The right windbreak makes your deck, balcony or patio more usable when it’s windy. The choice depends mainly on how exposed the area is, how much shelter you need, and whether you want to maintain the view or create more privacy.
Windbreak can be constructed using, for example, glass, aluminium, wood, slats, plants, or other screening materials. Different solutions slow down the wind in different ways and also vary in terms of maintenance, aesthetic appeal, and the permanence of the structure.
In this guide, we compare windbreak for patios, balconies, outdoor patios, and gardens, and go over materials, positioning, fixing, planning approvals, and fall protection. You’ll also get help determining when a fixed, freestanding, or adjustable windbreak is the best fit.
Why does the right windbreak make a difference on your patio?
The right windbreak makes your outdoor space more comfortable to use when it’s windy. It can reduce draughts around your dining area, lounge, or balcony and help an otherwise exposed space function better on more days and in a wider range of weather conditions.
An outdoor windbreak can provide privacy while also helping to frame the outdoor space. Which solution works best depends on where the wind is coming from, how exposed the area is, and whether you want to preserve the view or create a more secluded environment.
Location and design affect more than just the wind
Less wind where you are
The windbreak is most effective when placed on the side where the wind is actually blowing toward the seating area.
Make better use of the outdoor space in different weather
When draughts are reduced, it becomes easier to use the dining area, lounge area, or other living space, even when it's windy.
A windbreak can also help define the space
Glass, slats, plants, and other solutions affect both windbreak, the view and how open or cozy the outdoor space feels.
What determines which windbreak is the best fit?
Which windbreak is best depends primarily on how exposed the location is, how much wind you want to block, and whether the windbreak should be fixed or adjustable depending on the weather.
Therefore, start by considering the site’s conditions before choosing materials or styles. The same windbreak may work well on a sheltered patio but be less suitable on an open deck or a balcony on a higher floor.
How exposed is the site to wind?
An open patio, a balcony on a higher floor, or a patio near the coast may be exposed to significantly more wind than a sheltered spot near the house. This affects the design, fixing, and the choice of suitable materials.
Do you want to block the wind or just reduce the draught?
Glass provides clear protection while preserving the view. Slats, plants, and other partially open solutions allow more air to pass through and can block the wind without making the patio feel completely enclosed.
Do you need the same level of shelter all the time?
A fixed windbreak provides reliable protection year-round. An adjustable solution – such as a glass panel that can be raised or lowered – is better suited when you want to switch between a more open feel and greater shelter as the wind picks up.
What types of windbreaks are available?
Common types of windbreaks ( windbreak ) include glass, adjustable glass panels, wood and slats, aluminium, bamboo or reeds, as well as plants and hedges. They differ primarily in how much wind they block, how much of the view they preserve, and how much maintenance they require.
A dense windbreak is ideal when you want to significantly reduce the wind, while a more open design can filter the airflow and provide a softer screen. Therefore, the type of windbreak should be chosen based on both the location and the atmosphere you want to create in your outdoor space.
Glass windbreaks
Glass is a good choice when you want to reduce drafts without losing light or the view. Clear glass provides an unobstructed view, while more opaque glass can also reduce overlooking from outside.
Adjustable-height glass
A height-adjustable glass system can switch between a more open feel and greater protection when it's windy. It's ideal for situations where the need for shelter changes depending on the weather and how the space is used.
Wood, slats, and trellis
Wood creates a warm and natural look. Slats and trellises allow some air to pass through while also providing more privacy around the patio or deck.
Aluminium and Pattern Screens
Aluminium requires little ongoing maintenance and can be used in both denser and more open designs. Patterned screens can combine wind protection with privacy screen and decorative elements.
Bamboo and Reed
Bamboo and reeds can provide a simple and natural screen. These materials are more susceptible to weather and moisture and are therefore best suited for areas where durability and stability requirements are lower.
