Late summer is the ideal time to buy patio furniture as retailers clear inventory, often offering 30% to 50% discounts. Prioritize durable materials like powder-coated aluminum and HDPE lumber over trends, and ensure you have a plan for winter storage to protect your investment.
Learn why late summer is the best time to buy patio furniture and how to identify high-quality deals during end-of-season sales at major retailers.
August is generally better for selection, as inventory is still plentiful, while September offers deeper discounts as retailers become more desperate to clear floor space. If you are looking for a specific set, shop in August; if you want the lowest possible price, wait until the final weeks of September.
Yes, hardtop gazebos and pergolas are frequently included in end-of-season sales because they occupy significant floor space. Retailers prioritize selling these bulky items to transition into holiday inventory, often providing the highest absolute dollar savings on these structures compared to smaller items like chairs or tables.
Floor models are worth the risk if you thoroughly inspect the item for structural damage and ensure all necessary hardware is included. They offer the steepest discounts, but confirm the return policy before purchasing, as many retailers sell floor models on a final-sale, as-is basis.
Avoid untreated softwoods like pine, which rot quickly, and thin-gauge metals that lack powder coating, as they are prone to rapid rust. Also, avoid low-quality fabrics that are not UV-rated, as they will fade and become brittle within a single season of exposure to the sun.