Matching Sling Umbrella?

Yes.

Certain umbrellas can be made in sling fabric.

Because sling fabric is heavy, only specific frames support it.

All umbrellas are custom made to order. Just send an email with what you are looking for. Umbrellas are not online but are available by special request

Sewing Your Own Slings

Can I Buy Sling Fabric by the Yard?

Yes.

Fabric is sold by the yard (54” wide).

You will need:

• Heavy duty sewing machine

• Outdoor UV thread

• Industrial needle

Why Choose Cascadia?

We specialize in:

• Custom-made replacement slings

• Detailed measuring instructions

• DIY installation support

• High-quality American-made fabrics

• SolarFix PTFE thread construction

• Online ordering convenience

We have manufactured tens of thousands of replacement slings for customers nationwide.

This is not a side project for us — it’s what we do.