How do I keep my patio cushions from flying off?

Having patio cushions blow away in windy weather can be extremely frustrating. Not only is it annoying to have to constantly run after your cushions, but cushions that fly off your patio can also get damaged or dirty. Luckily, there are some simple tricks you can use to keep your patio cushions securely in place, even on blustery days.

Use patio cushion ties

Patio cushion ties are straps that attach your cushions to your furniture. They have clips on each end that attach to rings or loops on the underside of your cushions and to the patio furniture frame. This prevents the cushions from blowing away in the wind. Cushion ties come in various materials like fabric straps, plastic chains, or coil springs. Look for ties that are adjustable so you can customize the fit.

Make sure to get cushion ties that are long enough to go around your furniture. Measure the distance between where you will attach the tie under the cushion and where it will attach to the frame. That will determine what length you need. Opt for ties at least 16 inches long for adequate hold. For very windy areas, get heavy duty coil spring ties that provide the most secure grip.

How to use patio cushion ties:

1. Attach one clip from the tie to the ring or loop under the cushion.
2. Pull the strap across the furniture and attach the other clip to the frame.
3. Adjust so the tie is taut but not overly tight.
4. Test by gently pulling on the cushion to ensure it is secure.

Properly installed cushion ties will keep your cushions tightly in place, even on windy days. Just be sure not to pull the ties so tight that they warp or bend the cushion frames.

Use patio cushion anchors

Patio cushion anchors provide another excellent way to secure cushions in windy conditions. These anchors attach under the cushion with prongs that dig into the ground below. The weight of the anchor resists the lifting force of the wind, holding the cushion in place.

Cushion anchors are easy to use. Simply slide the anchor prongs under the cushion when positioning it on your patio furniture. Press down firmly so the prongs embed in the ground for a good grip. For very heavy winds, you can even add weights like bricks or pavers on top of the anchors for extra holding power.

Look for cushion anchors made of durable materials like steel that will resist rust and bending. Make sure the prongs are long enough to sink deeply into the ground, with at least 1 1⁄2 to 2 inches of penetration for adequate holding strength.

Tips for using cushion anchors effectively:

• Check that the ground under your patio furniture is soft enough for the anchors to sink into. If needed, loosen compacted soil before installing.
• Periodically press down on the anchors again to reinforce their grip if winds persist.
• Have enough anchors for each cushion corner to distribute the holding force.
• Re-press anchors into the ground if the dirt under them becomes loosened over time.

With the right patio cushion anchors, even heavy cushions will stay securely in place despite strong wind gusts. Just take care when installing them to maintain your lawn or pavers underneath.

Weight down cushions

Adding weight to your cushions is another strategy to resist the lifting power of the wind. By making cushions heavier, more wind force is required to blow them off their frames. You can weight down cushions in a few different ways:

• Place heavy objects on them: Items like bricks, large plant pots, jugs of water/sand, or rubber door stoppers placed on cushion corners make it harder for wind to lift them up.
• Insert weighted bags: Fill bean bags, zippered sandbags, or plastic water bladders and tuck them into cushion covers. The added ballast resists against wind gusts.
• Use weighted inserts: These are designed to fit inside cushion covers hidden from view. They have water, sand, beads, etc. encapsulated in durable outer pouches to make cushions heavier.

When adding weight to cushions, distribution is key. Make sure to place weights evenly so the cushion does not become lopsided. Weight each individual corner rather than overload one area. Heavier cushions also make moving them more difficult, so find a comfortable balance between weight and mobility.

Helpful tips for weighting patio cushions:

• Add no more than 10-15% of the cushion’s weight. Too much makes them overly heavy.
• Use multiple smaller weights rather than one big one for even distribution.
• Check weights weekly and refill with sand/water if needed.
• Make sure inserts/fillable weights have no leaks to maintain weighting.
• Weigh down all corners of cushions rather than just one or two.

