How to Anchor a Garden Dome

Why anchoring is non-negotiable

A dome is light and strong, which is brilliant for assembly, but it also means that, like any garden structure, it must be tied down to resist wind. Anchoring is what does that. The geodesic shape spreads wind and snow loads across the whole frame, and an anchored dome is engineered for strength in wind and snow. The essential word there is anchored. Anchoring isn't an optional extra or a nice-to-have; it's the step that makes the dome safe to use. Treat it as the most important part of the install, because it is.

The anchoring brackets are included

You don't need to source anything special: anchoring brackets come with every dome, and Ultra and Extreme domes also come with stainless steel bolts, nuts and anchors. The brackets fix the structure securely to its base as part of the build. Fitted as the step-by-step guide shows, they tie the frame down at the right points so the whole dome acts as one stable unit against the wind.

How it's done by base type

The exact fixing method follows your base. The instructions cover the specifics, but in principle:

• On decking: the brackets fix securely into the timber or composite deck structure, anchoring the dome to a base that is itself stable and, ideally, tied to the ground. Our wooden decking base, which the Large sits on, pairs with every specification.
• On a platform base: the dome fixes to our Hexa or Natural platform base (for the Mini and Standard in Ultra or Extreme) as the instructions show.
• On paving or a patio: the brackets fix into the slabs or the surface beneath, holding the dome firmly to the hard base, as long as the slabs are solidly bedded rather than loose-laid.
• On a concrete pad: the most robust option, with the brackets fixed into the prepared concrete for maximum hold.
• On firm, level ground: ground anchors driven into firm soil hold each anchor point down.

Whatever the base, the goal is the same: every anchor point secure, the dome immovable, the load spread evenly.

Get it right and check it

• Follow the instructions precisely. Use all the specified anchor points and fix them as directed; a partial job is a weak one.
• Make sure the base itself is sound. Anchoring to a wobbly or poorly built base undermines the whole thing; a stable, level, well-built base is the foundation for secure anchoring (see our guide to garden dome foundations and bases).
• Check after storms. As part of normal light maintenance, confirm the bolts and anchors are still firm after severe weather, and tighten anything that's worked loose over time.
• Prepare for rough weather. Close the door, windows and roof vents when a storm or gale is forecast, and brush heavy snow off gently with a soft brush.
• Don't cut corners. It's tempting to rush the last step when the dome looks finished, but anchoring is precisely the step you must not skimp on.

If you'd rather have it done for you, our Built for you installers can anchor your dome (anchoring only from £249) or build the base, dome and anchoring together.

A note on the higher specifications

Ultra (panels 30% thicker than Original) and Extreme (panels twice as thick as Original, our strongest) pair thicker panels with stainless steel fixings. Ultra is our pick for most gardens, including windy ones, and Extreme, with 3 mm panels, is our strongest option for homes and hospitality, including exposed, coastal or high sites. If your site is exposed or coastal, choosing a higher specification and anchoring it thoroughly gives you the greatest margin of safety. Original suits sheltered gardens, and our stainless steel hardware upgrade (£69) adds stainless fixings to it. Our guide to garden dome wind ratings explains what to ask about any dome on a windy site.

Frequently asked questions