How to Keep a Patio Umbrella from Flying Away

There’s nothing more frustrating than a wobbly patio umbrella. The simplest solution is to add some weight to the base, but how much weight is needed, and where should you place it?

Here are some ways of how to weigh down your patio umbrella:

If you have a patio umbrella, you know how frustrating it can be when the wind takes it away. Most people don’t know how to properly use a patio umbrella.

The worst part is how quickly they can fly away in any given windstorm, damaging property and the umbrella itself.

One possible solution is to weigh down your umbrella with sand or water. However, this is not always practical, and there are other solutions that will work just as well.

Here are some easy and creative options how to keep a patio umbrella from flying away.

Things To Consider When Weighing Down Patio Umbrella

How much weight is needed depends on several factors, such as the size and weight of the umbrella. The more sturdy your umbrella, the less weight it needs.

You will need enough to keep it from flying away in gusts of wind, but not so much that you damage your lovely patio accessory.

Related: Umbrella wind stabilizer

The following are things to consider when deciding which option will work well with you:

1. Mobility Requirements – If you plan to move your umbrella more frequently, you need to choose a more mobile and flexible option.
2. How often do you use it – Do you need this option to be a long-term solution or just for temporary needs?
3. Umbrella Base Size – How big is the umbrella base/stand that needs to be weighed down?
4. How windy it gets in your area – How much wind does your area generally get, and how powerful are those winds considered to be?
5. Flooring Material of your Patio – where are you planning on placing the object that will be used to weigh down your umbrella? How will it affect the flooring of your patio?

Now that you have an idea of what to consider, it’s time to look at some of the most popular options for how to weigh down a patio umbrella.

How to Keep a Patio Umbrella from Flying Away

There are several insanely easy techniques you can try to solve the problem. Let’s have a look at some great ideas that have worked.

Read: Waterproof umbrella canopy

1. Weighing Down Your Patio Umbrella with Sand:

If you want to go the cheap and straightforward route, sand can be a great solution for weighing down your patio umbrella.  It’s pretty easy and convenient to use, and it works reasonably well.

You can experiment with different amounts of sand to see what you need in your particular situation. Just add sand until the base feels sturdy enough when you try to wiggle it back and forth.

How much sand is needed depends on several factors, such as how sturdy your patio umbrella was, to begin with.

If you already have an umbrella that wobbles too easily, then you may need more sand than someone who has a sturdier one.

Read: What smell do wasps hate?

2. Using a Weighted Umbrella Base:

Another awesome and simple option that is available is using a weighted umbrella base. This means that the umbrella will not move around as much because it has an extra weight attached to it.

This is a really easy and convenient option that will work wonders to keep your umbrella from flying away.

You can even find weighted bases that have holes, so you can still use the regular umbrella stand you already have.

The amount of weight will make a difference in how well your patio umbrella stands up against strong winds.

In general, 10% – 25% of the entire weight of the umbrella will be enough to keep it steady in most situations.

check out this high rated umbrella base on Amazon: Shademobile Outdoor Umbrella Stand

Also read: Sun shades for decks

3. Weighing Down Your Patio Umbrella with Water:

If you have a smaller umbrella that is not very sturdy, you can try weighing it down with water.

You will need four 2-liter bottles of soda to do the trick. Just remove the label on each bottle and place them inside your patio umbrella stand.

It’s easy to control how much weight you are using because it’s just right there with you when you are operating your umbrella.

You also have the option of moving these bottles if necessary too. How convenient is that?

Read Also: Which patio umbrellas don’t fade

4. Use a Table With an Umbrella Hole in the Center

If you don’t want to increase your patio umbrella weight but still need it to be steadier against strong winds, then this is another popular option that will work well for you.

Use a sturdy table with an umbrella hole in the center and place your base on it. This will do wonders to keep your umbrella steady, especially if you live in an area where strong winds are common.

Also, the small size of most tables makes them very easy to move around as needed too. 

Here’s a great one: Darlee Round Aluminum Tilt Umbrella Base Table on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions on Stabilizing Patio Umbrella

A patio umbrella is really just a big canopy that you can use to protect yourself from the hot sun. 

It’s not very sturdy, especially when strong winds come along, but there are ways on how to weigh down patio umbrellas properly. 

Adding weight or using weighted stands, placing it on top of special tables, and filling up water bottles in your base can all work wonders with keeping your umbrella steady in most conditions.

Read: Heavy duty wind resistant patio umbrella