Is your patio furniture constantly taking flight on a windy day? Keeping lightweight chairs, tables, and umbrellas grounded can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous simple and effective strategies you can employ. Here are 10 practical solutions to keep your outdoor furniture from blowing away.
1. Use Furniture Weights: The simplest solution is to add weight. You can purchase specially designed furniture weight bags that slip onto chair or table legs. Alternatively, fill decorative planters with sand or gravel and place them on the base of your furniture.
2. Invest in Sandbag Anchors: For a heavy-duty option, use sandbag anchors with straps. Loop the straps around the furniture legs and let the sandbag sit on the ground, providing a low-profile but highly effective anchor.
3. Tie It Down with Straps and Bungee Cords: Use durable straps or UV-resistant bungee cords to secure furniture pieces together or to a sturdy, fixed point like a heavy railing or a patio post. This prevents individual pieces from being picked up by the wind.
4. Add Non-Slip Pads: Place heavy-duty, rubber non-slip pads under the furniture legs. These pads not only prevent scratching but also provide extra grip on smooth surfaces like concrete, making it harder for gusts to move them.
5. Choose Wind-Resistant Furniture: When buying new furniture, opt for heavier materials like wrought iron, concrete, or thick, powder-coated aluminum. These are inherently more resistant to wind.
6. Utilize Umbrella Bases: A flimsy umbrella can become a sail, lifting the entire table. Invest in a sturdy, weighted umbrella base. Fill a hollow base with sand or water for maximum stability.
7. Create a Windbreak: Strategically place a privacy screen, a trellis with dense vines, or large, heavy potted plants to block the direct force of the wind from hitting your furniture.
8. Anchor with Ground Stakes: For furniture on grass or dirt, use spiral ground stakes and sturdy ropes or zip ties to tether the furniture legs directly to the ground.
9. Use Velcro Straps: For stackable chairs, strong Velcro straps are an excellent way to bind them together into a single, heavier unit that is much less likely to blow over.
10. Bring In Cushions and Umbrellas: When high winds are forecasted, the easiest preventative measure is to store lightweight accessories like cushions, umbrellas, and side tables indoors. This removes the elements that catch the most wind.
By implementing one or more of these solutions, you can enjoy your patio without the constant worry of chasing your furniture down the street. A little preparation ensures your outdoor oasis remains intact and inviting, no matter the weather.