So you went all summer without prettying up your patio or making over your yard. And now the kids are going back to school, so playtime is over for a while. Well, there's always next year.
Actually, you don't have to wait. Now is the perfect time to get busy out there. With school back in session, the entire neighborhood isn't crowding into Lowe's Garden Center. Less competition and end-of-the-season retail trends mean better prices. In fact, sales on everything from outdoor dining tables to casual seating to accessories make this the time you want to run right out and get all the stuff you didn't get a few months ago.
"It's no surprise that items like outdoor patio furniture go on sale at the end of the summer, since retailers have to get ready for Fall merchandise," said Lozo. "Furniture is big and bulky and therefore takes up a lot of space in the store, so they are particularly eager to move it out. Unlike some other seasonal items…you will often see furniture move very quickly to the best deals."
With the weather starting to cool - or about to - it's the perfect time to start enjoying your freshened-up outdoor area.
Start with your local Lowe's or Home Depot, which both have numerous outdoor items on clearance in August and September (September is a particularly good time to buy a gas grill or lawnmower, according to Consumer Reports). Target, Walmart, and stores like Cost Plus World Market and Pier One are also great choices.
A sampling of the big box stores' patio clearance uncovered a few great deals, like this Hampton Bay Eastham 4-Piece Patio Deep Seating Set, originally $479, now on sale for 40 percent off at $287.40.
Home Depot
Want to incorporate a fire feature into your yard, especially with fall approaching? Check out this ThresholdTM Squier 3-Piece Metal Patio Fire Pit Set from Target. Regularly priced at $605, it's on clearance at 40 percent off for $363.
Target
Create a resort feel on your patio with the Mainstays Alexandra Square Steel Cushion Day Lounger. With all the money you save, you might just be able to go to a real resort. Now just $129, down from $348.
Walmart
It's not just big-ticket items that go on sale at this time of year. These brightly colored resin, stackable Adirondack chairs were already priced well at $17.98. Now on clearance for 50 percent off at $8.99, you can get them two-for-one.
Lowe’s
Complete your outdoor room with a stylish rug, like this one from Lowe's. The 6' x 9' area rug was $99, and is now just $49 with 50 percent savings.
Lowe’s
Fall is also a great time to bring some interest into your garden with stylish accessories. Add in a punch of color with this aqua indoor/outdoor planter (also comes in green, cream, red, black, and blue). It's now just $14.99, 50 percent off of its original $29.98 price.
Lowe’s
You don't have to have a complete outdoor kitchen to be able to entertain outdoors.
The Fenton Patio Serving Cart is a mobile alternative to a built-in, and at $119.40, it's 40 percent off the regular price of $199.
Home Depot
Don't forget about the little touches that pull a space together, like this lantern set. At 60 percent off, the three-piece set is just $31.60.
Home Depot
