The best place to buy patio table and chairs depends on what you're optimizing for. If price is everything, start at Walmart, Big Lots, or a warehouse club like Costco or Sam's Club. If you want the widest selection and easy comparison shopping, Wayfair and Amazon are hard to beat. If you want to see furniture in person before you commit, head to Home Depot, Lowe's, or a local outdoor specialty showroom. And if you want a serious deal on quality pieces, buy in late August or September when retailers are dumping summer inventory at 30 to 60 percent off. This guide walks you through every channel, when to shop each one, and exactly what to watch out for. If you need a concise list of recommended retailers and buying tips specifically for patio tables, see where to buy patio tables. If you just want a quick answer to where can i buy patio chairs, see the roundup of top retailers and marketplaces. For a concise list of retailers and buying tips, see where to buy patio set.
Where to Buy Patio Table and Chairs: Best Stores & Tips Guide
Why the retailer you choose actually matters
Not all stores are created equal when it comes to patio furniture, and the channel you pick has real downstream consequences beyond just the sticker price. A $600 dining set from Wayfair might cost $150 extra to assemble if you add their white-glove delivery service. That same set at Home Depot could be cheaper to pick up in-store but require 45 minutes of your time to assemble. A Costco set might be the best value per piece but is only available in a narrow seasonal window, and once it's gone, it's gone.
The four trade-offs that matter most are price, selection, delivery, and assembly. Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's win on in-person access and returns. Online marketplaces win on breadth. Warehouse clubs win on value per dollar when the timing is right. Specialty retailers win on quality and expert advice. Knowing which of those things matters most to you will save you a lot of time and frustration.
| Channel | Price | Selection | In-Person View | Assembly Support | Return Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big-Box (Home Depot, Lowe's) | Mid | Good | Yes | DIY or third-party | Easy |
| Warehouse Clubs (Costco, Sam's) | Low-Mid | Seasonal/Limited | Yes (in-club) | DIY, add-on available | Good (Costco especially) |
| Online Marketplaces (Amazon, Wayfair) | Varies | Excellent | No | Paid add-on | Varies by seller |
| Specialty Outdoor Retailers | Mid-High | Curated/High Quality | Yes | Often included | Varies |
| Discount/Closeout (Big Lots, Outlets) | Low | Limited/Inconsistent | Yes | DIY | Check policy |
| Direct-from-Manufacturer | Mid-High | Brand-specific | Sometimes | Varies by brand | Brand warranty |
| Used/Local (FB Marketplace, OfferUp) | Very Low | Unpredictable | Yes (meet up) | None | No returns |
Big-box stores and warehouse clubs: what to expect
Home Depot and Lowe's are my go-to starting point for most shoppers because you can physically touch the furniture, compare finishes, and walk out with a return receipt if something goes wrong. Home Depot carries its own Hampton Bay brand alongside other names, and product pages explicitly list assembly requirements, including an estimated assembly time field. I've seen listings like a 5-piece outdoor plastic dining set noting 45 minutes of assembly time, which is genuinely useful planning information. Lowe's does the same with Style Selections and other house brands, often calling out 'easy to assemble' and confirming hardware is included. Both stores run aggressive seasonal floor clearances, especially in July and August, and their app or website lets you check live in-store inventory before making the drive.
Costco is a different beast. The warehouse patio assortment changes every season, and popular sets sell out fast, sometimes without restocking. Their online listings for patio items (like SunVilla and other club exclusives) typically include standard shipping via common carrier with estimated delivery around one to two weeks. The value is usually excellent, and Costco's return policy is among the most generous in retail. Sam's Club runs a dedicated Outdoor Living and Patio Furniture section online with member pricing and differences between in-club and online assortment, so it's worth checking both. BJ's Wholesale Club, if you have a membership, adds an installation and assembly add-on at checkout on many patio sets, with typical delivery windows of five to ten business days.
- Home Depot: Hampton Bay exclusives, in-store stock checker, easy same-day returns, assembly time listed on product pages
- Lowe's: Style Selections line, frequent 10–15% off app coupons, easy assembly hardware included on most sets
- Costco: Best value per piece, generous returns, but seasonal inventory disappears fast (check online and in-club separately)
- Sam's Club: Member pricing on patio dining and conversation sets, in-club vs. online assortment differs
- BJ's Wholesale Club: Assembly add-on available at checkout, 5–10 business day delivery on most patio orders
Online marketplaces and specialist sites: selection, reviews and return policies
Amazon and Wayfair are where I go when I want to compare dozens of options side by side without leaving the house. Amazon's strength is competitive pricing and Prime shipping, but the quality variance is enormous, so read recent reviews carefully and look for listings with 100+ reviews rather than a handful of five-star ratings. One tool I genuinely use: CamelCamelCamel and Keepa both track Amazon price history. Keepa even overlays the price chart directly on the Amazon product page via a browser extension, which makes it easy to see whether that 'sale price' is actually a historical low or just marketing. This matters a lot for patio furniture, which swings wildly in price across seasons.
