When it comes to enhancing your home’s curb appeal and creating a comfortable outdoor living space, investing in high-quality patio furniture is essential. However, timing your purchase wisely can make a significant difference in both cost and availability of the furniture you desire. If you’re wondering what is the best time of year to buy outdoor patio furniture, this in-depth guide will walk you through the factors that influence buying seasons, regional differences, brand marketing tactics, and much more to help you make a smart, informed purchase.
Understanding the Outdoor Furniture Market Cycles
Outdoor patio furniture follows an annual pattern influenced by consumer demand, retail practices, and seasonal trends. To determine the best time to buy, it’s crucial to understand how the retail market operates throughout the year.
Seasonal Demand and Supply
Patio furniture is considered a warm-weather purchase. As the weather warms up, people begin to prepare their backyards, balconies, and patios for entertaining and relaxation. This creates a surge in demand from spring (March to May) through summer (June to August). Consequently, prices tend to increase during this period.
Retailers and manufacturers also time their production and distribution cycles accordingly. Most new collections are introduced during late winter or early spring. By the time summer rolls in, popular items can be out of stock or sold at premium prices.
End-of-Season Sales
The most opportune time to shop for patio furniture is when the season begins to wind down. As temperatures drop and outdoor entertaining declines, retailers are eager to clear inventory to make space for fall décor, holiday items, or winter collections. This typically occurs in late summer and early fall, specifically from August through October.
This is when consumers can expect significant discounts, clearance sales, and promotional offers, especially on last season’s models. Many retailers reduce prices by as much as 40%–70% during these sales cycles to make room for new stock and reduce warehousing costs.
Retail Calendar Events and Major Holidays
In addition to natural seasonal shifts, major holidays also play a role in determining when to buy patio furniture. Popular retail holidays that often include patio furniture promotions include:
- Memorial Day (May): Signals the start of outdoor entertaining season. Expect new inventory and early deals.
- July 4th: Mid-season promotions; some retailers might discount items to avoid inventory overstock.
- Labor Day (September): Often considered the best time to buy patio furniture due to end-of-season clearance events.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November): While not traditionally focused on patio furniture, stores that haven’t sold all inventory might offer deep discounts on indoor-outdoor hybrid furniture or clearance items.
Best Month to Buy Outdoor Furniture: August to October
If you had to pick a single time frame, late August to mid-October is widely regarded as the best window to purchase patio furniture. During this period, retailers are preparing to transition away from summer stock, and online sellers begin offering aggressive markdowns.
Labor Day Markdowns
Labor Day weekend is a prime time to find big markdowns on patio sets, lounges, umbrellas, and accessories. Retailers use this holiday as a final push to clear stock before fall. In-store and online sales often coincide, offering shoppers a wide range of options.
Back-to-School Sales
Although traditionally associated with school supplies, back-to-school sales can also apply to home décor and patio furniture. Many retailers pair home goods with other seasonal items to create bundled discounts, especially around late August to early September.
Online Retailer Strategies
Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, and retailer websites often offer exclusive online-only deals before in-store clearance sales. If you’re flexible with brand and style, tracking these platforms can result in early access to clearance prices, better delivery options, and free shipping promotions.
Regional Factors to Consider
Climate, geography, and regional spending habits play a vital role in when and how patio furniture is best purchased.
Warmer Climates (Florida, Arizona, Southern California)
In states where outdoor living is possible all year, the demand for patio furniture isn’t as seasonal. However, local retailers may still follow national sales timing. Shopping outside the local peak season during cooler months may still yield better deals—be it mid-fall or early spring.
Colder Climates (Midwest, Northeast, Canada)
In colder regions, indoor activity rises sharply after October. Retailers here will start clearance events earlier, sometimes as early as late July. If you’re in a place with snow and cold winters, shopping as early as August could yield more significant choices and discounts.
Local Sales and Events
Some regions host local clearance events or warehouse sales where customers can buy directly from the manufacturer. Stay tuned to local classifieds, social media, or join email lists of furniture retailers in your area for exclusive early-bird offers.
Brand Variance and New Model Launches
Different brands manage their seasonal schedules and inventory differently. Understanding a brand’s release cycle can help you determine whether a current discount comes with the possibility of a newer, better collection just around the corner.
Major Retail Stores (Target, Walmart, Costco)
These stores often follow a strict seasonal buying cycle, introducing new models in March and April. By July and August, markdowns begin to appear, with deeper discounts around August and September. Bulk stores like Costco often carry limited collections, so while variety is limited, the savings can be dramatic.
Luxury Brands (Article, West Elm, RH)
Higher-end retailers might not always run mass clearance sales, but they do offer end-of-season or early-bird online special offers. For luxury furniture, it’s also wise to shop during company-anniversary sales or customer appreciation days.
Direct-to-Consumer Brands (Interior Define, Joybird, Burrow)
Emerging and independent furniture brands may offer extended sales or early access discounts via email subscriptions. These brands operate differently from mass retailers and may not follow traditional seasonal cycles.
