Shopping for outdoor furniture can be a major investment, whether you’re furnishing a backyard, patio, or poolside space. While quality and aesthetics are often at the forefront of buyers’ minds, timing—specifically the month you choose to buy—can have a significant impact on the value you get for your money. In this article, we’ll break down the ideal time to purchase outdoor furniture based on sales trends, seasonal changes, and market behaviors. Understanding when to buy helps ensure you maximize quality while minimizing cost.
Why Timing Matters When Buying Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is heavily influenced by the changing seasons. Retailers stock up on inventory in anticipation of demand, especially during warmer months when homeowners are more likely to entertain or revamp their outdoor living areas. However, the off-season presents opportunities for savvy buyers who don’t mind a bit of patience.
Seasonal demand and production cycles directly affect both availability and pricing. Here’s how they work:
- Spring (March to May) – Peak demand begins as the weather warms up.
- Summer (June to August) – Sales focus on new stock and premium lines.
- Fall (September to November) – Retailers start clearing out inventory.
- Winter (December to February) – Low demand period, clearance sales often begin.
Knowing the seasonal flow of buying patterns gives consumers a strategic advantage. Let’s delve into how pricing fluctuates and why timing your purchase is key to snagging the best furniture at the best price.
When Do Retailers Offer the Best Deals on Outdoor Furniture?
There are three primary deal cycles during the year when retailers offer markdowns on outdoor furniture:
Labor Day Sales (Early September)
One of the most popular times for furniture clearance, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. By early September, retailers often begin clearing out old stock to make room for fall merchandise and the next year’s models. It’s not uncommon to see reductions of up to 50% or more, especially on high-end sets that may have been slow to sell.
In addition, this is when many e-commerce retailers join in, offering online deals that can be just as enticing as those in physical stores.
Post-Thanksgiving and Black Friday (Late November)
While Black Friday is commonly associated with electronics and fashion, it has become a shopping event for furniture as well. Many big-box stores and home retailers offer flash sales and early deals on summer remnants as November approaches. The advantage of timing your purchase in late fall is that you’ll face less competition and often more flexibility in delivery options due to decreased buyer traffic.
End of Winter and Early Spring Clearance (February to March)
Surprisingly, some of the best deals pop up during winter months and early spring. By this time, retailers are often eager to make space for the new season’s shipments. While weather may delay shipping or delivery schedules (if bought online), purchasing during this period can provide the greatest dollar savings.
Best Month to Buy: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
To pinpoint the best month, let’s examine each month’s trends in terms of pricing, inventory turnover, and average deal quality.
January
January is known more for New Year resolutions than patio loungers. However, it’s a surprisingly good time to find end-of-season markdowns. Retailers are often clearing leftover inventory from the holiday sales in November and December, and many are starting to prep their showrooms for the year ahead.
February
February continues January’s momentum. As the end of winter approaches, retailers start discounting heavily to make room for new arrivals before the spring season officially kicks off. This is a prime month for online retailers to promote clearance pricing.
March
March is a transitional month. While some clearance continues, most stores start phasing in spring collections. Early models of this year’s seasonal furniture enter the market at premium prices, and previous year’s stocks are often sold at steeper discounts. This is arguably one of the best months for deep deals on high-quality furniture.
April
Once April arrives, stores start marketing new inventory and promotional offers. Demand spikes and clearance deals shrink. As the weather improves in most regions, sales taper off, and prices increase to match increased consumer interest. April can still yield decent deals, but competition becomes more aggressive.
May
By May, the furniture market shifts into peak selling mode. Retailers focus on promoting premium lines and new arrivals. While occasional early-season discounts may exist, pricing becomes more rigid and less negotiable. This is not typically a favorable month for price-conscious buyers.
June – August
Summer months come with a surge in outdoor entertaining, meaning these months are the busiest for in-store sales and premium pricing. Retailers rarely provide significant markdowns unless there’s excess inventory. This period is typically when the most expensive outdoor furniture purchases occur unless you’re shopping for items outside of their ideal climate range (e.g., dining sets over loungers in hot climates).
September
As summer wraps up, stores aim to offload inventory to prepare for fall product lines. September is the first serious wave of real year-end clearance deals. Major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and even high-end brands begin offering some of the deepest discounts of the year on select lines.
October and November
This is the final chapter of the selling cycle for outdoor furniture. Stores begin liquidation events to empty seasonal stock completely. While options may become limited, particularly for popular items or trending styles, pricing can be extremely compelling for consumers who aren’t concerned with immediate outdoor use.
Buying Online vs. In-Store: Does the Best Month Differ?
