10 Tips for Finding Inexpensive Patio Furniture

Traditionally, your best bets for finding outdoor furniture at flea markets will be with vintage pieces.

Experts advise flea market shoppers to arrive early when it first opens, or toward the end. Early birds will get first pick at the good stuff. At the end of the day, however, it's easier to negotiate with the dealer, who may still be anxious to sell more stuff or who doesn't want to load the outdoor furniture back into the truck or van and haul it home.

Habitat for Humanity has opened numerous ReStores throughout the United States and Canada, where they sell reusable and surplus building materials, household fixtures, furnishings and appliances to the public. Since the financial crisis, consignment stores have increased their business.

If you're more of a casual cruiser, the kind who slowly drives by a yard sale to survey the merchandise without parking your car, you can cover lots of ground on a Saturday morning. While estate sales are more firm on their prices, you can always negotiate. Be reasonable, though. If they wanted to give it away, they'd donate their stuff to a charity.

Discounts on patio furniture -- or any seasonal items, for that matter -- usually start at 25%, then jump to 50% off. At this point in price reductions most of the furniture is purchased. If you want to hold out for 75% off, you can wait two or three more weeks, although the selection will be limited.

Another suggestion: after the winter holidays, check out the boxes of lights that are marked down. The ones that don't resemble icicles or candy canes might light-up your yard next summer, strung in a tree or a gazebo. Better yet, look for energy-efficient LED lights and save even more money.

Both publishers and others have produced books on this subject for decades. If you want to build something contemporary, buy a recently published book on the subject. If you're interested in matching the patio furniture style to the era or architectural design of your house, look for an older book on making furniture. Sources include online and library bookstores.

Books, magazines and online sites (like About.com) are excellent sources of inspiration.

Since the downturn in the economy, many people have had to move or downsize. Relatives may be moving into a smaller place temporarily and don't want the expense of renting a storage unit. Volunteer to store some pieces of furniture for them, including outdoor furnishings. If you do end up "babysitting" the patio furniture, make sure you take extra-special care of it, remembering to keep the furniture covered or stored during the off-season and away from extremes in temperature.