Tuesday, April 16, 2024
HomeFurnitureHow To Measure Patio Chair Cushions

How To Measure Patio Chair Cushions

A Note About Sling Fabric Weight

How to Measure for Replacement Patio Cushions

An important factor to consider when choosing sling fabric is the weight. The heavier the fabric weight, the more difficult but not impossible it will be to slide the fabric into the sling chairs groove or channel. For easy installation, choose a sling fabric thats less than 19 ounces per square yard, which is most solid colored and striped sling fabrics. If you like the look of wicker weave and basketweave sling fabrics, these are the heaviest and most difficult fabrics to install. It will require two people to install, as well as lubricant and vice grips. Watch our video How to Replace Fabric on a Patio Sling Chair to see how a heavier weight sling fabric is installed in a patio chair.

Use the chart below to help you determine which sling fabric weight best suits your application.

Reasons To Replace Your Cushions Or Covers

You’ll know it is time to replace your outdoor furniture cushions when: You want to update the color scheme. Say you bought a lovely outdoor sectional with red cushions a few years ago. While the cushions may still be in great shape, your taste may have changed. If you plan on updating your outdoor living spaces and introducing new colors, then picking out cushion covers is a smart move. Doing so allows you to redecorate without having to spend money on new outdoor furniture or cushion inserts. Browse through the cushions designed for the furniture sets you currently own, and pick out a color that will fit with your new ideas. Don’t get rid of the covers you already haveyou may want to go back to the old color scheme at some point. They’re in disrepair. Cushions are built to withstand the outdoors, so the chances of them falling apart due to the environment are slim. However, extreme weather can damage your cushions. You should avoid leaving them out during such conditions, including the winter, and store them in a dry spot. If you forget to store them during a thunderstorm or the cold months, you may find you need to pick out new cushions or covers. If just the fabric is worn, go for the covers. However, if the foam is out of shape, a new insert is the way to go.

How To Replace Fabric On Patio Chairs

As we get ready for summer, its an excellent time to consider upgrading to luxury patio furniture brands sold by All American Outdoor Living. But if you have a sling-back chair that has seen better days, you can use this DIY guide to save you money and refresh your chairs.


1. Remove the old plastic end caps on the patio sling rail

First and foremost, you need to disassemble your patio sling chair to install the new sling fabric. Remove the plastic end caps from both ends of the sling rails with a flat head screwdriver or pliers. When removing your old end caps, be careful because they are often dry, brittle, and easy to crack. Take care not to damage them . Matching plastic caps can be difficult to locate depending on the manufacturer and color of your frames.

2. Remove the old sling material and spreader bars

It can be challenging to get the slings out of the rails at times. If the old slings are very old and have spent a lot of time in the sun, the plastic splines will be very brittle and rigid and will possibly break in chunks when you attempt to slide the old sling out of the rail. Youll find that the new slings and splines are a breeze to install, particularly when compared to removing the old ones.

The rusty, filthy fabric can easily slip out the sling rails bottom end. Grasp the sling with your hands or pliers and pull it away from the sling rail. Someone can keep the patio sling chair in place while someone else removes the old fabric from the rail.


Recommended Reading: Building Paver Steps

Measuring For Hinged Cushions

The four main measurements that you need for your custom Hinged cushions are:

  • Width: Measured from left to right
  • Height: Measured from top to center hinged
  • Depth: Bottom to center hinged
  • Thickness: This measurement is to customers discretion.

Same goes for cushions that have a cross stitch in the back rest measurement is taken from top to the center of the back rest cross stitch.

  • Width: Measured from left to right facing your furniture.
  • Depth: Measured from Front to back facing your furniture.
  • Thickness: This measurement is to customers discretion.

How Do You Measure A Fabric Patio Sling Chair

How to Measure Patio Cushions

If youre buying your replacement sling online, its important to order the right size.

Some websites will give the option of ordering by model, but most ask for the chair measurement. Whats the most reliable way of measuring your sling chair? Grab that tape measure, and heres what you need to know:


  • Unless your chair is already in pieces, always measure the sling while its still attached to the chair. This is because older slings can stretch and sag, but if you measure them when theyre on the chair, youll get the size you need
  • Most sling chairs have a rail on each side with an opening, which is where the sling slides in. Find the top bolt for both rails, and measure between these. This gives you the top width measurement
  • Repeat at the bottom of the chair, measuring again between the two slide rails. This gives you the bottom width measurement. Never assume that tip and bottom are the same
  • Next, measure the length of the chair by measuring from the top rail to the bottom rail, following the contours of the chair. This is the length measurement
  • If your chair has separate pieces for the back and the seat, measure each one in turn, as above. You should end up with six measurements in total
  • Its the same process for swivel chairs, chaise lounges, ottomans and loveseats
  • If you have an older style chair where the sling fits between rods at the top and bottom, you may need to contact the store to discuss
  • Don’t Miss: How Many 50 Lb Bags Of Concrete In A Yard

