The cheapest places to buy patio furniture right now
The lowest prices on patio furniture come from warehouse clubs, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces rather than specialty outdoor stores. Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart stock basic seating and tables at 30 to 50 percent below furniture-store prices, though selection changes by season and location. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp often have used pieces for a fraction of retail—sometimes free if you haul it away yourself. Online retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Overstock run frequent sales and clearance sections where you can find new furniture at steep discounts, especially in late summer when stores clear inventory for fall.
The trade-off is usually selection and delivery. Warehouse clubs carry fewer styles and sizes than specialty retailers. Used marketplaces require you to inspect items in person and arrange transport. Online clearance items may have limited color choices or be final-sale. But if you are flexible on style and willing to shop around, you can furnish a patio for under $500 that would cost $1,500 at a traditional outdoor furniture store.
Key Takeaways
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer new patio furniture at roughly half the price of specialty retailers, though inventory varies by location and season.
- Used marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist often have functional pieces for 60 to 80 percent less than retail, but require in-person inspection and your own transport.
- Online retailers' clearance and sale sections, especially in August and September, frequently discount new furniture by 40 to 60 percent as stores make room for seasonal inventory.
- Big-box stores like Walmart and Target stock basic patio sets year-round at lower prices than furniture specialists, though style options are more limited.
- Timing your purchase for late summer or early fall, when retailers clear outdoor inventory, can save you significantly compared to spring buying season.
Warehouse clubs: consistent low prices, limited selection
Costco and Sam's Club are reliable sources for affordable patio sets because they buy in bulk and pass savings to members. A basic four-piece seating set (two chairs, a loveseat, and a table) typically runs $400 to $700, compared to $1,200 to $1,800 at furniture stores. Both clubs stock dining tables, lounge chairs, and umbrellas at similar discounts. The catch is that inventory rotates—what is available this month may be gone next month, and you cannot special-order items.
Membership costs $60 to $130 per year depending on the club and membership tier, so factor that into your total cost if you are not already a member. Visit in person or check the website before making a trip, because popular items sell out quickly. Warehouse clubs also offer return windows of 30 to 90 days, which gives you time to test the furniture outdoors before committing.
Used marketplaces: the steepest discounts, but inspect carefully
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp connect you directly with people selling used patio furniture in your area. Prices are often 60 to 80 percent below retail because sellers want to move items quickly. You may find high-quality pieces that are straightforward outdated or no longer fit the seller's space. Many listings are free or under $100 for sets that cost $500 new.
The responsibility falls on you to inspect the furniture before buying. Look for rust on metal frames, cracks in wood, tears in cushions, and wobbly joints. Ask the seller how long they have owned the piece, whether it has been stored indoors or outside, and if cushions are included. Bring a friend to help you evaluate larger items, and always meet in a public place during daylight. You will also need to arrange transport yourself—most sellers do not deliver—so factor in truck rental or delivery service costs if you do not have a vehicle large enough.
Online retailers and clearance sections: sales that run year-round
Wayfair, Amazon, Overstock, and Bed Bath & Beyond all maintain clearance sections where patio furniture is discounted 40 to 60 percent. These are usually items the retailer is discontinuing or overstocked items they need to move. Prices change daily, so check back frequently if you are watching for a specific style. Many retailers also offer coupon codes—search "[retailer name] coupon code" before checkout to see if you can stack an additional 10 to 20 percent off.
Read customer reviews carefully on online purchases, because you cannot inspect the item before it arrives. Pay attention to comments about assembly difficulty, whether cushions are included, and how the furniture holds up to weather. Check the return policy—most online retailers allow returns within 30 days, but some charge restocking fees for furniture. Shipping costs can be high for large items, so compare the final delivered price across retailers rather than just the listed price.
Big-box retailers: year-round availability at moderate savings
Walmart, Target, and Lowe's stock basic patio furniture year-round at prices lower than specialty outdoor stores but higher than warehouse clubs. A straightforward four-piece seating set runs $500 to $900. These retailers are useful if you need furniture quickly and do not have a warehouse club membership, or if you want to see items in person before buying.
Selection is smaller than online retailers, and styles tend toward basic designs rather than trendy or high-end looks. However, these stores run frequent sales—especially during holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day—so sign up for their apps or email lists to catch discounts. Many also offer free or low-cost delivery if you spend above a minimum amount, which can offset the slightly higher furniture prices.
Timing your purchase: when prices drop the most
Patio furniture prices fall most sharply in late August and September, when retailers clear outdoor inventory to make room for fall and winter merchandise. This is the single best time to buy if you can wait. Discounts of 50 to 70 percent are common during this window. The second-best time is late May through early June, when spring inventory moves and summer clearance begins, though discounts are typically smaller—20 to 40 percent.
Avoid buying in spring (March through May) unless you find a specific sale, because this is peak season and prices are highest. Winter is also expensive because outdoor furniture is less available and retailers know fewer people are shopping. If you need furniture outside these windows, focus on warehouse clubs and used marketplaces, where prices stay low year-round regardless of season.
What to look for when comparing prices
The lowest sticker price is not always the best deal. Compare the total cost: furniture price plus delivery, assembly, and any warranty or protection plan. A $300 set from an online retailer might cost $450 after $150 shipping, while a $400 set from a warehouse club with free loading might be cheaper overall. Check whether cushions, an umbrella, or a table are included—some retailers bundle these items while others charge extra.
Also consider durability and materials. Metal frames rust faster than aluminum or powder-coated steel. Wicker and rattan require more maintenance than solid wood or plastic. Cheaper cushions fade and deteriorate faster in sun. Spending an extra $100 on better materials can mean the furniture lasts five years instead of two, which actually saves money over time. Read reviews that mention how long people have owned the furniture and how it has held up to weather in your climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth buying used patio furniture?
Yes, if you inspect it carefully and the seller is honest about its condition. Used furniture can cost 60 to 80 percent less than new and often comes from people who straightforward redecorated rather than wore it out. The risk is that you cannot return it, so ask detailed questions about rust, cracks, and how long the seller owned it. Metal and wood pieces tend to age better than wicker, which can become brittle.
Do I need a warehouse club membership to get the best prices?
No, but membership pays for itself if you buy one patio set. A $60 membership saves you $300 to $500 on furniture compared to retail prices. If you do not want to join, focus on online clearance sections, big-box stores, and used marketplaces, which offer good prices without membership fees.
What is the best time of year to buy patio furniture?
Late August and September offer the steepest discounts—often 50 to 70 percent off—because retailers are clearing summer inventory. Late May through early June is the second-best window. Avoid spring and winter, when prices are highest and selection is limited.
Should I buy cushions separately or as part of a set?
Buying separately often costs more but gives you better quality and color choices. Cushions included with cheap furniture sets fade quickly and wear out in two to three years. If budget is tight, buy the frame new and add cushions later, or buy used cushions from marketplaces to save money upfront.
How much should I expect to spend on a basic patio set?
A four-piece seating set (two chairs, a loveseat, and a table) costs $300 to $500 from warehouse clubs or used marketplaces, $500 to $900 from big-box retailers, and $1,200 to $1,800 from specialty furniture stores. Prices vary by materials—plastic and metal are cheaper than wood or wicker—and whether cushions are included.