How to Fix Sagging Patio Chairs — 8 Easy-to-Follow Steps

how to fix sagging patio chairs
Image by James Wheeler from Pixabay

Patio chairs are good for outdoor relaxation. They offer us the comfort of just seating in our gardens or backyards and enjoying the evening sun.

Because they are usually left outside, this furniture gets beaten a lot by the elements of weather. This causes them to sag, discolor, ripping of mesh slings, etc. When this happens, they become a shadow of their original self.

Many people throw their patio chairs away at this stage, don’t be one of them. Allow us to show you how to fix sagging patio chairs and get them back to life again.

Steps on How to Fix Your Patio Chairs

If the steps below are properly followed, your chair should be serving you faithfully as it once did.

Patio chairs can make use of either fabric slings, mesh slings or wooden slats. Depending on the kind of patio chair you have.

Since we’re dealing with sagging patio chairs, we’ll focus on mesh slings and vinyl/fabric slings. They are the ones known to sag over time.

You can also learn how to fix a recliner footrest here in case you have one.

Fixing your Mesh-Sling Patio Chair

The following steps will guide you on how to fix your mesh-sling patio chair:

i. Get a new sling.

ii. Divide your old sling into two.

iii. Take out your old sling.

iv. Attach the new sling.

v. Tighten the sling.

vi. Fit in the spreader bar.

vii. Cut excess nylon rods.

viii. Enjoy your chair.

The details of the steps above are explained next…

Step 1: Get a new sling

The first thing is to get a new sling. You must get the measurement of your chair first before making an order.

To find your chair’s width, take the measurement from one rail’s center to that on the opposite side. Then for the length, take a tape (the one used for cloth) and measure the curvature of one side of the rail.

There are different ways to get a new sling. You can get this Phifertex Wicker Weave Cane Weave Woven Vinyl Mesh Sling below from the comfort of your home if it suits what you have in mind.

Step 2: Divide your old sling into two

 Using a utility knife, cut the sling the middle in a downward motion and from each side of the rail, take out the end cap.

Step 3: Take out your old sling

At this point, you need to remove your old patio sling. Do this by sliding each half from the chair’s rails.

You will have to loosen the bolts holding down the rails to your chair’s frame. Do not remove the bolts completely.

The next thing is to remove the spreader bar.

If you feel your frame needs repainting, this will be the right time to do so.

Step 4: Attaching the new sling

Take out one rail completely.

With the hem side of the sling facing the back, slide the sling’s nylon rod in the other rail that you dint remove following its track.

Step 5: Tighten the sling

Now take the removed rail and slide it over the other rod that hasn’t been inserted into the rail.

Once you’ve done this, bolt the rail to the chair’s frame.

Make sure all the bolts on both rails are well tightened so that the sling will be rigid.

Step 6: Fit in the spreader bar

After step 5, you need to fit in the spreader bar. Performing this might be a bit difficult, so you’ll need to do the following:

i. Extend the rails a bit using a pipe clamp

ii. You can bend the spreader bar slightly so that it will fit

iii. Restore the bar’s shape by hitting it using a rubber mallet

Step 7: Cut excess nylon rods

Take a wire cutter and cut the excess nylon rods that appear outside the rail’s track. Then, fit the end caps on each of the chair’s rails.

Step 8: Enjoy your chair

You can now enjoy the comfort of your patio chair.

Fixing your Vinyl Patio Chairs

The following steps will guide you on how to fix your vinyl patio chair:

i. Get new straps.

ii. Fasten the straps.

iii. Bind strap around your chair’s frame.

iv. Pull strap to the opposite side.

v. Fasten the strap.

vi. Enjoy your chair.

Let’s discuss these steps in detail below…

Step 1: Get new straps

You’ll have to order for new vinyl straps. Before you do that, you’ll have to know the measurement of the chair.

Unlike mesh slings, you only need the length for vinyl straps.

To get the measurement, use a tape to measure the outer part of the chair’s frame; wrap the frame in the process. This measurement is for single-wrap straps that are exposed with either metal clips or plastic pegs.

For double-wrap straps, begin at a hole, then circle the tape completely around the chair’s frame. After this, pull the tape to the hole on the opposite side and repeat the pattern.

Make sure you get sufficient straps as well as pegs that will complete the refurbishing. You can still make use of metal clips if that’s what your chair uses.

The straps are usually cut to the required length with holes punched into the end of each side of the strap. The holes are where you’ll attach the clips or pegs.

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You can paint your chair’s frame at this point before continuing.

Step 2: Fasten the straps

After getting your new vinyl straps, fasten them to your frame. Before you attach them, it is advisable you make them flexible. You can do this by soaking the straps in hot water; not boiling water.

After making them flexible, fasten an end of the strap to the frame by inserting a peg in the hole.

Step 3: Bind strap around your chair’s frame

Now that the strap is fastened, bind the strap around the chair’s frame. Make sure the peg is covered.

For single-wrap straps, don’t bind it around completely. Just wrap it halfway and then pull the strap to the other side of the chair.

Step 4: Pull strap to the opposite side

Hold the strap in the middle and pull it to the frame’s other side. Then hold it firmly with one hand and wrap it loosely with your other hand. Wrap it one and a half round the frame.

Step 5: Fasten the strap

Still pulling the strap, insert a peg in the hole. Move the loop created to cover the peg.

