If I were furnishing a rooftop terrace that gets strong winds, I wouldn’t look for the prettiest set first. I’d look for furniture that is either heavy enough, low enough, or anchorable enough that it won’t turn into a sail. The best kind of urban outdoor furniture for a windy rooftop is low-profile, modular seating with weighted bases and powder-coated aluminum or stainless-steel frames, paired with solid teak, concrete, or composite tables. Slatted or perforated surfaces are a big plus because they let wind pass through instead of catching it like a solid panel.
For seating, I’d choose a deep, low modular sectional or a built-in bench with heavy feet, plus tie-down points if possible. Avoid lightweight stackable chairs, thin-legged bistro sets, glass tabletops, and anything with a high back that acts like a wind catcher. If you want cushions, make them quick-dry, snug-fitting, and easy to store inside; loose cushions are basically kites on a gusty terrace. For dining, a heavy concrete, stone, or teak table is safer than a slim aluminum table unless the aluminum base is properly weighted. Add weighted planters as a windbreak, but secure them too.
The real secret is planning for wind from day one: anchor furniture where possible, keep the layout low and dense, and leave open paths for gusts rather than creating tall, solid walls of furniture. In short, the best rooftop furniture for strong winds is wind-smart furniture: low-profile, heavy-based, weatherproof, and secure. It should look like a relaxed urban lounge, not a paragliding launch pad.