Windbreak for the patio: 5 great ideas for 2023

5 practical ideas
Wind protection for the terrace: These tips will help on cool days

There are practical solutions to protect the terrace from the wind

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As beautiful as an open terrace may be, it offers little protection from wind and weather: on gusty days it is hardly possible to read the newspaper in peace or set the table outside. With the right wind protection, you can arm yourself against any stiff breeze.

If it is particularly drafty on your terrace – even on less gusty days – purchasing a windbreak can definitely make sense. Depending on how often and how strong your outdoor area is hit by gusts of wind, you should use a more or less stable variant. Not only size and design play a role here, but above all the material. In addition, there are short-term solutions that can be implemented quickly, such as sun sails, wooden elements and side awnings. But long-term solutions (e.g. a hedge) are also useful, but they take longer to implement. In the following we will present both options in more detail.

1. Awning

This is a particularly flexible and inexpensive windbreak for the terrace sun sail: Available in different sizes and colours, the water-repellent square is stretched vertically at four points of your choice in the garden using fastening ropes (which are already included in the scope of delivery). According to the manufacturer, the material is not only environmentally friendly, tear-resistant, mold and stain resistant – it also contains integrated UV protection.

Three more tips:

  1. Pull the fabric as taut as possible (but not too tight) so that the sail can withstand strong winds.
  2. So that the sun sail is not damaged, it should be removed in extremely bad weather conditions.
  3. Alternatively, you can use a large one Parasol with integrated sun sails set up as a windbreak.

2. Wooden elements

So that you are not exposed to strong gusts, a protective barrier that is between 1.80 and two meters high is recommended. A classic one, for example, is also well suited for the terrace wooden wall, which is wind and privacy protection at the same time. The material is particularly durable and weather-resistant, and it also visually enhances any garden. Again, you can choose between different sizes, designs and materials such as fir and spruce wood, bamboo or plastic. There are even already beveled fence elements made of wood that you can combine with others. It is usually installed on the edge of the terrace or directly on a fence.

Three more tips:

  1. So that the wooden windbreak does not fall over in strong winds, it should constantly let some air through (e.g. through cracks or slits).
  2. Make sure that fence elements are firmly anchored in the ground. A concrete foundation is ideal here, which should be at least 25 centimeters wide and 60 centimeters deep. Alternatively, you can mount and fix the windbreak on the house wall.
  3. Wood is weather-resistant, but the signs of time are still noticeable. In order for the material to remain durable, it should be resealed (painted or varnished) from time to time.

3. Side awnings

A normal awning that has been mounted on the house is primarily used for sun protection – and withstands light rain showers. But did you know that there are also models that can be attached to the side and thus serve as a windbreak for the terrace? are particularly practical extendable side awnings, which you only use when necessary, i.e. on windy days. There are depending on the manufacturer different sizes in different colors. The housing is attached directly to the wall of the house, but you do not need any special prior knowledge for assembly.

Three more tips:

  1. Pay attention to the material of the side awning: Ideally, it is not only water-repellent, but also has integrated UV protection.
  2. If you are not allowed to mount the housing on the house wall, you can switch to a windscreen that stuck in the ground becomes.
  3. Alternatively, you can also use a rectangular awning that you tighten sideways (at four points) to protect against the wind.

4. Climbing aids for plants

Granted, a Trellis with planter actually only works as a windbreak when the plant has grown over the entire trellis. This takes time and patience – but once the ivy, vine or climbing rose has spread over the trellis, you can not only enjoy the beautiful view: you have also created a natural wind and privacy screen for the terrace that enhances your garden optically enhanced.

Three more tips:

  1. Alternatively, you can also use a Wooden pergola plant and use as a windbreak for the terrace.
  2. Perennial plants have the advantage that you have less work with planting the trellis.
  3. There is also a Trellis with roleswhich you can change at any time depending on the wind direction.

5. Lattice stone baskets (gabion)

A wire basket filled with stones is also called gabion. In the past, the massive walls were mainly used in road and path construction, but nowadays you can also find them more and more often in the gardens of many homes. The stone baskets have the advantage that they can act as a natural privacy and wind protection for the terrace – and at the same time as a raised bed or herb spiral. In addition, the cavities offer space for small animals (e.g. lizards) and insects. Gabions are particularly durable because they are insensitive to all weather conditions.

Three more tips:

  1. The baskets are delivered empty, the gabion stones must be purchased separately.
  2. Alternatively, you can also fill gabions with other materials.
  3. Gabions come in different shapes and sizes.

Wind protection for the terrace: further possibilities

There are also long-term solutions for the patio, such as a Hedge. It serves as a natural wind and privacy screen in the garden, but takes a long time to reach the necessary size. Specimens such as the tree of life, the yew or the cypress grow particularly densely. Hornbeam and copper beech let more light (and wind) through, but are also good windbreaks. In particularly stormy regions such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea, robust hedges made of field maple or hawthorn are recommended.

As an alternative to the hedge, you can also use one Wall build (or have built), which serves as a windbreak for the terrace all year round. Significantly more expensive to buy, but also more durable, should the massive structure be at least 1.80 meters high. However, before you decide on a wall, you should think carefully about your choice of material: the stones should not only suit your garden, but also your house (or apartment). Once the wall is up, it will be difficult to reverse your decision.

Source: “my beautiful garden

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