The timing dynamics differ slightly when shopping online versus in-store, particularly because digital retailers can stretch the sales season longer and stock leftover inventories more effectively. However, trends still align in large part with general seasonal demand.
In-Store Buying
Physical retail locations rely heavily on shelf turnover. Once a new seasonal catalog arrives, old lines are removed from showrooms, making September and November in-store the top months for deal hunting. For buyers who prefer hands-on inspection before making a substantial purchase, visiting stores during these clearance windows can yield excellent results.
Online Buying
Online retailers often maintain deeper stock and run sales over longer periods. While their markdowns can begin as early as February, their most aggressive campaigns typically align with end-of-year holiday shopping—Black Friday in November being a prime example.
However, one drawback to online shopping is longer delivery windows if the product needs manufacturing or seasonal re-shipping. Buying online during early clearance periods (February-March) allows for greater selection and deeper markdowns—assuming you can wait out delivery windows.
Does the Type of Outdoor Furniture Affect Timing?
Absolutely. Not all outdoor furniture experiences equal markdowns at the same time of year. It’s important to understand which categories see the deepest discounts and when.
Wicker and Rattan Sets
Wicker and rattan patio sets are highly seasonal. The best discounts occur from September to November as they’re often among the first items retailers aim to move out to make room for cold-season decor.
Wooden Furniture
Teak, cedar, and other natural wood outdoor furniture tends to be more of a premium offering. These items often see the best deals in mid to late September when demand starts to drop.
Plastic or Resin Furnishings
Resin and plastic outdoor furniture is more budget-friendly and often sold alongside general seasonal decor. These items see steeper discounts earlier in the year (February–April) and again late in November.
Outdoor Lounge Chairs and Dining Sets
Outdoor seating, especially multi-piece lounges and dining sets, have high summer demand. Retailers discount heavily on these sets post-September and again before Black Friday, though variety drops the later you wait.
Modular or Custom Outdoor Systems
Custom modular systems are the most complex and typically the most expensive. These units don’t necessarily go on sale during typical deal months, but the slowest retail periods (January–March) can be the best window for custom-built deals through online manufacturers or larger retailers offering configuration discounts.
Key Factors That Enhance Savings
Identifying the right date to buy outdoor furniture isn’t just about timing. Several strategic shopping techniques can help you save even more, regardless of the month you choose.
Follow Manufacturer and Retailer Websites for Insider Sales
Many well-known outdoor furniture brands and retailers like Restoration Hardware, Polywood, and Wayfair offer sneak peeks on upcoming outlet promotions or flash sales to email subscribers or app users.
Wait for Major Holiday Sale Events
Holiday sales—especially Labor Day, Black Friday, and Memorial Day—can unlock discounts across a broader range of furniture. While Memorial Day tends to be more about early-season interest rather than clearance, Labor Day and Black Friday present the best combo of deals and selection.
Consider Buying Floor Models or Last Year’s Stock
Floor models may offer up to 70% off as stores rotate their showroom inventory. These are often discounted before clearance events begin, especially in late August and September. Purchasing last year’s models online can also lead to similar savings.
Plan Ahead and Monitor Retail Trends
If you’re not constrained by time, researching annual trends and seasonal timing can pay dividends. Monitor online marketplaces, and consider setting price alerts on items you love.
Buy Locally or From Refurbished Retailers
Local outdoor furniture outlets—those outside of national chains—may offer different sales cycles. Refurbished stores or retailers that specialize in returned or defective items can also offer premium furniture at steeply discounted prices at any time of year.
Final Recommendation: When Is the Best Month to Buy Outdoor Furniture?
After analyzing all trends—seasonal buying cycles, clearance windows, holiday events, and regional variations—it’s clear that March and early September offer the two strongest deal windows for purchasing outdoor furniture.
| Best Months | Key Benefits | Typical Discounts (Range) | Deal Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early March | Winter clearance, early preparation for spring | 30% – 60% off | Leftover stock from previous seasons |
| Early September | Post-summer clearance, competitive deals | 30% – 50% off | Mix of last summer’s furniture and overstock |
| Late November (Black Friday) | End-of-year sale events, online exclusives | 25% – 45% off | Top-rated deals through major retailers |
March offers the most substantial discounts and a broad array of pieces still in stock, along with flexibility for delivery once spring hits. September gives buyers a chance to grab current-year stock at near-clearance pricing and is ideal if you’d rather access fresher, on-trend designs.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Outdoor Living Space with Smart Buying
The best month to buy outdoor furniture is not a single date on the calendar—it’s a span of time around strategic clearance periods. While individual shoppers may prefer different timing based on need, budget, and preference, leveraging early spring and early fall clearance windows ensures the best mix of value and quality.
