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Outdoor & Patio Furniture Flipping Guide: Make Money Reselling 2026

Jan 31, 2026 • 12 min

Outdoor & Patio Furniture Flipping Guide: Make Money Reselling in 2026

Outdoor furniture is one of the most underrated flipping categories in reselling. While everyone fights over sneakers and electronics, experienced flippers quietly turn weathered patio sets found in October into $500-$1,500 profit sales every spring. The formula is simple: buy when nobody wants it, restore it for pennies, sell when everyone needs it.

If you have a truck and a pressure washer, patio furniture flipping can become one of your most profitable side hustles in 2026.

Quick Stats: Outdoor Furniture Flipping at a Glance

Metric Details
Profit Margins 40–150%
Startup Cost $200–$1,000
Average Sell Time 5–30 days (season-dependent)
Difficulty Level Beginner
Best Selling Season March–June
Best Buying Season October–February
Primary Sales Channel Facebook Marketplace (local pickup)
Space Needed Garage, shed, or covered storage area

Why Outdoor Furniture Is So Profitable for Resellers

Patio furniture sits in a pricing sweet spot that most resellers overlook entirely. Here’s why the margins are so strong.

Retail Prices Are High

Patio dining sets retail for $1,500 to $5,000+. A single Brown Jordan chaise lounge retails for over $2,000. A teak conversation set from Gloster can run $4,000-$8,000. Buyers at these price points take excellent care of their furniture—meaning secondhand supply is often in fantastic condition.

People Replace It Constantly

Every time someone moves, remodels, downsizes, or upgrades their patio, they need to offload their existing set. Sellers just want it gone—especially when moving day is two weeks away and there’s a six-piece sectional on the deck.

Seasonal Price Swings Create Arbitrage

In November, a $1,200 retail patio dining set might sell for $150 on Facebook Marketplace. Come April, that same set fetches $500-$700 because every homeowner suddenly needs outdoor seating for their Memorial Day cookout. That seasonal gap is the core profit engine—no other furniture category has such a predictable cycle.

Shipping Is a Barrier (In Your Favor)

Most patio furniture is bulky and heavy, which kills competition from national resellers. Your market is local—less competition, no shipping headaches, and buyers who see items in person.

Premium Brands With the Best Resale Value

Not all outdoor furniture is created equal. These premium brands command the highest resale prices and have loyal buyer followings who actively search for them secondhand.

Brown Jordan — $500–$3,000 Resale

The gold standard of outdoor luxury. Aluminum frames are practically indestructible, and the brand carries serious prestige. A dining set for six regularly sells for $1,000-$2,000 secondhand. If you find Brown Jordan at an estate sale, buy it immediately.

Restoration Hardware (RH) Outdoor — $400–$2,500 Resale

RH Outdoor pieces are massive, heavy, and beautiful. Their teak and aluminum collections are especially popular. Buyers seeking the RH aesthetic will pay a premium rather than wait 12 weeks for new delivery.

Gloster Teak — $500–$3,000 Resale

European brand using grade-A plantation teak. A Gloster dining table alone resells for $800-$1,500. Complete sets move quickly among buyers who understand teak quality.

Dedon — $1,000–$5,000 Resale

Ultra-premium handwoven outdoor furniture. Finding Dedon secondhand is rare, but margins are extraordinary. A Dedon Nestrest hanging lounger retails for $8,000+ and resells for $2,500-$4,000.

Pottery Barn Outdoor — $200–$800 Resale

Sweet spot between premium quality and mainstream recognition. Their Chatham, Indio, and Abbott collections are consistently popular. A PB outdoor dining set with cushions typically sells for $400-$700.

Frontgate — $300–$1,500 Resale

Catalog brand known for higher-end outdoor living. Fire pit tables, bar sets, and modular seating sell especially well. Secondhand pieces are often in near-perfect condition.

Mid-Range Brands That Sell Quickly

You won’t get the same margins on these, but mid-range brands move fast and are far easier to source.