The strap is now fastened to the frame. Once it cools down, it will become tighter.

Repeat steps 2 to 4 for all other straps.

Step 6: Enjoy your chair

You can now enjoy the comfort of your patio chair.

Watch the video below for a visual explanation of what we just discussed in the section above.

Fixing the Seat of your Patio Chair

Maybe your seat has separated from the frame, how do you go about it? Follow the quick steps below to fix the seat of your patio chair:

i. Remove the seat bolt.

ii. Remove the seat from the frame.

iii. Remove the patio spline.

iv. Get new patio spline.

v. Insert the new spline into the sides of the mesh seat.

vi. Insert the seat into the chair’s frame.

vii. Screw the bolts.

viii. Enjoy your chair.

Step 1: Remove the seat bolt

Place your patio chair on the ground upside down and remove the bolts that hold the seat with a socket wrench. Keep the bolts safe.

Step 2: Remove the seat from the frame

Just slide the seat through the frame to remove the seat.

Step 3: Remove the patio spline

At the side of the seat, you’ll find patio spline, remove both.

Step 4: Get new patio spline

The reason the seats began sagging in the first place is because of these. So you have to change them. We recommend the LEMBERG 100 Ft Long .25 Inch Solid Vinyl Sling Spline.

Measure the new patio spline with the old to get the accurate measurement you need. You can also take the measurement to know what you’re getting before you make the order.

Step 5: Insert the new spline into the sides of the mesh seat

Slide the spline into the holes opening on each side of the mesh seat.

Step 6: Insert the seat into the chair’s frame

Slide the seat into the track rails of your chair’s frame.

Step 7: Screw the bolts

Once you have the seat in place, screw back the bolts.

Step 8: Enjoy your chair

See also  How to Refinish Wood Chairs -- In 12 Easy to Follow Steps

You can now enjoy the comfort of your patio chair.

Photo by Engin Akyurt from Pexels

Check out these other interesting articles below:

What is a Cocobolo Desk — The Full 411

How to Make a Blanket Fort without Chairs – 6 Easy Methods

How to Refinish Wood Chairs — In 12 Easy to Follow Steps

How Long Do Power Recliner Motors Last — The Ultimate 411

How to Clean Suede Sofa — Getting Rid of 4 Common Stains

How to Reupholster a Recliner — In 10 Easy to Follow Steps

How to Fix Sagging Patio Chairs – FAQs

How do you fix a sagging couch with plywood?

i. Remove the cushions.

ii. Measure the cushion area. Take measurements for length and height. Do a 3-inch subtraction from the measurement and write it down.

iii. Cut out the final measurement you wrote from a piece of plywood.

iv. File the plywood’s edges.

v. Cut foam rubber to fit the size of the plywood.

vi. Cut an old piece of cloth but add 6 inches to the original measurement.

vii. Place the cloth under the foam piece and then put the plywood on top of the foam.

viii. Cover the foam and plywood with the cloth and fasten the edges tightly using a staple gun.

ix. Place the board on your couch.

x. Replace your cushions.

How can I make my couch cushions firmer?

The following steps will guide you on how to make your couch cushions firmer:

i. Remove the cushions. You can use the opportunity to clean your couch as well.

ii. If your cushion is zipped, unzip the cover. If it is sewn, then you’ll have to loosen it and re-sew it when you are done.

iii. Take out the insert from the cushion.

iv. Measure the insert and cut foam to fit it.

v. Attach the foam to your cushion using a spray adhesive.

vi. Put the insert back into the cushion cover.

vii. Re-zip or re-sew the cover.

viii. Put back the cushion on your couch.

What do you put under couch cushions?

The following are things you can put under your couch cushions to prevent them from sagging or sinking:

i. Plywood – It is a simple trick that doesn’t require much. Just get plywood and place it under your cushion.

ii. Sagging sofa cushion supports – You’ll need to purchase these from furniture stores or online.

iii. New foam inserts – Replace the old cushion foam with new ones.

iv. New springs for cushions that make use of springs.

v. Polyester fiberfill – Open the cushion cover and stuff it with the fiber.

Can you paint vinyl straps on patio furniture?

You can paint vinyl straps on patio furniture. However, this task can be very challenging which is why many folks avoid it altogether.

Painting vinyl straps can be very challenging because it has poor paint adhesion. Furthermore, you cannot make use of ordinary paints as such paints will easily crack due to the flexible nature of the vinyl straps.

To paint vinyl straps, you will need to make use of special paints manufactured for flexible vinyl straps. This type of paint is guaranteed to leave a lasting finish that won’t crack easily.

How do you fix wicker patio furniture?

The steps below will guide you on how to fix wicker patio furniture:

i. Take a wicker strand and soak it in water for about thirty minutes.

ii. Use a utility knife to cut the end of any of the old strands that are sticking out.

iii. Cut a piece of the soft new strand but make sure it is a bit longer than the old strand.

iv. Place some glue into the woven strands.

v. Insert an end into the woven wicker close to the strand that is broken.

vi. Then weave in the new strand.

vii. Cut of any excess when done.

viii. Place the end unto the next intersecting piece.

Conclusion

With any of the three methods above, you can get your patio chair back in pristine shape.

For further questions, let us know in the comments section.

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