How to Keep Outdoor Furniture from Blowing Away
How to Keep Outdoor Furniture From Blowing Away
High winds have created a problem for many homeowners who are tired of witnessing their outdoor furniture blowing away. In certain parts of the country, windy weather has created a headache for many who have awoken to find their outdoor sectionals scattered across the yard.
You’ve probably tried an assortment of ideas to keep your furniture from blowing away. Patio Productions is proud to let you know that you no longer have to command your dog to sit on your furniture until winds subside. Here are 7 ways to keep outdoor furniture safely anchored in your backyard patio.
- One of the easiest methods is to tie your furniture down with sandbags. This is how malls and other large venues usually handle high winds. You can also find canopy sand bags and adapt them to work with your outdoor furniture. Add weight to keep the wind from blowing it around.
FAQs: Keep Outdoor Furniture from Blowing Away
Add weight—sandbags or canopy-style bags. Weight is the simplest fix. Tie down pieces with sandbags or adapt canopy sand bags to chair and sofa bases. Extra mass keeps gusts from pushing furniture across the patio.
It’s a transparent adhesive for furniture feet. Apply gel to the feet, let set about 15 minutes, and it grips the surface to resist movement. It’s inexpensive and effective. Rearranging later can be a hassle—remove by working the compound loose before moving pieces.
Cover first, then place weights on top. Use a heavy-duty cover, then add small weights or sandbags over the cover. This protects upholstery, avoids scuffs, and keeps sets cleaner while secured through storms.
Tuck sets near walls and use nesting designs. Move furniture near a wall or into a corner to reduce direct exposure. Nesting sets interlock and stack neatly, minimizing surface area and making storm prep quicker.
Yes—wrought iron weight beats lighter frames. Wrought iron is denser and harder for wind to budge. It can be heavier to move, but it adds practical wind resistance to exposed patios and keeps furniture planted.
Use bungee cords to anchor to immovable points. Wrap bungees several times around legs or frames and secure to a railing or fence post for a snug fit. Shorter cords (or extra wraps) increase resistance and reduce shifting.
Add windbreaks, bring pieces inside, and secure valuables. Tall plantings can act as attractive wind barriers. In extreme weather, move furniture indoors. Avoid leaving high-end sets exposed in unsecured areas—patio furniture can be a target for theft.
We’re only beginning to address this common problem—explore further to discover reliable techniques for preventing outdoor furniture from blowing away.
7 Ways to Keep Outdoor Furniture From Blowing Away
1. Clear QuakeHold! Gel
If you’ve been experiencing high winds in recent months, Clear QuakeHold! Gel can be a strong option. Initially formulated to protect glassware from falling off tables, QuakeHold! is a transparent compound that can be applied to the base of your furniture. It serves as an adhesive and helps keep furniture from blowing away. Place some gel on the feet and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
The downside is that rearranging becomes harder. Although you can remove the substance, it can be a hassle if you plan to change your layout often. To remove, work the compound loose. A bottle typically runs about $10.
Clear QuakeHold! Gel. Image via Quake Hold.
2. Plant a Windbreak
Plant tall greenery to serve as a natural barrier from wind without looking like a bland wall. A garden windbreak can add to the decor instead of feeling like a massive structure. To get started, consider planting vertical yews. If you’re not sure what to plant, check out this privacy plant guide.
3. Furniture Covers
Protect outdoor sectionals with a heavy-duty furniture cover. Once your furniture is covered, you can weigh it down without worrying about damaging the seating area. This also keeps seats cleaner.
We recommend using covers instead of placing weights directly on furniture to avoid scuffs or devaluing pieces. To keep furniture from lifting, you can use small weights, sandbags, or repurpose unused items as temporary weights.
Interested in finding the best patio furniture cover for your outdoor pieces? Explore options below.
Furniture Cover
WeatherX Furniture Cover-Sofa
$119.00
WeatherX Furniture Cover-LoveSeat
$89.00
WeatherX Furniture Cover-Club Chair
$79.00
WeatherX Furniture Cover-Square Ottoman
$49.00
WeatherX Furniture Cover-Double Ottoman
$69.00
WeatherX Furniture Cover-Sectional Middle
$109.00
4. Stack Furniture in the Corner
Stack furniture in a corner or near a wall so sofas are less exposed to gusts. This allows pieces to remain outdoors without catching the brunt of powerful wind.
The Island Breeze 5 Piece tucks away nicely. Nesting furniture is also a strong option because pieces interlock and store efficiently. See an example in our nesting furniture guide.
Warning: Never leave outdoor furniture exposed in an unsecured location. High-end outdoor furniture can be a target for theft.
5. Wrought Iron Frames
Wrought iron frames are heavier than plastic and many aluminum sets and may fare better in high winds.
Photo: the Jax Cushion 4-Seater Loveseat Set by Woodard, available at PatioProductions.com
Although these sets can be harder to move, you won’t have to worry about them blowing away as easily. Learn more in our wrought iron buyer’s guide.
6. Bungee Cords
Tie your furniture to immovable objects like a railing or a fence post. Wrap a cord around your furniture several times to shorten the length and create a snug fit. This increases resistance and helps keep furniture in place in severe weather.
7. Use Outdoor Furniture Indoors
Outdoor furniture has become increasingly fashionable, and it’s not uncommon to see it used indoors. If you want examples, check out this post on using outdoor furniture indoors. This can be especially helpful for busy households.
Outdoor furniture works well inside the home and it’s durable. Read more.
