September "is a huge month for any outdoor furniture," Mendelsohn says. "Anything that is summer stock is getting cleared out."
And this year, it can be a double boon to consumers on Labor Day and beyond. "The fall, for a big part of the country, is a big time of the year to do entertaining," says P. Allen Smith, author of "Living in the Garden Home." "With the extreme heat, a lot of folks lost out on their summer."
So when patio furniture and related items go on sale for up to 50 percent off in September, it offers a chance "to reclaim your summer," Smith says.
Shoppers can get deals on those same goods online, Mendelsohn says. Many online retailers offer free shipping, which amounts to free furniture delivery, she says.
Two good areas for bargains and sales:
- Cushions up to 60 percent off.
- Patterned accessories, which tend to be on sale more than the basic colors, Mendelsohn says. "Patterns are a great way to shop for bargains."
Other patio items that promise bargains during and after Labor Day: ceiling fans, grills and grilling equipment, Smith says.