How to save money on garden furniture

Great-looking garden furniture doesn't have to cost a fortune. To help you get the best products for the best price, think about both when and where you're buying them from.

By making the most of yearly sales, browsing ex-display and second-hand furniture, as well as shopping in supermarkets, getting a good deal might be easier than you think.

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Shop at the right time of year

If you don't need new garden furniture right away, buying in the off-season will likely mean you get a better price, as the products won't be in such high demand. 

For things such as sun loungers, outdoor chairs, patio sets and barbecues, the late autumn and winter months are usually the best time to bag a bargain. That's when retailers hold sales to clear their summer stock. But for items such as patio heaters, you're best off buying in summer as prices increase as it gets colder outside.

You may find that stock levels are reduced in the quieter months, though, so if you're after something specific in terms of products and styles, sale or off-season shopping might not be for you. 

And not every deal offers a genuine saving. There are helpful web tools, such as CamelCamelCamel and PriceRunner, where you can check how much a product has been sold for previously. This helps you work out whether the sale or off-season price represents good value.

Our expert garden furniture buying guide compares different types of outdoor furniture and accessories, how best to care for them and which shops to buy from

Choose ex-display garden furniture

To save money on outdoor furniture, head to your local garden centre to check out its ex-display stock. You can also find ex-display garden furniture online. 

These sets are likely to be good quality but will often be discounted as they've been on the shop floor for a while, and people will have been sitting on or testing them. They will usually be sold as seen. 

Try to see the furniture in person if possible so you can test it, check for any defects or faults, and make sure it's good value for the money. 

How to buy the best sun loungers and outdoor seating – our guide will help you choose the right seating options at the best price

Buy second-hand garden furniture

Second-hand garden furniture sets are often sold at a fraction of the retail price. Plus, the pieces you buy usually come pre-assembled, meaning you won't have the hassle of setting them up yourself.

Scouring car-boot sales for cheap and cheerful finds is one way to do it, or you can search online platforms, such as eBay, Gumtree and Freecycle instead. 

In most instances, second-hand garden furniture is used, so it could be damaged or worn in some way. You'll also be relying on the seller to advertise the product accurately. Be diligent in requesting information on the true condition of the pieces, or arrange to inspect them yourself before buying.

Buying from a private seller comes with risks, so make sure you know your rights when buying second-hand goods. If you're not sure how to shop safely online, head to our advice on how to buy second-hand online.

Buy a great-quality set from a trusted marketplace – see our guide on the best and worst places to shop second-hand online

Shop for supermarket garden furniture

Supermarket garden furniture tends to be slightly cheaper than bigger brands. And with everything from patio chairs and sofas to competitively priced bars and sun loungers available at your local store, you don't always need to shop around. 

However, you'll typically find that not all supermarket stock is available online, and some collections tend to sell out quickly. 

Don't forget to collect points on your supermarket loyalty card when you buy outdoor furniture or sets.

You can get garden furniture at bargain price, but which supermarkets are best for grocery shopping? See supermarkets reviewed: compare the best and worst

Take care of the garden furniture you've got

Perhaps the easiest way to save money on garden furniture is to spruce up the pieces you already have. 

With proper cleaning, safe storage and regular maintenance, your patio sets will last considerably longer, meaning you won't need to fork out on replacements each year.

Wiping the frames with a damp cloth once a week is a good way to keep on top of cleaning. Giving your furniture a more intensive wash two to four times a year will keep it looking pristine.

5 easy ways to make your garden furniture last longer – see all our cleaning and maintenance tips