In this article, we'll explore the different factors that affect the best time to buy patio furniture, as well as tips for scoring the best discounts.
Understanding Seasonal Patio Furniture Trends
One of the most significant factors that influence the pricing of patio furniture is seasonal demand. Just like any retail industry, patio furniture prices can fluctuate throughout the year, depending on trends and buying patterns.
In short: The Best time to buy outdoor furniture is September and October if you’re looking for best prices. If you want the best selection, June, July and August are the best months.
Spring and Summer: High Demand, High Prices
“In the cooler, northern parts of our country most people don't think of buying patio furniture until the weather starts to get warmer in the spring,” explains interior designer Valerie Ruddy.
So, unsurprisingly, the warmer months of the year (typically April through September in most regions) see a huge demand for outdoor furniture. Retailers tend to capitalize on this surge, knowing that customers are eager to dress up their patios and decks for summer barbecues and gatherings.
Fall and Winter: Lower Demand, Better Deals
On the flip side, fall and winter often signal a decrease in demand for outdoor furniture. With cooler weather and shorter days, people tend to spend less time outside, and retailers are eager to clear out inventory to make way for holiday merchandise. This can mean significant markdowns on patio furniture sets. Though selection may be more limited than during peak season, the fall and winter are great times to shop if you want to sccop up the best outdoor furniture without paying full price.
“You can definitely save money purchasing patio furniture out of season,” explains Ruddy. “However, the selection may be limited to whatever pieces were left over from last summer. If you need a lot of furniture pieces to complete your patio design, it's best to wait until the new introductions come out at the beginning of the season,” she advises.
Many retailers will also offer New Year’s sales with steep discounts as they want to clear out excess stock in their warehouses before the new season stock arrives ahead of the spring and summer seasons.
Overall, understanding seasonal patio furniture trends can help you make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing outdoor furniture. By keeping an eye on pricing and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and what’s in-demand at each point of the year, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that you can enjoy year-round.
Factors Affecting the Best Time to Buy Patio and Outdoor Furniture
In addition to seasonal trends, there are several other factors that can impact when to buy patio furniture. Let's explore some of the most important ones below:
Weather Conditions and Climate
Depending on where you live, weather conditions can play a significant role in the best time to buy patio furniture. For example, if you live in a region with mild or warm temperatures year-round, high demand may be more consistent throughout the year, meaning prices in-store remain at similar levels year-round.
On the flip side, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you may be better off waiting until the off-season to make your purchase. This is because retailers typically offer deep discounts on patio furniture during the winter months when demand is low. You can save a significant amount of money by purchasing your new outdoor sectional or dining set during this time and storing it until the weather warms up.
However, if you’re thinking about purchasing custom patio furniture, Ruddy advices that “you really should put your orders in at least six months in advance. That way your furniture is ready when you want to start your outdoor entertaining.”
Retailer Sales and Promotions
While seasonal trends can give a general idea of when to buy, it's important to pay attention to individual retailers as well. Many stores will launch sales and promotions throughout the year to drive traffic and clear out inventory. To make sure you don’t miss out on any sales, sign up for email newsletters and follow your favorite brands on social media to stay in the loop.
Additionally, keep an eye out for major shopping holidays such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Memorial Day. These are all popular times for furniture sales so you can pick up steep discounts on patio furniture and other outdoor items. By planning your purchase around these holidays, you can save a significant amount of money.
Inventory and Stock Levels
Inventory levels can also impact pricing and sales timing. If a store has a surplus of patio furniture sets in a particular style or color, they may be more likely to discount them to make room for newer items. On the other hand, if a set is selling well and stock is limited, the price may stay firm.
If you have your heart set on a particular style or color of patio furniture, it's a good idea to monitor stock levels in store or keep an eye on the brand’s website to see if any offers pop up. This will give you the best chance of finding the exact item you want at a discounted price. By taking these factors into consideration, you can make an informed decision about when to buy patio furniture and get the best possible deal.
Tips for Scoring the Best Deals on Patio Furniture
Now that we've covered some of the important factors that impact patio furniture pricing, let's dive into some strategies for getting the best deals:
Shop the Sales
As we mentioned earlier, fall and winter can be a great time to score deals on patio sets as retailers clear out inventory. Watch for special sales, especially in September and October, when stores may offer significant markdowns on end-of-season items. You can save even more if you're willing to store the furniture until the following spring.
“If you want to save some money, look for furniture closeouts at the end of the season. Fourth of July and Labor Day sales are perfect for this."
“If you want to save some money, look for furniture closeouts at the end of the season. Fourth of July and Labor Day sales are perfect for this. If you haven't found what you need during those sale periods, it is best to wait for the Memorial Day weekend sales to kick in,” explains Ruddy.
Look for Floor Models and Clearance Items
Another excellent strategy is to shop for floor models and clearance items at local furniture stores. These pieces have usually been on display in the store, and while they may have some minor wear and tear, they are often in great condition and can be heavily discounted.
Bonus tip: if you're shopping in-store, don't be afraid to ask for additional discounts on floor models or discontinued items.
Online vs. In-Store Shopping for Patio Furniture
Once you've decided on the right time to buy, you'll need to choose where to shop. Both online and brick-and-mortar stores have their pros and cons, so let's break it down:
Online Shopping
One of the biggest benefits of shopping for patio furniture online is convenience. You can browse hundreds of options from the comfort of your own home, compare prices across multiple retailers, and take advantage of online-only sales and coupons. However, it can be challenging to gauge the quality, comfort, and sizing of the pieces without seeing them in person.
When shopping for outdoor furniture online be sure to pay attention to product reviews — both on brand websites and third-party publishers like Living Cozy and social media.
In-Store Shopping
If you prefer to see and touch the furniture before you buy it, shopping in-store may be the way to go. You can test out the comfort of seats and cushions, see the true color and finish of the pieces, and interact with knowledgeable sales associates. The downside is that you may have to travel to multiple stores to find the right set, and you may be limited by in-store inventory.