Wayfair has the deepest patio furniture catalog I've found anywhere, which is both its strength and its weakness. You can filter by material, size, style, color, and price to a degree that no physical store can match. Their paid Full-Service or White-Glove delivery option includes in-home placement, unpacking, and assembly. Wayfair’s Investor Day 2023 presentation explicitly references 'assembly, installation and white glove delivery' and notes use of third‑party logistics and white‑glove partners blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wayfair Investor Day 2023 presentation (delivery / white glove references). It typically costs $100 to $200 or more on top of the item price depending on the set, and customer experiences vary, so read the fine print. Overstock (now Bed Bath and Beyond's online platform) and Hayneedle offer similar breadth, often with slightly different inventory and periodic sitewide discount codes. All of these sites have return policies that can be cumbersome for large furniture, so verify before you buy: some require you to repackage a 200-pound set and ship it back at your expense.
Furniture retailers and specialty outdoor stores: worth the higher price?
If you've ever sat in a patio chair at a specialty outdoor showroom and then tried the equivalent at a big-box store, you'll immediately understand the difference. Specialty retailers like Patio World, Patio Productions, or local outdoor living centers carry contract-grade furniture with heavier frames, UV-resistant fabrics, and full-replacement warranties that mass-market retailers rarely offer. The price is higher, typically 30 to 50 percent more than a comparable-looking Home Depot set, but the durability gap can be just as wide.
The other advantage of specialty stores is knowledgeable staff who can help you match frame finish to cushion fabric, recommend pieces that work together as a set, and handle delivery and white-glove setup as part of the sale rather than an add-on. If you're furnishing a large outdoor space or want something that lasts ten-plus years, the showroom route is worth the premium. Look for local independent patio retailers using Google Maps with terms like 'outdoor furniture showroom near me' or 'patio store' filtered by 4+ stars.
Discount outlets and closeout sellers: Big Lots, outlet centers and clearance racks
Big Lots is the most accessible discount option for patio furniture, and it genuinely offers some of the lowest prices on entry-level sets. The trade-off is selection inconsistency: stock varies significantly by location and week. Big Lots runs its own patio clearance starting in late July, which is one of the earlier end-of-season sales among major retailers. Factory outlet centers sometimes host furniture brands with B-grade or discontinued inventory. These can be excellent deals if you can inspect the piece in person, but quality control and availability are unpredictable.
Clearance racks at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Target are also underrated. In August and September, physical store clearance sections often have floor models marked down 40 to 60 percent. The pieces may have minor scuffs from being on display, but the frame and structure are typically fine. Always inspect hardware and cushion fabric on clearance items before buying. Also check whether return eligibility applies to clearance merchandise, since some stores restrict this to exchanges or store credit only.
Direct-from-manufacturer and brand sites: buying from the source
Some brands are worth buying directly because you get guaranteed authenticity, full warranty support, and sometimes better stock than any retailer. POLYWOOD is a good example: their chairs often arrive pre-assembled or nearly pre-assembled (legs and hardware are frequently the only step), while tables require minimal assembly. Buying from POLYWOOD.com gives you access to their full catalog, custom color combinations, and direct customer service. The price usually isn't lower than authorized dealers, but you won't encounter counterfeit or gray-market products.
Keter is another brand worth considering directly. Their resin and rattan patio pieces advertise hassle-free or no-tool assembly on many models and carry a limited two-year warranty. Buying through Keter's site or their authorized retailer list ensures that warranty is honored. For other brands, check whether a retailer is 'authorized' before purchasing, especially on Amazon or eBay where gray-market sellers sometimes void manufacturer warranties. Brand websites typically maintain an authorized dealer locator.
Where to buy local or used patio furniture
Facebook Marketplace is the single best source for used patio furniture, full stop. Search your zip code and you'll regularly find high-quality sets (sometimes retail $800 to $1,500) for $100 to $300 from people who are moving, redecorating, or just cleaning out. OfferUp and Craigslist work similarly. The key is to move fast on good listings, confirm the seller's location before messaging, and ask for photos of the hardware, welds, and cushions, not just the glamour shot. Missing or stripped bolts are the most common problem with used patio sets.
