There’s a certain melancholy in watching a trusted piece of outdoor furniture succumb to the elements. For us, it was a pair of zero gravity chairs that had become silent witnesses to countless summer evenings, lazy Sunday afternoons, and backyard barbecues. The sturdy metal frames were still perfect, but the once-vibrant fabric was now a sad, frayed patchwork of sun-bleached threads and the bungee cords had lost all their reassuring tension. The thought of sending these structurally sound chairs to a landfill felt wasteful and wrong. It’s a common dilemma for any patio enthusiast: do you spend hundreds on brand new chairs, or is there a better, more sustainable, and more satisfying solution? This is the exact problem that led us to investigate a repair option, and ultimately, to test the Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit. We were searching for a way to restore our beloved chairs, not just replace them.
What to Consider Before Buying a Replacement Fabric Kit
A replacement fabric kit is more than just a piece of cloth; it’s a key solution for extending the life of your outdoor furniture, saving money, and reducing waste. It directly addresses the most common failure point of sling-style chairs—the fabric and cording—which are constantly exposed to UV rays, rain, and physical stress. The main benefits are profound: you get the feel of a brand-new chair for a fraction of the cost, you can often choose a new color to refresh your patio’s look, and you engage in a rewarding DIY project that keeps perfectly good chair frames in use for years to come.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a practical, hands-on person who is comfortable with basic assembly and sees the value in repair over replacement. If you have a zero gravity chair, recliner, or patio sling chair with a solid, rust-free frame but failing fabric, this is precisely for you. However, it might not be the best fit for those whose chair frames are bent, rusted through, or broken. In that case, the structural integrity is compromised, and a full replacement is the safer option. Similarly, if you lack the time or inclination for a small project that may require a drill and a bit of patience, purchasing a new chair outright might be a better path.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is the single most important factor. Before you even consider a purchase, you must meticulously measure your existing chair’s fabric dimensions (length and width). The Queekay kit specifies 63″ x 17″, which fits many standard models, but “standard” can vary. A kit that is too small won’t fit, and one that is too large will result in a saggy, uncomfortable seat.
- Capacity/Performance: The performance of a replacement kit hinges on two things: the fabric’s weave and the bungee cords’ elasticity. Look for a strong, tightly woven mesh material that can support significant weight without stretching over time. The quality of the bungee cords determines the chair’s “zero gravity” feel; they need to be robust and springy to provide the right balance of support and flexibility.
- Materials & Durability: Most replacement fabrics are a form of Textilene mesh, a polyester fabric coated with PVC. This material is the industry standard for a reason: it’s UV-resistant, waterproof, breathable, and easy to clean. Cheaper alternatives might use untreated polyester that will fade and degrade quickly. The included bungee cords should have durable metal or hard plastic tips that won’t snap under tension during installation or use. We found the materials in the Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit to be impressively robust for the price point.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: While the concept is simple, the actual installation can vary in difficulty depending on your chair’s construction. Some chairs require you to drill out rivets to slide the new fabric on, a step that requires a drill and basic tools. Long-term maintenance, however, is minimal. The mesh fabric can be easily wiped down with soap and water, ensuring it stays looking fresh for seasons to come.
While restoring a cherished chair is incredibly rewarding, sometimes a fresh start is in order. If your chair frames are beyond saving or you’re looking for a complete patio upgrade, a new purchase might be the better choice.
While the Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: A Complete Rebirth Kit in a Bag
The Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit arrived in a surprisingly compact package. Inside, we found two neatly folded sheets of vibrant blue mesh fabric and a bundle of eight bungee cords. The initial feel of the fabric was promising; it had a substantial weight and a tight, uniform weave that felt far superior to the flimsy, sun-rotted material we were replacing. The color was rich and consistent throughout. The bungee cords, separated into four longer lengths (7.2 ft) and four shorter ones (4.6 ft), felt thick and had a strong elastic pull. The plastic aglets on the ends were cleanly molded and seemed durable enough to handle the stress of being threaded and tightened.
