Refurbish your patio chairs by re-strapping.
Patio furniture takes a beating in the long, hot summers and over time will start to show signs of wear and tear. The UV rays from the sun will cause the vinyl strapping to become brittle and even discolor. Poolside chairs may become stained with body oils and tanning lotions. It is not that difficult to give your patio chairs a facelift. With a little bit of your time, a few materials and a little patience, your furniture will have that new look again. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Cut the old vinyl straps to be replaced, using scissors. Remove the straps by twisting and pulling them until the fasteners release from the frame of the chair. Use a screwdriver for those hard-to-remove fasteners.
2. Measure the length for the new strap, using a cloth measuring tape. Position it at the hole in the chair frame, wrap it around the chair frame the same way the vinyl strap will go and pull it across to the opposite side of the chair. Wrap the tape around the frame and take the measurement at the hole. Reduce this measurement by 90 percent to get the exact length for the new strap. This reduction is necessary because the new straps will be stretched at installation.
3. Transfer the measurement to the new vinyl strapping and cut to length. Drill a hole at each end of the strap about 1/2 inch from the end, using a drill with a 3/16-inch bit. Cut and trim the corners with dog-ear cuts.
4. Boil water and pour the water into a bucket. Soak the vinyl strap for about five minutes. Carefully remove the strap with tongs as it will be quite hot. Wipe the strap dry with a clean towel.
5. Insert a fastener into the holes at each end of the strap. Start at one side of the chair frame, align the fastener up with the hole and push it until the strap is securely installed. Wrap the strap around the frame. Holding the chair firmly with one hand, use the other hand, grasp the strap and pull it across to the opposite side. Wrap the strap around the frame, align the fastener up with the hole and push it in until it is locked into place.
Tags: around frame, chair frame, across opposite, across opposite side, align fastener, align fastener with