How To Block Wind On Patio: 21 Amazing Ideas

Patios are amazing places to relax and unwind as you watch the day fade away through a beautiful sunset.  

Scratch that— any time of day is enjoyable around patios. However, the trouble is constant wind interruptions that interfere with your peacetime.

You may be running around chasing down papers, table cloths, and anything wind could easily blow away.

Should you cover up your entire patio because of the wind? Of course not— that would defeat the whole purpose of having one.

This article discusses wind-blocking ideas on the patio to enable you to have the best of experiences with them. Let’s get rolling. 

Patio Wind Blocking Ideas

Some wind blocking ideas you want to explore include: 

• Using Potted Shrubs 
• Building an artificial hedge wall 
• Planting trees/shrubs in your backyard 
• Installing outdoor shades 
• Using Outdoor Glass Walls 
• Building pergolas with louvered roof 
• Using wooden fence walls as windscreens 
• Utilizing a corrugated metal fence
• Purchasing a windscreen 
• Patio panels 
• Bamboo screen fencing 
• Using a wind-blocking  outdoor furniture
• Erecting patio wind deflectors 
• Use transparent vinyl/PVC curtains 
• Installing Trellises 
• Patio Blinds 
• Build a wall 
• Use Shutters 
• Portable wind block 
• Lattice panels 
• Courtyard screening

Let us understand what each idea means for your patio and whether it suits your specific needs and setup. 

1. Using Potted Shrubs 

This is the best idea for gardeners with little space for growing windbreak hedges yet looking for a natural wind blocker.

Some attractive plants for your consideration are shrubs such as Houseleek, Bamboo, and Frangula. Plant the shrubs in heavy and stable planters that won’t be easily moved by wind. 

The shrubs should grow at least one meter from the ground. Ensure to line them up together to serve as effective windbreakers. 

Steps to Planting and Set-Up of Potted Shrubs

Step 1

Procure the materials.

• Ideal Tall Shrubs
• Concrete Planters (most preferred) 
• Potting Soil 
• Garden Gloves 

Step 2

Shop for the ideal tall shrub at your local nursery. Besides being one meter tall, the shrub should also be dense enough to block wind effectively. 

Step 3

Purchase concrete planters. These are the most preferred because of their stability and will not be easily toppled by strong winds. 

Step 4

Replant the shrubs into the concrete planters. Put on your gloves and get to work.

First, you’ll need to pull out the shrub from its plastic container.

Fill the concrete planter with fresh potting soil while holding the plant still with one hand. Pack the soil around the plant gently.

Ensure that the soil is not packed too densely to avoid aeration and drainage issues.

Water the shrubs afterward. 

Step 5

The final step involves arranging the planter along the border of your patio to form a windbreak wall. They should be placed pretty close to each other. 

2. Building An Artificial Hedge Wall 

Heard about artificial hedge walls? These do not only act as wind blockers but add aesthetic value to your patio. 

They consist of artificial foliage set up to work as a wind blocker. Make sure that the foliage used is low maintenance cost and eco-friendly.

Additionally, the frames must be durable and designed for outdoor use. 

Steps to Building Artificial Hedge Walls / Panels

Step 1

Purchase artificial hedge panels, which come with an installation kit containing hooks, cable ties, and screws. 

Step 2

Connect the panels by snapping them in place. You can also use cable ties for this purpose.

Place the panels on your fence wall and stick them using staples or nails.

You should continue with this sequence repeatedly until the entire length of your patio is covered. 

3. Planting Trees/Shrubs in Your Backyard 

Planting trees and shrubs in your backyard is an excellent natural way to block wind on your patio, giving you the tranquility to relax. 

However, beware that trees take time to grow— there is a significant waiting period associated with this method.

Opt for the fast-growing varieties for quick results.

4. Installing Outdoor Shades 

Another idea you want to play with is installing outdoor shades. Their primary use is blocking rain, heat, and sunlight, but they can do more. 

Outdoor shades are made from fabrics resistant to ultra-violet rays and water.

Additionally, they are movable, and one can easily remove and put them back in the house when required. 

They come in a range of styles, including roller and dropdown types. 

5. Using Outdoor Glass Walls 

Patios are meant to help you enjoy the outdoor surroundings from the comfort of your house. What better way to enjoy the outdoor scenery than using outdoor glass walls to protect you against aggressive winds?

You could also go for tinted glass walls, but there won’t be any view to cherish. 

Install the outdoor glass walls yourself or hire a professional to get the job done quickly. Use aluminum frames for robust support. 

However, beware that outdoor glass walls have high maintenance costs and can be pretty costly. 