Plants and hedges
Hedges, shrubs, and climbing plants filter the wind while creating a greener environment. The effect depends on plant selection, density, and how well-established the vegetation is.
How do different types of windbreaks compare?
Different windbreaks differ primarily in how much wind they block, how much of the view they preserve, how much maintenance they require, and how well the material suits the site's conditions.
Glass and aluminium often provide more permanent and low-maintenance protection, while wood, natural materials, and plants offer different aesthetics but require more care or are more affected by the weather. Our range of windbreak also includes adjustable glass solutions for locations where the need for shelter changes with the weather.
| Type | Wind reduction | View | Maintenance | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glass | High | Unobstructed or partial | Clean as needed | Long |
| Adjustable-height glass | Adjustable | Unobstructed | Cleaning and checking moving parts | Long |
| Wood and slats | Moderate to high | Partially | Surface treatment as needed | Depends on the type of wood and how it is cared for |
| Aluminium | Depends on the design | Depends on the design | Low | Long |
| Bamboo and Reed | Low to moderate | Partially | Replacement over time | Shorter |
| Plants and hedges | Moderate after establishment | Partially | Trimming and Care | Depends on the plant and how it's cared for |
How do you choose a windbreak for your deck?
Choose a windbreak for your deck based on what you want to protect and how the space is used. Glass is a good choice when the view is important, while slats, wood, or a more opaque screen are better options when you want to create a more enclosed feeling and reduce visibility from the outside.
On an exposed patio , a height-adjustable glass balustrade can be an option when the need for shelter varies. Regardless of the material, positioning is important: start with the side where the wind is actually blowing toward the seating area.
Glass maintains visibility
Glass reduces wind without obstructing the view. It works especially well on decks with views of gardens, water, forests, or open landscapes.
Slats and frame the deck with wood
Wood, slats, and a screening panel create a cozier atmosphere. An open slatted design can reduce drafts without feeling as enclosed as a completely solid surface.
Protect the side where the wind comes in
Often, it isn't necessary to enclose the entire deck. Start with the most exposed side and then assess whether additional protection is actually needed.
How do you choose a windbreak for your balcony?
Choose a windbreak for your balcony based on the available space, the importance of daylight and views, and how it can be fixed to the existing structure. On a small balcony, providing shelter without taking up unnecessary floor space is particularly important.
Glass is often a good choice when you want to reduce wind while maintaining an open feel. Clear glass preserves the view, while more privacy-enhancing glass can combine windbreak and reduced visibility without needing a separate screen in front of the balustrade.
Make sure windbreak takes up as little space as possible
On a balcony, every centimeter counts. A windbreak that is placed near the railing or the existing structure can provide shelter without getting in the way of furniture or walking space.
Choose the type of glass based on how open you want the balcony to feel
Clear glass is ideal when the view and natural light are the top priorities. More privacy-enhancing glass may be a better choice when you also want to reduce visibility from neighbours or surrounding homes.
Consider wind exposure and the existing balustrade
Balconies in more exposed locations can be subjected to strong winds. Fixing must therefore be adapted to the substrate, the structure, and how the windbreak interacts with the existing railing.
How do you choose a windbreak for your barbecue area and garden?
Choose a windbreak in your garden based on the area you actually want to protect. For a seating area, positioning it to face the wind is most important, while a barbecue area or outdoor kitchen also requires consideration of heat, sparks, and distance from flammable materials.
A freestanding windbreak offers more freedom than a shelter that runs along a deck or balcony, but it must still be positioned and secured to the specific location. It can also be combined with plants or a trellis to create a more inviting garden space.
customise windbreak based on how the site is used
Create shelter where you actually spend time
Position the windbreak near the dining area, the lounge, or the seating area that needs shelter. A permanent shelter can be combined with plants, a trellis, or flower beds to frame the space without making it feel completely enclosed.
Also plan for heat and safety distances
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your grill, fireplace, or outdoor kitchen and observe the specified safety distances. Wood, bamboo, reeds, woven materials, and other flammable materials must be placed so that they are not exposed to high heat or sparks.
