Patio furniture sales follow a predictable calendar tied to seasons and holidays

Patio furniture discounts happen at specific times each year, and knowing when to look saves you 20 to 50 percent on most pieces. The biggest sales occur in late summer (August through September), at the end of spring (May and June), and around major holidays. Retailers clear inventory before new stock arrives, which is when prices drop the most.

The timing depends partly on where you live. In warm climates, the off-season is shorter, so sales may start earlier and end sooner. In cold climates, retailers need to move summer furniture before winter arrives, which creates a longer discount window. Online retailers often run sales on different schedules than brick-and-mortar stores, so checking both gives you more options.

Key Takeaways

  • Late August and September bring the deepest discounts as retailers clear summer inventory before fall arrives.
  • Memorial Day weekend (late May) and Labor Day weekend (early September) typically include patio furniture sales, though discounts are smaller than end-of-season clearance.
  • Spring sales in May and June happen when retailers make room for summer stock, but prices drop less than in late summer.
  • Online retailers often discount year-round, while physical stores concentrate sales around seasonal transitions and holidays.
  • Outlet stores and clearance sections move old inventory faster than regular retail, sometimes with deeper cuts.

Late summer clearance: August and September

The single best time to buy patio furniture is August through mid-September. Retailers need to clear summer stock before fall merchandise arrives, and they cut prices aggressively to move inventory. You can expect 30 to 50 percent off many items, and some pieces go deeper if they have been sitting on the floor for weeks.

This window is shorter in warm climates—sometimes starting in late July and ending by early September. In colder regions, the sale may stretch into late September or even early October. Check your local stores in early August to see what they are marking down; if prices are still high, wait a week or two for deeper cuts.

The trade-off is selection. By late August, popular sizes and colors are often gone. If you have a specific style or color in mind, you may need to settle for what remains or pay closer to full price. Neutral colors and standard sizes tend to last longer in stock.

Spring sales in May and June

Spring sales happen when retailers bring in new summer inventory and need to move older stock. May and June typically see discounts of 15 to 35 percent, which is less aggressive than late summer but still worth watching. These sales are more consistent across different retailers than summer clearance.

Memorial Day weekend (the last Monday in May) often triggers sales, though the discount may be modest—sometimes just 10 to 20 percent. The real spring sale usually starts in mid-May and runs through June as retailers prepare for peak summer shopping season. If you buy in May, you get the furniture earlier in the season, which matters if you plan to use it right away.

Spring is also when new designs and colors arrive, so you have more choices than in late summer. The downside is that prices are higher overall, and you are paying more even with a discount applied.

Holiday sales and long weekends

Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends often include patio furniture promotions, though the discounts are usually smaller than seasonal clearance. Expect 10 to 25 percent off during these periods. Fourth of July sales are often the weakest because they fall in the middle of peak summer season, when retailers have no reason to discount.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November) sometimes include patio furniture, but selection is limited because most retailers have already cleared summer stock. You may find deals on remaining pieces or on items that did not sell well, but you are not getting the same discounts as in August.

Presidents Day (mid-February) occasionally brings patio sales in warm climates, where people start thinking about outdoor entertaining. In cold climates, this sale is rare because patio season has not begun.

Online retailers versus physical stores

Online retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Overstock run sales throughout the year and do not follow the same seasonal pattern as brick-and-mortar stores. You can find discounts in March, April, or November if you search actively. However, the deepest discounts still tend to cluster around the same times—late summer and spring—because manufacturers and wholesalers set inventory cycles that affect all retailers.

Physical stores have the advantage of letting you see and touch furniture before buying, which matters for comfort and quality. Online stores have the advantage of wider selection and the ability to compare prices across multiple retailers in minutes. Many people check online prices first, then visit a store to inspect the piece in person.

Shipping costs matter more with online purchases. Large patio sets can cost $100 to $300 to ship, which eats into your savings. Some online retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, so buying multiple pieces at once can lower your per-item cost.

Outlet stores and clearance sections

Outlet stores dedicated to patio and garden furniture move inventory faster than regular retail and often have deeper discounts. Prices at outlets are typically 30 to 50 percent below regular retail even outside of sale periods. The catch is that selection is limited and changes frequently—you may find exactly what you want one week and nothing the next.

Clearance sections in regular stores (both online and physical) are worth checking weekly during spring and summer. Retailers mark down floor models, discontinued colors, and items with minor cosmetic damage. Damage is often just a small scratch or dent that does not affect function or durability.

Scratch-and-dent sales at warehouse stores sometimes include patio furniture. These sales are advertised locally and do not happen on a set schedule, so you need to check store websites or sign up for email alerts to catch them.

What affects patio furniture prices beyond sales

Material and construction quality matter more than timing. A discounted low-quality chair may cost less upfront but will need replacing in two or three years. A higher-quality piece bought on sale will last longer and cost less per year of use. Teak, aluminum, and wrought iron hold up better than plastic or low-grade wood.

Supply chain disruptions and material costs affect pricing. When shipping costs are high or materials are scarce, even sale prices may be higher than they were in previous years. This is not something you can control, but it is worth knowing that a 30 percent discount in 2024 may not equal the same dollar amount as a 30 percent discount in 2022.

Buying floor models or display pieces can save money year-round. Stores need to clear these items to make room for new displays, and they often discount them 20 to 40 percent. Ask a salesperson what is available; they may not advertise these deals prominently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth waiting until August for patio furniture if I want to use it now?

If you plan to use the furniture heavily from May through September, buying in May or June makes sense even at higher prices. You get more use out of it and more color choices. If you only use it occasionally or can wait until fall, August discounts are worth the wait.

Do patio furniture sales happen at the same time every year?

Sales happen around the same seasons each year, but exact dates and discount amounts vary. August is always a strong sale month, but whether it starts July 25 or August 5 depends on the retailer and how fast inventory is moving. Check stores in early July to see when they start marking down.

Should I buy patio furniture in winter?

Winter is the worst time to buy in most climates because retailers have already cleared summer stock and are not yet promoting spring furniture. Prices are usually full or near-full. In warm climates where patio season runs year-round, winter sales are rare but possible.

Can I negotiate the price of patio furniture at a physical store?

Some stores will negotiate, especially on floor models, display pieces, or if you are buying multiple items. It never hurts to ask, particularly if you are spending $1,000 or more. Online prices are usually fixed and non-negotiable.

What is the difference between a sale price and clearance?

A sale price is a temporary discount that may return to full price. Clearance is permanent—once the item is gone, it is gone. Clearance prices are usually lower because the retailer is trying to move inventory quickly. Clearance items cannot be returned in most cases.