Living in a windy urban area presents unique challenges for keeping lightweight outdoor furniture from becoming airborne. Fortunately, several effective strategies can anchor your chairs, tables, and umbrellas securely. The primary method is to add significant weight. For furniture with hollow legs, such as many aluminum frames, fill them with sand. Use heavy, solid side tables instead of light ones, and choose dining tables with a substantial central pedestal rather than spindly legs.
For furniture that cannot be easily weighted, anchoring is the solution. Use ground stakes or augers to tether furniture to a patio or deck. For chairs, loop a durable strap around the frame and secure it to a stake driven into the ground. Freestanding market umbrellas often have a base that can be filled with sand or water; ensure it is heavy enough to counter strong gusts. Alternatively, invest in commercial furniture weights or sandbags designed to slide onto chair and table legs.
Strategic placement also plays a crucial role. Arrange your furniture in a sheltered corner, close to a wall or a row of dense potted plants, which can act as a windbreak. When high winds are forecast, the simplest solution is to stack chairs and store smaller items like cushions indoors. By combining weighting, anchoring, and smart placement, you can create a stable and wind-resistant outdoor oasis.