A glass partition should not be treated as a heat shield unless it is expressly intended and specified for that purpose.
Start with the side where the wind comes in. Often, it isn't necessary to install a windbreak s all around the space, and a more open design can preserve the view, allow for movement, and maintain contact with the garden.
What material is best suited for outdoor use at windbreak?
Glass and aluminium are best when you want a permanent windbreak that requires little maintenance, while wood is best when a warmer and more natural look is more important. Bamboo, reeds, and plants provide a softer screen but are more affected by the weather or require more ongoing care.
The material also needs to be suitable for the location. A sheltered patio near the house isn’t exposed to the same stresses as an open deck, a higher-up balcony, or a garden near the coast. Therefore, consider both maintenance and the environment before deciding which windbreak is the best fit.
| Materials | Maintenance | Strengths | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass | Clean as needed | Preserves light and views while providing a effective wind protection. | Glass, fittings and fixings must be adapted to the system and the load at the installation site. |
| Aluminium | Lågt | Ideal for permanent solutions where you want low ongoing maintenance. | The design, finish, and fixing must be suitable for the environment where the windbreak will be installed. |
| stainless steel | Cleaning and inspection | Works well with posts, fittings, and details in more exposed outdoor environments. | The choice of steel grade is particularly important when the material is exposed to salt, moisture, or other corrosive environments. |
| Wood | Surface treatment as needed | It creates a warm, inviting look and is easy to customise as slats, panelling or a trellis. | The type of wood, construction, and finish affect how the material ages and how much maintenance it requires. |
| Composite | Relatively low | Can provide a wood-like appearance with less surface treatment than many wood products. | Properties vary depending on the material and system, so follow the product's instructions for outdoor use. |
| Bamboo and Reed | Inspection and replacement over time | Provides a simple, soft and natural screen. | These materials are more susceptible to weather and moisture than more permanent windbreaks. |
| Plants and hedges | Trimming and Care | Filters the wind while creating a green barrier. | The effect depends on plant selection, density, location, and how well-established the vegetation is. |
When is a height-adjustable glass balustrade suitable as a windbreak?
A height-adjustable glass balustrade is ideal when the need for shelter from the wind changes with the weather. When it’s calm, the glass can be lowered for a more open feel, and when it’s windy, it can be raised to provide more shelter around the dining area, lounge, or other seating area.
This solution is particularly well-suited for decks and patios where you want to maintain light and a view but don’t need the same level of protection all the time. Among our windbreak are adjustable glass solutions for spaces where the need for shade varies throughout the day and depending on weather conditions.
Switch between open and more sheltered
Open when the wind isn't a problem
When the weather is calm, the glass can be lowered. This makes the patio feel more open while preserving the light, the view, and the connection with the surroundings.
More shelter as the wind picks up
When the wind picks up, the glass can be raised to provide more windbreak around the part of the deck or patio where you are sitting, without having to enclose the entire outdoor area.
The height of the windbreak can be adjusted depending on the weather and how the patio is used.
The higher position provides more shelter when the wind reaches the seating area.
The glass preserves light and visibility, allowing the patio to feel open even with a windbreak.
Place the solution where the wind actually blows towards the seating area. It’s rarely necessary to shield the entire patio for an adjustable windbreak to make a difference.
Should windbreak be fixed, freestanding, or adjustable?
Choose a fixed windbreak when you want stable and permanent protection in a specific location, an adjustable windbreak when your need for shelter changes with the weather, and a freestanding solution when you need more flexibility in positioning.
The design must also be suited to the surface and the extent to which the location is exposed to wind. For more permanent solutions, materials such as glass, aluminium, wood, or slats are often used, while freestanding screens are primarily suitable for more sheltered locations or for simpler and temporary needs.