One thing was immediately apparent, and it’s a point echoed by other users: there are no instructions included. For a seasoned DIYer, this is a minor inconvenience, as the process is fairly intuitive (and a quick search online provides numerous video tutorials). For a complete novice, however, this omission could be a point of initial frustration. Still, the completeness of the kit was a major plus. Having enough fabric and cording to completely overhaul two chairs in one package represents an incredible value proposition, immediately setting it apart from single-chair kits. This all-in-one approach is a feature that really sets it apart.
Key Benefits
- Excellent value, providing materials to repair two complete chairs
- High-quality, durable and breathable mesh fabric
- Includes ample, extra-long bungee cording for versatile lacing patterns
- Dramatically improves comfort and appearance of old chairs
Potential Drawbacks
- No installation instructions are included in the package
- Occasional quality control issues reported, such as receiving used or defective parts
A Deep Dive into the Restoration Process and Performance
A product like this isn’t judged on its looks in the box, but on the transformation it enables. We put the Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit to the test on a pair of old, weathered Cabela’s brand zero gravity chairs. The process was a journey from patio eyesore to poolside perfection, revealing the kit’s true strengths and minor challenges.
The Installation Experience: A Rewarding Weekend Project
Embarking on the replacement process felt like patio surgery. First, we cut away the old, tattered fabric and brittle cords, which was a satisfying act in itself. As one user correctly pointed out, our specific chair model required us to drill out two rivets on the upper back portion of the frame. This allowed a crossbar to be removed so we could slide the new fabric’s looped ends into place. This is a critical step to be aware of; inspect your chair frame first. If you see solid rivets instead of screws, you will need a drill and a drill bit appropriately sized to remove them. For reassembly, we used a pair of simple nuts and bolts, which provided an even more secure fit than the original rivets.
Once the fabric was in place, it was time for the lacing. The kit includes four long cords (7.2 ft) for the leg rest and seat sections, and four shorter cords (4.6 ft) for the backrest. Here, we wholeheartedly agree with the user who recommended making this a two-person job. Having one person on each side, threading the cord through the grommets and around the frame posts, ensures the tension is even and the process goes much faster. The cords provided were generously long. We had plenty of extra length, which we simply double-weaved back through the last few grommets for an extra-secure hold. This is far better than the alternative of cords being too short. The entire process for one chair, including drilling, took about 45 minutes at a relaxed pace. The result was immediately transformative; the chair looked brand new, a sentiment echoed in nearly every positive user account. It’s a project that delivers a huge visual and functional payoff for a modest investment of time.
Material Quality and All-Weather Durability
The heart of the Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit is, of course, the fabric itself. The blue polyester mesh material is a standout feature. In our testing, it lived up to its “waterproof and breathable” description perfectly. After a rain shower, water beaded up and rolled off, and the open weave allowed the fabric to dry in a fraction of the time of our old, degraded material. This quick-drying quality is essential for preventing mildew and ensuring the chair is always ready for use.
On a hot, sunny day, the breathability was a game-changer. The mesh design allows for air circulation, preventing that sticky, sweaty feeling you get from solid-surface chairs. It felt cool and comfortable against the skin. We rigorously tested its strength by reclining fully and shifting our weight. The fabric held taut with no signs of undue stretching or stress at the seams. One user noted that their husband, at around 190 lbs, found the refurbished chair to be perfectly supportive, and our findings corroborate this. The new fabric and cording combination easily handled the weight, providing firm yet flexible support throughout the chair’s range of motion. The durability here inspires confidence that this isn’t just a one-season fix, but a repair that will last for years, making the initial investment in this kit an even smarter choice.
The Rebirth of Comfort: From Saggy to Sublime
The ultimate test is, simply, how does it feel? The difference was night and day. Before the replacement, our chairs were saggy, unsupportive, and frankly, uncomfortable. The old, stretched-out cords created pressure points and offered no real suspension. After installing the Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit, the chair was reborn. The new, high-tension bungee cords provide the signature “floating” sensation that makes these chairs so popular. The support is evenly distributed across the entire body, from the legs to the upper back.
