The Sling Patio Furniture Buyer’s Guide

Sling patio furniture is a trendy and fun option for any outdoor patio. High quality sling patio furniture won’t stretch out and stay comfy for a very long time. The frames are always made from high quality aluminum that never rest, crack, or peel. The lightweight nature of the frame makes it easy to move around and decorate your patio space. Sling patio furniture is a high quality option at a great price point.

Why choose sling patio furniture?

There are four main benefits to choosing sling patio furniture over other options. One of the most notable benefits of choosing sling patio furniture is that water goes right through the sling material. This is ideal if you’re in a particularly wet environment. The sling material won’t get clogged and soggy with water which means that it also dries out more quickly than other similar fabric materials. When it starts to get dirty all you need is a hose to spray it down!

One of the great features of sling furniture is that the furniture can often be brighter and more vibrant than other materials because of the fabric options available. Wicker, wrought iron, cast aluminum, and wood are almost always more natural or neutral colors. Many sling furniture pieces use cast aluminum as a base, but the great color options come from the sling material itself.

Contrary to popular belief about sling outdoor furniture, it’s pretty difficult to break or tear the sling fabric. If it’s well tensioned and high quality, it shouldn’t ever break. It’s durable and tough and with proper care, it will last a long time.

Finally, the most important part about sling furniture is that it is super comfortable! The sling material is top of the line when it comes to comfort. A good piece of sling patio furniture won’t stretch out over time and will always provide a high level of support and comfort. Choosing sling outdoor furniture also means you can save a little cash and skip on buying cushions for your patio furniture.

Price Comparisons

Sling patio furniture is on the lower end of the price range compared to many other patio furniture options. Wrought Iron, Teak, Wicker, and Cast Aluminum are almost always going to be more expensive than sling options. The only piece of patio furniture that’s consistently lower in cost is recycled plastic patio furniture. Here are a few comparisons so you have an idea of the general differences in price.

Sling – 5 Piece Island Breeze Dining.  <$1000.

Teak – 6 Piece LIFT Collection Dining set. <Price listed on product page

Cast Aluminum – 9 Piece Laguna Dining Set – >$6,000.00

Wicker – 5 Piece Arbor Dining – <Price listed on product page

Lifespan and Durability

The lifespan and durability of sling patio furniture has a wide range depending on how you care for your patio furniture. If you leave your sling patio furniture out all year throughout the different seasons, your patio furniture might only last 5 years. If you’re good about storing your furniture during winter and any other extreme weather, it can last much longer. Things like extreme heat, extreme cold, and snow will shorten the lifespan of the material. If you have young children who are determined to use your sling furniture as a trampoline, that could seriously affect how long it will last. The frame of the furniture will last a long time because the material is almost always cast aluminum which doesn’t rust, crack, or peel. If the sling needs to be replaced, there are options available, we recommend calling the distributor you purchased your sling patio furniture from.

Climate

Sling patio furniture is great for wet climates. The sling material doesn’t absorb water and the cast aluminum frames don’t rust. The water that would collect on other patio furniture materials and cushions will go right through the sling material. If it’s a cold snowy climate, you’ll just have to wipe off the snow and the sling should dry quickly, similar to rain. Extreme heat and dry climates have a tendency to dry out the slings which could be prone to cracking. The cast aluminum frame can withstand pretty much anything.

Top Sling Patio Furniture Brands

If sling is what you want, you’re going to want to shop the best. The best brands not only produce great-looking furniture, but the material and construction is also high-quality and future proof. These are the brands that make the best sling patio furniture so you can shop with peace of mind:

Woodard

Palm Coast Sling stackable Dining Arm Chair (and Lounge Chairs) -by Woodard Woodard products have been handcrafted in the United States of America for over 150 years. Now THAT’S longevity! They are based out of Michigan and pride themselves on bringing “The Art of the Patio” to each and every frame they make. Frame molding, in fact, is their specialty, but they still manage to kick out some top tier sling furniture: their sling collections feature minimalist frame designs with crisp geometric lines and open backs, while their legendary powder-coated aluminum frames are lightweight, durable, and rust proof. The sling itself is a very strong, quick-drying fabric perfectly woven over the frame for a snug and cozy fit.

