Measuring Your Slings
Measuring Your Slings for Patio Chairs & Chaise Lounges
Measuring Your Slings correctly is the most important step before ordering custom replacement slings. Whether your patio furniture uses a one-piece sling or a two-piece sling, accurate measurements help us create replacement fabric designed to fit your existing frame.
Choose your furniture style below and follow the correct measuring instructions carefully before placing your order.
Accurate Measurements Make All the Difference
Replacement slings are custom-made according to the measurements you provide. Measuring carefully is essential because even a small difference can affect how the finished sling fits your patio chair or chaise lounge.
Whenever possible, measure the existing sling while it is still installed on the furniture. Do not automatically use the dimensions of a removed or stretched piece of fabric as your final measurement.
Measure each dimension at least twice and record your results clearly before ordering.
Before Measuring Your Slings, Identify Your Furniture Style
The first step in Measuring Your Slings is determining whether your chair or chaise lounge uses one continuous sling or two separate sling panels.
One-Piece Chair or Chaise Sling
A one-piece sling uses a single continuous panel of sling fabric that forms the seating and back support of the furniture.
Depending on the frame design, the sling may run continuously from the top of the backrest through the seating area.
View One-Piece Measuring Instructions →Two-Piece Chair or Chaise Sling
A two-piece sling uses two separate fabric panels. One piece typically covers the backrest while the second piece forms the seat or lower section.
Because the panels are separate, each sling must be measured individually.
View Two-Piece Measuring Instructions →What You Need for Measuring Your Slings
Flexible Measuring Tape
Use a quality measuring tape that allows you to take accurate measurements across the sling and frame.
Pen & Paper
Write down every measurement immediately and clearly label the width, length, top, bottom, back, and seat measurements.
Your Existing Furniture
Keep the sling installed whenever possible while you take your initial measurements.
Photos of Your Chair
Photos can be useful when you need assistance identifying your sling style or confirming how the fabric fits into the frame.
One-Piece Chair / Chaise — Measuring Your Slings
Use this section when your chair or chaise lounge has one continuous sling panel.
Measure the sling while it is still installed whenever possible. Take every measurement twice before recording your final dimensions.
Measure the Sling Width
Begin by measuring the width of the installed sling from one side to the other.
Position the measuring tape across the fabric and measure the finished sling panel as accurately as possible.
Keep the measuring tape straight and level. Do not intentionally stretch the fabric while measuring.
Measure the Overall Sling Length
Next, measure the total length of the one-piece sling.
Follow the sling from the top edge of the back section toward the bottom or front edge of the seating section, depending on the design of your furniture.
Follow the natural path of the sling instead of pulling the measuring tape away from the furniture frame.
Record the measurement carefully.
Check the Top and Bottom Widths
Some patio chair and chaise lounge frames are not perfectly rectangular.
The frame may become slightly wider or narrower from one end to the other.
Measure both the upper and lower portions of the sling to determine whether the width changes.
Inspect the Side Rails and Spline Channels
Examine how the sling attaches to the side rails of your chair or chaise lounge.
Most replacement sling systems use a sewn pocket along the side of the fabric with a plastic spline that slides into a channel inside the aluminum rail.
Make sure the rail and channel configuration matches the type of replacement sling you plan to order.
You may also need to confirm the size of the plastic rod or spline used with your furniture.
Record Your One-Piece Sling Measurements
Before moving on, write down all measurements clearly.
Take a second set of measurements before placing your order.
Finished Measuring?
Review every measurement before ordering your custom replacement sling.
Two-Piece Chair / Chaise — Measuring Your Slings
Use this section when your furniture has two separate sling panels: typically a back panel and a seat or lower panel.
Do not combine the measurements of the back sling and seat sling. Treat each panel as an individual custom sling.
Measure the Back Sling
Measure the Back Sling Width
Measure horizontally across the existing back sling from side to side.
Keep the tape straight and record the width carefully.
If the backrest tapers, measure the width near both the top and bottom of the panel.
