Looking to buy new patio furniture? Timing is everything when making your purchase.

When to buy depends on what you need:

• March-April: Retailers launch their spring/summer collections, offering the latest designs, plenty of stock, and a wide selection.
• June-August: June through August is when the selection is at its widest. During these months, stores are filled with summer inventory.
• Late August-October: Stores clear out their summer merchandise to make room for fall inventory, with discounts ranging from about 20 percent in early August to as much as 70 percent off by the end of October.

Whether variety or price is more important to you, this guide will help you plan your patio furniture purchases wisely.

When Does Outdoor Furniture Go on Sale?

Late summer (late August through September) is the first wave of discounts, as stores put summer items on clearance, and prices drop further after September.

Late fall and winter (October to February) are the off-season, when the discounts are the strongest, and clearance sales are sometimes even lower than Black Friday prices.

Watch for these seasonal sales:

• Memorial Day weekend in late May
• Fourth of July sales
• Labor Day sales in early September
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November, which feature some of the year's deepest discounts

You can subscribe to a furniture retailer's newsletter to receive timely alerts about special discounts, flash sales, and exclusive offers. Many stores also offer additional discounts for email or APP subscribers.

Tips for Buying Patio Furniture

Keep these helpful tips in mind before buying patio furniture:

Consider the Materials

Patio furniture is exposed to sun, rain, and wind daily. You need to consider the weather resistance, durability, and maintenance requirements of the materials to ensure that your choice is built to last.

Teak is naturally resistant to rot and moisture, while aluminum stays lightweight and won't rust.

Various materials have different care needs. Some require regular cleaning or painting to maintain their appearance, while others require little maintenance.

When choosing a cushion, look for fabrics with fade- and mildew-resistant labels - it's for your comfort and aesthetics.

Consider Comfort

Choose furniture that matches the way you use it, with deeper, softer cushions for lounging areas and firmer cushions for dining areas.

Look for cushions that are at least 3 inches thick and backrests that are 2 inches thick to provide comfortable support.

Test the furniture as much as possible by sitting in it, leaning back, and stretching out. Your body will tell you what feels right. Purchase removable cushion covers to make cleaning easier in the event of a spill.

Be Mindful of Buying Used Patio Furniture

While used patio furniture may save you money now, will the savings be worth it if you need to replace all your furniture next season?

When buying used furniture, check carefully for rust, mold, loose seams, and warping, which are all signs that the furniture won't last long. 

If you do want to buy used furniture, try to buy from a reputable source that will inspect and refurbish the furniture before selling it.

Try Negotiating

Don't be afraid to bargain! Small stores often have room for bargaining, especially when buying multiple items.

Taking a few minutes to chat with the salesperson and build rapport can make a big difference when negotiating.

Politely mention minor flaws for possible discounts. If the price doesn't budge, ask about additional services such as free shipping, assembly services, or complimentary accessories.

Maintaining a smile and friendly attitude throughout the process can be more effective than you think.

Where to Buy Patio Furniture?

Online vs. In-Store Shopping for Patio Furniture

You can shop online from the comfort of your couch, or you can go to a brick-and-mortar store to get a closer look. Let's break down the pros and cons of both online and in-store shopping.

Pros of Shopping Online

• Shop anytime, day or night, without leaving your home!
• Browse more styles, colors, and brands
• It's easier to compare prices from different merchants
• Reviews from other shoppers to help you decide
• Find unique products that may not be available at your local store

Cons of Shopping Online

• Can't touch and feel furniture before you buy
• Colors on the screen may be different from the real thing
• Shipping costs for large pieces of furniture can be high or complicated
• The return process may be cumbersome

Pros of Shopping In-Store

• You can test the comfort and quality of the furniture yourself.
• Store associates are available to answer your specific questions
• You can take the item with you immediately after purchase
• You can see exactly what colors and materials are available

Cons of Shopping In-Store

• Less choice than online
• Prices are often higher than online
• Time-consuming and labor-intensive to store in multiple stores

You can try a combination of both! Start by narrowing down your choices by checking out styles, reading reviews, and comparing prices online.

Then, go to a brick-and-mortar store to test out the specific products you're interested in before making a final decision.

Popular Retailers for Patio Furniture

Here are some trusted retailers to consider that offer consistent quality and great customer service:

• Wayfair: offers thousands of styles and has sales almost every month. Their user reviews can help you avoid a disappointing shopping experience.
• IKEA: If you're trying to keep your budget in check, there's plenty of stylish furniture at great prices.
• Home Depot and Lowe's: These two stores have a wide range of products and easy in-store pickup.
• Pottery Barn: Their items are more expensive but are made of fine materials, thoughtfully designed, and built to last.

Conclusion

Now that you understand the seasonal patterns, you can make a more informed decision about when to buy patio furniture.

The best time to buy patio furniture depends on your priorities:

• Prioritize saving money by buying during the end-of-season clearance from September to October. This is when the discounts are the strongest, but styles and choices may be more limited.
• More concerned with finding the perfect style of furniture, summer shopping will have the fullest selection of styles available. Be aware, however, that prices are usually higher during this time.

When you find a good sale, act quickly! Quality patio sets like Belleze Aegean Aluminum Sofa Set often sells out fast during clearance events.