6. Building Pergolas With Louvered Roof 

Block wind on your patio using pergolas with a louvered roof system. 

The louvered roof system is fitted with wind sensors that make it open up or close the slats depending on the prevailing wind speed. 

This idea is handy if living in an area affected by strong winds.

To lower the costs, you can build a pergola yourself and fix blinds around it. 

7. Using Wooden Fence Walls As Windscreens 

Building a wooden fence wall to block wind is pretty cost-effective.

However, it will require quite a lot of work on your part.

Here is a list of materials that you will need. 

• Wooden fence panels 
• Fence posts 
• Electric screwdriver 
• Support brackets 
• Measuring tape
• Water level  

Steps to Building a Wooden Fence as a Windscreen

Step 1

Identify the place where the wooden fence posts will stand and dig holes. Determine the spacing between the holes according to the length of the panels.

Ensure the hole is three times wider than the post diameter and with a depth equivalent to half the post length. 

Step 2

Your next step would be to erect the fence posts. Mount and stabilize the poles into the holes using a mix of concrete. 

Place the posts into each hole one after the other, asking for a helping hand to hold them as you pour the concrete mix. 

Step 3

Embed the wooden fence panels on the posts once you’ve established them on the ground. An easy way is to nail the panels onto the posts using an electric screwdriver or a nail gun. 

Your wooden fence is now up and ready as a patio wind blocker. 

8. Utilizing A Corrugated Metal Fence

A corrugated metal fence also does the magic of preventing outdoor wind on your patio.

The best option is galvanized steel. It’s more durable than a wood fence and can withstand all climatic conditions without rusting or fading. 

Besides blocking wind, a corrugated metal fence gives you sufficient privacy on your property. 

9. Purchasing A Windscreen 

When purchasing a windscreen, there are several options you could go for, such as.

• The roll-up windscreen works best if you’ve got a covered patio. After installation, you can always roll it down to the ground or up to the deck railing, depending on the local conditions. Pulleys or an electric motor do the raising or lowering down. You can use it when needed and roll it up when the winds are calm. 
• The retractable windscreen: It serves well as a windscreen for the patio and is ideal for privacy enthusiasts. You can always have it in place and remove it when not needed. 
• The mesh windscreen: It works well as a wind blocker on the patio if you’ve got a chain-link fence and adds to your privacy. 

You can purchase them from local dealers or e-commerce stores like Amazon. 

DIY Windscreens

If you love getting your hands dirty and have time to spare, you could save yourself some bucks and construct a homemade windscreen. 

We guide you through the steps of constructing one below. We shall be using a plexiglass screen with a wood frame. 

Tools You Will Need

• Drill 
• Wood Glue 
• Tape measure 
• Miter saw
• Table saw
• Clear Silicone Caulk 
• Pencil 
• Miter Corner Clamps  

Materials for Use

• Plexiglass: Note that thicker sheets are more expensive than thinner ones. 
• Screws 
• Outdoor Wood For Framing: Cedar, redwood, or cypress 

Steps To Constructing A WindScreen

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wood 

Cut wood according to the specific needs of your patio or deck. For instance, 3’x3’ or 4’x’4 panels are ideal and easier to work with.

For a 3’x3’ panel, you will need four 36” long wooden pieces at least 1.5” wide.

Miter the ends of the pieces.

Step 2: Groove The Wood 

Your next course of action would be to groove each piece of wood through the middle using a table saw.

Exercise caution when using the saw on small wood pieces to prevent injuries. A groove provides room for holding plexiglass within the wood frame. 

The groove should be at a minimum of ½” and a maximum of ¾” deep. 

Step 3: Assemble the Panel

During the panel assembling, you’ll first need to put silicon caulk into each groove. Remember the mitered ends of your wood? Spread glue on them. 

Now enclose the plexiglass within the four wood pieces. Use corner clamps to them in place until the glue dries.

Step 4: Install Screws 

Secure each side of the mitered corners using screws.

Keep the thickness of the Plexi glass and the wooden frame in mind while selecting screws.

To prevent the glass from cracking while drilling, pre-drill using a smaller-sized drill bit. Drill again using a larger bit.

Step 5: Attach Barrier To The Wall

Now you will need to attach the windscreen to the wall or the rail of your patio to keep it in position. Clamp the panel to the railing at an appropriate height. 

Drill and secure the panel to the railing. There should be some space between the panels to let air in.

10. Patio Panels 

Another idea to work on to block wind is installing patio panels. These are sliding vinyl panels that you can easily fit into your existing setup. 

You can keep the panels open on hot days and keep them closed during inclement weather.

Having them opened occasionally allows a cool breeze that makes your evenings enjoyable. 

11. Bamboo Screen Fencing 

You can block patio wind using a bamboo fence. This will work out well for you if you’re a privacy freak. 

The setup cost is low, and it looks aesthetically pleasing as well. The fence is also pretty low on maintenance.

Work with an expert during installation.

12. Using Wind Blocking  Outdoor Furniture

Some particular types of furniture could come in handy to block wind on the patio.

Outdoor sectional sofas have proven effective due to their heavy weight. They take up a good amount of space on your patio, thus blocking the wind.

Look at your patio theme, location, and budget to make an informed decision.

13. Erecting Patio Wind Deflectors 

Now that you’ve figured out where the wind in your patio is coming from, why not erect a patio wind deflector to keep things from blowing away? 

Some materials you could use include fence panels that you can erect in addition to your main fence. You can place them in the direction the wind is coming from. Some other deflectors to toy with include:

• Temporary hanging panels 
• Oaks, Maple trees 
• A large natural wall 
• Arborvitaes trees 

14. Use Clear Vinyl/PVC Curtains 

Despite their everyday use in restaurants and bars, transparent vinyl curtains are becoming quite popular among gardeners and homeowners, thanks to their ability to block wind on your patio. 

They are waterproof and UV resistant and come in different sizes to suit your taste and needs. 

Most suppliers sell them in 20 or 30 millimeters thickness. You want to go for a thicker variant if you live in cold weather climates to prevent cracking. 

Ensure that the curtains have additional grommets on the bottom to secure them tightly and prevent them from creating a lot of noise. 

15. Installing Trellises 

Trellises block wind on your patio while providing additional vertical gardening space.

Ensure that the trellis frame is sturdy, and choose a fast-growing creeper like Wisteria.

Steps to Installing Trellises with Vines

Step 1 :

Build or buy a trellis frame. Most gardeners prefer buying one to save on the time it takes to build.

You can choose between a steel frame construction and a vinyl design. 

Step 2

Assemble the trellis according to the instruction manual using essential tools you often use in your yard.

After the assembly, position the trellis on your patio’s open side or in the direction the wind is hitting your deck.

Step 3

Plant the vine at the bottom of the trellis and let it grow up onto the railings. The vines will eventually weave themselves through the trellis crosshatch. 

Some vines to work with include Bougainvillea, Star Jasmine, Grapevine, and Virginia Creeper. 

Trellises work best in mild, windy areas.  

16. Patio Blinds 

You could also use patio blinds to block wind on the patio in areas with mild winds. All you need is to install them and adjust them to different levels depending on the need of the hour. 

These blinds are made from different materials, with some providing full and others partial blockage to the wind. Install them along the roof of your patio— making it easy to pull them down and lift them as required. 

They have hooks at the bottom that you can use to anchor them on the ground against the force of the wind.

Patio blinds also protect from sunlight. 

17. Build A Wall 

Building a wall might be quite costly, but it’s worth it, especially if living in an area with strong wind gusts.

A permanent wall saves you from the hustle and bustle of fixing temporal structures that get worn out over time.  

Plant some beautiful plants and flowers along the wall fence to beautify it. 

18. Use Shutters 

Shutters are easy additions to your patio to block the wind. There are different materials to complement your existing decor, with aluminum quite common.

The good thing about shutters is they can be opened or closed as you wish. 

19. Portable Wind Block 

You can use a portable wind block to keep the wind off your patio. 

Movable wind blocks are made of different materials such as burlap, cotton, standard fabrics, or plastic that fit nicely into a frame.

The best part is they are free standing and can be placed virtually anywhere and taken in when not required.

20. Lattice Panels 

Lattice panels are more or less similar to patio panels. After installing them, plant climbing vines that will pass through the holes. 

Lattice panels add beauty to your surroundings besides blocking wind. If you love privacy, this is also a worthy idea. 

21. Courtyard Screening

Did you know you could build a wooden screen around your patio and spruce it up with flowers or beautiful plants? 

This is different from a wood fence and is commonly referred to as a courtyard screen. It serves quite well as a wind block while providing privacy. 

Wrap Up 

You just became a guru at blocking wind on the patio. Remember that there is no ‘One Solution Fits All’ approach to it.

Each situation is always unique based on the speed of the prevailing wind, the materials your deck or patio is made of, and of course, your preferences.

Most ideas mentioned above need materials readily available in local stores or online. You can be a DIYer and get your hands dirty in building something custom.

All said, some implementations may require professional expertise. We hope this helps. 

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