  • Polywood — $150–$600 resale. Made from recycled plastic that’s virtually indestructible. Never rusts, never rots, never fades. Polywood Adirondack chairs are the single easiest outdoor furniture flip: buy for $50-$80 off-season, sell for $150-$200 in spring. The eco-friendly angle is a genuine selling point in 2026.
  • Trex Outdoor Furniture — $100–$500 resale. Similar to Polywood in material (recycled composites) with strong brand recognition from their decking products. Buyers trust the name.
  • World Market — $100–$400 resale. Their acacia wood and wicker collections have a distinct bohemian aesthetic that photographs beautifully for Marketplace listings. Tends to attract younger buyers furnishing their first homes.
  • Hampton Bay (Home Depot) — $50–$250 resale. Lower margins but extremely quick sales. Almost everyone recognizes Hampton Bay, and replacement cushions are readily available. Great for beginners building capital—you can often find complete Hampton Bay sets at curb alerts for free and sell them for $100-$200 with minimal cleanup.

Types of Outdoor Furniture That Sell Best

Dining Sets — Highest Value

Outdoor dining sets (table + 4-6 chairs) are the most sought-after category. A complete, clean set with cushions can command $400-$2,000+ depending on brand. Buyers are furnishing a specific space and want a complete solution. Always try to sell dining sets as a complete package—you’ll earn 30-50% more than parting them out.

Sectional Sofas and Conversation Sets

Modular outdoor sectionals from brands like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware are extremely popular. They’re also the most challenging to transport, which scares off amateur flippers and keeps your competition low. A quality outdoor sectional that cost $3,000+ new can resell for $800-$1,800.

Fire Pit Tables — $200–$800 Resale

Fire pit tables have exploded in popularity. Propane-powered fire pit tables from brands like Frontgate, Agio, and even Hampton Bay sell quickly in spring. A gas fire pit table in working condition with a cover is an easy $300-$600 sale. Always confirm the burner works and the gas line has no leaks before listing.

Adirondack Chairs — $50–$200 Each

The bread and butter of outdoor furniture flipping. Adirondack chairs are everywhere, easy to transport, and always in demand. Polywood and recycled-plastic versions command $150-$200 each. Wood Adirondacks sell for $50-$120 depending on condition. They fit in any vehicle, take five minutes to clean, and sell within a week in season.

Hammocks, Swings, and Hanging Chairs

Egg chairs and porch swings are trendy right now and photograph incredibly well for social media-driven sales. A quality hanging egg chair with a stand sells for $200-$500. Porch swings in good condition fetch $100-$300. These are lightweight, easy to store, and attract impulse buyers.

Umbrella Stands and Canopies

Not a primary flip, but excellent add-ons. A quality market umbrella (9-11 foot) with a heavy base sells for $50-$150. Bundle it with a dining set to justify a higher total price, or sell standalone for a quick return.

Material Guide: Understanding Value by Construction

The material your outdoor furniture is made from directly determines its resale value, longevity, and buyer demand. Here’s the hierarchy from most to least valuable.

Teak — Most Valuable

Grade-A teak contains natural oils that resist rot, insects, and weather. It lasts 50-75 years with zero maintenance and holds value better than any other material. Look for Gloster, Kingsley Bate, and Country Casual.

Flipper tip: Don’t refinish weathered teak unless the buyer wants it golden. Many enthusiasts prefer the natural silver patina. If you refinish, use teak oil—never varnish or polyurethane.

Powder-Coated Aluminum — Lightweight, Durable

The backbone of modern outdoor furniture. Lightweight, rust-proof, and available in every style. Check for chips in the powder coating—small chips are easily touched up, but large exposed areas suggest heavy use.

Wrought Iron — Heavy but Classic

Timeless aesthetic, strong prices, especially vintage styles. The downside: weight (200+ pounds for a dining set) and rust. Surface rust is easily fixed, but deep structural rust means the piece is compromised. Always check joints and welds.

All-Weather Wicker and Resin — Popular, Moderate Value

Synthetic wicker woven over aluminum frames is the most common patio furniture material. Check for broken or unraveling weave—small repairs are possible, but large damaged sections make the piece unsellable.

Recycled Plastic / HDPE / Polywood — Growing Demand

Eco-friendly, maintenance-free, and virtually indestructible. Won’t rot, crack, splinter, or fade. Polywood and Trex are seeing increased demand from environmentally conscious buyers. If you find it cheap, buy it.

Restoration Tips: Turn $15 Into $100+ in Added Value

The real money in outdoor furniture flipping comes from restoration. Most pieces need nothing more than basic cleaning, but a few targeted improvements can dramatically increase your selling price.

Power Washing — The Instant Transformation

A pressure washer is the most important tool for an outdoor furniture flipper. A dirty, mossy patio set looks nearly new after 20 minutes. Buy a basic electric pressure washer for $80-$150—it pays for itself on your first flip. Use the 25-degree nozzle for most surfaces.

