How to Secure Outdoor Furniture from Wind - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Outdoor furniture is a great way to enhance your patio, deck or yard. However, when left unsecured, strong winds can turn your beautiful outdoor living space into a disaster zone. From lightweight patio chairs getting blown over to cushions flying away in a gust, wind damage to outdoor furniture is an all too common problem for homeowners.

Securing outdoor furniture properly against wind is crucial for protecting your investment and preventing accidents or injuries. While there are many options available, choosing the right safeguards comes down to a few key factors like furniture material, weight, style and location. Following some simple tips can help ensure your outdoor space stays intact through blustery weather.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover multiple proven methods for securing all types of outdoor furniture from the forces of wind and weather. Whether you have heavy wooden patio sets or lightweight wicker and aluminum pieces, these tips will help you safely anchor furniture in place and avoid the frustrations of chasing after wayward cushions or overturned chairs. Read on to learn professional techniques used to firmly lockdown outdoor furniture against high winds.

Evaluate Your Furniture Type, Weight and Location

The first step in keeping outdoor furniture secured is evaluating the pieces you already have in your yard, patio or deck. This includes assessing furniture material, construction, weight and location.

Consider Furniture Materials

Outdoor furniture comes in a range of different materials, from lightweight aluminum and synthetic wicker to heavier wrought iron, teak wood or stone. In general, the heavier the furniture, the more wind resistant it will be. But even heavy pieces can get knocked over or blown across the yard if not anchored properly.

Aluminum – Very lightweight metal that can easily blow away in wind. Requires secure anchoring.
Wicker – Often made from synthetic fibers over aluminum frames. Tends to be lightweight and prone to wind damage.
Wood – Can vary greatly in weight depending on type. Teak is dense and heavy while cheaper softwoods are lighter.
Wrought Iron – Heavier than aluminum but more delicate in high winds than wood. Sturdy construction helps resist wind.
Stone – Extremely heavy and durable but proper anchoring is still required. Wind can still blow furniture around.

Consider Furniture Construction

How outdoor furniture is constructed also impacts its stability. Poorly made pieces with weak joinery can easily come apart or blow over even in moderate winds.

Welded – Metal furniture with welded joints instead of bolts or screws is most sturdy.
Modular – Individual pieces that connect together are less stable than all-in-one sets.
Folding – Great for portability but weaker against wind forces when extended.
Umbrellas – Require securing both above and below for stability.
Table tops – Lighter tops like glass or tile need securing to the base.
Cushions – Must be removed or securely fastened with ties, clips or Velcro.

Consider Furniture Weight and Size

Heavier pieces are harder for wind to blow around but weight alone does not guarantee wind resistance. Proper anchoring is still required.

Smaller/Lighter – Can be blown away or overturned easily. Needs strong anchors.
Larger/Heavier – More resistance to tipping but can still slide across surfaces.
Mixed – Anchor the lighter pieces to heavier foundations or group together.

Evaluate Location and Exposure

Your outdoor living space location is a major factor in its wind exposure. Consider surrounding structures, landscaping and natural wind blocks.

Enclosed -Spaces shielded by walls or hedges have reduced wind exposure.
Exposed – Open areas on hilltops or rooftops take the full brunt of wind forces.
Partially Sheltered – Locations with some wind blocks but open sections still need anchoring.
Changeable Conditions – Movable planters, screens or landscaping alter wind dynamics seasonally.

Secure Furniture Legs with Weights

One of the easiest ways to anchor lightweight outdoor furniture is securing the legs and bases with supplementary weights. This prevents tipping and keeps pieces firmly in position even in high winds.

Use Sandbags

Simple sandbags can add plenty of extra weight to furniture legs for better wind resistance.

Fill sturdy bags with clean sand – use several per chair or 10-15 for tables.
Place over feet or cross table legs, securing handles together.
Can be stowed under furniture when not needed.
Durable but bags can leak over time. Must be replaced periodically.

Use Concrete Blocks

Concrete landscape blocks placed on furniture bases provide heavy duty anchoring.

Arrange blocks around and between legs and crossbars.
2-3 blocks ideal for individual chairs, 4-6 for larger tables.
Can be painted or decorated to match décor when not stowed away.
Durable solution but heavy to handle and position.

Invest in Commercial Weights

For a neater appearance, commercial outdoor furniture weights are available.

Attractive and custom fitted for table bases, chair legs.
Can be stowed under furniture when not needed.
More expensive than DIY options like sandbags or blocks.
Limited sizes may not fit all furniture styles.

Anchor Legs into Decking or Pavers

Securing legs directly into surrounding deck boards, pavers or concrete provides permanent anchoring.

Install Flanges in Flooring

Flanges under leg posts attach to hardware recessed in the floor.

Install threaded metal inserts between boards.
Use male threaded studs in concrete or pavers.
Allow furniture to be attached and removed seasonally.
Provides very secure anchoring in fixed locations.
Installation requires modifications to flooring.

Use Lag Bolts Through Leg Posts

Lag bolts directly through hollow furniture legs can permanently anchor pieces.

