Extend the Life of Your Aluminum Chairs with Webbing

Replacement webbing for aluminum chairs is available in various colors and in two sizes: a 3-inch and a 2 ¼-inch. The webbing is attached to the chair with either screws or clips. The webbing is inexpensive, so it is practical to repair the chair, instead of replacing it. Aluminum chairs are lightweight and easy to carry. They are nice on summer days because they allow the breeze to freely flow through the strapping, like the Green Aluminum Outdoor Chair by Vifah Modern Patio.

Repairing Chairs with Screws

1. Remove any worn or broken straps. Set the screws aside. Examine the frame to see if any of the screws need replacing, and buy replacement screws as necessary.
2. Using a measuring tape, measure the distance between the holes in the frame of the chair. For the straps running from one side of the chair to the other, measure the distance between corresponding holes on either side of the top of the seat. Add 4 inches to this measurement to calculate the length of the horizontal straps.
3. Measure the distance between the holes for the vertical straps. Also measure the distance from the center hole on the front of the top of seat, down around the metal bar at the back of the seat, and up to the center hole on top of the front of the seat. Add 4 inches to this measurement to calculate the length of the vertical straps.
4. Cut the strips to these measurements. Fold the end of the strip at a 45-degree angle so the top of the strip touches the side of the strip. Fold this side down so it is perpendicular to the side of the wedding. The end of the strip will be a 90-degree point.
5. Stick a screw through the center of this point. Screw it into the hole on the back or bottom of the frame where the strip is missing, so the strip sticks out from the frame. Wrap the strip of webbing around the frame and weave it over and under every strip. If the strips on either side go under, weave it over; if they go over, weave it under. Weave vertical strips with the chair folded. Be sure to go under the bar at the bottom of the seat.
6. Fold the other end of the strip into another point with the folds facing down. Wrap the end of the strip around the other side of the frame. Stick another screw into the strip so it aligns with the hole in the frame. Replace any other missing strips in the same way.

Repairing Chairs with Clips

1. Remove any broken or worn straps. Measure the distance between the holes in the frame of the chair. For straps running from one side of the chair to the other, measure the distance between corresponding holes on either side of the top of the seat. Add 4 inches to this measurement to calculate the length of the horizontal straps.
2. Measure the distance between the holes for the vertical straps. Also measure the distance from the center hole on the front of the top of the seat, down around the metal bar at the back of the seat, and up to the center hole on top of the front of the seat. Add 4 inches to this measurement to get the length of the vertical straps.
3. Cut your strips to these measurements. Push one of the clips from the webbing kit through the one end of the wedding, 2 inches from the end. Make sure the curve on the clip faces up. Insert the clip in the hole in the frame.
4. Wrap the strip around the frame and over to the other side, weave it over and under every other strip. If the strips on either side go under, weave it over; if they go over, weave it under. Make sure these strips go under the bat at the bottom of the seat.
5. 
   Wrap the strip around the frame. Mark the location of the hole with a permanent marker. Stick another clip through the webbing at the mark. Be sure the clip points toward the frame and curves up. Replace any other missing strips in the same way.

If you are replacing all the webbing on your aluminum chair, start with the horizontal strips. Of course, you will not have to weave them. This how-to works on both folding chairs as well a non-folding chairs like the Sun Set Counter Stool (Set of 4) by Lebello.