Mallin Casual Furniture

Madeira Sling 6-Seat Dining Set by Mallin Casual Furniture Mallin and Woodard are sister companies of sorts (you can read all about them and even more brands in our top post: The Best Outdoor Furniture Brands). Mallin offers timeless style and durable construction, making it a stylish, reliable choice season after season. The brand is not quite as aged as Woodard, with “only” 50+ years of experience designing and innovating, but Mallin Casual furniture has indeed been time tested and perfectly backyard-ready! Their collections feature versatile, contemporary, casual designs with lightweight weatherproof aluminum frames and waterproof sling for comfort and ease.

Harmonia Living

The Lift 5-Piece Dining Set by Harmonia Living A relatively new outdoor furniture brand, Harmonia Living has proven itself to be a nimble, versatile brand that offers perhaps the best, most customer-friendly balance of cost vs. quality on the market. Harmonia Living is an owner-operated furniture manufacturer that was born in 2007 out of a desire to provide a middle-of-the-road solution to folks looking for high quality teak, aluminum, and wicker casual furniture, without having to pay sky-high prices associated with most other luxury brands. They began branching into sling fabrics in 2015, and their sling sets are highly regarded. Their durable, lightweight aluminum frames and strong, quick-drying sling fabric are designed to withstand the elements, come rain or shine (and, based in San Diego, they tend to get a fair amount of both – not to mention that salty sea air). Uniquely, many of Harmonia Living’s sling furniture sets are paired with aluminum tables with tempered glass tops featuring a scratch-proof ceramic coating. It is, as you might say, a delightfully harmonious fusion of styles.

Castelle

The Park Place Sling Outdoor Dining Set by Castelle If you want a top artisanal brand experience, look no further than Castelle. For over 40 years, the Castelle name has stood for handcrafted luxury furnishings – every product in their catalog is made by hand, one piece at a time, by the most skilled artisans in the industry. The end result? Durable works of art that will transform your patio. Castelle sling furniture features open, symmetrical silhouettes and precise angles that give it truly high-end appeal, perfectly suited to a luxurious outdoor living space. Hand-brushed frame finishes complement the long-lasting sling fabrics.

Homecrest

The Grace AIR Sling Loveseat by Homecrest Homecrest sling furniture is a recent favorite of ours. They feature the comfort of a premium-quality double layer sling, without being too bulky and sacrificing the lightweight, low-maintenance funcitonalty that sling is so prized for. Their designs are always fresh, fun, and innovative, with a focus on modern style without veering too minimalist. Homecrest combines a rich history of quality and classic design with today’s demand for affordable luxury and versatile living. The brand targets style-driven consumers and contract buyers with a flair for eye-catching but versatile furniture. Quick dry, self-draining sling and cushions are paired with steel and aluminum frames for a timeless look built to last.

Sling Cleaning and Care

Cleaning sling patio furniture is a relatively easy task that doesn’t require a lot of supplies. As we’ve mentioned, water will go right through the sling material, so it doesn’t ever get too dirty. If you do need to wipe it off, a little soap and warm water mixed together should do the trick. You can use that mixture on the frame as well. After you’re done scrubbing, rinse it off with a hose and you should be good to go! If you’re dealing with a tough stain, we recommend 1 cup of chlorine bleach mixed with 10 cups of water. A quick scrub with a soft bristled brush and the stain should be gone.

When it comes to general care, there’s not too much you have to do. You’ll never need to refinish any surface on the sling furniture like you might with teak and there’s no need to look out for rust. A good rule of thumb is if the weather is really nasty, try to store your patio furniture. This will drastically increase the lifespan of any patio furniture you have.

Sling Repairing and Replacing

There aren’t a whole lot of options when it comes to repairing sling patio furniture. If your sling material breaks or isn’t as supportive, your best bet is to replace or purchase new sling furniture. If you try to repair the sling material, it could make it worse and then you’re putting yourself and your guests at risk by sitting on a sketchy piece of patio furniture. If you’re interested in replacing the sling material there are many vendors online who specialize in this kind of repair work, try finding one near you. But again, sling tends to be such a resilient material that under normal use conditions your furniture is very unlikely to need any repair or replacement.