Before/after photos after power washing are your best marketing tool.

Spray Painting Metal Frames — $15 in Supplies, $100+ in Value

A can of Rust-Oleum Universal metallic spray paint costs $8-$12. Two cans will refinish an entire dining set’s metal frame. The steps are simple:

  1. Clean and dry the frame completely
  2. Lightly sand any rusty or flaking areas with 220-grit sandpaper
  3. Wipe down with a tack cloth
  4. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer if bare metal is exposed
  5. Apply 2-3 light coats of spray paint, waiting 15 minutes between coats
  6. Allow 24 hours to fully cure before handling

This $15 investment regularly adds $100-$200 to your selling price. A freshly painted frame with new cushions can look indistinguishable from new.

Replacing Cushions — The Biggest Value-Add

Outdoor cushions are the #1 reason patio furniture gets thrown away. Your options:

  • Sunbrella replacement cushions: $30-$80 per cushion. UV-resistant, water-repellent, mold-resistant. Can add $200-$500 to selling price.
  • Amazon/Wayfair generic cushions: $15-$40 per cushion. Good enough for mid-range sets.
  • DIY recovering: Sunbrella fabric by the yard ($20-$30/yard) over existing foam is the cheapest option.

Pro tip: Check if the brand sells direct replacement cushions—Pottery Barn, Frontgate, and others sell exact-fit replacements.

Teak Oil Treatment

For teak furniture that looks gray and neglected, a teak oil or teak sealer treatment restores the warm golden color in minutes. Apply with a brush, let it soak for 15 minutes, wipe off the excess. One bottle of teak oil costs $15-$20 and treats multiple pieces. Photograph both the natural patina and the oiled finish—let the buyer choose their preference.

Rust Treatment With Naval Jelly

Naval jelly (phosphoric acid gel) dissolves surface rust from iron and steel furniture in 15-30 minutes. Apply it to rusty areas, let it work, scrub with a wire brush, rinse clean, then prime and paint. A $10 bottle of naval jelly can save a $500 wrought iron set from the scrap heap. Wear gloves—this stuff is serious chemistry.

Seasonal Timing Strategy: The Key to Maximum Profits

Timing is everything in outdoor furniture flipping. This calendar is your profit roadmap.

When to BUY: October Through February

This is your buying season. Take advantage of:

  • October–November: End-of-season desperation. Homeowners who listed their patio set in September at $800 have been dropping the price for weeks. By November, they just want it gone before the first freeze. Offer 40-50% of their asking price—many will accept.
  • December–January: Moving season cold-weather purge. People moving in winter will practically give away outdoor furniture. Estate sales during winter months often have patio sets priced at 10-20% of retail.
  • January–February: Retail clearance goldmine. Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Costco, and Walmart clear out remaining outdoor inventory at 50-70% off. A $600 Hampton Bay dining set drops to $180-$250. Buy it, store it, and sell it in April for $350-$450.

When to SELL: March Through June

  • March: Early birds start shopping. List your best pieces to capture the most eager buyers—those building new decks or patios for spring.
  • April–May: Peak demand. This is when you sell the bulk of your inventory. Prices are highest, buyers are most motivated, and listings get the most views. Price at 50-65% of retail for excellent-condition premium brands.
  • June: Still strong, especially for fire pit tables, conversation sets, and items suited for summer entertaining. After July 4th, demand drops noticeably.

The Dead Zone: July Through September

Avoid buying OR selling in peak summer unless you find an exceptional deal. Most people who wanted patio furniture already bought it. Prices flatten, sell times increase, and your capital is better deployed elsewhere. Use this time to scout estate sales and build a watchlist for fall buying.

Where to Sell: Local Platforms Are King

Outdoor furniture is almost exclusively a local sale. Shipping a 150-pound dining set across the country is impractical and unprofitable. Focus your efforts on these platforms:

Facebook Marketplace — 90% of Your Sales

Facebook Marketplace dominates outdoor furniture reselling. Tips for success:

  • List in multiple local buy/sell groups within 30 miles
  • Use all 20 photo slots — more photos = faster sales
  • Include dimensions in the first three lines of your description
  • Price 10-15% above your target to leave negotiation room
  • Renew your listing every 7 days to stay at the top of search results

OfferUp and Craigslist

OfferUp is strong in western U.S. markets. Craigslist still moves furniture in larger metros. Cross-list on both—five minutes of extra work is always worth the exposure.

