How To Keep Patio Furniture Cover From Blowing Away

Don’t let the wind dictate your outdoor space. Secure your patio comforts with the right furniture cover!

Outdoor furniture is an investment worth protecting, and selecting the right patio furniture cover is crucial to safeguard it from the harsh touch of uneven British weather. In this article, we will provide in-depth, expert advice on how to keep patio furniture cover from blowing away, ensuring they stay put even in gusty weather conditions. From choosing the right materials to securing techniques, learn how to maintain your outdoor oasis all year-round.

Key Points:

• Explore the different styles of patio furniture covers and understand their advantages.
• Find out how to select the appropriate cover dimensions and materials for your regional weather conditions.
• Learn the best techniques to secure your covers firmly and prevent them from being swept away by the wind.
• Investigate do-it-yourself options for enhanced security during gusty conditions.
• Acquire knowledge on the optimal ways to store and care for your furniture covers to prolong their lifespan.

Understanding Patio Furniture Covers

Patio furniture covers are indispensable for maintaining the lifespan and appearance of your outdoor furniture. They offer protection against diverse weather conditions—be it rain, snow, sunlight, or wind, ensuring your patio pieces remain pristine. 

Here’s what you need to know about these essential items and how to keep patio furniture covers from blowing away.

Types of Patio Furniture Covers

• Vinyl Covers: Vinyl is favoured for its durability and water resistance, making it a staple for patio furniture protection. It’s easy to maintain and comes in various sizes and colours, allowing you to match your outdoor décor seamlessly.
• Canvas Covers: Opt for canvas if you prefer a cover that combines breathability with light weight. Canvas is also straightforward to handle, clean, and stow away when not needed, making it a practical choice for seasonal use.
• Polyester Covers: Known for its resilience and lightness, polyester is another excellent choice for those seeking robust yet manageable covers. Its water-resistant properties ensure that it stands up well to adverse weather conditions.

Other materials like nylon and acrylic may also be worth considering, depending on your specific needs regarding weight, resistance to fading, and durability.

How to Choose the Right Patio Furniture Cover

---

Choosing the correct cover involves several considerations to ensure better protection:

• Measure Your Furniture: Accurate measurements are crucial towards finding a suitable patio furniture cover that will fit accordingly. A tight-fitting cover is more likely to stay in place, whereas a too-large cover can whip around in the wind, potentially causing damage or getting lost.
• Assess the Climate: Your local weather patterns should dictate the material of your patio furniture cover. Areas with heavy precipitation or intense sun require covers with excellent waterproof and UV resistance.
• Storage Considerations: When not in use, your cover should be easy to fold and store without taking up too much space or requiring special conditions for preservation.
• Waterproof Protection: Rain and snow are big concerns that can cause significant damage to wood and metal furniture. Select waterproof covers to prevent moisture from penetrating and causing rust, rot, or mold. Ensuring your covers are made from waterproof materials will extend the life of your furniture significantly.
• UV Resistance: In sunny climates, UV rays can fade and weaken your furniture over time. Look for covers crafted from UV-resistant materials, such as treated polyester or vinyl, to protect against sun damage and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your furniture.
• Secure Fit: To prevent covers from being blown away by the wind, ensure they fit snugly over your furniture. Covers with elastic or drawstring closures offer a secure fit that hugs the furniture tightly, reducing the risk of the covers flying off during windy conditions.

Top 4 Securing Methods on How to Keep Patio Furniture Cover From Blowing Away

Securing your patio furniture covers effectively is essential to prevent them from blowing away. Various methods can be employed depending on your needs and the specific challenges posed by your environment. Here are some reliable techniques to consider:

1. Tie-Down Straps

Tie-down straps are a recommended solution for keeping furniture covers secure. 

Attach these straps to the legs or frames of your furniture and tighten them to ensure the cover remains in place even during high winds. 

These straps are available in different materials like nylon and polyester, providing durability and strength.

2. Weighted Bags

For areas with frequent gusty winds, weighted bags offer an excellent way to anchor down covers. 

Fill these bags with sand or gravel and place them over the corners of your furniture covers. This method is particularly useful for covers that lack built-in tie-down options.

3. Elastic Hems

Many patio furniture covers come equipped with elastic hems that snugly fit around the furniture’s base. 

This simple method is straightforward and doesn’t require additional equipment. However, for locations with very strong winds, you might want to combine this method with others for added security.

4. Cover Clamps

Cover clamps are another effective tool to secure your patio furniture covers. These clamps attach directly to the covers and can be tightened to clamp down on the furniture, providing a firm grip that prevents the cover from lifting.

By implementing one or more of these methods, you can ensure that your patio furniture covers stay put, protecting your furniture from the elements without concern.

4 Alternative DIY Solutions for Extra Security

If you’re looking for more cost-effective, DIY methods to improve the security of your patio furniture covers, there are several options to consider that are easy to implement and can provide thorough protection.

