There’s nothing better than enjoying a warm, sunny day on your patio. However, when winds pick up, your patio furniture can quickly turn into a problem. From lightweight chairs being blown across your yard to cushions being scattered, securing your patio furniture is essential for maintaining a safe, beautiful outdoor space. Here’s how to protect your furniture from the wind, ensuring it stays in place even during gusty weather.

1. Securing Patio Furniture with Bungee Cords or Rope

One of the easiest and most effective ways to secure your patio furniture is by tying it down with bungee cords or rope. This method works well for both lightweight and heavier furniture.

How to Use Bungee Cords

1. Tie Multiple Pieces Together

By connecting smaller pieces of furniture, like chairs and tables, you create a heavier, more stable unit. This reduces the chance of the pieces moving independently.

2. Tie to Fixed Objects

For larger pieces or individual items, use bungee cords to tie the furniture to fixed objects such as a fence, tree, or post. This keeps your furniture anchored, preventing it from being displaced by strong winds.

3. Furniture Covers

Bungee cords can also be used to secure furniture covers. When a cover is fastened tightly with cords, it won’t get blown off by the wind.

This simple solution is effective, flexible, and easy to implement. You can adjust the cords based on furniture size and position, and it’s perfect for quick protection when high winds are expected.

2. Anchoring Your Furniture to the Ground

For larger furniture pieces, anchoring them directly to the ground can prevent movement and tipping.

Methods for Anchoring

1. Ground Anchors

Install deck anchors or patio anchors to secure the furniture directly to the ground. These anchors are usually installed into the soil or cement and attached to your furniture, providing a stable foundation.

2. Screw-in Furniture Anchors

Heavy-duty screws are designed to hold furniture in place. Attach them to furniture legs and screw them into the ground or a deck for added security.

Anchoring is ideal for furniture that remains in one place, like large tables or storage units. This permanent solution offers robust protection, ensuring your furniture won’t be blown away, even in strong gusts.

3. Using Weights and Sandbags

Adding extra weight to your furniture is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to prevent it from blowing away. Whether you use sandbags, rocks, or furniture weights, these heavy objects help stabilize your furniture and prevent movement.

How to Use Sandbags

1. Place Sandbags on Furniture Legs

You can use saddle-style sandbags or make your own by filling pillowcases or laundry bags with sand. Place them around the legs of chairs and tables to anchor them down.

2. Large Weighted Items

If you don’t have sandbags, you can use other heavy objects like rocks or furniture-specific weights. These can be placed on the furniture’s base to provide extra stability.

Using weights is a practical and affordable solution to prevent your furniture from being picked up by the wind. It’s also easy to adjust, so you can place the weights in areas that need extra support.

4. Creating a Windbreak with Plants or Barriers

Creating a windbreak is an effective way to reduce wind exposure on your furniture. A windbreak slows down or redirects the wind, preventing it from hitting your furniture directly.

1. Natural Windbreaks

Plant Tall Shrubs or Trees

Planting dense shrubs or trees along the perimeter of your patio or yard can act as a natural barrier against the wind. Evergreens, boxwoods, and other thick plants are great options for creating a wind-resistant environment.

2. Artificial Windbreaks

Install Fences or Screens

If planting isn’t an option, you can use privacy fences, bamboo screens, or mesh panels as an artificial windbreak. These barriers can be positioned around your patio to block wind, reducing its force before it reaches your furniture.

A windbreak not only protects your furniture but also adds aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space. Whether natural or artificial, windbreaks are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance once installed.

5. Storing Cushions and Small Items Securely

Cushions, pillows, and small decorative pieces are particularly susceptible to being blown away by wind. To keep these items secure, store them properly when not in use.

Storage Solutions

1. Deck Boxes and Storage Bins

Invest in waterproof deck boxes or storage bins to keep cushions and small items safe from the wind. Ensure that the container is sturdy and weighted to prevent it from being blown away.

