The cheapest patio sets come from big-box retailers and online marketplaces, not specialty outdoor furniture stores

The lowest prices on patio sets are at Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon—places that sell furniture as one category among many, not as their main business. A basic four-piece set (two chairs, a table, and a bench or loveseat) runs $150 to $400 at these retailers, compared to $600 to $1,500 at outdoor furniture specialists. The trade-off is that cheaper sets use lighter materials, have shorter warranties, and may need replacement sooner, but they work fine for a season or two if you do not leave them outside year-round.

Timing matters. Patio furniture goes on clearance twice a year: in late August when stores clear summer stock, and in October when they make room for winter merchandise. You can save 40 to 60 percent by waiting for these windows. Off-season (November through March) is also when online retailers discount heavily because demand is low.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon stock the cheapest new patio sets, typically $150 to $400 for a basic four-piece set.
  • Late August and October are the best times to buy, when stores clear seasonal inventory and mark prices down 40 to 60 percent.
  • Used patio sets from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor often cost half the retail price and may be barely used.
  • Plastic and metal frames are cheaper than wood or wicker, but metal rusts without care and plastic fades in direct sun.
  • Checking local rental companies and estate sales can turn up commercial-grade sets at steep discounts.

Where to find new patio sets under $400

Walmart stocks basic metal-frame sets year-round, usually $200 to $350 for four pieces. Their online inventory is larger than in-store, and you can check availability by zip code before you go. Target carries similar sets in the $250 to $400 range, often with better design options. Both offer free shipping on orders over $35 (Walmart) or $100 (Target), though in-store pickup is usually faster.

Costco requires a membership but rotates patio sets seasonally at $300 to $600 for higher-quality pieces than Walmart or Target. If you do not have a membership, a one-year Gold Star card costs $65 and pays for itself if you buy one set. Amazon has the widest selection and often the lowest prices on specific models, but shipping times vary and some sellers charge separately for delivery. Always check the return policy—Amazon's standard 30-day window is shorter than Walmart's.

Used patio sets: where to look and what to check

Used sets cost 40 to 60 percent less than new and are often barely used because people buy them, use them once or twice, then store them. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are the largest sources; search your city and sort by price. Nextdoor is smaller but often has neighbors selling locally, which cuts shipping costs. OfferUp and Letgo work similarly.

Before you buy, inspect the frame for rust (on metal), cracks (on plastic), or soft spots (on wood). Metal frames with surface rust can be cleaned with a wire brush, but deep pitting means the frame is weakening. Plastic that is cracked or brittle in cold weather will not improve. Wood that feels soft or smells musty has rot and will get worse. Ask the seller how long they owned it, whether it was covered, and why they are selling. A set stored indoors for two years is a better buy than one left outside for five.

Material choices and what they cost

Plastic and metal are the cheapest ($150 to $300 new). Plastic does not rust and needs only a rinse, but it fades in direct sun and becomes brittle in cold. Metal (usually aluminum or steel) is lighter and looks better, but steel rusts without paint and aluminum oxidizes to a dull gray. Both are fine if you cover them or bring them in for winter.

Wicker and rattan (usually synthetic) cost $300 to $600 new and look more finished than plastic or metal. They are heavier and more durable but need more cleaning and can absorb water if not sealed. Wood (teak, cedar, or treated pine) starts at $400 and goes up; it weathers beautifully but needs annual sealing or staining. For a cheap set you plan to replace in a few years, plastic or metal is the right choice. For something you want to keep longer, wicker or wood is worth the extra cost.

Seasonal sales and when to buy

Patio furniture goes on sale in two windows. Late August through September is when stores clear summer inventory to make room for fall merchandise. Discounts start at 30 percent in early August and climb to 50 to 60 percent by Labor Day. This is the best time to buy if you need a set for the rest of the season.

October through early November is the second clearance window, when stores make final room for holiday and winter stock. Prices are as low as late August, but selection is thinner because popular items have sold. Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November) sometimes have patio furniture deals, but they are rarely better than the August or October clearances—stores use them to move overstocked items, not to discount everything.

November through March is the off-season. Demand is low, so online retailers discount to move inventory, but in-store selection shrinks. This is a good time to buy online if you do not mind waiting for delivery and do not need the set when ready.

Other sources: rentals, estate sales, and floor models

Party rental companies and event venues sometimes sell off used furniture at the end of the season. These sets are commercial-grade (built to survive heavy use) and cost half what you would pay retail, even though they are older. Search "[your city] party rental furniture sale" or call local rental shops directly in September and October.

Estate sales and auctions often include patio sets, especially in spring when people downsize or move. Check EstateSales.net for sales in your area. Prices depend on condition and style, but you can find solid wood sets for $200 to $400 if you are patient.

Floor models and display sets at furniture stores are discounted 20 to 40 percent because they have been sat on and exposed to light. Ask the store manager directly—these are not always advertised online. Delivery is usually included because the store wants to clear the floor.

What to avoid and red flags

Do not buy a set with missing cushions unless the price reflects it—replacement cushions for cheap sets are hard to find and cost $50 to $150 each. Avoid sets with bent or dented frames, even if the price is low; bending means the metal is weak and will bend again under weight. Do not assume "weather-resistant" means waterproof; it usually means the material will not rot, but water still pools and causes mildew.

Be wary of sets described as "vintage" or "antique" unless you know what you are looking at. Old metal furniture is often cast iron or wrought iron, which is heavy and rusts quickly. Old wood is sometimes valuable, but often it is just old and needs work. If the seller cannot tell you what the frame is made of, ask to see it in person before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying a patio set in winter?

Yes, if you buy online. Prices are lower in November through February because demand is low, and you can store the set until spring. In-store selection is thin, so online shopping gives you more options. Delivery may take longer, but you have time.

What is the difference between a $200 set and a $600 set?

Materials, weight, and durability. A $200 set uses thin metal or plastic and may need replacement in two to three years. A $600 set uses thicker frames, better welds, and higher-quality cushions that last five to seven years. If you use your patio heavily, the expensive set costs less per year.

Can I leave a cheap patio set outside year-round?

Not if you want it to last. Plastic fades and becomes brittle, metal rusts, and wood rots. Covering it with a tarp helps, but the best practice is to bring cushions inside and store the frame in a garage or shed during winter. This adds two to three years to the life of any set.

Where do I find patio sets on clearance?

Check Walmart, Target, and Costco websites in late August and October—they list clearance items by category. In-store clearance sections are usually near the back or side of the garden department. Online, Amazon and Wayfair show price drops in real time, and you can set price alerts on specific models.

Are Facebook Marketplace sets safe to buy from?

Yes, if you meet in person and inspect the set before you pay. Bring someone with you, meet in a public place during daylight, and do not send money before you see the item. Ask the seller to show you the frame up close and sit on a chair to test it. Trust your instinct—if something feels off, walk away.