Use Underpriced to Check Your Margins

Before buying a piece to flip, run the brand and model through Underpriced to check comparable resale prices. Knowing the realistic selling price before you commit your money is the difference between a profitable flip and an expensive lesson. The app pulls real market data so you’re not guessing.

Where to Source Outdoor Furniture

End-of-Season Retail Clearance

The single most reliable sourcing method. Between October and February, big-box retailers aggressively clear outdoor inventory:

  • Home Depot: Hampton Bay sets at 50-70% off starting in October
  • Lowe’s: Allen + Roth and Garden Treasures collections heavily discounted
  • Target: Threshold and Smith & Hawken patio lines marked down 60%+
  • Costco: Premium outdoor sets at 40-50% off (their quality is surprisingly good)
  • Walmart: Mainstays brand at rock-bottom clearance—low margins but essentially risk-free

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist (Buying Side)

Search daily for keywords like “patio furniture,” “outdoor set,” “moving must sell,” and specific brand names. Set up saved searches with notifications. The best deals appear and disappear within hours—speed matters.

Estate Sales and Moving Sales

Estate sales are outdoor furniture goldmines, especially in affluent neighborhoods. Premium brands like Brown Jordan, Gloster, and Frontgate are disproportionately found at estate sales because their original buyers invested in quality. Arrive early and be ready to load.

Curb Alerts and Neighborhood Finds

Download the Nextdoor app and follow “free” and “curb alert” posts in multiple neighborhoods. Drive through suburban neighborhoods on bulk trash pickup weeks—you’ll find complete patio sets at the curb that need nothing more than a hose-down. Apartment complexes near the end of the month are another reliable source, especially near universities during May move-outs.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores

ReStore locations receive donated furniture regularly and price it to sell quickly. Outdoor furniture donations spike in fall months. Check your local ReStore weekly—pricing is almost always below market.

Pricing Your Inventory for Maximum Profit

General Pricing Framework

Condition Target Price (% of Retail)
Like-new with cushions 50–65% of retail
Good condition, clean cushions 40–55% of retail
Good frame, faded/no cushions 25–40% of retail
Needs restoration work 15–25% of retail
Damaged/parts only 5–15% of retail

The Cushion Premium

Complete sets with clean, unstained cushions command a 30-40% price premium over identical sets without cushions. This is why replacing cushions is such a powerful value-add. A dining set worth $400 without cushions can sell for $550-$600 with fresh Sunbrella cushions that cost you $120-$160 total.

Conversely, missing or destroyed cushions reduce your price by 30-40%. Factor this into your buying decisions—if replacement cushions will cost $200, make sure the math still works.

Complete Sets Beat Individual Pieces

Always prioritize complete sets over individual pieces. A patio dining table alone might sell for $150, and each chair for $40. Together as a set? $350-$400. Buyers want convenience—they don’t want to hunt for matching pieces.

If you do end up with orphaned pieces, group them into curated “mismatched” sets. A table with four coordinating-but-not-matching chairs, styled nicely in photos, sells faster than individual items.

Photography Tips That Sell Outdoor Furniture Fast

Stage on an Actual Patio or Deck

Outdoor furniture photographed on a patio or deck sells 2-3x faster than the same furniture in a garage. Buyers need to envision the set in their own space. If you don’t have a presentable outdoor area, ask a friend to borrow theirs for photos.

Shoot During Golden Hour

Late afternoon light makes outdoor furniture look warm and inviting. Avoid midday harsh shadows. Overcast days also produce great even lighting.

Show the Full Set and the Details

Take these photos for every listing:

  1. Wide shot of the complete set from a slight angle
  2. Close-up of material/texture (weave, grain, finish)
  3. Close-up of any wear or damage (honesty builds trust)
  4. Brand label/tag if available
  5. Cushions removed and stacked (shows thickness)

Include Dimensions

Measure and list table length, width, height, chair seat height, and overall footprint. This eliminates back-and-forth messaging and speeds up sales.

Transportation and Delivery Logistics

What You Need

A pickup truck or cargo van handles 95% of outdoor furniture. If you don’t own one:

  • Rent from Home Depot: $19/75 minutes for a pickup truck
  • SUV with seats down: Adirondack chairs, bistro sets, umbrellas, and hanging chairs all fit

Offering Delivery

Charge $25-$50 for delivery within 15 miles. Buyers happily pay to avoid renting a truck, and it gives you an edge over “pickup only” sellers. Delivery fees are pure profit.