With the right amount of added weighting, even light patio cushions can become wind-resistant. Just take care not to overload cushions or create lopsided weight distribution.

Use deep cushion frames

The depth of your cushion frames also impacts wind resistance. Cushions that sit lower in their frames have less surface area for wind to catch. Frames at least 4 inches deep provide a protective “pocket” that helps block wind lift:

• Look for cushion covers specifically designed for deep frames, with fabric sized to fit snugly inside.
• If your current frame is shallow, check if the manufacturer offers extension legs or risers to increase frame height.
• For DIY frames, use wood/PVC deck boards with 3-5 inch width to create deeper pockets.
• Avoid overflowing or overstuffing cushions that then bulge above the frame top.

With cushions recessed at least a few inches into their frames, wind has less ability to get underneath and lift them up. This effect can be enhanced by also using ties, anchors, or weights for maximum wind resistance.

Key benefits of deep cushion frames:

• Less wind surface area exposed above frame
• Added protection from wind on sides of cushion
• Prevents bulging/overflow that catches wind
• Can angle frame walls to deflect gusts
• Looks tidy and prevents cushion slipping

While switching to deeper frames involves some investment, the resulting wind protection can make that cost well worth it in the long run.

Use wind-resistant cushion materials

The materials used for cushion covers and fillings also impact wind resistance. Some materials have properties that make them less likely to blow around than others:

• Heavier fabrics: Densely woven or thick cushion fabrics like canvas have more wind resistance than light mesh or cotton.
• Water-resistant materials: Fabrics with hydrophobic treatments prevent cushions from getting wet and heavier in rain.
• Low-loft fills: Fiber fill, feather, or foam cores with high density resist wind better than airy, blown fills.
• Semi-attached covers: Covers with ties, zippers, or velcro instead of loose drapes have less flapping in wind.

Check product details and descriptions when shopping for cushion covers and inserts to choose options made to block wind. Breathable fabrics are still preferable for cushion comfort despite needing wind resistance.

Helpful tips for wind-resistant cushion materials:

• Select dense polyester or olefin fabrics over light cottons prone to catching gusts.
• Use knitted or woven fabrics rather than loosely crocheted styles.
• Get coated fabric covers or use sprays to add water repellency.
• Avoid blown-fill inserts with loose, airy polyester fibers.
• Close all zippers, ties, and flaps fully to minimize air catch points.

The right cushions fabrics and fills can make a big difference in wind resistance. Focus on dense, tight-construction materials and details to reduce wind catch and lift.

Use cushion covers

For lightweight cushions prone to blowing around, an added layer of protection can make a big difference. Cushion covers are cases that fit over your regular cushions to provide an extra barrier against the wind:

• Look for tight-fitting covers secured with zippers or Velcro closures to protect cushion edges.
• Covers with water-resistant fabrics prevent damp cushions from getting heavier in rain.
• Get covers with weighted corners to add extra ballast against wind lift.
• Select durable, breathable covers that don’t easily tear or fray after weathering.

Cushion covers are useful because they can add wind protection without having to replace your existing cushions. They also protect cushions from sun damage, dirt, and rainfall while adding decorative appeal.

Tips for using cushion covers effectively:

• Take measurements to get properly fitted covers that won’t blow loose.
• Look for covers with straps or bumpers to keep cushions contained.
• Use covers on both top and bottom cushion sides for all-around protection.
• Check for loose corners/openings and re-secure covers frequently.
• Wash covers periodically to maintain their water resistance and durability.

Protective cushion covers provide inexpensive insurance against the elements for your patio cushions. Just be diligent about properly securing closure straps, zippers, and corner attachments especially in windy conditions.

Strap cushions to furniture

For hard-to-control lightweight seat cushions, strapping them right down to the furniture frame provides straightforward wind prevention:

• Use hook-and-eye strips on cushion bottoms and furniture frames to securely connect them.
• Bungee cords hooked from the cushion underside to frame legs hold cushions steady.
• Affix soft Velcro strips between cushions and furniture as detachable ties.
• Webbing or heavy duty straps with side-release buckles make easy secure connections.

