Patio sets drop in price most reliably in late July through August, when retailers clear summer inventory to make room for fall stock.

The second-best window is September through October, when end-of-season sales begin in earnest. Winter months (November through February) see occasional deals but fewer options, since most retailers have already marked down remaining pieces. Spring brings new inventory at full price, so avoid March through May unless you find a specific model on clearance.

The timing depends partly on where you live. Northern states see earlier clearance (late July) because the outdoor season ends sooner. Southern states often hold sales into September. Retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, and big-box chains (Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco) follow these patterns fairly consistently, though online-only brands sometimes run sales year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Late July through August is the single best time to buy, when retailers discount summer inventory by 30 to 50 percent to clear warehouse space.
  • September and October bring additional markdowns as retailers prepare for winter, often with deeper discounts on remaining pieces.
  • Spring and early summer (March through June) have the fewest sales because retailers are stocking new collections at full price.
  • Online retailers sometimes run sales outside the traditional season, so checking price-tracking tools year-round can catch occasional deals.
  • Damaged or floor-model sets often sell at 40 to 60 percent off, but inspect them in person before buying if possible.

Why July and August Offer the Deepest Discounts

Retailers buy patio inventory in bulk in spring and expect to sell it through summer. By late July, they know which pieces haven't moved and need to clear them before fall merchandise arrives. This creates genuine overstock, not artificial scarcity—the retailer's warehouse space is literally full, and they need the cash flow for new stock.

The discount depth varies by piece. Dining sets and lounge chairs typically drop 30 to 50 percent. Smaller items like side tables or cushions sometimes drop further (50 to 70 percent) because they take up less space and retailers are more aggressive about moving them. High-end brands (Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn) discount less aggressively (15 to 30 percent) because they control their inventory more tightly.

This is also when floor models and display pieces go on sale. Retailers need to clear showroom space, and these sets have been sat on, rained on, or exposed to sun for months. Expect 40 to 60 percent off, but examine the frame, joints, and fabric or finish carefully before committing.

September and October: The Second Wave

After Labor Day, retailers shift focus to fall and winter categories. Patio sets that didn't sell in August get marked down again, sometimes to 50 to 70 percent off. This is when you'll find the best prices on mid-range brands and last season's colors.

The catch is selection. By October, most retailers have already sold through their best-looking pieces. What remains is often odd colors, discontinued patterns, or styles that didn't match customer taste. If you're flexible on appearance or willing to buy a neutral color, this is an excellent time. If you have a specific look in mind, you may not find it.

October is also when some retailers (particularly Costco and Sam's Club) begin their fall and winter furniture rotations. Occasionally a patio set will appear at a steep discount as part of this shift, though it's less predictable than the July-August pattern.

Winter, Spring, and Summer: When to Avoid Buying

November through February sees minimal patio sales because most people aren't shopping for outdoor furniture. Retailers have already cleared summer stock, and they're focused on indoor furniture, holiday décor, and winter goods. Prices stay near full retail, and selection is limited to whatever didn't sell in the fall.

March through June is the worst time to buy. Retailers are stocking new spring and summer collections, and prices are at their highest. You're paying full retail for new inventory, and you'll see no meaningful discounts. Even "sales" during this period are usually 10 to 20 percent off, which is less than you'd get in August.

July is a transition month. Early July still has spring pricing, but by mid-to-late July the clearance sales begin. If you're shopping in early July, wait a few weeks—the difference between July 5 and July 25 can be 20 to 30 percent in price.

Where to Find the Best Sales

Big-box retailers (Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart) and warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club) discount most aggressively in late July and August because they have high inventory turnover and limited storage. Expect 40 to 60 percent off their mid-range sets.

Specialty outdoor furniture stores (local or regional chains) sometimes hold sales later—August through September—because they have smaller inventory and less warehouse pressure. Their discounts are often smaller (20 to 40 percent) but their pieces may be higher quality.

Online retailers (Wayfair, Overstock, Bed Bath & Beyond's patio section, Amazon) run sales year-round but follow the seasonal pattern loosely. They discount more in July and August, but they also run flash sales and clearance events outside the traditional season. Signing up for email alerts from retailers you're interested in can catch these unexpected deals.

How to Spot a Real Sale Versus Marketing

A real sale drops the price 30 percent or more from the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). If a set was $1,200 and is now $900, that's a 25 percent discount—decent but not exceptional. If it's $700, that's a 42 percent discount and a genuine clearance.

Check the original price on multiple sites before assuming a discount is real. Some retailers inflate the "original" price to make the discount look bigger. If a set is listed at $1,500 on one site and $1,200 on another, the first site's "40 percent off" ($900) is actually the same as the second site's regular price.

Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or Honey (browser extension) show you a product's price history over months. This reveals whether the current price is genuinely low or just the retailer's normal range. A set that's been $800 to $900 for six months isn't on sale at $850.

Material and Brand Considerations During Sales

Clearance sales are when you can afford higher-quality materials. Teak and aluminum frames hold up better than plastic or low-grade metal, and they're worth the extra cost if you can get them on sale. In August, a teak dining set might drop from $2,000 to $1,200—still expensive, but the discount makes it competitive with mid-range alternatives.

Cushion quality matters more than frame quality because cushions wear out faster. Outdoor-grade fabrics (Sunbrella, Olefin) resist fading and mildew better than standard upholstery. During clearance, you can sometimes find sets with premium cushions at mid-range prices, which is a genuine win.

Brand reputation affects resale value and warranty coverage. A discount set from a no-name brand might be cheaper upfront but harder to replace parts for later. Established brands (Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Teak warehouse retailers) hold value better and have better warranty support, even at clearance prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Friday a good time to buy patio sets?

Black Friday (late November) is not ideal for patio furniture. Most retailers have already cleared summer stock in August and September, so selection is limited. The discounts (usually 15 to 30 percent) are smaller than what you'd get in late July or early October. If you're shopping for other items anyway, check the patio section, but don't plan your purchase around Black Friday.

Should I buy a patio set at the end of summer even if I won't use it until next year?

Yes, if you have storage space. A set stored indoors or under a cover will last just as long as one used when ready, and you'll save 30 to 50 percent by buying in August rather than waiting until spring. The main risk is that styles change—next year's colors and designs may be different, so you might feel the set looks dated. If you're buying a neutral color (gray, black, tan, natural wood), this is less of a concern.

Do online retailers ever have better sales than in-store?

Sometimes. Online retailers like Wayfair and Overstock run clearance sales on the same schedule as physical stores (July through October), but they occasionally discount items year-round to manage warehouse space. In-store retailers sometimes have local or regional clearance that doesn't appear online. Check both channels during the peak sale season (late July through September) to compare prices on the specific set you want.

What's the difference between a "clearance" price and a "sale" price?

Clearance is usually deeper (40 to 70 percent off) and final—the retailer won't restock that item or color. Sale prices are typically smaller discounts (20 to 40 percent off) and may be temporary; the retailer might restock at the same price later. During peak season (July and August), most patio discounts are clearance, not sale.

Can I negotiate the price on a floor model or damaged set?

In physical stores, sometimes. If a set has visible damage (torn cushion, scratched frame, wobbly leg), ask the manager if they'll discount it further than the marked clearance price. They may agree, especially if the damage is cosmetic and doesn't affect function. Online, you cannot negotiate, but you can return damaged items within the return window and look for another option.