Using Water Bottles

A simple, effective DIY method is to use water bottles as weights. Fill empty water bottles with water or sand and place them on the corners of the furniture covers. This adds necessary weight to the covers and helps keep them grounded.

Use Sandbags

You can also create your own sandbags using old pillowcases, laundry bags, or similar materials. Fill these with sand, securely tie them closed, and place them on top of the covers. This is a particularly good solution for larger patio furniture covers that need more substantial weighting.

Installing Ground Anchors

For a more permanent solution, consider installing ground anchors. These metal stakes can be driven into the ground around your patio furniture, providing anchor points to which you can attach your cover using straps or ropes.

These DIY solutions are not only effective at keeping your patio furniture cover from blowing away but also allow for customisation based on your specific needs and local weather conditions. 

Create a Windbreak

If you’re passionate about plants, setting up a windbreak can be a practical, stylish way to prevent your garden furniture from being swept away by strong winds.

You can build a windbreak using a variety of tall plants, but dense hedging often proves the most effective against powerful gusts. While no windbreak offers complete protection, it’s a valuable solution for gardens lacking natural shelter. Plus, a well-planned windbreak not only boosts your garden’s beauty but also supports local wildlife and can be tailored with plants you personally love.

If creating a living windbreak isn’t an option for you due to time or space constraints, a portable garden screen offers a quick and convenient alternative.

How to Store Your Cover When Not Using It

Proper storage of your patio furniture covers when not in use will aid in maintaining their condition. Here are some tips to ensure they remain in good shape:

• Clean Before Storing: Wash your covers to remove dirt, debris, and insects that could degrade the material. Use appropriate cleaning products to ensure thorough cleaning without damaging the fabric.
• Ensure Dryness: Always dry your covers completely before storing them. This prevents mold and mildew growth, which can ruin the cover’s material and effectiveness.
• Proper Folding and Storage: Fold the covers neatly and place them in a storage bag to keep them free from dust and pests. Store the bag in a cool, dry place to avoid any moisture accumulation, which can damage the covers over time.

Outdoor Cover Cleaning Tips

Maintaining the cleanliness of your patio furniture covers not only extends their life but also ensures they continue to protect your furniture effectively. Here’s how to properly care for your covers to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.

Proper Washing Techniques

Hand wash your furniture covers using mild laundry detergent to avoid damage. Refrain from using harsh detergents or chemicals that could degrade the fabric. 

For stubborn stains and spots, gently use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area without harming the material. It’s crucial to air-dry the covers completely before storing or reusing them to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

Recommended Cleaning Products

• Fabric Cleaner: Ideal for lifting stains from fabric covers, these cleaners should be applied and allowed to sit for a few minutes to effectively break down the dirt and grime.
• Multi-Surface Cleaner: For tougher stains like coffee or oil, a multi-surface cleaner can be more effective. You might need to apply the cleaner multiple times to completely remove more stubborn stains.
• Fabric Guard: This product is excellent for restoring water repellency to older covers, providing additional protection against oil and water-based stains.
• Vinyl Protective Cleaner: If your covers are made from vinyl, this specific cleaner can prevent cracking, fading, and premature aging, improving both the durability and appearance of the material.
• Fabric Nano Protector: This spray creates a protective barrier on the fabric, making it resistant to dirt and stains. Ensure all previous stains are removed before application for better protection.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite your best efforts, there may be times when covers still manage to blow away. Here are some common issues and solutions to ensure your covers remain secure:

• Strong Wind: In windy areas, choose heavy-duty covers with reinforced seams or consider adding extra weight with sandbags to prevent the covers from lifting.
• Loose Fit: Ensure the cover fits snugly over your furniture. If it’s too loose, tighten it with additional bungee cords or adjust the built-in ties to reduce the amount of air that can get underneath.
• Insecure Tie-Downs: Check that all tie-downs are securely fastened. If necessary, upgrade to tie-downs with sturdy clips or buckles for better security.

Unsure on whether your area of residence may be vulnerable to strong winds? Learn about the windiest parts of the UK

Keep Your Patio Furniture Covers Secure

In conclusion, effectively securing and maintaining your patio furniture covers will aid in prolonging the life of your outdoor furniture. Choosing the right material based on your local weather conditions, ensuring a proper fit, and employing strong securing methods like tie-down straps, weighted bags, or cover clamps can prevent your covers from blowing away. By taking these measures, you can enjoy a well-maintained outdoor space that remains protected against all elements, ensuring your furniture stays clean, dry, and ready for use whenever needed.

Further reading

Learn more about the upkeep of your patio, or teak, garden furniture with these guides – 

• How to remove paint from wood furniture
• Is teak the best water resistant wood
• What is teak wood
• How to weatherproof outdoor furniture

FAQs

---

Sources

---

Met Office. (2019) Where are the windiest parts of the UK? [online] Available at: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/wind/windiest-place-in-uk [accessed 08/01/2025]