How to Re-Cover Lawn Chairs

Preparation

• 1

  Remove all fasteners holding torn or worn webbing, rope, cloth or wooden slats in place, using the correct type of screwdriver. Set intact, unbent, noncorroded fasteners and grommets --- washer-like rings that reinforce holes --- aside for reuse. Locate and purchase replacement fasteners and grommets.

• 2

  Place a bit in your power drill that is the same diameter as the fasteners. Drill out any fasteners that are too corroded to remove using any other method.

• 3

  Remove and discard all torn or faded webbing, rope, cloth or slats.

• 4

  Select the replacement materials you prefer rather than using the exact same materials. Try wooden slats instead of webbing if your chairs will see heavy use by larger people, for example. Use heavy-duty canvas cloth on a chaise longue.

• 5

  Use a tailor's measuring tape to determine how long each strip of webbing or cloth should be. Measure chairs from the top of the chair back to the back rod of the seat, from the back rod of the seat to the front edge of the seat and from the right sides of the back and seat to the left sides. Measure chaises longues from top to center rod, center rod to foot and from left to right.

Replacing Webbing

• 6

  Cut webbing to the exact measurement between the centers of two opposite fastener holes plus 2 inches, so you will have enough material to fold the ends into points.

• 7

  Fold each end of each piece of webbing over 1/2 inch to create a smooth edge. Pinch that edge at the center point while you fold the left side of that end over at a 45-degree angle. Repeat for the right side of that end of the webbing to create an "arrow" point.

• 8

  Use an awl to poke a small pilot hole through the webbing. Turn the webbing so the folded side faces the hole in the lawn chair frame.

• 9

  Center your grommets so that their holes match the holes in the webbing and the chair, if your old chair covering had grommets. Insert fasteners through the grommet and webbing and into the chair frame. Attempt to turn each fastener one extra quarter-turn once the screw or bolt feels as if it is in as far as it will go.

• 10

  Attach the webbing the same way at the opposite end. Continue to attach all vertical-running webbing first before weaving the horizontal webbing through it.

Replacing Wooden Slats

• 11

  Use an intact wooden slat to measure your new slats, if available, or cut wooden slats using the distance between the outside edges of the frame as your guide. Use a table saw or your preferred saw when cutting.

• 12

  Measure the distance from the center of each fastener hole to the outside edge of the frame. Mark the center point at each end of each slat that same distance from each end. This is where to drill your pilot holes.

• 13

  Use a bit half the diameter of your fasteners to drill pilot holes for screws. For example, if your fasteners have a 1/8-inch diameter, use a 1/16-inch drill bit. Use a same-diameter bit for bolts or dowel pins.

• 14

  Smooth all slats using coarse through extra-fine sandpaper. Apply three to five coats of clear acrylic wood sealant, allowing it to dry between coats.

• 15

  Place each slat so that the holes at opposite ends line up with the holes in the lawn chair frame. Secure all fasteners an extra quarter-turn once they seem to be in the holes as far as they will go.

• 16

  Attach any acorn or hex nuts to bolts as needed.