Measure the Back Sling Length
Measure vertically along the back sling from the top edge to the bottom edge.
Follow the natural position of the installed fabric.
Record the measurement as your Back Sling Length.
Measure the Seat Sling
Measure the Seat Sling Width
Measure horizontally across the existing seat sling from one side rail to the other.
Take the measurement with the sling installed and keep the tape straight.
Check the front and rear portions if the frame appears tapered.
Measure the Seat Sling Length
Measure the seat sling from its rear edge to its front edge, following the natural direction of the fabric.
Do not combine this measurement with the back sling.
Record it separately as the Seat Sling Length.
Compare the Back and Seat Measurements
Once both panels are measured, review your dimensions carefully.
The back sling and seat sling may have different widths and lengths. This is completely normal.
Never assume that the dimensions of one panel can be used for the other.
Record the Two-Piece Sling Measurements
- Back Sling Width
- Back Sling Length
- Top Width if Different
- Bottom Width if Different
- Seat Sling Width
- Seat Sling Length
- Front Width if Different
- Rear Width if Different
Clearly label which dimensions belong to the back and which belong to the seat before placing your order.
Have Both Measurements Ready?
If you are unsure which dimensions to submit, our team can help review your measurements before ordering.
Double-Check Your Measurements
Custom replacement slings are manufactured according to the measurements submitted with your order. Taking a few extra minutes to verify your dimensions can prevent unnecessary fit problems.
Common Mistakes When Measuring Your Slings
Avoid these common errors before submitting measurements for your custom replacement patio slings.
Measuring Only Once
Always take every important dimension at least twice before recording your final measurement.
Confusing Width and Length
Clearly label each measurement so they cannot be accidentally reversed during ordering.
Combining Two-Piece Measurements
Back and seat panels on a two-piece sling must be measured and recorded separately.
Assuming Every Chair Is Identical
Furniture from the same patio set can sometimes vary. Check more than one frame when ordering multiple replacement slings.
Ignoring a Tapered Frame
Some chairs and chaise lounges are wider at one end. Check the width at multiple points.
Removing Everything Too Early
Keeping at least one original sling installed can provide a useful reference for measurements and installation.
After Measuring Your Slings
Once your measurements have been confirmed, you can select your replacement sling fabric and prepare your order.
Measuring Your Slings: Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about measuring replacement patio chair and chaise lounge slings.
What is the best way to start Measuring Your Slings?
Start by determining whether your patio furniture has a one-piece sling or two separate sling panels. Keep the existing fabric installed whenever possible, use a measuring tape, and measure each required dimension at least twice.
What is the difference between a one-piece and two-piece sling?
A one-piece sling uses one continuous fabric panel for the chair or chaise lounge. A two-piece sling uses separate fabric panels, generally one for the back and another for the seat or lower section.
Do I measure a two-piece sling as one complete measurement?
No. Measure the back sling and seat sling independently. Record the width and length of each panel separately so the replacement pieces can be made correctly.
Should I remove my old sling before measuring?
Whenever possible, keep the sling installed while taking your initial measurements. The installed sling provides useful reference points for width, length, shape, and orientation.
Should I measure every chair in my patio set?
If you are ordering several replacement slings, it is a good idea to verify measurements on more than one chair. Even furniture that appears identical should be checked before ordering custom products.
What if the top and bottom of my sling have different widths?
Some patio furniture frames taper, so different widths can be normal. Record both measurements clearly rather than assuming the entire panel has one uniform width.
Do I need to measure the plastic rod or spline?
Some replacement sling projects require confirmation of the plastic rod or spline size. Chair Sling Store has a separate measuring guide to help you determine the appropriate rod size.
Where can I get help with Measuring Your Slings?
If you are unsure about Measuring Your Slings, identifying a one-piece or two-piece sling, or selecting your replacement product, contact Chair Sling Store before ordering.
Contact Us →Not Sure About Your Sling Measurements?
Send us your questions before placing your order. Our team can help you identify your sling configuration and better understand which measurements you need.