The Main Places to Buy Patio Chairs
Patio chairs are sold at home improvement stores, furniture retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand shops. The best place for you depends on whether you want to see the chair in person before buying, how quickly you need it, and your budget. Most people find what they're looking for by checking two or three of these categories rather than one alone.
Home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe's stock basic to mid-range patio chairs year-round, with larger selections in spring and early summer. Furniture stores like Ashley Furniture, Pottery Barn, and local upholstery shops carry higher-end options and custom pieces. Online retailers ship faster but you cannot test the chair's comfort or frame quality before it arrives. Secondhand sources like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and estate sales offer steep discounts but require you to inspect the chair and arrange pickup yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Home improvement stores stock standard patio chairs year-round and let you sit in them before buying, but selection is smaller than furniture specialists.
- Furniture retailers and specialty outdoor shops carry more styles and higher-quality frames, though prices are higher and delivery may take weeks.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon and Wayfair ship quickly and show hundreds of options, but you cannot test comfort or inspect the frame until arrival.
- Secondhand sources like Facebook Marketplace and estate sales cost 40 to 70 percent less, but you must pick up the chair yourself and check for rust, cracks, or worn fabric.
- Timing matters: spring and early summer have the widest selection; fall and winter have clearance prices but limited stock.
Home Improvement and Hardware Stores
Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware carry patio chairs in their outdoor furniture sections. You can walk in, sit in the chairs, and take them home the same day if stock is in the store. Prices range from $80 to $400 per chair for basic metal, plastic, or wood frames. Selection is largest in April through June; by August, many styles are picked over or discontinued.
These stores stock durable but straightforward designs: metal frames with sling fabric, plastic Adirondack chairs, and basic wood options. They rarely carry high-end brands or custom upholstery. If you need a chair in the next few days and want to test it first, this is the fastest route. Call ahead or check the store's website to confirm the style you want is in stock, because popular sizes sell out quickly during peak season.
Furniture Stores and Specialty Outdoor Retailers
Furniture stores like Ashley Furniture, Pottery Barn, and local upholstery shops carry patio chairs with better frames, cushioning, and fabric options than home improvement stores. Prices start around $300 and go up to $1,500 or more for high-end pieces. These retailers often have showrooms where you can sit in the chairs and see fabric samples in person.
Specialty outdoor furniture shops focus entirely on patio and garden pieces, so staff can answer detailed questions about weather resistance, frame materials, and cushion durability. Many offer custom upholstery, meaning you choose the fabric and frame color. Delivery usually takes two to four weeks because pieces are made to order or shipped from regional warehouses. This route costs more but gives you better quality and more control over what you're buying.
Online Retailers and Marketplaces
Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, and Wish carry thousands of patio chairs with prices from $50 to $800 per chair. You can filter by color, material, and price, and most ship within one to two weeks. The downside is you cannot sit in the chair or inspect the frame quality before it arrives. Read customer reviews carefully, especially comments about rust, wobbling, or fabric durability after a few months of use.
Online retailers often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores because they have lower overhead. Many offer free returns within 30 days, so you can send back a chair that doesn't fit your space or feels uncomfortable. Check the return policy and shipping cost before you buy—some retailers charge $30 to $60 to ship a chair back. Look for reviews that mention assembly difficulty, because some chairs require 30 minutes of work with tools, while others come fully assembled.
Secondhand Sources: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Estate Sales
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local estate sales offer used patio chairs at 40 to 70 percent below retail price. You might find solid wood or metal frames that are 10 or 20 years old and still sturdy. The trade-off is that you must inspect the chair in person, arrange your own pickup, and cannot return it if something is wrong.
When you look at a used chair, check for rust on metal frames (small surface rust can be cleaned, but deep pitting means the frame is weakening), cracks in wood or plastic, and worn or stained fabric. Test the joints by pushing on the armrests and seat—a chair that wobbles or creaks may have loose bolts or a cracked frame. Ask the seller how long they've owned it and whether it's been stored outside or under cover. A chair stored outside year-round will have more wear than one kept in a garage. Estate sales are often cheaper than private sellers because the estate company wants to clear inventory quickly, but you have to move fast—good pieces sell within hours.
Timing and Seasonal Availability
Patio chair selection and pricing change throughout the year. Spring (March through May) brings the widest selection and highest prices because retailers stock up for the busy season. Summer (June through August) has good selection but prices stay high. Fall (September through November) sees clearance sales as retailers make room for winter inventory, so prices drop 20 to 40 percent. Winter (December through February) has the smallest selection and lowest prices, but you may find only basic styles left.
If you're not in a hurry, waiting until late August or September gives you the best prices. If you need chairs for a spring gathering, buy in March or early April before popular styles sell out. Online retailers restock year-round, so you can find specific styles in winter even if local stores are bare. Secondhand prices stay fairly steady throughout the year, though more chairs appear on the market in spring when people clean out garages.
Comparing Price, Quality, and Convenience
Each source has trade-offs between cost, selection, and how quickly you can get a chair home. The table below shows the typical price range, how many styles are usually in stock, and how long delivery or pickup takes at each type of retailer.
| Source | Price Range | Selection | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Improvement Stores | $80–$400 | Small to medium | Same day | Quick purchase, testing comfort |
| Furniture Retailers | $300–$1,500+ | Large | 2–4 weeks | High-end pieces, custom options |
| Online Marketplaces | $50–$800 | Very large | 1–2 weeks | Specific styles, price comparison |
| Secondhand | $20–$300 | Varies | when ready (pickup) | Budget-conscious, solid frames |
Home improvement stores win if you need a chair today and want to test it first. Furniture retailers are worth the wait if you want a chair that will last 10 years and look polished. Online retailers give you the most options and competitive prices without leaving home. Secondhand is the cheapest route if you're willing to hunt and pick up the chair yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a patio chair if it doesn't fit my space?
Home improvement stores and online retailers usually allow returns within 30 days if the chair is unused and in original condition. Furniture stores vary—some accept returns, others do not, so ask before you buy. Secondhand purchases are final sales with no returns. Always measure your space and the chair's dimensions before buying to avoid this problem.
What's the difference between indoor and outdoor patio chairs?
Outdoor patio chairs use weather-resistant materials like aluminum, teak, or treated wood, and fabrics designed to resist fading and mildew. Indoor chairs use standard upholstery that will deteriorate if left outside. Patio chairs cost more because of these materials, but they last longer in sun and rain. Do not use indoor furniture on a patio unless it's covered.
How much should I spend on a patio chair?
A basic, durable patio chair costs $150 to $300. Cheaper chairs ($50–$150) work for occasional use but may rust or fade quickly. High-end chairs ($500+) have better cushioning and frames that last 10 years or more. Buy based on how often you'll use it and whether it will sit in direct sun year-round.
Where do I find patio chairs in winter?
Home improvement stores and furniture shops have minimal patio furniture in winter. Online retailers like Amazon and Wayfair stock year-round and ship quickly. Secondhand sources like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist have steady inventory. Waiting until late winter or early spring gives you more options and better prices.
Should I buy cushions separately or with the chair?
Chairs sold with cushions cost more upfront but may support the cushions fit properly. Buying cushions separately gives you more color and fabric choices but adds $40 to $150 per chair. If you're buying secondhand, cushions often come with the chair but may be worn—budget for replacements. Check whether cushions are removable and washable before you buy.