Let's face it, furnishing an outdoor space can be expensive. Outdoor furniture can easily cost as much as indoor furniture, so it's great when you can find outdoor furniture for cheap. However, the furniture also has to last. Outdoor furnishings not only need to hold up well under use but must also be able to withstand elements like sun, wind, rain, snow, pollen and the neighbor's cat.

If you are tired of your old outdoor patio furniture or need to furnish a patio or deck, there are ways to save while still scoring quality pieces.

If your current outdoor furniture is outdated or worn - or missing altogether - we've got great ideas on how to find outdoor furniture for cheap... or even for free!
Tips For Saving Big on Outdoor Furnishings:

1) Buy in the off-season.
I can't emphasis this enough. When you are shopping for anything, buying out-of-season is the best time to score savings. I've found expensive outdoor furnishings marked down to pennies after the summer season has ended. To take advantage of off-season savings for outdoor furniture and decor, wait to shop until after the 4th of July and continue looking on into September.

2) Wait for holiday sales.
We celebrate two major holidays in the summertime - Memorial Day at the end of May and the 4th of July - and stores are always offering sales during these times. Discounts on outdoor furnishings and decor tend to be deeper during the July holiday because stores are anxious to move merchandise before the summer season has ended.

3) Subscribe to the Sunday paper or weekly online ads.
I subscribe to most of my local home store's weekly emails.

Not only do I get advanced notification of upcoming sales and discounts, but they often send out coupons that allow me to score additional savings. If you are internet savvy, be sure you price your item online before heading out to the store. I have occasionally found the price for an item is cheaper at the stores's website than in the store, and stores will almost always match their online prices.

4) Follow estate sales in your area.
I rarely see an estate sale ad come across my desk that does not have outdoor furniture and/or garden decor listed. The hard part may be finding someone else's outdoor furniture that fits your style, but if you aren't too picky, fantastic deals can be had. Many estate sale brokers mark everything half-price the second day of the sale, so if you can wait, you may can score your outdoor furniture for next to nothing!

5) Pay a visit to your local flea markets.
I'm always running across quality, inexpensive handmade outdoor furniture and fantastic vintage outdoor finds at my local flea market and "antique" mall. I also frequent Habitat for Humanity's resale shop and my local Goodwill and donation stores. These are great places to find outdoor furniture for super cheap, and not all the furniture and decor is used. For example, my local Target donates all of their unsold clearance merchandise to a thrift store in my area. They may do the same in yours!

6) Be on the lookout for yard and moving sales.
These work just like estate sales but prices are usually even lower. And since most yard and moving sales take place in the spring, you can often get quality outdoor furniture before the summer season even begins. For the best selection, look for neighborhood wide yard sale days where numerous houses participate.

7) Ask for a discount.
If the furniture you love in the store is slightly damaged, worn or scratched or is the floor model, don't hesitate to ask for a discount, especially if it is the last piece left. These minor cosmetic blemishes can save you a ton of money. I've found that you will usually get a better deal if you politely name the price you want to pay instead of just asking for a generic discount. Start at 25 to 50 percent off of the full value. The manager or associate can always counteroffer.

8) Repurpose indoor furnishings.
Yes, unless you plan to move your outdoor furniture indoors when not in use, it does need to be able to withstand the elements. However, you may be surprised how easy it is to prepare that old wood dining table or metal daybed for outdoor use. Most indoor furniture (sans upholstery) may be used outdoors with only a little bit of prep and sealant work.

9) Try a little DIY.
You don't need a ton of skill or creativity to fashion your own outdoor furniture. Free plans for almost anything can be found online, and we have a ton of ideas to get you started. To save on wood and supplies, shop building salvage stores.

10) "Shop" curbside.
This is a great way to score outdoor furniture for free. However, you can't be too selective, you have to be willing to think a bit creatively, and many times you may have to do a bit of repair work. Still, your efforts can be well worth it. Check your city's curbside pickup schedule and scout around a day or two before. Saturdays are also good times to scout. Don't want to waste gas by driving around? Place a request for free hand-me-downs on CraigsList or Freecycle.org.

For more information and tips on where to shop for outdoor furniture and decor, see our article.