Not IKEA: The Best Places To Buy Affordable Patio Furniture

For those who live in a multi-season region, where outdoor spaces can only be used for a portion of the year, deck or patio furniture can sometimes be a second thought. However, once warmer weather returns, the search for functional, durable, and affordable furniture for outdoor entertaining begins. But before you head over to the nearest IKEA, perhaps comparison-shop price and selection at other stores, such as Wayfair, Walmart, Costco, Aldi, or for a more environmentally friendly, sustainable buy, resale shops.

Wherever you buy, just be sure to read reviews, specifications, and other product details to ensure the pieces aren't only affordable, but also durable to withstand outdoor use. Of course, if you're going green and opting to rehome donated or recycled patio furniture from a resale or thrift shop, prior information and reviews might not be available. In this case, ask questions to learn more, if possible, and thoroughly inspect the piece before you decide. One thing is certain when it comes to thrifted pieces, though, is that you'll know, it's unique.

For online-exclusive budget-friendly patio furniture, you may first think Amazon, but also consider Wayfair. Wayfair allows shoppers to browse its extensive selection with super-specific filters, such as seat capacity, material, furniture type, and even cushion thickness, and of course, price, so you can really zero in on how much you want to spend and the features you would like to have.

Prices range from under $50 to $500 and above, but something to keep in mind is that Wayfair has sales year-round, so that's another way you can potentially save. That said, shopping at the end of the summer season is when you might find the best deals on outdoor chairs, tables, and sets, as this is when Wayfair marks down its unsold patio furniture.

For affordability, though, Walmart is a good place to start. Known for its low prices and Rollbacks (which are temporary price reductions), Walmart carries a large inventory, which you can easily shop by price point: $100 and under, $300 and under, $500 and under, or by Rollback.

To get the best value, be sure to read the customer reviews to better know what you're getting for what you pay. Affordable furniture isn't such a great price if you need to replace it after one season. Also, remember that with Walmart, there's Walmart Marketplace, which is for third-party sellers. Filter by "Walmart" to shop the retailer only.

For Costco members, each year there's a wide selection of outdoor furniture to shop, from chairs and loungers to full patio sets. Costco prices are always competitive, but for the warehouse club's most affordable prices on outdoor furniture, keep an eye out for price cuts at the end of the summer and early fall, as this is when Costco marks down unsold outdoor patio furniture. Costco is constantly shifting what's on its floor, and at the end of summer, it needs to start clearing space for Halloween (and then Christmas) items.

Aldi fans know all about its patio furniture and garden finds, which shoppers can find in the middle aisle of the grocery store. Aldi carries products from its private labels Belavi and Kirkton House, and you can literally find things like an outdoor corner sofa set, a folding rocking chair, or something like the Belavi Wooden Patio Chair, which sells for $49.99, despite the same style costing much more elsewhere. Further, Aldi's famous "ALDI Finds" offer additional, limited-time savings, so again, stay vigilant for patio deals.

And finally, while patio furniture isn't among the best kinds of furniture to try to thrift first, it's still worth it to see what the local resale shops have. At thrift stores, you'll find gently used items, so for quality, you're not going to get outdoor furniture that will fall apart the moment you lift it. Because the items are donated, most can be sold at a significant discount.