How to Redo Worn Out Patio Chairs

There’s nothing quite like lounging on your patio on a sunny day, soaking up the weather, and enjoying the fresh air. But if your patio chairs are starting to look a little worse for wear, that relaxing afternoon can quickly turn uncomfortable. Over time, even the best outdoor furniture starts to show signs of use and exposure to the elements. Instead of tossing out your favorite chairs and buying new ones, why not give them a refresh with materials such as polypropylene webbing? You’d be surprised how easy it is to breathe new life into your worn-out patio chairs with just a few materials and some elbow grease.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to revitalize three common types of patio chairs: cushion, strap, and sling chairs. These simple, cost-effective repairs can extend the life of your furniture and keep your outdoor space looking stylish and comfortable.

Assess the Damage: What Needs Fixing?

Before diving into repairs, it’s important to take a close look at your chairs to determine what exactly needs fixing. Are the cushions faded or ripped? Are the straps sagging or broken? Or maybe the sling fabric has torn or loosened. Each type of chair requires a different approach, so identifying the problem will help you gather the right materials and tackle the project efficiently.

Cushion Chairs: A Quick and Easy Update

Cushion chairs are typically the easiest to revamp since most of the wear and tear is on the cushions themselves. If your cushions are faded, worn out, or starting to tear at the seams, there’s no need to replace the entire chair—just focus on the cushions.

Refresh or replace the fabric: Start by checking the condition of the fabric. If it’s just a little faded, you might be able to bring it back to life with a fabric cleaner or a fresh coat of fabric-safe spray paint designed for outdoor furniture. However, if the fabric is torn or the stuffing is coming out, it’s time to replace the cushions.
Choose outdoor-friendly fabric: If you’re sewing new cushion covers, be sure to choose outdoor fabric that’s durable, water-resistant, and UV-resistant to handle the sun and rain. You can find affordable options at most fabric stores or even online.
Upgrade the foam: If the foam inside the cushions has gone flat or lost its shape, consider replacing it with high-density foam that’s designed for outdoor use. This will not only restore comfort but also ensure the cushions last longer.

Strap Chairs: The Key to a New Look

Strap chairs are another popular option for patios, but over time, the plastic or vinyl straps can become brittle, break, or stretch out, leaving the chair looking sad and saggy. Fortunately, replacing the straps isn’t as hard as it sounds and can give your chairs a brand-new look.

Remove the old straps: Start by cutting away the damaged straps with scissors or a utility knife. Be careful to note how they’re attached, as you’ll want to replicate that when adding new straps.
Measure for new straps: Once the old straps are removed, measure the length needed for each strap. Most strap chairs use either vinyl straps or polypropylene webbing, both of which are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. Polypropylene webbing, in particular, is durable, weather-resistant, and easy to work with, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture.
Attach the new straps: To install the new straps, you’ll need to stretch them tightly across the frame of the chair. Depending on the chair, this might involve wrapping the straps around the frame and securing them with rivets, screws, or clips. Make sure the straps are snug, as they’ll loosen slightly over time with use.

Strap chairs offer a lot of room for customization—if you want to give your patio a pop of color, consider choosing a bright, bold shade of polypropylene webbing that contrasts nicely with the frame of the chair.

Sling Chairs: A Simple Repair for Comfort

Sling chairs are known for their comfort, but their fabric can wear down quickly with constant exposure to the elements. Whether the sling material has torn, stretched, or faded, replacing it is a relatively simple DIY project that can make your chairs feel like new again.

Remove the old sling fabric: Start by carefully removing the existing sling material from the chair frame. Most sling chairs have the fabric attached via a channel in the frame, so you’ll need to loosen the screws or bolts holding it in place.
Measure and cut new fabric: Once the old fabric is removed, measure the dimensions of the sling and cut new outdoor fabric to size. Choose a fabric that’s durable and breathable, such as a mesh or vinyl-coated polyester, which will stand up to weather and provide comfort.
Install the new sling: Slide the new fabric into the channels on the chair frame, making sure it’s evenly positioned. Tighten the screws or bolts to secure the fabric in place. If the fabric seems too loose, consider using sling tensioners, which are small plastic pieces that help keep the material taut and comfortable.

Like strap chairs, sling chairs offer plenty of design flexibility. You can go with neutral tones for a classic look or experiment with bold patterns to liven up your outdoor space.

Protect and Maintain Your Chairs

After putting in the effort to restore your patio chairs, you’ll want to keep them in good condition for as long as possible. Here are a few simple tips to help extend the life of your newly repaired furniture:

Clean regularly: Dust, dirt, and pollen can build up on outdoor furniture, so give your chairs a quick wipe-down with a mild soap and water solution every now and then. For sling and strap chairs, a soft brush works wonders for getting into the crevices.
Use protective covers: When your chairs aren’t in use, consider covering them with protective furniture covers. This will shield them from rain, sun, and debris, keeping them looking fresh for years to come.
Store during harsh weather: If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, like heavy snow or intense heat, it’s a good idea to store your chairs indoors or in a sheltered area during the off-season. This helps prevent fading, rust, and unnecessary wear.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Refreshed Outdoor Space

Redoing your worn-out patio chairs doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little creativity and some basic tools, you can give your outdoor furniture a fresh new look and extend its life without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dealing with cushion chairs, strap chairs, or sling chairs, these easy-to-follow repair tips will have you lounging in style once again.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab some polypropylene webbing or outdoor fabric, and get to work—your patio is waiting! And who knows? After refreshing your chairs, you might just feel inspired to tackle the rest of your outdoor furniture, too. Happy repairing!