Drill pilot holes through leg bottoms to avoid splitting.
Sink lag bolts top-down through leg into floor.
Best for permanently placed furniture.
Can weaken furniture legs over time. Difficult to detach.

Secure Furniture Together in Groups

Fastening individual chairs, tables and accessories together in groups creates more wind resistance. Grouped furniture is less likely to blow over or away.

Use Straps and Cables

Sturdy straps or braided steel cables can secure mixed furniture pieces together.

Thread cables or webbing through and around legs and arms. Draw tight.
Attach hooks and rings to conveniently attach and detach different elements.
Creates web of furniture that supports itself against wind forces.
Allows different group configurations. Can be detached for rearranging.

Implement Modular Connectors

Some furniture sets come with built-in modular clips or fasteners to connect multiple pieces.

Look for sets with patented connecting hardware built-in.
Usually allows tool-free assembly and breakdown for seasonal storage.
Creates solid interconnected unit, preventing individual pieces blowing away.
More expensive than DIY fastening solutions. Only works for matching sets.

Use Shelters and Covers Strategically

Outdoor shelters and fitted furniture covers can create barriers against wind, provided they are securely anchored themselves.

Install Wind Barrier Screens

Install fixed or collapsible windscreens around exposed outdoor living areas.

Attractive bamboo, canvas, metal or vinyl panels block wind.
Anchor panels securely top and bottom to prevent becoming airborne.
Can provide sun shade as well as wind shelter.
May not suit all decors. Adding permanent structures may violate HOA rules.

Use Heavy Duty Tarps

For temporary protection, heavy canvas tarps secured over furniture can deter wind damage.

Look for thick, reinforced tarp material to resist tearing in wind.
Use weighted hooks, sandbags and strong ropes to anchor firmly in place.
Remove promptly after storms to avoid trapping moisture and mildew.

Invest in Custom Furniture Covers

Well fitted, secured covers protect furniture finishes and cushions from wind damage.

Use heavy duty canvas or woven polyester, not flimsy vinyl or plastic.
Allow for good ventilation to prevent condensation and mildew.
Use integrated straps, loops and buckles to firmly secure covers against strong winds.
Can be difficult to wrangle large covers onto furniture solo.

Secure Umbrellas Properly Against Wind

One of the most common losses to wind is umbrellas – both the canopy and the entire unit getting away. Use these tips to keep umbrellas under control in gusty conditions.

Select Sturdy Market Umbrellas

Buy commercial grade market umbrellas with stronger frames, ribs and canvas.

Look for powder coated or anodized aluminum instead of hollow steel for ribs.
Opt for marine grade canvas with UV coating for longer life.
Tilting or telescoping market umbrellas are most durable.
Budget cheap umbrellas won’t withstand high winds.

Secure Umbrella Ribs

Use velcro or twist-tie straps to keep umbrella ribs from flying open when not in use.

Loop straps over ribs and fasten to center pole.
Prevent ribs getting caught in wind like a parachute.

Anchor Umbrella Bases Properly

A weighted umbrella base alone won’t hold in heavy winds. Use additional anchoring.

Fill base with sand or concrete for maximum weighting.
Tie base to anchors in decking using commercial umbrella ties or rope/bungees.
For market umbrellas, secure side post to underside of table.

Lower and Secure Fabric Canopy

Don’t allow wind to catch and tear umbrellas.

Promptly lower canopy when not in use or high winds expected.
Use elastic ties or velcro straps at multiple points to secure fabric to ribs.
Consider removing canopy altogether for storage if expecting severe storms.

Choose Durable, All-Weather Cushions and Fabrics

Cushions blowing away in the wind is another common headache. Using heavier, weather-resistant materials can prevent problems.

Select Thick, Water Resistant Foam Cores

Cheaper cushions use thin foam that absorbs moisture and gets damaged easily. Upgrade to premium quality, all-weather materials.

Look for reticulated, closed-cell foam or dense polyfiber fill.
Soak-proof inner lining prevents mold, mildew, rotting.
Heavier cushion body resists getting blown around.

Invest in Durable Outer Fabric

Don’t skimp on cushion covers. Quality outdoor fabric prevents cracking, fading and tearing in winds.

Marine vinyl or durable acrylic fabrics hold up best.
UV and mildew treatments help fabrics last.
Avoid light, flimsy coverings without strong seams.

Use Straps, Buckles and Clips

Add safeguards to keep cushions contained instead of blowing away.

Elastic straps with plastic clips attach covers to furniture frames.
Built-in ties secure fill inserts inside covers.
Loops and buckles help keep covers closed.
Allow for easy on/off to remove cushions when high winds expected.

Add Supports and Crossbraces for Added Stability

Adding structural supports can further boost furniture stability in windy conditions. Supports reduce shaking and rattling that can loosen joints.

Install Support Bars and Rods

Wind forces can flex and stress weaker furniture pieces. Rigid supports prevent racking and wobbling.

Connect angled metal braces between table legs for sideways stability.
Install reinforced metal or wooden crossbars on chair backs and legs.
Attach support rods underneath chairs and benches to prevent racking.

