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Prevent Your Patio Furniture from Getting Blown Away by the Wind
When a powerful gust of wind can cause your garden chairs to slide across the patio or your umbrella table to topple over the deck, finding a remedy may have been a hassle for you. After a tempest, nobody wants to see their patio seats submerged in a muddy pool – or at the bottom of the swimming pool.
Spring and summer conditions can occasionally be severe, yet there are numerous measures you can take to ensure your garden furniture remains in place when breezes pick up. Although no outside furniture can withstand a hurricane or tornado, these recommendations should suffice for most situations.
10 Strategies to Secure Your Outdoor Furniture Against Wind
1. Invest in heavy furniture. When it comes to battling stiff winds, heavier outdoor furniture made of wood, wrought iron, cast aluminum or steel is better at withstanding the challenge. There is a tradeoff, however. Heavy outdoor furniture may be harder to rearrange or store. Also, iron and steel could potentially leave marks on your patio or deck, either from scrapes as you attempt to move furniture, or rust stains from aging.
2. Secure furnishings in place. On a grassy spot, ground spikes or garden pegs can be utilized to fasten lawn furniture to the ground. Depending on the specific outdoor pieces you have, a stake might fit into or over a chair leg. Alternatively, you can use a cord to tie part of the frame to the ground stake.
3. Establish a wind barrier. Creating a line of bushes or hedges a few feet away from your patio can serve as an effective wind buffer. The denser the foliage, the better the wind protection. Ensure these windbreak plants are placed upwind, perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. A natural windscreen not only provides a useful wind buffer but also acts as a charming yard backdrop and adds a degree of privacy. If a natural barrier isn’t feasible, a privacy fence or trellis can also mitigate the impact of strong winds.
4. Opt for furniture anchors. Acquiring furniture anchors designed for breezy conditions is advisable. Options include saddle-style sandbags draped over a chair’s backrest or arm. Moreover, some sandbags and anchors encircle the legs of your outdoor furniture. For those inclined to DIY projects, there are numerous online guides and tutorials on creating your own patio furniture anchors using materials like sand, rice, or stones.
5. Secure a stable umbrella stand. Your outdoor parasol is the item most inclined to get blown away first. Though retracting and tying it down when not in use can help, it may not be sufficient to keep your umbrella table in place. Therefore, consider getting a weighted umbrella stand. These stands could either be crafted from dense substances or filled with sand or water. Alternatively, store the umbrella away when strong winds are forecasted.
6. Make it adhere. Have you ever encountered earthquake gel? Designed to prevent glass items from sliding off shelves and shattering during tremors, some property owners utilize museum gel to secure patio furnishings. The transparent gel can be applied to the legs of your tables and chairs. While this gel might hinder the rearrangement or adjustment of your seating, it is easily detachable.
7. Secure it. Use rope or bungee cords to secure furnishings. Elastic bungee cords, available in multiple lengths, can bundle several outdoor items together, creating a mass that is harder for wind to carry away. Smaller items can also be secured to larger, fixed objects like trees or poles for additional stability.
8. Fix it in place. What if your furniture is situated on a patio or deck? You can opt to permanently bolt your furniture to a sturdy surface like concrete or decking, although this approach has its drawbacks. First, specialized tools, such as a masonry drill bit, may be required. Second, once fixed, your outdoor furniture won’t be movable – not even to adjust closer to the fire pit. Lastly, replacing the furniture might involve patching up the anchor holes.
9. Stack your chairs.Stackable chairs positioned in a corner or near a wall have a better likelihood of remaining in place, even if they are fairly light. A fitted cover will safeguard your furnishings and aid in keeping everything consolidated in one spot.
“`10. Bring the furniture inside. Depending on the quantity and dimensions of your outdoor furniture, it may be wise to store it in a shed, sunroom, or garage during harsh weather or seasonally. This practice also helps safeguard your furniture from potential scratches or damage from falling branches, as well as from winter snow and ice.id=”sd-image-648c8514-a198-4ea9-8ee0-d8839ab0c88a” data-edit-mode=””>
Maybe it isn’t your furniture, but your outdoor cushions that get scattered across the yard after a storm. There are a few strategies you can use to secure patio cushions.
If your patio chair cushions lack straps to attach them to your furniture, adding ties might help. Alternatively, affix hook-and-loop tape to the bottoms of the cushions and the seat base to keep them fixed. Zip ties could also be an option!
To maintain your outdoor throw pillows and outdoor cushions in good condition, bring them indoors during severe weather conditions.
Alternatively, invest in a deck box. This weatherproof outdoor storage container is designed to keep cushions and other patio and pool accessories secure. To help prevent stains and mildew growth, make sure cushions are clean and dry before storing.
Your patio furniture is not only a significant investment, but a way to help you enjoy your outdoor spaces. Protecting patio seats and dining sets from being battered by the wind and weather helps reduce the risk of damage and ensures it’s ready to use when the wind dies down.