Estate sales are another genuinely great source, especially for high-quality older pieces from brands like Brown Jordan or Woodard that were built to last decades. Estate sale aggregator sites like EstateSales.net list upcoming sales by location. Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army occasionally have individual patio chairs or small tables, though full sets are rare. Consignment furniture shops are a middle ground: the pieces are curated and cleaned, and prices are higher than Craigslist but come with some basic quality assurance from the shop.
- Facebook Marketplace: best volume of local listings, filter by distance and price, negotiate freely
- OfferUp: similar to Marketplace, often slightly different seller base in suburban/rural areas
- Craigslist: still active in most cities, good for bulk buys and negotiation
- EstateSales.net: search local estate sales for high-quality legacy brands at below-retail prices
- Consignment shops: curated, cleaned inventory with modest price premium over raw secondhand
- Thrift stores: occasional finds but rarely complete sets; better for individual accent pieces
How to find specific brands, conversation sets and niche styles
If you're hunting a specific brand or style, like a Croc patio set or a particular conversation set configuration, the brand name plus 'authorized dealer' or 'where to buy' is your starting search. Most brands publish an authorized retailer page on their website. For a focused list of retailers and tips on purchasing a Croc patio set, see our guide on where to buy Croc patio set. For conversation sets specifically, filtering by 'conversation set' or 'deep seating set' on Wayfair, Amazon, or Home Depot narrows results far more efficiently than browsing general patio categories. If you're specifically shopping for conversation sets, see our guide on where to buy patio conversation sets for retailer-by-retailer recommendations and tips. Model numbers are gold: once you find the exact model you want, search that number on Google Shopping to compare prices across retailers instantly.
For niche or specialty brands, Amazon can be a double-edged sword. The listing may exist, but third-party sellers aren't always authorized, which can void warranties. When in doubt, go directly to the brand site, confirm authorized sellers, and buy from that list. For conversation sets, cushion configuration and piece count vary significantly between retailers even for the same brand, so confirm exactly what's included (loveseat, chairs, coffee table, ottomans) before buying. And if you're comparing patio chairs or patio tables separately rather than as a set, the individual product considerations deserve their own look.
Finding assembled patio furniture and arranging delivery or installation
Most patio furniture sold retail requires at least some assembly, but the range is huge. If you need fully assembled options, see where can i buy patio furniture already assembled for retailers and services that sell or deliver preassembled sets. Some Keter resin sets genuinely snap together with no tools in under 20 minutes. A large 7-piece aluminum dining set from Home Depot or Lowe's might list 45 minutes to an hour of assembly time. POLYWOOD chairs often ship pre-assembled, with only table legs needing to be attached. Check the assembly field on every product page before purchasing; it's listed on most retailer sites now.
If you want someone else to handle assembly, you have three main options. First, add Wayfair's or BJ's assembly service at checkout. Second, book through TaskRabbit, where patio furniture assembly averages around $34 per hour based on real booking data, with typical total costs around $150 for a medium-complexity set depending on city and piece count. Third, check whether your local specialty store includes delivery and setup in the sale price. For very large or heavy sets, a two-person setup is almost mandatory and worth paying for.
Checking inventory, in-store pickup and regional pricing
Before driving anywhere, check stock online. Home Depot and Lowe's both let you filter by your local store and see exact inventory counts. This is especially important for clearance and seasonal items, which can be a single unit at one store and fully stocked at one ten miles away. Ship-to-store is available at most major retailers and is often free, which helps if your local store is out but a distribution center has stock. Regional price differences exist and are more common than people expect: a patio set priced at $499 online might ring up differently at a rural store where it's been sitting since spring with an additional markdown.
For warehouse clubs, always check both the in-club and online assortment separately. Costco's website and club floor often carry different SKUs, and some of the best patio deals are online-only or club-only. Timing your visit matters because warehouse club patio inventory is genuinely seasonal and doesn't get restocked mid-season. When a Costco set sells out in June, it's typically gone until the following spring.
