Patio furniture clearance happens in two main windows: late summer (August through September) and late fall (October through November)

Retailers clear patio furniture when they need shelf space for the next season's inventory. The first clearance window runs from mid-August through September, when stores make room for fall and winter merchandise. The second and often deeper clearance happens in October and November, after the outdoor season has ended and before holiday displays go up. Some stores also mark down furniture in January and February to clear remaining winter stock, though selection is much smaller by then.

The timing varies slightly by retailer and region. Big-box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Walmart typically follow the August-September and October-November pattern. Specialty outdoor retailers like Wayfair and Overstock may run clearance sales on different schedules tied to their own inventory cycles. Local garden centers often clear stock earlier in the fall because they have less storage space than national chains.

Key Takeaways

  • The deepest patio furniture discounts usually appear in late October and November, when retailers need to clear summer inventory before winter.
  • August and September offer earlier clearance deals but with better selection, since stores are just beginning to make room for fall stock.
  • Checking store websites and signing up for email alerts lets you catch sales before inventory sells out or prices rise again.
  • End-of-month sales (the last week of August, September, and October) often feature deeper discounts than mid-month markdowns.
  • Damaged packaging, floor models, and display items are often discounted year-round, separate from seasonal clearance cycles.

Why August and September bring the first round of clearance

August is when retailers begin rotating inventory to make room for back-to-school and fall merchandise. Patio furniture takes up significant warehouse and floor space, so stores start marking down outdoor sets, chairs, and tables to move stock faster. This first clearance window typically offers 20 to 40 percent off, depending on the item and retailer.

The advantage of shopping in August and September is selection. You still have most of the season's styles and colors available, even at reduced prices. The disadvantage is that discounts are shallower than what comes later. If you find a set you like at a reasonable price, buying then makes sense—waiting for deeper discounts in November means risking that your preferred style sells out.

October and November clearance offers the deepest discounts

By late October, the outdoor season is effectively over in most regions. Retailers need to clear remaining patio furniture to make room for holiday décor, winter merchandise, and next year's spring inventory. Discounts at this stage often reach 50 to 70 percent off original prices, especially on items that didn't sell well during the summer.

The trade-off is selection. By November, popular styles and sizes have sold out. You may find good deals on colors or configurations that didn't move during the season. Clearance furniture in November is also more likely to include floor models, display items with minor cosmetic damage, or discontinued lines. If you are flexible about style and color, this is when you get the best price.

How to track clearance sales without visiting stores

Most major retailers post clearance sections on their websites, updated weekly or daily. Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, and Wayfair all have dedicated clearance pages you can filter by category. Visiting these pages every few days during August through November shows you what is being marked down and at what discount level.

Email alerts are faster than checking websites manually. Sign up for alerts from retailers you shop at, and many will notify you when patio furniture goes on clearance or when a specific item drops in price. Some retailers also offer additional discounts to email subscribers—an extra 10 or 15 percent off clearance items—so signing up can save you money beyond the base clearance price.

Checking store inventory online before visiting in person saves time. Most retailers let you search for an item and see which nearby stores have it in stock and at what price. This prevents wasted trips to stores where the clearance furniture you want has already sold.

What to look for in clearance patio furniture

Inspect clearance items carefully, even if you cannot see them in person before buying. Check product photos for damage, stains, or missing parts. Read the return policy—some retailers have shorter return windows for clearance items or do not accept returns on clearance furniture at all. Ask customer service whether an item is final sale before you buy.

Floor models and display items are often discounted separately from seasonal clearance. These pieces may have minor scratches, fading from store lighting, or missing cushions, but the frame and structure are usually sound. If you are comfortable with cosmetic imperfections, display models can offer significant savings year-round, not just during clearance windows.

Check whether cushions and accessories are included. Some clearance furniture is marked down because cushions sold separately or were damaged and removed. Factor in the cost of replacement cushions when comparing prices—a deeply discounted chair without a cushion may cost more to complete than a less-discounted chair that includes one.

Regional differences in clearance timing

Patio furniture clearance timing shifts slightly depending on climate and local shopping patterns. In warmer regions where outdoor season extends longer, clearance may start later—September rather than August—because retailers can still sell furniture through early fall. In colder regions, clearance often begins earlier and runs deeper, since the outdoor season ends sooner.

Local garden centers and independent outdoor furniture stores may clear inventory on their own schedule, separate from national chains. Some clear in late July or early August to make room for fall plants and décor. Others hold clearance sales in January to clear winter stock. Calling or visiting local stores in your area will tell you their specific clearance windows.

Comparing clearance prices across retailers

Prices for the same furniture vary significantly between retailers, even during clearance. A patio set marked down 40 percent at one store may be 60 percent off at another, or may not be on clearance at all. Checking multiple retailers before buying ensures you get the best deal on the specific item you want.

Use price-tracking tools or browser extensions that monitor prices across retailers and alert you when an item drops. Some tools also show historical price data, so you can see whether a "clearance" price is actually a good deal or just a return to the item's normal price. This is especially useful for popular items that may be discounted frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is patio furniture cheaper in winter than during summer clearance?

Winter clearance (January through February) offers the deepest discounts, often 60 to 80 percent off, but selection is extremely limited. Most people find better value in October and November, when discounts are still substantial (50 to 70 percent) and you have more styles to choose from. Winter clearance works only if you find exactly what you want at the right price.

Should I buy patio furniture on clearance if I do not need it until next summer?

Yes, if you have storage space. Patio furniture prices typically rise in spring and summer, so buying at 50 to 70 percent off in fall and storing it until next year usually costs less than buying at full price in spring. The main risk is that styles change, so the color or design you buy now may not match your preferences next year.

Do online retailers have different clearance schedules than physical stores?

Online retailers often run clearance sales on different dates than brick-and-mortar stores, though the seasonal pattern is similar. Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon may mark down patio furniture in August and October, but the exact timing and discount levels vary. Checking multiple online retailers during these months shows you the full range of available deals.

Can I return clearance patio furniture if it arrives damaged?

Return policies for clearance items vary by retailer. Some allow returns within the standard window (usually 30 days), while others mark clearance furniture as final sale with no returns. Check the return policy before you buy. If an item arrives damaged, contact customer service when ready—many retailers will replace or refund damaged items even if the clearance policy says no returns.

What is the difference between clearance and open-box patio furniture?

Clearance furniture is new but marked down to clear inventory. Open-box furniture was returned by another customer and resold at a discount—it may have been used or may have minor damage. Open-box items are usually cheaper but come with higher risk. Check the condition description carefully and confirm the return policy before buying open-box furniture.