How to Keep Patio Furniture from Blowing Away: Ultimate Guide with Expert Tips

Outdoor patio furniture adds comfort and style to your backyard, deck, or patio, making it the perfect place to relax or entertain guests. However, one common challenge many homeowners face is keeping their patio furniture secure during windy weather. Strong gusts can easily tip over or blow away lightweight chairs, tables, cushions, and umbrellas, causing damage or even injury.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to keep patio furniture from blowing away through a variety of practical methods—from choosing the right materials and adding weights to anchoring techniques and seasonal care. Whether you live in a windy area or just want peace of mind during storms, these tips will help protect your outdoor investment.

Why Is Patio Furniture Vulnerable to Wind?

Understanding why patio furniture is prone to wind damage helps you take the right precautions.

Lightweight Construction: Many patio sets are made from plastic, resin, or lightweight metals for easy movement and affordability, but these materials are more susceptible to being lifted or tipped by wind.
Large Surface Area: Items like umbrellas, cushions, and chairs with wide backs catch the wind like sails, increasing the risk of being blown away.
Outdoor Exposure: Constant exposure to weather elements can weaken furniture joints and anchors over time, reducing stability.

1. Use Heavy Weights and Furniture Weights

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent furniture from blowing away is to add weight.

Types of Weights You Can Use

Sandbags: Affordable and versatile, sandbags can be placed under chair legs or inside umbrella bases to add stability.
Canopy Weights: Designed specifically for outdoor use, these weights often come with straps or hooks to secure furniture legs.
Brick or Stone Pavers: These natural weights blend well with outdoor décor and can be easily placed on or around furniture.

How to Apply Weights Effectively

Place weights evenly on all legs of chairs or tables.
For umbrellas, fill the base with water or sand and add additional weights if needed.
Use furniture weights with non-slip bottoms to prevent sliding.

2. Anchor Furniture to the Ground or Deck

For a more permanent and secure solution, anchoring your furniture is highly effective.

Methods of Anchoring

Ground Stakes: Use metal stakes to pin furniture legs into grass or soil.
Deck Anchors: Bolt furniture legs to wooden decks using deck fasteners or anchor kits.
Concrete Anchors: For concrete patios, install expansion bolts or concrete anchors to secure furniture.

Step-by-Step Guide: Anchoring to a Wooden Deck

Position your furniture where you want it.
Mark the spots on the deck where the legs touch.
Drill pilot holes and insert deck anchors.
Secure furniture legs with bolts or screws.

Important Tips:

Use rust-resistant hardware for outdoor durability.
Check anchors regularly for looseness or corrosion.
Consider professional installation for heavy or complex furniture.

3. Choose Heavy, Wind-Resistant Furniture

When purchasing new patio furniture, consider materials that naturally resist wind.

Material	Weight	Durability	Maintenance
Wrought Iron	Heavy	High	Moderate
Cast Aluminum	Medium	High	Low
Hardwood (Teak)	Heavy	High	Moderate
Resin Wicker	Light	Moderate	Low
Plastic	Very Light	Low	Low

Why Weight Matters

Heavier furniture requires stronger winds to move or tip over, providing natural protection.

Additional Considerations

Look for furniture with low profiles to reduce wind resistance.
Avoid hollow or tubular frames that can catch wind easily.

4. Secure Patio Cushions and Covers

Cushions and patio covers are often the first to blow away in strong winds, but they can be secured with the right techniques.

Tips to Keep Cushions in Place

Velcro Strips: Sew hook and loop fasteners to cushions and furniture frames.
Bungee Cords:Wrap cords around cushions and furniture to hold them securely.
Storage Boxes: Use waterproof deck boxes to store cushions when not in use.
Windproof Covers: Opt for covers with adjustable straps and buckles.

How to Secure Patio Furniture Covers

Choose covers with elastic hems and tie-down straps.
Use clips or bungee cords to fasten covers tightly.
Store covers indoors during extreme weather to prolong lifespan.

Recommended Products

Bungee Cords

Strong, stretchable cord perfect for securing items tightly—ideal for outdoor, travel, or home use.

Storage Boxes

Stylish rattan box keeps outdoor cushions, towels, and more organized and safe—no painting or staining needed.

Patio Cover

Protect your furniture with Weathermax covers—water-resistant, designed for long-lasting outdoor use.

5. Use Natural Windbreaks and Barriers

Reduce wind speed with these:

Shrubs and Hedges: Dense, tall plants can block and redirect wind.
Privacy Screens: Decorative screens or lattice panels can serve as wind barriers.
Pergolas and Gazebos: Structures provide physical protection from wind and sun.

Plant on the windward side and combine natural and structural options.

6. Understand Wind Speeds and Their Effects

Wind Speed (mph)	Effect on Furniture
10-20	Plastic chairs may tip
20-30	Medium-weight furniture can shift
30+	Heavy furniture may move or tip

Use weather apps or a home station to monitor wind.

7. Seasonal and Regional Advice

Hurricane Areas: Bring furniture indoors. Use heavy-duty anchors. Buy hurricane-rated covers.

Winter: Store cushions. Use breathable covers. Check damage post-winter.

Mild Wind Areas: Use plant windbreaks and inspect regularly.

8. Maintenance and Post-Storm Care

Inspect for loose joints or rust
Clean debris after storms
Reapply coatings yearly
Tighten anchors and replace weights

9. Eco-Friendly and Aesthetic Solutions

Use natural stone or recycled weight materials
Plant native shrubs as windbreaks.
Choose sustainable furniture
Opt for biodegradable covers

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can zip ties secure patio furniture?
A: Best for cushions, not anchoring.
Q: How do I anchor furniture to concrete?
A: Use expansion bolts or concrete anchors.
Q: What’s best material for windy areas?
A: Wrought iron, cast aluminum, or hardwood.
Q: How to keep cushions from flying away?
A: Use deck boxes or Velcro/bungee cords.

Conclusion

Protecting your patio furniture from wind damage requires a combination of the right materials, securing techniques, and seasonal care. By using weights, anchors, windbreaks, and proper storage, you can enjoy your outdoor space worry-free, no matter the weather.