For reliable protection over time
A fixed windbreak is ideal for areas where wind is often a problem and you want a permanent solution. Glass, aluminium, wood, and slats are common options, depending on the view, the desired look, and how much wind needs to be blocked.
For simpler or temporary needs
A freestanding windbreak can offer greater flexibility in positioning and is suitable, for example, for a seating area further out in the garden. However, stability must be carefully assessed in more exposed locations.
For varying weather conditions and needs
An adjustable windbreak is ideal when you want to be able to switch between a more open patio and a more sheltered one. A height-adjustable glass balustrade is an example where the shelter can be adjusted to suit the wind.
When are the different solutions appropriate?
When is a fixed windbreak suitable?
When you want a windbreak that stays in the same place and provides reliable protection over time.
When is a freestanding unit a good choice?
When the need is more temporary, the location needs to be more flexible, or the site is relatively sheltered from strong winds.
When is an adjustable windbreak suitable?
When you want to be able to switch between a view, a more open feel, and more shelter from the wind without permanently blocking off the patio.
Can a fence or balustrade also act as a windbreak?
Yes. A fence or balustrade can also provide shelter from the wind if its height, density and positioning are appropriate for the site. A more solid fence may reduce wind more effectively, but the structure and fixings must also be suitable for wind exposure.
It is often better to incorporate multiple functions into the same design than to first build a railing or fence and then add a separate windbreak in front of it. This makes it easier to ensure that the positioning, materials, and fixing work together.
Screening and shelter in one solution
A " fence " with a solid panel, slats, or partially open sections can both frame the plot and reduce wind on a patio. The amount of shelter it provides depends on its height, density, and where it is placed in relation to the wind.
For various types of delimitation, there are more examples among our fence and gates .
Glass can create a boundary and provide shelter from the wind
A glass balustrade can reduce wind while preserving light and views. On decks and terraces, it can therefore serve two purposes without requiring you to add an additional opaque screen inside or outside the railing.
Coordinate protection with the rest of the environment
Around a pool or a larger outdoor area, railings, fence, and windbreak may need to work together. In that case, windbreak should be planned as part of the overall design rather than as a separate screen that is added later.
If the solution involves a pool, the requirements regarding safety and boundaries must also be addressed separately.
Avoid duplicate solutions
If you know from the start that you need both a partition and a windbreak, the same structure can often be designed to serve both functions. This creates a more serene look and reduces the risk of having multiple posts, screens, and fixings placed next to each other.
If windbreak is also to serve as a railing or fall protection, the design must be planned with that function in mind as well. In that case, it is not only wind resistance that determines the choice of height, glass, posts, and fixing.
How can you build your own windbreak?
Start by deciding where windbreak should be placed, what height is needed, and what surface the structure should be attached to. For simpler windbreak made of wood or slats, it’s often possible to plan and build the solution yourself if the positioning and fixing are well thought out from the start.
a windbreak is exposed to wind loads and therefore needs to be more than just a decorative screen. The structure must work in conjunction with the substrate, and for glass or more exposed locations, dimensions, hardware, and fixing must follow the selected system’s instructions.
Plan the positioning
Start by figuring out where the wind is most troublesome. Feel free to mark the intended location with string, tape, or loose posts before you make your decision. That way, you’ll see how windbreak affects your furniture, walkways, and view.
Select height and style
Adjust the height based on the area you want to shield and how you want the windbreak to look and feel. A lower screen may be sufficient around a seating area, while a taller screen provides more privacy. Also decide whether the design should feel airy, private, or more integrated with the house.
Check the substrate
Determine whether windbreak should be attached to timber decking, concrete, a façade, or the ground before selecting posts and hardware. The substrate affects the type of fixing that can be used and how the structure needs to be built.
What should you check before building a windbreak?
Check the wind direction, dimensions, surface, materials, and regulations before you start building a windbreak. This will make it easier to choose the right location and design and to avoid having to make changes once assembly has already begun.
Go through the site point by point
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Where is that disruptive wind coming from?