What to Look for When Buying Discounted Furniture
Timing isn’t the only key to a smart purchase. Ensuring you’re getting good value on outdoor furniture, especially during clearance events, involves knowing what to prioritize.
Quality Over Price
Although heavy discounts might be enticing, ensure the furniture is still made from durable, weather-resistant materials. Check reviews, compare materials, and resist the temptation to buy low-quality pieces simply because they’re heavily discounted.
Style Longevity
Select furniture that complements your home aesthetic and has timeless appeal. Avoid trend-only items if you’re uncertain about long-term placement. Remember: markdowns come even on last year’s designs, not just current styles.
Compare Shipping and Return Policies
Especially with online purchases, check the retailer’s delivery timelines and return policies. Clearance items may not be eligible for returns, and custom-ordered pieces can take weeks to be delivered. Read the fine print and plan accordingly.
Table 1: Outdoor Furniture Material Comparison
| Material | Durability | Weather Resistance | Price Range | Best Season to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | High | High | Mid-Ranged | Late summer |
| Wicker (All-Weather) | High | High | High | Mid-fall |
| Wood (Teak, Cedar) | Moderate–High | Moderate | High | Late summer |
| Plastic / HDPE | Moderate | High | Budget-Friendly | Early fall |
Why You Should Avoid Buying in Early Spring
While early spring might seem like a logical time to purchase outdoor furniture—especially if you’re eager to make improvements before the warm weather—it’s actually one of the worst times for deals.
New Collection Arrivals
Retailers bring in new furniture lines and models from late January through early March, just in time for spring shoppers. At this point, there’s little incentive to discount inventory because demand is high and product is fresh.
Limited Clearance Options
Retailers often retain winter stock for early clearance but rarely apply significant discounts in January and February. If anything, retailers might overcharge for the few items they do sell as a means of testing demand before the season begins.
Price Comparison Tips
Avoid rushing into early-season purchases unless you’re set on a specific, current-season model. Even if you’re ready to shop by March, it’s best to watch for promotions that begin to appear around mid-March or early April after the first inventory wave has passed.
Best Strategies to Maximize Savings
Now that you understand the timing and market rhythms, here are practical, actionable tips that can help you secure the best deals on quality outdoor furniture.
Sign Up for Retailer Newsletters and Apps
Stay in the loop with exclusive promotions by subscribing to email newsletters or mobile alerts from your favorite brands. Retailers often send early-bird access codes and special offers to subscribers before rolling them out to the public.
Combine Promo Codes With End-of-Season Sales
Many retailers stack seasonal discounts with promo codes found online. These codes may offer an additional 10–30% off clearance or sale items. Using both can dramatically lower your final cost.
Monitor Price Tracking Sites
Websites like Honey, CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), or Keepa track price histories for outdoor furniture on popular online retailers. They can notify you when prices drop to their lowest historical points.
Shop From Floor Models or Store Excess
In physical stores, floor models are sometimes sold at steep discounts. Retailers often reduce their used showroom items by 30–60% to free up space. If you don’t mind slight usage signs, you can find high-end pieces at bargain prices this way.
Table 2: Retailer Comparison in Clearance Policies
| Retailer | Marksdown Timing | Price Drop % (avg.) | Return Policy (Clearance Items) | Best Month to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Late July–September | 40–75% | Varies by brand | August |
| Wayfair | August–October | 30–70% | Eligible with exceptions | September |
| Target | July–September | 50–70% | Yes, with receipt | Mid-August |
| Kohls | August–October | 60–80% | Up to 30 days | Labor Day |
| Crate & Barrel | September–October | 30–60% | Yes, time-based | Early October |
Smart Shopping Throughout the Year
While late summer and early fall are ideal, the best patio deals aren’t limited to those months. Savvy shoppers can adopt a year-round mindset toward patio shopping.
Set Up Price Alerts
Create price alerts for your favorite furniture models on Amazon or other shopping platforms. You’ll receive alerts when a price drops, allowing you to strike fast when a good deal is available.
Plan Ahead for Remodel Projects
If you’re undergoing a renovation or landscaping project, start monitoring patio trends and sales months in advance. This gives time to research materials, compare retailers, and time purchases during markdowns.
Look Beyond Patios
Consider that some indoor-outdoor hybrid furniture can also be utilized externally. Look into indoor models during their clearance season (November–January) when winter decor takes over retail floors.
Conclusion: Maximize Value With Smart Timing
To answer the question clearly, the best time of year to buy outdoor patio furniture is around August through October, particularly close to Labor Day. However, with smart strategies—monitoring brand inventory cycles, leveraging online tools, and understanding regional variations—you can find great deals throughout the year.
A well-planned outdoor space can enhance your home and provide years of enjoyment. By purchasing at the optimal time and choosing wisely, you can secure stylish, durable furniture without overspending.
