Living in a high-rise apartment with a balcony offers beautiful views and a touch of nature in the city. However, strong winds can turn your lovely outdoor oasis into a hazardous zone, with lightweight furniture becoming dangerous projectiles. Securing your urban outdoor furniture is not just about preserving your decor; it's a crucial safety measure. Here are practical and effective strategies to anchor your furniture and prevent it from blowing away.
First, consider the weight. Opt for heavy-duty furniture made from materials like concrete, thick wrought iron, or solid wood. The inherent heaviness provides a natural anchor against gusty conditions. If you prefer lighter, more modern pieces like aluminum or resin chairs, you can add weight to them discreetly. One method is to attach sandbags or weight bags specifically designed for furniture to the underside of chairs and tables.
For a more permanent solution, use anchoring kits. These are readily available and include straps, cables, or brackets that physically tether your furniture to the balcony railings or floor. When using these, ensure you are not violating your building's lease or homeowners association rules regarding modifications to the balcony structure. Always check what is permitted before drilling or installing any permanent fixtures.
Another clever tactic is to connect individual pieces. Use durable straps or short bungee cords to link chairs together or fasten a table to a heavier sofa. When furniture is connected, it creates a single, heavier unit that is much more difficult for the wind to displace. Furthermore, when not in use, develop a habit of stacking lightweight chairs and storing them in a corner, or laying them on their sides to minimize their wind profile.
Finally, don't overlook the power of strategic placement. Arrange your furniture in the most sheltered part of your balcony, often closer to the building's wall and away from the edge where wind force is strongest. Incorporating windbreaks, such as a sturdy privacy screen or a planter box filled with heavy soil and dense shrubs, can significantly reduce wind speed on your balcony, creating a more stable environment for your furniture. By combining these methods—adding weight, using anchors, connecting pieces, and strategic placement—you can create a safe, secure, and stylish outdoor space high above the city streets.