Check which direction the wind usually comes from where you are actually sitting. Houses, hedges, and other structures can cause the wind to blow in a different direction from the prevailing wind.
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Have you measured the width, height, and pole positioning?
Measure the area that actually needs to be protected and, at the same time, plan where posts or fixings can be placed without obstructing furniture, walkways, or views.
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What substrate should the windbreak be fixed to?
Determine whether the structure will be installed in timber decking, concrete, a façade, or the ground. The substrate affects which posts, fittings, and fixings can be used.
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Is the material suitable for the location?
Choose materials based on how exposed the location is, how much maintenance you want, and whether you want to preserve the view or make the location more secluded.
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Is there a grill, fireplace, or other heat source nearby?
Check the manufacturer's instructions and safety distances and plan the positioning with regard to heat, sparks, and flammable materials.
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Do you need to check for planning permission or approval?
Check whether the height, positioning, and design of the windbreak affect planning approvals or other regulations. If necessary, you’ll also need to check with your neighbour, the homeowners’ association, or the property owner.
Check the subfloor before deciding fixing. On a timber decking, windbreak should not rely solely on the top surface of the decking boards if the structure is to withstand greater wind loads. Fixing must instead be adapted to the supporting structure and the selected system.
When is planning permission required for windbreak?
Whether you need planning permission for a windbreak depends on how the structure is designed, how tall it is, and where it is located. There is no specific rule just because a structure is called a windbreak. The determination is based on what it actually is—for example, a screen, a fence, or part of a railing.
The distance to the property boundary and buildings, the area’s zoning regulations, and whether the property is located in a specially protected area can also have an impact. Therefore, check what applies to your specific property before you build or place an order.
Property boundaries, local conditions and buildings can affect the applicable rules
Height and distance to the boundary
The height of windbreak and how close it is to buildings and property boundary can affect whether planning permission is required. The taller and more permanent the structure is, the more important it is to check the regulations before you build. In some cases, your neighbour’s consent may be a factor.
Special Provisions for the Area
Zoning regulations, area-specific regulations, or particularly valuable environments may entail expanded or modified legal obligations. Therefore, check the regulations for the specific property, even if the windbreak is low.
Balcony or existing building
A windbreak fitted to a balcony or affecting the outside of a building may be subject to different requirements from a freestanding windbreak. If you live in a flat, also check what the building owner or managing body permits.
How should a windbreak be fixed securely?
A windbreak must be secured to a substrate capable of absorbing the forces transmitted by the wind to the " posts " and the fixings. The correct " fixing " therefore depends on whether the structure is mounted on concrete, " timber decking," the ground, or attached to a wall.
Height, width, material, and the site’s exposure to wind also affect the load. Always follow the selected system’s assembly instructions and adapt the fixings to the load-bearing structure, not just to the visible surface layer.
Start with the surface beneath the windbreak
Concrete slab
Concrete can provide a stable foundation for post bases, but fixing must be adapted to the concrete’s construction, edge distances, and the specific wind protection system in use.
Timber decking
Deck boards are a surface layer and should not, on their own, support a windbreak that is exposed to significant wind loads. The post base normally needs to be anchored to a joist, beam, or other reinforced load-bearing member beneath the deck.
Wall or façade
Fixing must reach a substrate that is designed to support the load. The choice of screws, anchors, and sealants must be adapted to the wall’s material and construction so that the façade is not damaged or exposed to moisture problems.
Ground
A freestanding windbreak on the ground requires a stable anchor, such as a foundation pier or other suitable footing that is adapted to the ground conditions, the structure’s height, and how exposed the site is to wind.
Which windbreak style suits your home and patio?
Windbreak works best when the materials, colours, and density complement the house and the outdoor space. Glass creates a light and open look; dark metal profiles have a more modern feel, while wood, slats, and plants are ideal when you want to create a softer and more natural environment.
