Winston patio furniture: what fails first and what it costs to fix

Winston Furniture is an Alabama outdoor furniture maker based in Haleyville; it began in 1975 as a division of Marathon Corporation. Its seating comes in cushion and sling styles on aluminum frames, and on Winston pieces the thing that wears out first is almost always the sling or strap, not the frame. We are independent, not a Winston dealer or service center, and Winston slings, straps and finishes are standard out-of-warranty work.

What fails first on Winston furniture

• Slings. Sling seating is a big part of Winston’s line. Like every PVC-coated polyester mesh, the fabric sags and splits after years of sun. See sling replacement and sling sagging or split.
• Vinyl straps. Winston’s warranty covers vinyl or Suncloth strap for five years against breaks, two years for fading. After that, brittle straps are a restrap.
• Finish. Paint finish carries five years against blistering or peeling. The warranty excludes fading and weathering of the finish. See chalky faded finish.
• Glides. Glides, bolts and wheels are component parts with a one-year warranty, so on an older set they are simply wear items. See glides and swivel and rocker repair.

What Winston’s care guide asks owners to do

Winston’s own care instructions are specific, and they differ from some other makers:

• Sling fabric or vinyl strap: apply a quality vinyl protectant to guard against air pollution, salt build-up and mildew. Light stains come off with mild detergent and water.
• Aluminum frames: wash with mild detergent and water, rinse and dry.
• Do not use wax, abrasive materials or strong detergents on textured finishes, solvent-type cleaners on woven vinyl fabrics, or chlorine-based cleaners. Keep water under 100 degrees.
• Sunscreen and suntan products may be harmful to mesh and vinyl straps, and the warranty excludes damage from suntan oil.

The no-wax instruction on textured finishes matters, because other makers do recommend wax. If your set is Winston, follow Winston.

Winston warranty in brief

Exclusions include abusive use, acts of nature, suntan oil or other chemicals, normal fading, scratching or chipping of the finish, accidents and normal wear and tear. If your set is newer, check the warranty first; Winston lists customer service contact details on its own site.

Typical Winston repair prices

These are the same per-piece ranges as the pricing page. We do not charge a brand premium.

Is a Winston set worth repairing?

When the aluminum frame is sound, nearly always. Winston backs the residential aluminum frame for 15 years against structural failure, and the slings and straps are designed to be the replaceable part. A frame that is bent, cracked at several joints, or a steel piece rusting through is the exception. Run the numbers in the refinish or replace calculator.

Winston’s fabric and wicker warranty

Beyond the frame and strap terms above, Winston’s residential warranty says that if the fabric on a cushion, sling or umbrella tears, mildews or fades excessively within two years of purchase, it will repair or replace the fabric. All-weather HDPE wicker gets three years. Commercial terms are shorter: one year on fabric and two on vinyl strap. Claims need proof of purchase through an authorized sales channel, Winston recommends working through the seller, and a return needs written factory authorization first.

Two care details worth knowing

Winston asks for its cushion and strap maintenance two to three times a year, and says furniture should be stored upright so water drains from the frame. It also rules out steam and water hotter than 100 degrees, and solvents on woven vinyl.

Getting a quote

Send a front and side photo of each piece, a close-up of the seat underside, and the Winston label or model name if you have it.