Always check the straps frequently for secure attachment when using this method. The goal is to firmly restrain cushion movement without overly compressing or misshaping the cushions themselves.

Helpful strategies for strapping patio cushions:

• Use multiple connection points rather than one centralized tie-down.
• Make sure straps are tight enough to hold but loose enough to not distort cushion shape.
• Select strap materials that resist stretching, sagging, or weather deterioration over time.
• Avoid abrasive strap materials that could rub or scratch furniture frames or cushion covers.
• Check straps periodically and re-tighten or replace if connections become loose.

Though more intensive than other methods, strapping down loose cushions can provide the strongest wind protection. Just take care to inspect and adjust straps routinely to prevent pinch points or damage.

Choose heavy cushion materials

Heavy cushions made with high-density fills naturally resist blowing around better than lightweight options. Some good materials to look for include:

• Firm foam inserts: Dense, molded foam cores provide structure and heavyweight.
• Polyester fiber fills: Tightly packed blown fibers are heavier than loose puffs.
• Feather/down inserts: Natural fills offer heavy durability when densely packed.
• Acrylic fibers: Thick durable acrylic woven fills resist compression and hold shape.
• Poly-fills: Foam/fiber/acrylic composite inserts prevent flattening and sagging.

Avoid widely spaced loose fills that compress easily. Look for cushion cores advertised as high-density, weather/water resistant, and shape-retaining for best durability.

Helpful tips for selecting heavier cushion inserts:

• Check product details for density ratings of at least 1.8 lbs/ft3 or higher.
• Press on samples in stores to test resilience and avoid excessively soft fills.
• Get removable covers to re-fluff compressed inserts periodically.
• Add extra filler or inserts for modifiable density.
• Select materials proven suitable for outdoor use.

The right high-density cushion inserts retain their weight and shape over years of use. Pay close attention to density ratings and viscosity descriptions when choosing fills.

Use wind-resistant cushion shapes

The shape of your cushions also influences their wind resistance. More streamlined, rounded shapes are less likely to catch wind than square or rectangular designs. Some good wind-resistant cushion shapes include:

• Oval/egg: Aerodynamic curved edges resist wind lift better than 90-degree corners.
• Circle: With no corners to catch wind, circular cushions stay put in gusts.
• Wedge: Angled fronts deflect wind over the cushion’s slanted top surface.
• Cylinder: Tubular rollover back cushions have minimal flat surface area for wind to push against.
• Hourglass: The pinched middle resists wind better than straight sides.

Consider mingling different cushion shapes to break up flat surfaces. Varied heights also help divert wind over and around. But avoid overly busy combinations that look cluttered.

Helpful tips for using wind-resistant cushion shapes:

• Choose curved cushions for corners exposed to prevailing winds.
• Layer wedge, oval, and round cushions on furniture to break up flat spaces.
• Select an overall streamlined style that resists wind intake.
• Keep some rectangular surfaces for seating support while minimizing corners.
• Angle rollover back cushions with open bottoms away from winds.

The right cushion shapes can provide substantial wind resistance on their own. When combined with other protective measures, aerodynamic shaping gives cushions an added defense against gusts.

conclusions

Keeping patio cushions secured against the elements is an ongoing battle, but very worthwhile for being able to enjoy comfortable outdoor furniture all season. While no single method is foolproof, using a combination of cushion ties, anchors, weights, covers, and wind-resistant designs can give your cushions the best chance of staying put.

The most important thing is to not get frustrated and be diligent about re-checking and adjusting whatever products or DIY measures you put in place. Maintaining cushions will ensure they last over the long haul. With some thoughtful preparation and strategic securing in place, even the windiest days won’t need to send your cushions flying ever again.