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The Best Time To Buy Outdoor Furniture
When it’s time to set up your outdoor space for the warmer seasons, you may notice your chairs are creaking, cushions are faded, and tables are lopsided and wobbly. These tell-tale signs mean it’s time to start looking for new outdoor furniture that’ll transform your patio from a neglected space to a cozy haven.
Here at furniture.com, we want to equip you with the information you need to make the best decisions when styling your home — indoors and out. Follow along for insider tips about the best times throughout the year to expect sales, new collections, and other important tips when buying your new outdoor furniture.
Off-Season Offers the Best Sales
When looking for a new patio set that won’t burn several holes in your pocket, it's always wise to plan ahead and know when to start looking. Similar to finding bargain prices for seasonal items, the best outdoor furniture sales usually happen off-season. In this case, off-seasons periods would be fall and winter.
Fall
The end-of-summer sale is a great time to start looking at a new patio set, decor, and accessories. Outdoor furniture companies will start making room for their winter and next year’s models — meaning old models have to go. Retailers will begin marking down their summer inventory in stores and online from late August to October. Look for deals leading up to Labor Day; the holiday weekend is prime time to catch sales, starting at 10–20 percent off. Once we get farther from sun-loving days, companies can offer discounts of up to 70 percent or more on outdoor furniture. Don’t wait too long, though. Selections can become slim as the year wanes. But all is not lost if you missed the sales from the end of August to October. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, you can catch online and brick-and-mortar stores putting their remaining inventory up for grabs. The selection may be scarce, but the deals may be the best they’ll be all year.
Winter
Year-end sales are another great time to look at patio sets at a discounted rate. Around this time, prices of big-ticket items (e.g., sectional sofas, gazebos, and storage furniture) are being slashed. Online and in-store retailers with inventory left are marking down prices and will offer great deals during President’s Day sales events.
Pre-Season Sale Opportunities
If you’re looking for the newest styles and colors, early spring is the best time to start your search. As the air warms and spring showers become frequent, retailers start displaying their latest models and on-trend outdoor sets. Some retailers may discount outdoor sets to help create traffic and encourage buyers to invest in their products early in the season.
Earth Day, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July are great holidays to shop for outdoor furniture and accessories on sale, though the savings will be less than the ones you’ll find off-season.
Tips When Buying Outdoor Furniture
1. Measure, and measure again
You should measure your outdoor space for your new patio furniture while keeping walkways and traffic flow in mind.
2. Consider materials
Understanding which material is right for your outdoor area and local climate is essential. If you’re unsure, hop over to our comprehensive guide that will help you become better acquainted with the common types of materials in outdoor furniture, as well as their pros and cons.
3. Do the “sit test”
The most crucial feature of your outdoor seats is their comfort level. We highly recommend visiting a store to try out any new conversation patio sets, ottomans, poufs, or sectional sofas you have in mind. It’s the best way to ensure your seats will bring comfort and relaxation to you and your guests.
4. Plan ahead
Remember that the closer you get to warmer weather, the busier it will be in stores, both in-person and online. Delivery times and inventory will begin to vary, with some popular styles going out of stock. So, plan ahead if you need your furniture by a specific date or occasion.
5. Protect your pieces
If you have a shed or garage, we recommend storing outdoor furniture away from the elements when not in use. You can also invest in protective furniture covers or outdoor storage pieces; your new outdoor set will thank you.
6. Check warranties and return policy
Some retailers might have shorter or stricter terms for outdoor furniture bought in the off-season. Make sure you double check all the details before purchasing.
Buying outdoor furniture in the off-season is a smart way to save money and get the furniture you want. You can find fantastic coupons, deals on clearance items, and sales events if you look during the right time. Get started on sprucing up your outdoor space with a beautiful patio set, accessories, and decor on furniture.com.
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