One of the questions we get asked most often is this: When is the best time to buy patio furniture in Atlanta? We get it. Investing in high-quality, attractive outdoor furniture can be expensive. If you are also trying to time your purchase around outdoor furniture sale seasons, it helps to understand how retailers plan inventory and markdowns throughout the year.
However, the answer to that question is not as straightforward as some may think it is. Below is a practical, season-by-season way to think about selection, savings, and timing.
What you will learn:
- When you’ll typically see the best selection vs. the best discounts
- Which holiday weekends tend to bring seasonal outdoor furniture deals
- How to shop clearance periods without sacrificing quality
When to Get the Best Selection of High-End Outdoor Furniture
The first thing to consider is whether you are looking for something specific, and how much flexibility you have in the look and feel of the furniture you ultimately purchase.
If you’re looking for something very specific to match the current aesthetic of your outdoor living, you’ll want to shop during the warmer spring and summer months. This is the high season for stocking the best selection of outdoor furniture products, which means you’ll have the best selection from which to choose.
This is also when new collections arrive, so it is often the best window for shoppers who want a specific frame finish, fabric, or brand.
However, it also means that there are fewer deals to be found as retailers don’t often run sales or discounts on outdoor furniture during the high season. At Greater Southern, we pride ourselves on being able to offer the best deals on outdoor furniture in the Atlanta area, so no matter when you shop, you’ll not find a better price anywhere.
When to Get the Best Price for High-End Outdoor Furniture
If you’re flexible in your outdoor furniture needs, you should consider shopping for new pieces in the fall and winter. Most retailers don’t want to dedicate floor and stockroom space to outdoor furniture pieces during the low season, so they are more likely to put their existing stock on sale or be willing to part with floor models. For many shoppers, this is the simplest answer to when to buy patio furniture for maximum savings.
The fall and winter months are also a great time to shop sales. Most retailers will run regular sales for Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and New Year’s. These are great opportunities to pick up outdoor furniture pieces that are usually outside of your budget at a discount.
These holiday promotions often overlap with patio furniture clearance periods, especially for in-stock items and floor models.
Quick seasonal timing guide:
- Spring and early summer: best selection, fewer markdowns
- Late summer and early fall: stronger promotions as retailers begin making room for new lines
- Winter: smaller selection, but some of the best pricing if you are flexible
Best Places to Buy High-End Outdoor Furniture
It’s always a good idea to shop for furniture in person, where you can see the colors in person, feel the materials it’s made with, and get a sense of the craftsmanship that went into the manufacturing. There’s nothing like being able to sit on a potential patio couch or chair and knowing that it’s going to be comfortable for everyone in your family. If comfort is your top priority, you may also want to review our guide on how to find comfortable outdoor furniture before you shop.
However, if you’re unable to make it into a showroom, you can always shop Greater Southern’s website and be guaranteed you’re getting our best price available on all of our outdoor furniture, accessories, games, fire pits, and more.
What to Look for in High-End Outdoor Furniture
Whether you’re looking for the best price or the best selection, you should always prioritize the quality of the outdoor furniture you’re investing in. There are many things you can look for in high-quality patio furniture, but there are four areas to focus on when shopping: materials, durability, style, and warranty and customer support.
Materials
Outdoor furniture comes in a wide range of materials, from metals to synthetic materials to wood. Each of these materials has different pros and cons, as well as different price points.
One of the most common materials used for outdoor furniture are metals such as aluminum. These pieces are lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to clean.
You can also find furniture pieces that are made from synthetic materials like poly lumber and synthetic resin wicker. These materials are created from recycled plastics and crafted to look like traditional lumber or wicker furniture. They’re easy to clean and weather-resistant.
Finally, and usually at the top of the budget, are pieces made from tropical hardwoods like Acacia, Teak, and Ipe. While they can be pricier, these pieces are functional works of art that can elevate any outdoor living space. If you are planning to blend materials or refresh an existing set over time, check out our tips on how to mix and match patio furniture.
Durability and Maintenance
While all outdoor furniture is made to be used outdoors, some pieces and materials are more durable than others when it comes to longevity. Your outdoor furniture will have to contend with more than just the weather. It also has to withstand kids, pets, spills, and more. All the materials listed above are great for withstanding anything life can throw at them.
Maintenance of your outdoor furniture is also important. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your outdoor furniture as well as keep it looking brand new longer. If you’re not a fan of extensive maintenance, you should consider investing in pieces made of metals or synthetic materials. All the maintenance they need are quick wipe-downs with mild soap and water every now and then. For seasonal care tips, see seasonal tips for patio furniture care and maintenance.
Comfort and Style
Don’t let yourself be carried away by the trendy look of the most modern outdoor furniture designs. While they may be best suited to your needs, you also want to make sure that they are comfortable enough that you and your family will want to use and enjoy them.
Warranty and Customer Support
Refitting your outdoor living space can be a big investment. Give yourself peace of mind by researching the kinds of warranties and customer support available from the brands you’re considering. While it may seem like you’re expecting the worst, you always want to be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do outdoor furniture sales typically occur?
Outdoor furniture sales often peak in late summer through early fall as retailers start clearing inventory, plus around major holiday weekends that bring seasonal outdoor furniture deals. Winter may have additional clearance pricing, but selection is usually more limited.
Is it cheaper to buy patio furniture in the winter?
Often, yes. Winter is one of the most common patio furniture clearance periods because stores discount leftover inventory and floor models to free up space. The tradeoff is selection, so winter shopping works best if you are flexible on finishes, sizes, or specific collections.
Now’s the Best Time to Plan Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space
As we settle into the cooler months of fall and winter, you may not be thinking about outfitting your outdoor living spaces with new furniture. But with football season in full swing and grilling season not quite over, now is a great time to think about outfitting your patio with new furniture to make the rest of the outdoor living season the best it can be. Stop by our Atlanta or Alpharetta showrooms at Greater Southern to start your outdoor furniture journey today.
If you want help narrowing options by layout, materials, and lifestyle, visit our Outdoor and Patio page and then connect with our team for personalized guidance.
