The Sling is the teak lounge series from Apple Bee: low corner sets with a teak frame, light cushions and a generous size. In this article you can read what makes the series special, which versions you can compare, how the Sling and Sling XL differ, and what to look out for before you order a lounge set.
In brief: The Sling has a teak frame and, with the corner sets, BEE WETT cushions. You choose from a corner set of 260 x 260 cm or the XL at 327 x 260 cm, long on the left or right, and add separate benches and a side table. A table is not included with the sets.
What is the Apple Bee Sling?
Sling is a series of low lounge furniture in teak. The corner sets have an open frame with a broad edge, so you can put a cup of coffee or a lamp on it, and thick cushions in a light colour. Alongside complete corner sets, there are separate lounge benches and a side table, so you can extend the set.
Apple Bee has more series, each with its own character. Curious how Sling compares to the sleeker Condor, which is made of aluminium with teak? Read Apple Bee Condor or Sling. An overview of the entire brand can be found in Apple Bee reviews.
Material: teak
The frame of the Sling is made of teak. This timber contains a lot of natural oil and is therefore well able to cope with moisture. Left untreated, teak turns silver-grey outdoors; if you want to keep its warm honey colour, you oil it. Teak is heavy: a Sling set won't blow away, but you won't move it around in a hurry either.
If you're still torn between wood and aluminium, read aluminium or teak garden furniture. You'll find more sets with a wooden frame in the teak lounge sets section.
BEE WETT cushions
The title of the Sling corner sets includes BEE WETT. This is the name Apple Bee uses for its quick-drying cushions: according to the brand, rainwater runs through the cushion instead of staying in it. As a result, they dry faster after a shower than cushions with ordinary foam. They are not waterproof, though: store them away in long wet spells and in winter. You can read how it works in what is BEE WETT?
In the video you can see a Sling XL arrangement of 260 x 327 cm up close.
Sling or Sling XL?
The main difference is size. Both are teak corner sets with BEE WETT cushions.
| Feature | Sling | Sling XL |
|---|---|---|
| Corner set size | 260 x 260 cm | 327 x 260 cm |
| Shape | Two equal sides | One long and one shorter side |
| Version | One version | Long on the left or long on the right |
| Suitable for | A medium-sized terrace | A spacious terrace or large garden |
Choose the regular Sling if your terrace is square or a little smaller. Choose the Sling XL if you have a long wall or edge along which the long side can fit. For long on the left or right, look at the set from the front: the long side is on that side.
Versions compared
These are the Sling versions you can compare on Boender Outdoor. The sizes come from the product information; the current prices can be found on the cards and the brand page.
| Version | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sling teak lounge set | 260 x 260 cm | Corner set |
| Sling XL, long on the left | 327 x 260 cm | Corner set |
| Sling XL, long on the right | 260 x 327 cm | Corner set |
| Sling 2-seater lounge bench | 175 cm | Separate bench, left or right |
| Sling 3-seater lounge bench | 242 cm | Separate bench |
| Sling side table | 120 x 85 cm | Teak table |
Sling teak lounge set 260x260 cm
Sling XL lounge set 260x327 cm, long on the right
Sling 2-seater lounge bench 175 cm, left
The 2-seater lounge bench is also available as a right-hand version. All sets and separate parts are listed on the Apple Bee brand page; separate benches from other brands can be found under lounge benches.
How much space do you need?
A corner set of 260 x 260 cm takes up more space than you might think. Allow roughly 60 to 90 cm of walking space all round, and more if you place a side table in front of it. For a Sling XL of 327 x 260 cm, you'll quickly need a terrace of a little over four by three metres. Mark out the dimensions with tape before you order. You can find more tips in how much space you need for a lounge set and buying a corner lounge set: what should you look out for?
Styling tips
- Decorative cushions: teak and light cushions go well with warm colours such as terracotta, ochre or dark green. Have a look at the garden cushions.
- Table: place the teak Sling side table in front of the sofa, or choose a different lounge table.
- Floor: an outdoor rug under the set completes the seating area. Read outdoor rugs for the terrace.
- Protection: in winter, use a breathable protective cover and store the cushions somewhere dry, for example in a cushion box.
Maintenance
Teak needs little maintenance if you let it weather: brushing it down now and then with lukewarm water is enough. If you want to keep the warm colour, clean and oil the wood once or twice a year, on a dry day. Don't go over the wood with a pressure washer, as it roughens the grain. You can read step by step how to do this in treating teak for outdoors and treating wooden garden furniture.
Who is the Sling suitable for?
The Sling suits anyone who wants a generous, low lounge set with the warmth of real wood, and has the space for it. Thanks to the separate benches, you can start small and expand later. If you're looking for a lighter set with less maintenance, or want to dine and lounge within the same series, take a look at Condor. You can read the comparison in Apple Bee Condor or Sling.
Frequently asked questions
What material is the Apple Bee Sling made from?
The frame of the Sling range is made from teak, a wood species rich in natural oils that copes well with moisture. According to the title, the cushions of the corner sets are BEE WETT, the quick-drying cushions from Apple Bee.
What is the difference between the Sling and the Sling XL?
Mainly the size. The Sling corner set in our comparison measures 260 x 260 cm, while the Sling XL measures 327 x 260 cm. The XL is available in a left-hand and a right-hand version.
How much does an Apple Bee Sling lounge set cost?
The price varies by configuration and by retailer, and it changes regularly. You can compare the current prices of the corner sets, separate sofas and the coffee table on the Apple Bee brand page.
Can I extend the Sling?
There are separate Sling lounge sofas, such as a 2-seater of 175 cm in a left-hand and a right-hand version, and a 3-seater of 242 cm, as well as a coffee table measuring 120 x 85 cm. Check with the retailer whether a separate piece fits your set.
How do I maintain a Sling lounge set?
Let the teak weather to a silver-grey, or clean and oil it once or twice a year to keep its warm colour. Store the cushions somewhere dry during long spells of wet weather and in winter.
Does the Sling lounge set include a table?
For the corner sets in our comparison, it says "includes table: no". The teak Sling coffee table is sold separately.