Sling For Every Outdoor Setting

Sling Bar Chairs provide casual style and functionality for outdoor entertaining areas. Their open sling material allows for airflow to keep you cool, while providing excellent back support. Bar chairs come in counter or bar height to perfectly complement an outdoor bar. Some things to look for in a quality sling bar chair:

• Powder coated aluminum frames that are rust and corrosion resistant
• Weather resistant sling material that dries quickly
• Swivel functionality makes them easy to get in and out of
• Stackable for easy storage
• Optional cushioned seats for extra comfort

Sling Outdoor Seating encompasses a wide variety of sling seating options beyond standard dining chairs. You can find sling lounge chairs, loveseats, sofas, daybeds, and more. This makes sling a very versatile category of outdoor furniture.

Sling Patio Dining Sets are a great option for casual outdoor meals. The breathable sling keeps you comfortable while the often lightweight aluminum frames make rearrangement easy. Complete sling dining sets include a table and 4-8 sling chairs. Some of the benefits of a sling dining set:

• Easy to clean sling chairs
• Durable and rust-proof aluminum frames
• Optional tempered glass tops on tables
• Mix and match colors for a customized look

Sling Lounge Chairs are the perfect backyard recliners. Their adjustable positions make it easy to relax in comfort. Key features to look for include:

• Locking adjustable backrests
• Contoured ergonomic shape
• Breathable sling material
• Wheels for mobility
• Side table additions

A sling lounge option for multiple people are sling daybeds. These patio sofas provide numerous configurations for sitting and relaxing. Benefits of a sling daybed:

• Seats 2+ people comfortably
• Modular design allows for numerous arrangements
• Optional canopy for shade
• Great for poolside lounging

Sling Loveseats are sized for two people. They make great additions to any outdoor living space. Considerations when shopping for sling loveseats:

• Look for deep seated comfort with plush cushionsq
• Powder coated aluminum provides durability
• Make sure the scale fits your space
• Ottoman additions offer leg rests

If you need even more room, sling sofas can seat 3 or more people comfortably. Quality features to look for:

• UV and water resistant sling material
• Rust-proof aluminum frames
• Modular components allow for custom configurations
• Plenty of seating room
• Optional side tables and ottomans

No matter your outdoor seating needs, sling has attractive and comfortable options. With minimal maintenance requirements, sling furniture will provide years of enjoyment for any patio space. Be sure to check out our full outdoor furniture collection! We have dining sets, seating, umbrellas, and everything you need to create your dream outdoor oasis with quality and style.

Bringing It All Together

After reviewing the comprehensive details on sling patio furniture, it’s clear this category offers many attractive benefits. The breathable sling fabric provides comfort and dries quickly, while the aluminum frames resist rust for durability. Sling furniture comes in a wide range of styles to suit any decor.

When it comes to maintenance, sling furniture is low-fuss. A simple wipe down or hose wash is all that’s needed to keep it looking fresh. The material is fade and mildew resistant as well. Brands like Woodard, Mallin, Harmonia Living, Castelle, and Homecrest offer quality craftsmanship and innovative designs.

For wet climates or poolside lounging, sling is an ideal patio furniture material. The textilene mesh allows water to pass right through rather than pooling. And without cushions, there’s nothing to get soggy or moldy. Sling furniture resists damage from rain, sun, salt air, and other elements.

With the right care, sling patio sets can last for many years of use. Be sure to store them properly during extreme weather. Overall, this category combines great comfort, durability, affordability, and low maintenance. Sling furniture enables stylish and carefree outdoor living. For more patio inspiration, browse our full outdoor collection today!

Key Takeaways

Sling is such a great patio furniture material because it is:

• Relatively cheap – textile mesh is easier and cheaper to produce than many woods and metals.
• Great in wet-weather (tropical and subtropical) climates, where other materials may get too waterlogged
• Super comfortable, pliable, and ergonomically designed
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Lightweight, often stackable designs

Still not convinced? If you want more information about other patio furniture options, check out our complete buyer’s guide for any patio furniture you might need!