Living in a high-rise apartment offers great views, but strong winds on your balcony can turn your outdoor oasis into a hazard. Lightweight furniture can easily blow over, causing damage or becoming a danger. Here are effective strategies to secure your urban outdoor furniture and keep it firmly in place.
First, add weight to your furniture. Use commercial furniture weights or sandbags designed for patio sets. You can also create DIY weights by filling decorative planters or containers with sand or gravel and placing them at the base of chair legs or table frames. For umbrellas, invest in a heavy, weighted base specifically made for wind resistance.
Second, use anchors and straps. Furniture anchor kits, often featuring ground stakes and durable straps, can be adapted for balcony use by securing them to sturdy balcony rails or approved fixing points (always check with your building management first). Velcro straps or bungee cords can also be used to tie furniture together or to secure items like planters, making them less likely to tip individually.
Third, choose your furniture and its placement wisely. Opt for low-profile, heavy-duty materials like wrought iron or concrete when purchasing new furniture. Arrange your furniture in a sheltered corner of the balcony, where it is protected by walls or windbreaks. Avoid placing lightweight items like side tables and loungers near the balcony's edge where wind force is strongest.
Finally, bring in portable items during forecasts of exceptionally high winds. A simple routine of moving smaller chairs, cushions, and decor indoors when a storm is coming is the most foolproof method. By combining these tactics—adding weight, using anchors, strategic placement, and timely storage—you can enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about your furniture taking flight.