How do you Stop Outdoor Furniture from Blowing Over?
If you own outdoor furniture then you know how annoying it is to have to pick it up and put it back together after strong winds. This is made worse if you forget to bring the cushions in and find them strewn across the garden in the morning. Have you tried these 7 handy tips to stop outdoor furniture from blowing over?
Use Heavy Furniture
If you are looking for some new outdoor furniture but live in a climate where the wind could be an issue then buy heavier furniture. If you have struggled with outdoor wicker sectionals or cheap plastic furniture blowing over then stick them on eBay and get yourself some heavy garden furniture. The obvious material to choose would be wood which is heavy enough to remain grounded but light enough to move. For really windy backyards you can look into iron furniture which is the heaviest type you will likely find without getting something custom made.
Create a Windbreak
If your patio furniture is blowing over in the wind then one method to stop this from happening is to create a windbreak. This could be natural using trees and shrubs, you could build a wall, or you could install a trellis for climbing plants to occupy. I personally like the idea of growing bushy plants that will block the wind and enhance the location such as bamboo or a Fatsia. Gazebos can help block the wind for your furniture but be sure to get a gazebo that can handle strong winds and not just block out the breeze.
Use Weights
If you already own a nice outdoor sectional set then the obvious thing to do would be to add weights or secure them to the ground. Most garden furniture is not designed to be bolted down and so weights are the best choice. You can use anything you like to do this but the most convenient solution is to use weight bags that you can either purchase or make yourself using sand. Rattan furniture is perfect for using weights on as they can be hidden from sight behind the wicker.
Move Your Furniture
If your patio furniture keeps blowing over in the wind then why not consider putting it in a different location? By pushing benches, tables, and chairs against a wall or fence you can increase their wind resistance and prevent them from tipping over so often. Something else you can try is stacking or leaning your furniture after you have finished using it to give it better stability.
Anchor it Down
If your furniture legs permit it you can always anchor it down with bolts if the ground is hard or by using pegs if it is soft. To bolt furniture to the ground you should check out fittings like down post-down bolt shoes which will make your life easier. The other option is to use some wire rope to make mini anchors for each piece of furniture.
Tie it Down
If you don’t want to spend the time making wire anchors for every piece of outdoor furniture then you can use the same wire in a single length to weave between the arches of all the furniture. This works well with outdoor sectionals that sit next to each other but would become a tripping hazard with garden chairs and tables.
Cover it Up
Furniture covers are very handy because not only do they protect your chairs and tables from the elements but they also stop them from blowing over. If your outdoor furniture set didn’t include a cover, there are many aftermarket options available for different sizes and specific pieces. For wooden furniture especially, furniture covers are a great idea over winter when the weather will be at its worst.
What About the Cushions?
If you have soft fabric cushions on your outdoor furniture that keeps blowing off and disappearing into the bushes then my advice would be to store them indoors when you aren’t using them. Cushions always look better and feel fresher if stored somewhere like your garage or shed in a sealed box.
If you use your outdoor furniture every day then that just doesn’t make much sense. In which case, you will be wondering how to fasten your outdoor furniture cushions down. You can use clips or velcro if you have the patience but my favorite method is to use bungee cords. These elasticated straps can be used quite discreetly so that you don’t even notice them when sitting on your comfy outdoor sofa.
Conclusion
The best way to stop outdoor furniture from blowing over in high winds is to use weight, anchors, or wind blocks to keep it in place. You will of course get the best results if you use a combination of 2 or all 3 but wind blocks made from plants are a win-win in my eyes. They enhance your garden and increase privacy at the same time as blocking the wind for you and your outdoor furniture