2. Zip and Tie Cushions

If you prefer to leave cushions out, consider using hook-and-loop strips (Velcro) or zip ties to secure them to your furniture. This prevents them from flying off in strong winds and keeps them in place when not in use.

By storing cushions and other small items securely, you ensure they remain intact and prevent them from becoming a safety hazard.

6. Choosing Heavier Furniture Materials

When purchasing new Patio Furniture, consider choosing pieces made from heavier materials like wrought iron, cast aluminum, or teak wood. These materials are much more resistant to wind displacement than lightweight options like plastic or wicker.

Recommended Heavy Materials

1. Wrought Iron

This material is known for its durability and weight. It resists high winds, but it may require some rust prevention treatment to maintain its appearance.

2. Cast Aluminum

Slightly lighter than wrought iron, but still very sturdy, cast aluminum is a great low-maintenance option for outdoor furniture.

3. Teak Wood

Dense and durable, teak is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture as it withstands both wind and weather conditions.

Heavier furniture naturally resists wind movement, reducing the need for additional anchoring or securing methods. Investing in quality, durable furniture also ensures that your pieces last longer and remain stable over time.

7. Using Earthquake Gel for Securing Smaller Furniture

How to Use Earthquake Gel

1. Apply to Furniture Legs

To secure your patio furniture, apply a small amount of earthquake gel to the base of each furniture leg. Press the leg firmly into place, ensuring a strong bond between the furniture and the surface it sits on. This will help prevent the furniture from shifting, sliding, or being displaced by wind.

2. Ideal for Smaller Furniture

Earthquake gel is ideal for securing smaller pieces of patio furniture, like tables and chairs. It’s a great solution for areas where moderate winds are a concern, but more heavy-duty solutions (such as anchoring or using weights) may not be necessary.

Earthquake gel is an affordable and effective option for preventing minor shifts or displacements caused by wind, particularly for lighter furniture that might otherwise be easily moved by strong gusts.

8. Bringing Furniture Indoors During Severe Weather

When extreme weather conditions are forecasted, the best way to ensure your furniture stays protected is by moving it indoors or to a sheltered area. This completely eliminates the risk of wind damage and protects your pieces from other elements like rain or flying debris.

When to Move Furniture Indoors

1. During Severe Winds or Storms

If high winds, heavy rain, or storms are expected, bringing your furniture indoors or into a garage will keep it safe.

2. Using Foldable Furniture

Opt for foldable or stackable furniture to make it easier to store during bad weather. These types of furniture are easy to move and won’t take up much space when stored indoors.

Bringing your furniture inside is the most effective solution for protecting it from severe weather and ensures that your outdoor space remains in good condition year-round.

Combining Methods for Maximum Protection

The best way to keep your patio furniture secure when the wind blows is by combining several of the strategies discussed in this guide. From tying your furniture with bungee cords to anchoring it with sandbags, each method contributes to creating a stable, wind-resistant outdoor environment. Adding a windbreak, choosing heavier furniture materials, and using earthquake gel further enhance your protection.

By taking proactive measures, you can enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about your furniture being displaced or damaged by the wind. These solutions not only save you time and effort but also protect your investment and ensure the longevity of your outdoor furniture.

FAQs

1. How to keep patio furniture cover from blowing away in winter?

Use covers with built-in drawstrings or buckles and secure the bottom with bungee cords or heavy-duty clips. Adding furniture cover weights or tying the cover to nearby structures helps it stay in place. Ensure the cover fits tightly without excess slack.

2. What wind speed will move patio furniture?

Lightweight patio furniture like plastic or aluminum can move at wind speeds around 20–30 mph. Heavier pieces like wrought iron patio furniture typically resist movement until winds reach 40–50 mph, making them more stable in gusty conditions.

3. What is the best patio furniture to leave outside?

Teak, powder-coated aluminum, and synthetic resin wicker patio furniture are great for year-round outdoor use. These materials resist weather damage and require minimal maintenance.