Sipping mimosas by the pool or dining outdoors, spring and summer days are made for patio furniture. While these stunning seasons are perfect for patio time, they are not the best time to buy patio furniture.
With everyone outside throwing barbecues and pool parties, having outdoor furniture is at the front of everyone's mind, making it the most expensive time of year to buy furniture. When is the demand for patio furniture low but supply is still high? Think late summer and early fall!
When is the best time to buy patio furniture?
Patio furniture typically goes on sale from August to October when stores are clearing out their summer items to make room for fall inventory. Generally, the further from summer, the higher the savings on patio furniture.
In early August, sales are approximately 20% off. But by late October, you can find savings up to 70% off! With those extra savings, you can invest in a typically expensive item (like that wicker chair and table set you've had your eye on) without feeling guilty about it. The only downside is an increasingly slimmer selection the deeper you get into fall.
Things to Consider for Buying Patio Furniture
Throughout the summer, keep an eye out for pieces you like that can fit comfortably on your patio. Go into August with a plan and keep an eye out for sales. Make sure you keep the following three things in mind when deciding when to buy patio furniture.
If you have your eyes on a hot item, swoop in for the buy as soon as there’s a sale. You can always ask a store employee how much inventory they have left of that prized item. This gives you an idea of if the item will soon be off the shelves or if you have time to wait for a better sale. If you're shopping online, check to see if you can sign up for product alerts when an item goes on sale or is at low stock.
Is warm weather stretching into fall? If the weather is still enjoyable, people will be willing to pay full price for outdoor furniture. Stores may hold off on sales until the weather starts to get chilly. If that's the case, watch for post-Christmas or New Year's closeout sales.
Most retailers have sales for the same holidays or time periods every year. Here are a couple to watch for:
- New Year's Day (January 1st): be on the lookout for fall and winter closeout items
- President's Day (3rd Monday of February): some stores will begin promoting their spring and summer items, and may have "pre-spring" deals
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May): watch for big discounts on any winter and fall inventory that is left over, and look for smaller "last-chance" spring deals
- Independence Day (July 4th): just about everything is discounted during this time, keep an eye on your favorite stores to see what they have to offer
- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Columbus Day (1st Monday in October): as fall rolls in, watch for larger discounts on patio furniture
- Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving): many stores begin their Black Friday sales at the beginning of Thanksgiving week, and some even near the start of November
- Cyber Monday (Monday following Black Friday): if you missed out on Black Friday sales, chances are the ones on Cyber Monday will be even better
If there's a particular store you're looking to buy from, be sure to subscribe to their email or print newsletters to be the first to know about their sales, and possibly gain early access.
How to Help Patio Furniture Last
How do you save the most on the best patio furniture? Preserve its newness. You’ve kept your eyes out for sales and found the patio furniture you want. But weather isn’t wonderful for wear. The blistering heat of the summer sun and chilling winter rains can cause fading and structural damage.
At least once a month, give your patio furniture a light cleaning. Dust it off with a soft-bristle broom or use a damp rag to wipe it down. Clean your furniture immediately if you spot sap, animal droppings, or a stain developing. Be sure you know How to Clean Outdoor Cushions as well as How To Take Care of Your Patio Furniture based on material type.
Patio furniture covers help your furniture like new, meaning you don't have to worry about replacing it any time soon. Use your cover whenever you don't plan on using your outdoor furniture to keep it looking like new for years.
If you live in a mild climate, a lightweight patio furniture cover may be all you need year-round. But if you face heavy snow and rain, high-speed winds, and intense sunlight, you will want to invest in a heavier duty cover. We provide four different material collections, each designed to withstand all types of weather. Explore which collection will work best for your climate by checking our collection comparison chart.
Learn How to Choose the Right Outdoor Furniture Cover.
Just like with patio furniture, keep your eyes peeled for a patio furniture cover sale. Whether you are looking for chair covers or something more unique, like heater covers or fire pit covers, we have what you need.
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