    How To Measure A Sofa Or Loveseat For Replacement Cushions:

  • Measure the seat width by placing a rigid tape measure across the entire sofa/loveseat from left to right. We recommend adding an inch to your measurement to ensure your cushion fits snugly.
  • Measure the seat depth by measuring the sofa / loveseat from front to back. Again, we’d add an inch here to allow a bit of cushion to hang over the edge for comfort.
  • If you would like a back cushion, start by measuring the back width from left to right .
  • Measure the back height from the top of the back down to the top of the seat.
  • When you have your measurements ready, divide the width of the entire by the desired number of cushions. For example, if the sofa is xx wide and fits 3 cushions, then divide xx by 3. Youll need cushions that are each xx wide. IMPORTANT – Be sure to subtract the thickness of your cushion from your back height or else your cushion will extend beyond the top of your sofa or loveseat back.
  • Shop All Loveseat & Patio Sofa Replacement Cushions

    Why We Use Gore Tenara Thread

    The durability of our finished products depends not only on the quality of the fabrics but also on the strength of thread we use to sew the fabric. Thats why GORE TENARA thread is the only thread we use when replacing slings on your premium patio furniture. GORE TENARA thread is guaranteed to be resistant to sunlight, chemicals, salt water, extreme weather, and acid rain. It will not rot or mold. It is completely color fast and impervious to any cleaning solutions you may use even bleach! to clean your furniture.

    Also Check: How To Install A Paver Patio On Uneven Ground

    How To Measure A Chair For A Replacement Cushion:

  • Measure the seat width by placing a rigid tape measure across the seat from left to right. We recommend adding an inch to your measurement to ensure your cushion fits snugly.
  • Measure the seat depth by measuring the chair from front to back. Again, we’d add an inch here to allow a bit of cushion to hang over the edge for comfort.
  • If you would like a back cushion for your chair, start by measuring the back width from left to right.
  • Measure the back height from the top of the chair down to the top of the seat. IMPORTANT – Be sure to subtract the thickness of your cushion from your back height or else your cushion will extend beyond the top of your chair.
  • Shop All Replacement Chair Cushions

    How To Measure Wicker Furniture For A Cushion

    Calculating Fabric Needed for Recovering Patio Cushions

    Wicker furniture is often used for patio furniture or as indoor seating.

    To make custom cushions for wicker furniture, we will need a few basic dimensions, as well as a template of your furniture.


    Due to the fact that wicker furniture is made in a wide variety of unique sizes and shapes, a template is required for all wicker furniture cushions. A template is simply a life-size pattern of your furniture. You may use any pliable paper or cloth to make a template. Visit How to Make a Template for step-by-step instructions.

    First, you’ll need to determine the needed dimensions for your cushions in order to provide an accurate price when you place your order. Follow these steps to get measurements for your custom cushions.

    Read Also: Patio Furniture Webbing Replacement

    How You Should Measure Your Chair

    Before you measure your bench or chair, youll, of course, need measuring tape! We recommend a firm tape instead of a flexible measuring tape so youll get more accurate results for the height, depth, and width.

    Now, its important to measure your patio furniturenot just your old cushions. This is because, over time, a cushion can lose some of its filling , and the fabric might stretch. So if you measure an old, worn-out cushion, this may give you a size that wont fit your furniture. In short, measuring your patio pieces s your best course of action.


    If you’re ready to get started, check out this video featuring Toni, one of our patio cushion and decor experts. You can also read on for a more detailed description of measuring each dimension.

    Build Your Custom Cushions

    For our DIY customers to assist in calculating cushion fabric yardage to purchase from us or purchase professionally made completed quality cushions made in our factory, Clearwater FL, USA. We have thousands of fabric choices for residential and contract use.

    Before you purchase Sunbrella® or other decor fabric and DIY your cushions, consider a complete professionally manufactured Sunbrella fabric or other high-quality fabric completed cushion or fabric cushion cover. Are you in need of cushions for your chair, chaise, lounge, bench, or other outdoor/indoor furniture? Maybe your old poolside sling furniture is in need of rehabilitation, or you simply want upgraded fabric or firmer cushions. Whatever the case, we custom-create quality fabric cushions that will go perfectly with whatever furniture you have, regardless of the size, style, or situation.

    Call or contact us today for a free estimate.

    Also Check: How To Hang Lights On Aluminum Patio


    How Do You Measure Patio Furniture For Cushions

    How do you measure patio furniture for cushions? Whether youve got a brand new patio, or just fancy giving your outdoor space a refresh for the new season, getting the right measurements for your patio furniture is essential.

    Why its so important to measure for your patio cushions

    Getting the fit spot on means your cushions will be super comfy for you and your guests. There will be no annoying slip and slide as you try to relax, and no annoying pressure points to cause excess wear. Whether youre going for custom cushions or choosing a great off the peg model, getting the right fit is the key to being sure your patio cushions will be a perfect partner for your outdoor furniture.

