How to Measure Patio Slings | Step-by-Step Guide

The one rule

Measure the frame, not the old sling. Keep the old fabric installed and tight while you work.

Diagram showing rail-to-rail measurement for a patio sling — When measuring sling width, you measure rail-to-rail at the center of the slot.

Before you start

A tape measure or tailor's tape (flexible, not a rigid ruler)
A pen and paper

Step 1 - Identify your sling type

Use this quick test:

One continuous panel from top of backrest to front of seat = one-piece.
Visible seam or gap between back and seat = two-piece.
Two rails either side of a hinge, chair folds flat = chaise lounge, usually two-piece.
Square seat with no back = ottoman.

Step 2 - Tighten your frame

Before you measure, confirm every bolt and screw on the frame is tight. A loose frame gives you a longer measurement than the frame actually needs, and your new sling will sag.

Step 3 - Measure your furniture

Record three numbers:

Top width - rail-to-rail at the top of the backrest, ~2″ down from the top edge.
Bottom width - rail-to-rail at the front edge of the seat, ~2″ back from the front.
Length - lay your tape along the top face of one rail and follow the curve from the top of the backrest to the front of the seat.

Round up to the nearest ⅛″.

How to measure the bottom width of a sling

Measurements by sling type

One-piece chair sling: length, front width, back width.
Two-piece chair sling: seat length, front width, back width, back length, bottom width, top width.
One-piece chaise sling: seat length, seat width, back length, back width.
Two-piece chaise sling: seat length, front width, back width, back length, bottom width, top width.
Notched chaise sling: seat length, seat width, back length, back width, overall length.
Ottoman sling: length, front width, back width.

Step 4 - Measure your spline

Spline is the plastic rod that locks the sling edge into the rail. Pull about 1″ of old spline from one end and measure the outside diameter:

Size	Type of furniture it's used on
1/4″	The most widely used legacy size, found on both newer and older furniture brands like Mallin, Winston, Telescope Casual, Allibert, Tropitone, Brown Jordan, and Suncoast frames.
5/16″	Heavier-duty cast aluminum frames and some commercial-grade outdoor furniture collections.

Common measuring mistakes

We see these every week - catching one saves a remake.

Measuring the old sling instead of the rails
Measuring with the frame bolts loose
Forgetting to round up to the nearest ⅛″
Measuring over the end caps instead of rail-to-rail
Assuming top width equals bottom width on a flared frame

Still not sure? Send us a photo.

Send us photos of the furniture using our Contact Form. We reply within one business day.

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How to Measure for Replacement Patio Slings

Before you start

Step 1 - Identify your sling type

Step 2 - Tighten your frame

Step 3 - Measure your furniture

Step 4 - Measure your spline

Common measuring mistakes