Be sure to consider the façade, windows, railing, flooring, and outdoor furniture as a whole before making your choice. On a deck, windbreak often becomes a distinctive part of the architecture—not just a practical shield against the wind.
Scandinavian minimalism
Clear glass, light-coloured wood, and simple profiles are ideal when you want to preserve light and views and let windbreak take up as little visual space as possible.
Glass · light wood · discreet fittings
Dark profiles and clean lines
Black or dark metal profiles combined with glass create a more striking look and are particularly well-suited to modern architecture with clean lines.
Glass · aluminium · dark accents
Rural and green
Wood, slats, trellises, and plants work well when you want the windbreak to feel like part of the garden and create a cosier outdoor living space.
Wood · slats · climbing plants · hedge
Coastal and exposed to the wind
In open spaces, the choice of materials and fixings are just as important as the appearance. Glass and durable metal components can create a light, airy look while the design is engineered for a more exposed environment.
Glass · aluminium · corrosion-resistant components
Which windbreak is best suited for your patio?
Check out our windbreak for decks, terraces, and patios, or contact customer service if you'd like help choosing the right solution.
What are the most common questions about windbreaks?
Here we answer frequently asked questions about windbreak for patios, balconies, outdoor patios, and gardens—from materials and positioning to planning approvals, fixing, and glass.
Which material offers the best protection against the wind?
There is no single material that always provides the best windbreak. Glass creates a sealed surface and is ideal when you want to significantly reduce wind without losing the view. Wood, slats, and plants allow more air to pass through and can instead provide gentler wind protection.
What's the best choice for a windbreak on the deck?
Glass is a good choice for a deck when the view is important and you want a clear, open feel. Wood and slats are better options when you want to create more privacy and a sense of space. If your needs vary depending on the weather, a retractable glass balustrade could be an option.
Can a windbreak also provide privacy?
Yes. Opal or frosted glass, denser slats, and other privacy screens can combine light transmission with reduced visibility from the outside. Clear glass, on the other hand, provides windbreak while maintaining visibility through the screen.
Do I need planning permission for windbreak?
It depends on the height, design, and location of the windbreak, as well as the regulations in the area where the property is located. A freestanding windbreak may be assessed differently than one installed on a balcony or building. Check with your local building authority if you are unsure.
Are there rules about how close to a property boundary a windbreak can be installed?
Yes, the distance to property boundary can affect whether planning permission is required, especially for higher levels of protection. In some cases, the neighbour’s consent may be a factor. The specific requirements depend on the location, so check with your local building authority.
How do you install a windbreak on timber decking?
A windbreak on a timber deck must be fixed to the load-bearing structure, such as a joist, beam or reinforced section beneath the deck boards. The boards alone should not support a structure exposed to significant wind loads.
Which is better: a fixed or adjustable windbreak?
A fixed windbreak is best when you want the same level of protection in a specific spot at all times. An adjustable windbreak is a better fit when your need for shelter changes with the weather and you want to be able to switch between a more open outdoor space and more protection.
What is the difference between toughened and laminated glass?
Toughened glass is heat-treated for greater strength and, when broken, shatters into many small pieces. Laminated glass has an intermediate layer that helps hold the glass panes and shards together if the glass breaks. Laminated laminated glass combines both of these properties. The type of glass structure required depends on the system, location, and whether the structure also serves as fall protection.
Can I build a windbreak myself?
Yes, simpler wooden structures such as a windbreak, slats, or trellis can often be built yourself if the foundation is suitable and the fixing is carefully planned. For glass, locations more exposed to wind, or structures that also serve as railings, the entire system must be adapted to the load and the site’s safety requirements.
Which plants work as windbreaks?
Dense conifer or deciduous hedges can block the wind and create a green screen. Climbing plants on trellises can also help reduce the wind, but the effect depends on the plant’s density, the climate, and how well-established it is. Plants are therefore often best suited as a softer windbreak or as a complement to other solutions.