By aligning yourself with retail cycles, capitalizing on major sales events, and understanding how certain furniture types are priced seasonally, you can transform your outdoor space without sacrificing style or spending needlessly.
Whether you’re upgrading a residential patio or dressing up a seasonal getaway property, smart timing will help you get the most for your money in the world of outdoor furniture. Knowing when to buy is the first step toward achieving a luxurious, cost-effective oasis outdoors.
When is the best time of year to buy outdoor furniture?
The best time to buy outdoor furniture is typically during the late summer and early fall, especially from August through October. During this period, retailers begin to clear out their inventory of seasonal items to make way for new arrivals and winter merchandise. This creates excellent opportunities for consumers to find high-quality pieces at significantly reduced prices.
As the outdoor season winds down, stores often offer substantial discounts and promotions to attract buyers. While the peak season for buying outdoor furniture is spring and early summer, shopping just after this period can yield better deals without compromising on style or durability. Consumers should monitor sales events and clearance notices during these months to get the best value for their money.
Why are outdoor furniture prices lower in late summer and early fall?
Outdoor furniture prices drop during late summer and early fall primarily due to decreased consumer demand and retail inventory turnover. By this time, families have usually completed their summer outdoor activities and spending attention shifts to back-to-school needs and indoor living spaces. Retailers, eager to reduce storage costs and avoid being left with unsold inventory, often slash prices to attract bargain-conscious shoppers.
In addition, manufacturers typically release updated model lines in early fall, prompting retailers to clear out older models from the current or previous year. This makes for an ideal buying window, particularly for those who can wait for the seasonal rush to subside. Shopping during this time not only allows for greater selection of sale items but may also open the door to better negotiating power with retailers.
Can I find good deals on outdoor furniture during the winter months?
Yes, winter can also present good opportunities to find deals on outdoor furniture, particularly after the holiday season, from January through February. Since outdoor furniture is considered a seasonal product, demand drops dramatically when the weather turns cold, leading to deeper discounts at both local and online retailers.
However, shopping for outdoor furniture in winter comes with a few considerations. Limited stock availability is one factor, as stores may not carry large inventories after the off-season. Additionally, purchasing in winter may require waiting until spring to fully utilize or set up the furniture, which may not be a problem for savvy shoppers who value storage savings and early preparation.
How important is weather when deciding when to buy outdoor furniture?
Weather plays an important role in purchasing timing, as it directly influences both outdoor lifestyle patterns and store buying cycles. People generally spend more time outdoors in warmer months, so stores begin preparing by stocking and advertising outdoor items like furniture from February to April. These items are typically most expensive during these peak months due to high demand.
During hotter or drier summer periods, demand remains steady, but once temperatures drop or school resumes in late summer, activity declines. Therefore, aligning your purchase just after peak weather-related demand can help in both securing good deals and ensuring the furniture lasts through multiple seasons before needing replacement.
Are there specific holidays or sale dates I should target?
Yes, certain holidays and sale events can be excellent times to purchase outdoor furniture. Notable examples include Labor Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Presidents Day weekend, when many retailers offer time-limited discounts and bundled offerings. Additionally, Black Friday in November and clearance events throughout January, following the holiday season, can be great opportunities.
Shoppers should also watch for local and regional sales events, particularly clearance weekends aimed at reducing summer inventory. Checking store emails, promotional apps, and price-tracking services during these periods ensures timely access to the best offers without needing to visit multiple locations.
What should I look for when buying discounted outdoor furniture?
When purchasing discounted outdoor furniture, it’s crucial to focus not just on price, but also on durability, style, and functionality. Seasonal clearance can offer great deals, but it’s important to ensure the furniture is made from materials suitable for your climate—such as teak, wrought iron, or all-weather wicker—and that it meets your personal comfort and design preferences.
Additionally, buyers should review return policies, read customer reviews, and, whenever possible, inspect items in person to confirm conditions before purchase. Used or floor model items may present excellent value but can have signs of minor wear. Shopping during these periods should balance price benefits with long-term use and satisfaction.
Is buying outdoor furniture online better for finding seasonal deals?
Shopping online offers the convenience of tracking price drops and comparing deals across multiple retailers. E-commerce platforms often feature seasonal promotions and may even offer extended sale periods versus physical retail. Additionally, many sites provide access to exclusive floor models and refurbished sets that can cost significantly less than brand new items.
However, it’s important to carefully check delivery options, warranty details, and return policies when purchasing online. Also, consider timing—buying late-summer deals online may mean wait times for delivery or higher shipping costs during peak months. Comparing online and in-store options can help buyers find the most reliable, cost-effective purchase options.