The lacing system, now tight and responsive, allows the chair to glide smoothly from an upright to a fully reclined position. There’s a reassuring firmness that wasn’t there before, eliminating any bottoming out or contact with the frame beneath. It’s not just a visual upgrade; it’s a complete functional overhaul that restores the chair to, and arguably surpasses, its original comfort level. For anyone who has given up on their favorite gravity chair because it became too saggy to enjoy, this kit is the definitive answer. It proves that the core comfort of these chairs lies in the suspension system, and this kit provides everything you need to bring that system back to factory-fresh condition.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience is largely mirrored by the broader user community. Many, like one satisfied customer, highlight the “quality materials and fantastic price,” celebrating that the kit contains “all the components needed to re-do 2 zero gravity chairs.” The sentiment that the chairs “look like brand new” after the project is a common thread, underscoring the product’s transformative power. Another user successfully adapted the kit for a different style of aluminum chair, proving its versatility beyond just zero gravity models and praising how it “brought life back to these chairs.”
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the less positive feedback. One user reported a deeply unsatisfactory experience, receiving a kit that was clearly a returned item. It had a defective fabric piece with a flaw, was missing the second piece entirely, and included used cords with “no spring/elastic left.” This points to a potential gap in quality control or issues with third-party fulfillment. While this seems to be an outlier, it’s a significant concern and a risk potential buyers should be aware of when ordering.
Repair or Replace? How the Queekay Kit Stacks Up to Buying New
The Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit is a repair solution, fundamentally different from purchasing a new chaise lounge. The following alternatives are for those who decide a full replacement is the better route, whether due to a broken frame or the desire for a completely new style.
1. WAROOM Set of 2 Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chairs
If your goal is to upgrade your patio’s aesthetic to a more modern, resort-like feel, the WAROOM set is a compelling alternative. Instead of a fabric sling, you get a durable wicker/rattan construction over a steel frame, complete with comfortable cushions. This is a significant step up in terms of style and represents a complete furniture replacement. Choose this option if you’re tired of the zero gravity chair look and want a more traditional, elegant chaise lounge for sunbathing and poolside relaxation. It’s a different category of comfort and design entirely.
2. Kozyard Cozy Aluminum Lounge Chair with Drink Holder
The Kozyard lounge chair is an excellent choice for someone who loves the low-maintenance Textilene fabric of a gravity chair but wants a more traditional chaise form factor with added features. Its lightweight aluminum frame is rustproof, and it comes fully assembled—a huge plus for those who want to avoid any DIY projects. The integrated drink holder is a fantastic convenience feature. This is the ideal pick for someone whose gravity chair frame is broken and wants a ready-to-use, feature-rich replacement without the hassle of assembly.
3. PURPLE LEAF 3pc Chaise Lounge Set
For the homeowner looking to execute a complete patio overhaul, the PURPLE LEAF set is a premium choice. This isn’t just a replacement; it’s a statement. You get two high-quality chaise lounges and a matching side table, creating an instant, cohesive relaxation zone. The adjustable backrests and vibrant color options offer both comfort and style. This alternative is best for those with a larger budget who are designing an entire outdoor living space and prioritize a coordinated, high-end look over the cost-savings of a repair job.
The Final Verdict: An Essential Purchase for the Savvy Chair Owner
After a thorough hands-on evaluation, we can confidently say that the Queekay Gravity Chair Replacement Fabric Kit is a phenomenal product for its intended purpose. It offers an almost unbeatable value, providing everything needed to completely restore two chairs to a like-new condition for a pittance compared to the cost of replacement. The quality of the fabric and the generosity of the included cording are impressive, resulting in a finished product that is both aesthetically pleasing and exceptionally comfortable. It’s a rewarding, straightforward DIY project that saves money and prevents perfectly good furniture from ending up in a landfill.
While the lack of instructions is a minor oversight and the potential for receiving a returned product is a valid concern, the overwhelming evidence points to a high-quality, effective solution. If you have a zero gravity chair with a good frame but tired fabric, we cannot recommend this kit highly enough. It is the definitive way to resurrect your favorite outdoor recliner. If you’re ready to give your chairs a second chance and enjoy that brand-new feeling all over again, we encourage you to check the latest price and color options available for the Queekay kit today.