Ultimately, timing your purchase intelligently ensures you balance the elements of availability, affordability, and durability—all essential components to a successful outdoor lifestyle investment.
When is the best time to buy outdoor patio furniture?
The best time to purchase outdoor patio furniture is typically during the late summer and early fall. As the peak outdoor season winds down, retailers begin to clear out inventory to make room for new arrivals in the following seasons. This often leads to significant discounts on high-quality patio sets, umbrellas, grills, and accessories. Additionally, sales associated with Labor Day and back-to-school promotions provide further incentive to shop during this time.
Early spring can also be a prime time for deals, though for different reasons. Retailers often want to start fresh before the main patio season, which means they may discount leftover inventory from the previous year. At this point, you can find great prices while still having enough warm weather left to enjoy your purchase. While selection might be slightly more limited compared to summer availability, early-season shopping offers opportunities to snag new or overstock items that weren’t sold the previous season.
Why are late summer and early fall considered the best times to shop for patio furniture?
Retailers aim to reduce inventory as the outdoor entertaining season comes to a close, making late summer and early fall the ideal time for shoppers looking to get a deal. With fewer people planning outdoor gatherings by late September and into October, stores often slash prices on everything from dining sets to lounge chairs to make room for holiday inventory. This shift in consumer behavior ensures that outdoor furniture is heavily discounted, especially in early September.
This period coincides with major seasonal sales events like Labor Day, where retailers across the country offer deep markdowns. Many brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers launch clearance events on outdoor decor and furniture. If you’re flexible with your shopping timeline, waiting until this period may yield savings of up to 50–70% off original prices without sacrificing quality.
Are there good deals on patio furniture during the holiday season?
The holiday season, particularly Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-Christmas clearance sales, can offer surprisingly good deals on outdoor furniture. While the weather may be cooler in much of the country, many retailers continue to offer discounts on unsold or overstocked patio sets. These deals may be especially appealing to savvy shoppers who want to be ready for the next season or who live in regions with milder winters.
However, the selection may be more limited compared to the late-summer clearance events. That said, if you’re in the market for a specific piece or set and are patient enough to monitor sales, you may still find high-quality products from major brands at a fraction of their original cost. Online retailers are especially likely to offer large discounts and shipping deals when combined with other holiday promotions.
What about shopping for patio furniture during the early spring?
Shopping for patio furniture during early spring allows you to purchase items before the high season begins. Retailers often have leftover stock from the previous year’s fall clearance that they’re eager to move to display new collections. Because of this, you’ll find great deals on furniture that might still have a warranty or be considered brand new, depending on the store’s restocking policies.
Additionally, early spring is a favorable time for buyers who want the latest styles and collections that stores have just released. While these newer collections may not have discounts as deep as clearance items, they are more likely to be built with the latest materials or design elements. Shoppers who need patio furniture for early warm-weather gatherings will benefit most from hitting stores just after the busy sales events of February and March.
Can I get patio furniture year-round from online retailers?
Many online retailers carry patio furniture year-round, offering discounts even when major department stores may not have current sales. These digital marketplaces often feature seasonal promotions, subscription discounts, and price-match guarantees that can provide added savings throughout the year. Buying online may also open up access to customer reviews, product comparisons, and exclusive models not available in stores.
Although online shopping circumvents physical inventory reductions, savvy shoppers can still take advantage of events like Amazon Prime Day, Memorial Day sales, and Fourth of July promotions to achieve sizable savings. However, consider shipping costs, delivery timelines, and assembly requirements before purchasing, particularly if the furniture needs to arrive by a specific date or before the warmest months begin.
Is it better to buy patio furniture on clearance or to wait for new models?
Clearance items tend to have the biggest price drops, which makes them a great option if you’re looking to save money. These are often last year’s models or seasonal overstock that stores are trying to move. In many cases, these items are fully functional, aesthetically modern, and made of durable materials. If you’re flexible with your style preferences and not necessarily chasing the latest collections, clearance finds can deliver exceptional value.
Waiting for new models can be beneficial if you’re interested in the latest features, designs, or materials. Retailers may offer early-bird pricing before the season hits peak demand. However, new releases typically carry premium pricing, especially in mid-spring, and can be less discounted until after the season ends. Balancing timing with personal preference is key to determining whether a clearance deal or a newer product release suits you best.
What should I look for when buying patio furniture on sale?
When buying patio furniture on sale, it’s important to consider several factors including material quality, durability, comfort, and style. While a lower price may be tempting, ensure the furniture is built to withstand weather, UV exposure, and outdoor wear if you’re planning long-term use. Opting for materials such as aluminum, teak, wrought iron, or high-density polyethylene will help ensure longevity.
Also, check the sales policies of the retailer, such as return windows, warranties, and potential restocking or delivery fees. If purchasing online, be sure to read reviews for the product you are considering and confirm whether assembly or additional purchases (like cushions or protective covers) are necessary. Ultimately, focus on getting a balance of quality, comfort, and cost to make the most of your patio furniture budget.