When to buy: a practical seasonal calendar
The best time to buy patio furniture is either early spring (March to April) for the best selection, or late summer through fall (August to October) for the deepest discounts. Those two goals are in direct tension, which is why knowing your priority matters. The following calendar reflects typical retail sale cycles based on how major retailers historically move seasonal inventory.
| Time Period | What's Happening | Expected Discount | Best Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| March–April | New season inventory arrives, full selection | 0–10% | All retailers, warehouse clubs |
| Memorial Day (late May) | First major holiday sale event | 15–25% | Home Depot, Lowe's, Wayfair, Amazon |
| Fourth of July | Mid-season sale, some clearance begins | 20–30% | Most retailers |
| Late July–August | End-of-season markdowns begin | 30–50% | Big Lots, Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart |
| Labor Day (early Sept) | Deepest seasonal discounts | 40–60% | All retailers, especially floor clearance |
| October–November | Remaining inventory cleared, sparse selection | 50–70% | Big-box clearance, outlet stores |
| Black Friday/Cyber Monday | Some patio deals, mostly indoor furniture | 20–40% | Wayfair, Amazon, online retailers |
| January–February | Off-season, very limited stock, patio absent | Rare deals | Online-only closeouts |
Labor Day is consistently cited by deal editors at Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest, and similar publications as the single best window for patio furniture value. Retailers are actively clearing floor space for fall merchandise, and the discounts on remaining summer stock are real. If you can wait until late August or early September and are flexible on color or exact style, you will almost certainly get a better deal than shopping in peak season.
Deal-hunting tactics that actually work
Price matching is one of the most underused tools at big-box stores. Home Depot and Lowe's both have formal price-match policies, and if you find an identical product cheaper at a competitor, show them the listing on your phone. I've used this to get Home Depot to match a Lowe's price on a Hampton Bay set, saving about $75 with literally 30 seconds of effort. Walmart also price matches, though the policy has nuances for online-only competitors.
- Use CamelCamelCamel or Keepa to verify whether an Amazon 'sale' is actually a price low before buying
- Stack Lowe's 10% app coupon with an already-discounted clearance price for compounding savings
- Check Rakuten (formerly Ebates) for cash-back portals on Wayfair, Overstock and other furniture sites before clicking through
- Ask big-box stores about open-box or floor-model pricing on display sets, especially in August
- Look for bundle deals: many retailers discount a dining set more than the individual table and chairs sold separately
- Warehouse club financing (Costco Citi card, Sam's Club Mastercard) sometimes offers 0% for 12–18 months on large purchases
- For specialty stores, asking directly about 'last year's model' or 'discontinued colors' can unlock 20–30% off with zero quality compromise
What to check before you buy: a practical buying checklist
Materials determine longevity more than anything else. For frames, cast aluminum and powder-coated steel both last well in most climates; wrought iron is heavy but extremely durable; teak weathers beautifully but needs annual oiling; resin/polypropylene (like POLYWOOD) is essentially maintenance-free. For tabletops, tempered glass is stylish but can crack from impact and is heavy to move; aluminum slat tops are lighter and more durable; tile tops are beautiful but can chip. For cushions, solution-dyed acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella resist fading and mildew far better than polyester; quick-dry foam fill matters if cushions get rained on regularly.
- Measure your space before shopping: account for chair pull-out space (typically 36 inches from table edge to any wall or obstacle)
- Check frame welds and joints for clean, consistent welds with no gaps or sharp edges
- Verify fastener material: stainless steel or marine-grade hardware resists rust; zinc or standard steel fasteners corrode quickly near the coast
- Confirm cushion fabric content: look for solution-dyed acrylic or polyester with UV and mildew resistance ratings
- Count exact pieces included: some 'set' listings only include the table and two chairs; verify the full piece count
- Check tabletop dimensions: a 60-inch round table seats 6, a 72-inch rectangle seats 6–8
- Look up the warranty: frame warranties of 3–5+ years and fabric warranties of 1–3 years are reasonable benchmarks
Warranties, returns and pre-purchase inspection
Hampton Bay (Home Depot's house brand) offers fabric and frame warranties ranging from one to three years depending on the specific SKU, so always look at the actual product page rather than assuming brand-wide coverage. Keter publishes a limited two-year warranty on most of their resin patio sets. POLYWOOD backs their recycled poly lumber with a 20-year warranty, which is exceptional and a big part of why their prices are higher.
Before you accept delivery on a boxed set, photograph the exterior of every carton. If anything looks crushed or punctured, note it before signing. Once unboxed, do a full inspection within 48 hours: check all welds, run a hand along fabric edges for fraying or uneven stitching, and verify every piece of hardware is present. Reporting damage within the retailer's claim window (typically 30–72 hours for delivery damage) is critical. For in-store purchases, check the store's policy on clearance items before you buy, since some stores only offer exchanges or store credit on marked-down merchandise.
