Menards clears patio furniture in late summer and fall, with the biggest markdowns starting in August

Menards marks down patio furniture most heavily from August through October, when they make room for fall and winter inventory. The exact timing depends on your local store and how quickly inventory moves, but you'll see the steepest discounts in late August and September. Some items start clearing in July if the store needs space sooner.

The second clearance window happens in spring—March through May—when stores clear remaining winter stock to make room for the peak summer season. This is usually a smaller event than the fall clearance, but you can still find marked-down items, especially outdoor heaters, fire tables, and covered furniture that didn't sell over winter.

Menards doesn't announce clearance dates in advance the way some retailers do. The timing shifts based on when your store receives new shipments and how much floor space they need. Calling your local store directly is the fastest way to find out when their clearance event is starting.

Key Takeaways

  • Late August through September is when Menards typically marks down the most patio furniture, with discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent depending on the item.
  • Spring clearance (March to May) is smaller but still worth checking, especially for items like outdoor heaters and fire tables that didn't sell in winter.
  • Clearance timing varies by store location and inventory flow, so calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.
  • Menards clearance items are final sale in most cases, so inspect furniture carefully before buying and check the return policy at your store.
  • The best discounts go to items that are being discontinued or replaced with new models, not just overstocked items.

How to find out when your local store starts clearance

Call your nearest Menards store directly and ask the garden center or outdoor furniture department when they expect their next clearance event. The staff can tell you whether clearance has already started, when it typically begins, and which categories are being marked down first. This is more reliable than checking the website, because clearance timing is local to each store.

You can also visit the store in person and look for clearance tags—they're usually bright yellow or red and show both the original and marked-down price. If you see a few items marked down but the selection looks thin, ask an employee whether more items are being reduced that week. Stores often roll out clearance gradually rather than all at once.

Menards' website and app sometimes show clearance prices for items in your area, but the online inventory doesn't always match what's actually on the floor. If you find something online marked down, verify it's in stock at your store before making the trip.

What types of patio furniture clear first

Furniture that's being discontinued or replaced with new models clears first and deepest. This includes last year's colors, styles that didn't sell well, and items that are being phased out. Wicker and rattan furniture often clears early because new styles arrive in spring and summer, pushing older inventory out quickly.

Larger pieces like sectionals, dining sets, and lounge chairs typically see bigger discounts than small accent pieces. Stores need the floor space more urgently for bulky items, so they mark them down harder to move them. Cushions and pillows usually clear later in the season because they take up less space and stores can hold them longer.

Specialty items like fire tables, outdoor kitchens, and pergolas may not clear at all if they're still selling at full price. These higher-ticket items don't need to be marked down as aggressively, and stores can store them more easily if they don't sell.

Understanding Menards clearance pricing and final sale policies

Menards clearance discounts typically range from 20 to 50 percent off the original price, depending on how long the item has been on the floor and how much space the store needs. Items marked down 30 to 40 percent are common; deeper discounts of 50 percent usually mean the item is damaged, discontinued, or has been sitting for months.

Most Menards clearance furniture is sold as final sale, meaning you cannot return it for a refund—only for store credit or exchange if the item is defective. Check the clearance tag or ask an employee about the return policy before you buy. Some stores allow returns within a certain window; others do not allow any returns on clearance items.

Inspect clearance furniture carefully before purchasing. Look for dents, scratches, fading, torn seams, or missing hardware. Clearance items may have been floor models or may have minor cosmetic damage that's why they're marked down. If you're buying cushions or upholstered pieces, check that zippers work and fabric isn't stained or worn.

Checking for damage and defects on clearance items

Sit on chairs and benches to make sure the frame is solid and doesn't wobble. Rock back slightly to test the stability. Check that all legs touch the ground evenly—uneven legs mean the frame may be bent or warped. For tables, place your hand on the surface and press down gently to feel for flex or movement in the top.

Open and close any doors, drawers, or moving parts. Test hinges, latches, and sliding mechanisms to make sure they work smoothly. For cushioned furniture, feel the cushions for lumps, compression, or areas where the filling has shifted. Flip cushions over to check the underside for stains or damage.

Look at the finish—wood, metal, or paint—for chips, peeling, rust, or discoloration. Run your hand along edges and joints to feel for splinters or rough spots. If the item has a warranty, ask whether it applies to clearance purchases; many manufacturers void warranties on final-sale items.

Timing your shopping to catch the best selection

Shop early in the clearance period—the first week or two—when the selection is largest and the best items are still available. Once word spreads that clearance has started, popular items sell quickly. If you wait until mid-September, you may find only odd sizes, unpopular colors, or damaged pieces left.

Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are usually quieter than weekends. You'll have more time to inspect items carefully and talk to staff without a crowd. Avoid Saturday afternoons when the store is busiest and items may have been picked over.

If you're looking for a specific item or style, don't wait. Clearance inventory changes daily as items sell, and Menards doesn't restock clearance furniture—once it's gone, it's gone. If you see something you like at a good price, buy it rather than hoping for a deeper discount later.

Comparing Menards clearance to other retailers

Menards' clearance timing is similar to other home improvement and garden centers like Lowe's and Home Depot, which also clear patio furniture in late summer and spring. However, the specific weeks and discount levels vary by store and location. Lowe's sometimes starts clearance earlier (late July) than Menards, while Home Depot's timing is less predictable.

Specialty outdoor furniture retailers and big-box stores like Walmart and Target often have different clearance schedules. Target typically clears patio furniture earlier in the season (June and July) because they have less outdoor space. Specialty retailers may not have formal clearance events at all, instead offering year-round discounts on floor models and discontinued items.

If you're shopping multiple stores, check Menards first because their selection is usually largest and their prices are competitive. Then compare what you find to other local retailers to make sure you're getting the best deal. Keep in mind that final-sale policies vary—some stores allow returns on clearance items, while others don't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Menards price match clearance furniture from other stores?

Menards does price match, but clearance items are sometimes excluded from the policy. Call your store to ask whether they'll match a clearance price from a competitor. Even if they won't match the clearance price exactly, they may offer a discount to keep your business.

Can I use a Menards coupon on clearance furniture?

Most Menards coupons cannot be used on clearance items, but it depends on the specific coupon and your store's policy. Check the coupon terms before you buy. Some percentage-off coupons exclude clearance, while others explore to everything. Ask an employee at checkout if you're unsure.

What happens to patio furniture that doesn't sell during clearance?

Items that don't sell during the main clearance event may be marked down further or moved to a back storage area. Some stores donate unsold furniture to local charities or liquidate it through online auction sites. A few items may be returned to the warehouse or manufacturer, depending on the supplier agreement.

Is it worth buying clearance patio furniture if it's damaged?

It depends on the damage and the discount. Minor cosmetic damage like small scratches or dents is usually worth the savings. Structural damage like bent frames, broken hinges, or torn seams is not worth buying unless you're skilled at repairs and the discount is steep enough to cover the cost of fixing it.

Do Menards clearance sales happen at the same time every year?

Clearance timing is consistent in general—late August through September for summer furniture, March through May for winter items—but the exact dates shift year to year based on inventory and store needs. Calling ahead is the only way to know for certain when your store's clearance will start.