Breezy Balconies: Wind-Resistant Furniture for High-Rises
Posted by Zing Patio on Aug 16th 2024
High-rise living offers spectacular views and a unique outdoor experience, especially in breezy coastal areas like Florida. However, the elevated wind speeds can pose a challenge when furnishing your balcony.
At Zing Patio, with locations in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota, we specialize in providing solutions that combine style and functionality, ensuring your high-rise balcony is both chic and secure.
Here's how to select wind-resistant furniture that stands up to the elements while enhancing your outdoor living space.
1. Choosing the Right Materials:
Durability and stability are key when selecting furniture for windy conditions. Opt for heavier materials that can withstand being buffeted by strong winds without tipping or flying away:
- Metal: Wrought iron and steel are excellent choices for their weight and sturdiness. Ensure they are powder-coated to resist rust and corrosion.
- Wood: Dense hardwoods like teak, eucalyptus, and acacia are naturally heavy and robust, making them ideal for high-wind areas. These woods also age beautifully and are naturally resistant to the elements.
- Concrete: For a modern look, consider concrete dining tables or accent pieces. Their substantial weight makes them virtually immovable by strong winds.
2. Aerodynamic Shapes:
Furniture with a lower profile and streamlined shapes can better resist strong winds. Pieces that hug the ground will likely stay put in high winds compared to taller, more top-heavy designs.
3. Secure Attachments:
In particularly windy environments, consider ways to securely attach your furniture to the balcony:
- Tie-downs: Some outdoor furniture includes tie-down loops that allow you to secure the pieces directly to your balcony railing or floor.
- Weighted Bases: For items like umbrellas and lighter chairs, use weighted bases that add stability and prevent them from tipping or blowing away.
4. Incorporating Soft Furnishings:
Soft furnishings add comfort and style to your balcony but ensure they are appropriate for high-wind areas:
- Cushions: Choose cushions that can be securely attached to furniture. Look for options with ties or Velcro strips.
- Rugs: Outdoor rugs should be heavy-duty and secured with non-slip pads or adhesive strips to prevent them from blowing away.
5. Modular Pieces:
Modular outdoor furniture can be an excellent choice as it often fits together in ways that make the entire setup more stable. You can rearrange the pieces based on your needs and the space’s layout, and they often lock together to form a heavier, unified object that is less likely to move.
6. Storage Solutions:
Consider furniture with built-in storage for ease and convenience. Storage benches or coffee tables with internal compartments offer places to stow away cushions or throws when not in use, which is particularly useful when the weather turns unexpectedly.
7. Maintenance and Care:
Maintain your furniture to ensure it withstands the elements over time:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean metal and wood regularly to prevent salt and dirt accumulation, which can lead to wear and corrosion.
- Protective Covers: Use covers during off-season months or when the forecast calls for extreme weather. This helps extend the life of your furniture and keeps it looking new.
At Zing Patio in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota, we understand the challenges of furnishing balconies in high-rise buildings. Our selection of wind-resistant furniture is designed to meet these needs without compromising on style or functionality.
Our expert staff is ready to help you create a secure and beautiful outdoor space that you can enjoy regardless of the weather.