Add Reinforced Corner Brackets

Use architectural brackets to reinforce furniture joints against wind shear.

Beefy tie-downs on table legs prevent flexing that weakens joints.
Corner gussets on chair joinery adds multi-directional strength.
Can be ordered in different sizes and designs to match furniture aesthetics.

Secure Modular Sets Together

For sectional and modular outdoor furniture, secure all components together firmly.

Use manufacturer recommended braces, brackets, locks.
Improvised solutions like corner brackets, rods and straps also work.
Eliminate gaps where wind can catch between pieces.

Perform Routine Furniture Maintenance

Keep outdoor furniture in top shape through regular upkeep and maintenance. Well maintained furniture withstands wear-and-tear and natural elements better.

Inspect and Tighten Hardware

Loose bolts, screws, joints and fasteners make furniture more susceptible to wind damage.

Check for loose hardware and oversized holes letting in water to degrade framework.
Tighten up loose hinges, screws, nuts using appropriate sized tools. Don’t strip.
Fill oversized holes with wood putty before re-tightening hardware.

Touch Up Protective Finishes

Spot repair any cracked paint, ruptured powder coating, or rust spots.

Sand down problem areas and wipe away dust.
Reapply UV and water protective coatings to maintain durability.
Replace seriously corroded sections that compromise structural integrity.

Clean and Dry Thoroughly

Never put away damp furniture for storage – trapped moisture causes major deterioration.

Allow furnishings to dry fully after wet weather before covering or stowing away.
Use soft brush and mild cleaner to remove grime from hidden crevices.
Polish wood or metal to protect from moisture and UV damage.

Exercise Caution when Expecting Severe Weather

Take additional precautions when high winds, thunderstorms or hurricanes are forecasted in your area. Planning ahead before extreme weather hits prevents major problems down the road.

Prepare Days in Advance

Don’t wait until the last minute – start preparations 1-2 days ahead of expected high winds or storms.

Review weather alerts and radars so you aren’t caught off guard.
Have any necessary anchoring supplies ready and accessible.
Know which pieces can be easily moved vs need extra anchors.

Remove Light Objects

Eliminate any loose decorative objects, place settings, umbrellas to reduce debris.

Take down drapes, curtains and textiles.
Stow away or carefully secure potted plants and yard art.
Remove table linens and lightweight place settings if possible.

Relocate Furniture

Move vulnerable furnishings into more sheltered areas if feasible.

Shift tables and seating closer to structures blocking wind.
Avoid open areas that will bear the brunt of strong gusts.
Weigh down or tie down any pieces that cannot be moved.

Add Extra Anchors

Double up on anchors and covers for vulnerable furnishings.

Weigh down bases with additional sandbags or concrete blocks.
Add extra straps and tighten hardware beyond normal levels.
Wrap furnishings with overlapped tarps for added protection.

Conclusion

Protecting outdoor living spaces from wind damage involves both furniture selection and proper anchoring techniques. Evaluate the wind exposure, materials used, and furniture styles on your patio or deck first. Then implement suitable solutions to fortify weaker pieces, using the various methods detailed above. Strapping groupings tightly together, weighting legs down, and securing covers and umbrellas effectively will help safeguard your investment against Mother Nature.

With the right combination of preparation and diligent monitoring of weather conditions, you can relax and enjoy your outdoor oasis without worrying about rogue furniture flying around. Spend a little time on the front end evaluating your needs and implementing durable solutions. Then sit back and enjoy breezy afternoons on your patio, knowing everything is secure.

Your outdoor furniture will not only survive but continue looking great despite what the wind throws its way. Just be sure to detach and store any seasonal anchors properly over winter or when not in use. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the knowledge needed to turn blustery conditions into a gentle summer breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to secure heavy wooden furniture?

A: Yes, even very dense wood or heavy sets should be anchored. High winds can generate enough force to blow over unsecured heavy pieces. Use leg braces, straps tied to anchors, and furniture covers for heavy wood pieces.

Q: Should cushions be secured or removed when expecting high winds?

A: Cushions should be removed from furniture and stored in a dry, sheltered area if possible. For cushions that must stay outdoors, use cushion anchors, straps or fitted covers to secure firmly.

Q: What is the easiest outdoor furniture to secure from wind?

A: Sets or groupings made of wrought iron, steel, or teak tend to be easiest for DIY windproofing. Their heavier materials and construction are naturally more wind-resistant. Lighter aluminum, wicker and cheap wood sets will need more extensive anchoring.

Q: Can I leave market umbrellas open in windy conditions?

A: No, market umbrellas should always be lowered, closed and properly secured when not being used or when it’s windy. Make sure the canopy is lashed tightly to the ribs and the base is anchored with added weight to prevent it blowing away when left unattended.

Q: How can I anchor furniture on a balcony or rooftop?

A: Exposed rooftop and balcony locations experience very high unobstructed winds. Use adhesive anchors, lag bolts into the flooring surface or clamp-on railings around the perimeter to keep furnishings contained securely. Avoid lightweight pieces prone to getting airborne.