Best Replacement Fabric for Patio Sling Chairs: Phifertex® vs. Textilene®
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At Sailrite®, we offer two top-quality brands of replacement sling chair fabric: Phifertex and Textilene. Both are high-performance, American-made options designed specifically for sling furniture. Let’s explore what makes them the go-to choices for outdoor sling chair projects — and which one is right for your needs.
Why Choose Phifertex or Textilene for Sling Chair Repair?
No matter which brand you choose, Phifertex and Textilene fabrics share several standout features:
- UV Resistant: Built to withstand intense sunlight.
- Durable: Resists sagging, tearing and everyday wear.
- Breathable: Keeps you cool and comfortable outdoors. Plus, your seats will dry out quickly after a rain shower.
- Easy to Clean: Just use mild soap and water.
- Made in the USA: Manufactured at top-rated mills.
The differences come down to fiber composition, weave patterns, and aesthetics — so let’s take a closer look.
Phifertex Sling Chair Fabric: Durable & Design-Forward
Phifertex offers a wide variety of options for sling chair projects. These fabrics are made from 100% vinyl-coated polyester, and during the manufacturing process, the vinyl is re-melted and fused at fiber cross points. This fusion provides excellent dimensional stability and minimal stretch — perfect for tight, sag-free installations.
Explore Phifertex Collections:
- Phifertex® Plus: Classic vinyl texture with bold, solid colors.
- Phifertex® Stripes: Stylish striped patterns for eye-catching outdoor designs.
- Phifertex® Jacquards: Elegant, woven patterns for a fabric-like look.
- Phifertex® Wicker Weaves: Textured, wicker- and rattan-inspired styles for a refined finish.
With dozens of options across these collections, you're sure to find a look that fits your outdoor space.
Textilene Sling Chair Fabric: Stylish & Exclusive Designs
Textilene is also made from 100% vinyl-coated polyester and offers excellent strength, UV resistance and color retention. This fabric comes in several designer collections, with standout patterns and textures that elevate any patio setup.
Discover Textilene Collections:
- Textilene® Decorative Fabrics: Intricate weaves and rich textures ideal for accent pieces.
- Textilene® Metallics: Modern metallic finishes with a sleek, upscale look.
- Textilene® Sunsure: UV-stable colors engineered for outdoor durability.
- Textilene® Sailrite® Collection: Exclusive to Sailrite, this line includes one-of-a-kind solids, stripes and variegated weaves you won’t find anywhere else.
Note: Textilene also makes an Open Mesh collection, which is not suitable for sling chairs as it’s not designed to support human weight. Use it only for shade structures.
How to Choose the Right Sling Fabric for Your Project
1. Stretch & Stability
If you want a taut, firm seating surface, stick with 100% vinyl-coated polyester options like Phifertex or Textilene. These fabrics maintain shape without sagging.
Some decorative sling fabrics include softer fibers for added stretch and comfort, which may suit lounge-style chairs better — but always check if your chair design requires low stretch.
2. Mold, Mildew & Antimicrobial Protection
Both Phifertex and Textilene fabrics resist mold and mildew — essential for outdoor use. Additionally, Phifertex fabrics are treated with Microban®, offering built-in antimicrobial protection.
3. Color Matching & Multiuse Flexibility
Want to coordinate your sling chairs with other outdoor elements? You can use Phifertex and Textilene for cushions, window screens, sun shades and more — making it easy to create a cohesive outdoor design.
Sling Fabric Weight: What You Need to Know
Heavier fabrics like wicker weaves and basket weaves look amazing, but they’re also the most difficult to install. Lighter fabrics (under 19 oz./sq. yd.) slide into the chair groove more easily and are ideal for solo DIYers.
If you’re installing a heavier fabric:
- Use lubricant and vise grips
- Plan for a two-person installation
Watch our video, "How to Replace Fabric on a Patio Sling Chair," to see how to install a heavier-weight sling fabric into a patio chair.
Use the chart below to help you determine which sling fabric weight best suits your application.
Final Thoughts: You Can’t Go Wrong With Sailrite
Whether you choose Phifertex or Textilene, you’re getting professional-grade, long-lasting performance — and your patio sling chairs will look and feel brand-new again.
Why order sling fabric at Sailrite?
- Trusted brands in stock and ready to ship.
- Sailrite-exclusive fabric designs.
- Step-by-step support from our DIY experts.
Ready to get started?