How to compare options and close the purchase
Once you've identified two or three candidates, get quotes from at least two channels for the same or equivalent set. Google Shopping is fast for this. Factor in delivery costs, assembly costs (your time or paid service), and any applicable coupons or cash back. Measure your outdoor space one more time with tape, not memory, and confirm the table dimensions give you adequate clearance on all sides. If delivery is involved, confirm the delivery window, note any staircase or gate access issues upfront to avoid extra charges, and get a delivery date in writing.
For large sets over $500, I always recommend reading the return policy one more time right before clicking purchase. Know whether you can return assembled pieces, how long you have, and whether return shipping is on you. Then buy with confidence, knowing you've done the legwork most shoppers skip.
Quick guide: which channel fits your situation
Different shoppers have different priorities, and the right channel shifts accordingly. Here's how I'd steer a buyer based on their main goal, whether that's saving money, getting something ready to use immediately, finding a designer look, or scoring a deal on used furniture.
| Shopper Priority | Best Channel(s) | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price, new furniture | Walmart, Big Lots, warehouse clubs | Shop late July–September for deepest discounts |
| Best value for durability | Costco, direct-from-manufacturer (POLYWOOD, Keter) | Buy Costco in spring before stock sells out |
| Widest selection to compare | Wayfair, Amazon | Use Keepa to verify Amazon pricing is genuine |
| Already assembled, ready to use | Wayfair white-glove, specialty stores, or hire TaskRabbit (~$150) | Confirm assembly is included before checkout |
| Designer or high-end look | Specialty outdoor showroom, direct-from-brand | Ask about last season's colors for 20–30% off |
| Used or secondhand deal | Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, estate sales | Move fast on good listings; inspect hardware in person |
| In-person shopping with easy returns | Home Depot, Lowe's | Price match competitors at checkout |
| Conversation set or specific brand | Brand's authorized dealer list, Wayfair filtered search | Search model number on Google Shopping to compare prices |
FAQ
Where are the best channels to buy patio tables and chairs?
Shop across five channels: big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart) for broad selection and in-store pick-up; warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s) for member-only SKUs and seasonal value; online marketplaces (Amazon, Wayfair) for huge selection, reviews and add-on white‑glove delivery; specialty/manufacturer sites (POLYWOOD, Keter, Hampton Bay) for brand-direct warranties and often preassembled pieces; and local/second‑hand options (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, thrift stores) for bargains and unique finds.
How do I compare price, inventory and timing between these channels?
Compare by checking (1) list price + shipping/assembly fees, (2) stock status (in‑store, online-only, sold out) and expected lead time, and (3) member or promo pricing. Warehouse clubs often rotate seasonal SKUs and show limited online inventory; big-box sites show assembly details and lead times; marketplaces use dynamic pricing. Use price-history tools (CamelCamelCamel, Keepa) for Amazon listings, and monitor holidays and end‑of‑season sales (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday) for the best discounts.
Which retailers make assembly easy or ship preassembled?
Manufacturer-direct and higher-end brands frequently minimize assembly—POLYWOOD often ships chairs preassembled and tables with minimal leg assembly; Keter and other resin brands advertise quick or no‑tool assembly. Big-box listings (Home Depot, Lowe’s) clearly label “Assembly Required” and sometimes estimate time. Wayfair, Costco and BJ’s offer add‑on white‑glove or installation services on eligible items for an extra fee.
What delivery and assembly services should I expect and how much do they cost?
Expect options: curbside delivery (often free or included), threshold/in‑home delivery, and white‑glove full assembly (extra). Wayfair and other retailers document paid full‑service delivery ($100–$200+ depending on item). Warehouse clubs show delivery lead times and assembly add‑ons at checkout. Local third‑party assembly (TaskRabbit) averages about $34/hour with typical patio‑set jobs around ~$150 but varies by city and complexity.
How do I find assembled or largely assembled patio sets?
Search manufacturer sites or filter retailer pages for “preassembled,” “no‑tool” or “hassle free assembly.” Look for brands known for preassembly (POLYWOOD chairs; some Keter resin items). Read product pages and reviews for notes like “chairs came preassembled; table required minimal assembly.” Use search terms “preassembled patio set,” “assembled patio furniture,” or brand + “assembled” to narrow results.
What are smart tactics for finding deals and timing my purchase?
Watch seasonal windows: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday/Cyber Monday and late‑season clearances (August–October). Sign up for retailer emails, use browser extensions or price trackers (CamelCamelCamel, Keepa) to verify historical lows, and monitor warehouse‑club online drops for limited SKUs. Consider buying off‑season for best prices, or grabbing floor models/clearance items in late season for steep discounts.