    How do you measure patio furniture for cushions? A step by step guide:

    1. Make sure you know what shape youre working with


    We offer a huge variety of outdoor cushions and the first step when measuring is to know what type of cushion youre looking for. Do need something for a sun lounger or daybed? Perhaps a bench seat or simple chair cushion? Perhaps you just need a new set of bolster cushions to bring a new look to your existing patio set? Understanding what type of shape you have will help you find how to do your measurements.

    2. Measure the width for the cushions

    3. Measure the depth for your cushions

    How To Measure For Sofa Or Loveseat Replacement Cushions

    How to Measure Replacement Patio Cushions â Sunniland ...
  • Measure the length of the seat cushion at the center from the top to the bottom.
  • Measure the width of the back of the seat cushion from end to end.
  • Measure the width of the front of the seat cushion from end to end.
  • Now youre ready to choose your replacement cushions.

    Dont forget to check out our Outdoor Cushion Care Guide to help lengthen the life of your outdoor cushions.For more outdoor space inspiration, check out these posts below:

    Also Check: How To Build A Deck Over A Concrete Patio

    Cutting Out My Fabric Sizes For My Cushions

    Using your measurements from above you can now determine how much fabric you will need to buy, for one cushion I will need 25 of 54 W fabric for the main part of my cushion and a minimum of 1 yard for cording. I use a 1/2 seam allowance when sewing cushions so I need to add that to my cut measurement sizes . In this example I will be needing to cut the following pieces:

    • Boxing strip 4H X 54W )
    • Top and bottom 19W X 15.5D
    • Zipper boxing 2 1/2H X 25W
    • Cording 170 enough to go around top and bottom of cushion plus about 10 to make joints.

    How To Order The Right Size Replacement Slings

    Now select the correct sizes from our drop-down menus.

    Select the rod size, then choose your desired fabric. We custom make your replacement sling from over 50 different designs: from cane wicker fabric to solid block colors, to fetching stripes and stylish patterns. View the here.

    Delivery is free for orders over $150. Slings ship within two weeks and because they are custom-made are non-refundable and non-returnable once the order has been processed so its doubly important you get the measurements correct by following the steps above.

    Read Also: Patio Mold Removal

    Always Use Outdoor Thread

    Again, you dont want to replace the outdoor thread with any other type of thread. You need the real thing to get the job done well.

    Outdoor thread is made from tough polyester. Its thicker and stiffer so it can hold the heavy-duty outdoor fabric together.

    Its also treated with weather-proofing treatments so it can withstand the elements.

    Measure Out How Much Fabric You Need

    Patio chair instructions dimensions and measurements step by step

    Its going to save you time and headache if you measure out how much fabric you need before you start. It always helps to have everything you need handy.

    To measure, you need to remove the old fabric from the patio furniture so you get an accurate measurement. Add to your measurement to account for seams.

    Always measure twice before you cut anything. Its a golden rule.

    Recommended Reading: Replacement Umbrella Rib Tips

    Measure A Chaise Lounge

    A favorite for lying in the sun, a chaise lounge is perfect for relaxing but more challenging to measure. You can find the right outdoor cushions for a chaise with your tape measure and some patience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

    • When measuring your chaise lounge, also measure for the break to prevent gaps. Simply measure from the bottom seam of the cushion to where the cushion is designed to bend. Dont forget to measure the back rest, chair seat and leg rests for steamer styles.
    • The top-to-bottom, back-to-front method helps to ensure you get the full depth of each break.
    • If you have your original chaise lounge cushions, measure those for the best fitting replacement cushions.

    Choose The Right Fabric

    Selecting the right fabric for your replacement cushions or covers is an important decision. You want it to look and feel good, but it also needs to function and be durable enough to last. A good rule of thumb is to look for fabric that is both fade-resistant and water-resistant or waterproof. You don’t want your cushions to fade after two summers, or foster the growth of mold and mildew. Here are some of the most common fabrics used for outdoor cushions:

    Sunbrella: This light and durable fabric is resistant to fading, mold, and mildew. It is highly breathable and waterproof.

    Cotton Canvas: Canvas is a heavy duty, plain woven fabric. It also dyes easily so it can be found in a wide variety of colors and prints. A water-resistant coating can be added, but without it, cotton canvas is generally not a good choice near water.

    Textilene: Often used in sun canopies and sling seating, Textilene is moisture, fading, and mold resistant. This fabric is waterproof , but does get hot in the sun.

    Olefin Fiber: Also known as polypropylene, this fabric is durable against fading, mold, and mildew.

    Vinyl: Vinyl is easy to maintain and clean, but can become hot to the touch when it’s been in direct sunlight. It’s not suggested for use with children.

    Polyester: Polyester fabric is very cost-effective, as well as resistant to UV rays, stains, and mildew.

    RST Brands offers free fabric samples before purchasing because we understand that sometimes it’s best to actually see and feel your options.

    Also Check: How To Get Paint Off Pavers


    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular