How To Secure Patio Furniture From Theft (7 Ways To Do It!)

HK Sloan
by HK Sloan

One of the nicest things about having an outdoor space is filling it with your own patio furniture. A couch, a table, some chairs, a sun umbrella…maybe even a fire pit! All these thoughtfully chosen pieces can work together to build your dream home. But patio furniture can also attract an unwanted guest: theft. But is there a best way to secure your patio furniture?

There are several ways to secure your patio furniture from theft. Although the only foolproof way is to move it inside, that’s not always a realistic option. Use one or more of the methods below to deter thieves from stealing your expensive items such as grills, patio furniture, and yard equipment.

Put a lock on your patio furniture or anchor it in place to protect it from theft. You can reduce the risk of theft if you install cameras near your patio furniture and build a fence. Install motion lighting near your patio furniture to discourage theft and keep your home safe.

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How to Secure Patio Furniture from Theft

Patio furniture often catches the eye of thieves. This can be extremely disconcerting because it violates your privacy and puts your home at risk of further trouble. Luckily, however, there are several simple ways that you can prevent thieves from stealing your patio furniture.

Buy a Lock

A cost-effective method of keeping your outdoor furniture from being stolen is to buy a quality lock. Using a steel cable or chain, you can thread the cable through multiple pieces of patio furniture and secure it with a master lock. The more pieces that are attached, the harder it will be to steal.

Steel cables are wire ropes that are more aesthetically pleasing than conventional chains. Run the steel cable through the patio furniture and secure it with a master lock. Even if the cable isn’t anchored to anything, locking multiple pieces of furniture together makes it nearly impossible to haul away due to the weight. And most thieves won’t go through the trouble of cutting through a galvanized steel rope.

You can buy a 30-foot steel cable lock online or at your local hardware store for $25. And if you already have a master lock, you can buy just the steel cable for about $15.

If you want to go a step further, you can anchor the lock to your patio, deck, or grass. Using a P-lock or corkscrew anchor, twist it into the ground. Thread your cable through each piece of furniture before threading it through the top of the anchor. Secure with a lock. No one’s getting anywhere with your Pit Boss!

Install a Security Camera

Security cameras are reportedly the most effective way to deter crime. When surveyed, 50% of potential burglars stated that surveillance cameras were enough to make them abandon the robbery. Well-placed cameras might not make the job physically harder for burglars, but it certainly makes it less appealing.

In the event of a crime, a security camera can offer important evidence. Perhaps even more importantly, security cameras can provide peace of mind. Security cameras used to be a luxury reserved for commercial businesses or the rich and famous. Despite security firm Ring’s constant privacy risks, the company continues to grow– which could be due to its accessibility. Home security systems like Dome, Arlo, Google Nest, and SimpliSafe offer starter kits for less than $300, with monthly monitoring as low as $10.

Install Lighting

What do burglars absolutely love? The cover of darkness! Choose a warm, low light if you plan to keep an outdoor light on, so as not to disturb any nearby bedrooms. Another option is to install motion sensor floodlights. Motion sensor floodlights are great for conserving energy while alerting you to any movement in a specified area. A would-be burglar might even think he just woke up the homeowners.

In the United States, the average cost of installing motion sensor floodlights is $350. If you want to add timers, that’ll be an extra $50. But depending on how much you’ve invested into your outdoor furniture, it may be worth it to have the added layer of protection. With some integrated systems, you can even control the settings remotely. Proper lighting helps with the quality of your security camera footage, too!

Build a Fence

Privacy fences have many perks. Not only are you protected from the prying eyes of any nosy neighbors, but a privacy fence also protects your patio furniture from potential thieves. They can’t steal it if they don’t know it’s there!

Fences also create an additional obstacle. Even if a thief can scale a 6-foot fence, it’s unlikely that they will be able to clear the fence with anything of value. If the patio furniture is anchored or locked together, it would be almost impossible to get a chair or any lawn equipment out of the fenced area.

You can expect to pay about $2500 to install a privacy fence, but the final price will depend on the total area and the materials. For a rough estimate, expect to pay between $10 and $30 per foot, depending on the quality of materials used.

Install Alarm System

If you’re considering security for your home as well as your outdoor area, an integrated alarm system may be the best choice for you. Modern alarm systems offer outdoor surveillance with the option to control remotely, with constant professional monitoring, night vision, and mobile alerts.

The average cost of installing a home security system is $600, although it can get as pricey as $1500. Since integrated alarm systems consist of many layers like audio detection, staffing, smoke detection, and monitoring, they are one of the most secure ways to protect your property.

Anchor Furniture to Patio

Although anchoring your outdoor furniture to the patio can deter some thieves, wire ties and tie-down anchors can be easily cut. If your patio can be drilled into, you can anchor your patio furniture with expanding eye bolts or ring anchors. Drilling is a more permanent solution and will make it difficult to switch out your patio furniture. You can buy an 8-pack of deck anchors for less than $20, but they’re meant to keep your patio furniture from flying away.

Move Everything Inside

Moving all of your patio furniture inside isn’t always a viable option. You may not have the space, the time, or the foresight to do so. But the main advantage of this option is that it is free! You might not be able to do it every night, but you can move everything inside if you and your family will be away for a couple of days.

Alternative Solutions

Post a Sign

For those unwilling to commit to a security camera (or dog!) just yet, you can still post a sign! “Smile, you’re on camera!” and “Beware of dog” are popular ones. Or you can make your own home security sticker. Hanging a “fake” sign can deter burglars, but it’s still risky. In the event of a burglary, you are left unprotected. Simply posting a sign– without any other security measures– is not recommended, but it can be a quick fix until you find a more permanent solution.

Talk to a Neighbor

If you and your family are planning to be away for an extended period, let your neighbor know. Your neighbor will be more aware of any suspicious loitering, and perhaps they can even pick up your mail so as not to alert potential thieves of your absence.

Tell your neighbor that they’re free to park in your driveway while you’re away. Empty driveways are one of the first things burglars look for when casing a house.

Get a Dog!

Although home security shouldn’t be the only reason you get a dog, it is a very good one. In addition to being man’s best friend, dogs are the second-best deterrent to theft, behind security cameras. Even a small dog can be enough to make a burglar rethink.


Related Questions

What is the most commonly stolen property?

Burglars commonly target garden tools, potted plants, and patio furniture. You may not think that potted plants are considered items of value, but since they can be easily picked up and transported, plants are a popular commodity. Garden tools can quickly add up in price, and quality patio furniture can cost thousands of dollars. Protect your outdoor area by putting expensive equipment out of sight when unattended.


What if my patio was burglarized?

If you have been a victim of theft, call the police immediately. Any theft over $500 is considered a felony. Make sure not to touch anything and make a note of anything that is missing. If applicable, notify your insurance company. Do You Need Handyman Services? Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you: FIND LOCAL CONTRACTORS.

Wrapping It Up

While there are many methods of protecting your patio furniture from theft, the most effective security system will contain a combination of several methods. Buying a cable lock can be a cost-effective way to secure costly or heavy items, but it will be most powerful used in conjunction with security lighting or cameras. Anchoring your patio furniture may not be enough on its own, but paired with a well-lit outdoor space, it could be just what you needed to secure your patio furniture from theft.

HK Sloan
HK Sloan

HK Sloan is a freelance writer currently covering DIY Home Improvement, Health, and Lifestyle. Sloan is passionate about improving situations for less, whether it be working on mind, body, or home.

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