Protect Your Vehicle

Moving blankets ($15-$25 for a 6-pack) and ratchet straps ($20 for a set of 4) prevent damage to your vehicle and inventory.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

Issue Assessment Fix
Surface rust on iron/steel Check if structural or cosmetic Wire brush, naval jelly, prime, paint
Faded cushions Check for mold underneath Replace or recover with Sunbrella
Moldy cushions Smell test—mold smell kills sales Usually replace; OxiClean soak for mild cases
Wobbly legs/joints Check if hardware or structural Tighten bolts; wood glue for wooden joints
Missing hardware Common with used sets Home Depot/Lowe’s bolt aisle, or order from brand
UV-degraded plastic Check for brittleness If brittle, pass—no fix for structural UV damage
Cracked resin wicker Small vs. large damage Small: repair with zip ties and weave; Large: pass
Stained/discolored stone tops Type of stone matters Poultice for granite/marble; replacement for severe
Broken glass tabletops Safety issue Order replacement tempered glass; $40-$100 per table
Faded wood finish Especially common with teak, cedar Sand lightly, re-oil or re-stain

Scaling Your Outdoor Furniture Flipping Business

Once you’ve completed a few successful flips, here’s how to scale:

  • Build storage. A small storage unit ($50-$100/month) or garage bay lets you stockpile 10-15 pieces in October and sell through March-May.
  • Create a brand presence. Start a local Facebook page for your restored furniture and post before/after photos.
  • Batch-process restorations. Set up a cleaning station and process multiple pieces at once.
  • Track your numbers. Use Underpriced to log buys, restoration costs, and selling prices for smarter decisions.
  • Partner with landscapers and stagers. They have clients who need outdoor furniture and can send you consistent referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is outdoor furniture flipping good for beginners?

Yes—it’s one of the best entry points in reselling. Startup costs are low (you can begin with free curb finds), restoration skills are basic, and the seasonal demand pattern is predictable. Many flippers start here and expand into other categories.

How much space do I need to flip outdoor furniture?

A single-car garage or covered carport is enough to start. For seasonal stockpiling, a two-car garage or small storage unit ($50-$100/month) holds 8-12 pieces through winter. Avoid storing cushions in unheated spaces—temperature swings promote mold.

What’s the best outdoor furniture to flip for quick profit?

Polywood and recycled plastic Adirondack chairs offer the fastest, most consistent returns. They’re easy to find, easy to clean, easy to transport (they fit in any vehicle), and they sell within days during spring. Buy them for $30-$80 off-season and sell for $120-$200 in April-May. Low risk, repeatable, and virtually no restoration needed.

Can I ship outdoor furniture to buyers?

In most cases, no. Shipping a 100-pound patio set cross-country costs $200-$500 through freight carriers, which destroys your margins. The exception is smaller items like individual Adirondack chairs, umbrella stands, or decorative side tables—these can sometimes ship via UPS or FedEx for $30-$60 in flat-rate or oversized boxes. Stick to local sales for 95% of your inventory.

How do I tell if outdoor furniture is worth buying?

Check three things: (1) the brand or material quality—look for brand labels underneath seats or on frame tags, (2) structural integrity—sit on it, rock it, check joints and welds for cracks, and (3) cosmetic condition—surface issues like dirt, mild rust, or faded finish are fixable, but structural problems (cracked welds, rotted wood, brittle UV-damaged plastic) are deal-breakers.

What if I find a great piece but the cushions are destroyed?

Buy it anyway if the frame is a premium brand. Factor in $100-$250 for replacement cushions and price your offer accordingly. A Brown Jordan dining set with frames in great condition is worth buying even without any cushions—you’ll still profit after replacing them. For mid-range brands, the cushion replacement cost might eat your margin. Do the math before committing.

How do I handle lowball offers on Facebook Marketplace?

Price 10-15% above your true target to build in negotiation room. Counter lowball offers at 5% below listed price. Never accept a lowball on a freshly posted listing—wait 5-7 days before considering steep discounts.

Do I need to disclose damage or wear in my listings?

Absolutely, and it actually helps you sell faster. Buyers trust sellers who are upfront about flaws. Photograph any scratches, rust spots, cushion stains, or wobbles and mention them in your listing with phrases like “minor surface rust on two chair legs—doesn’t affect stability” or “one cushion has slight fading on the back side.” Honest listings attract serious buyers and reduce time-wasting meetups where buyers try to negotiate down in person.

What’s the single most profitable outdoor furniture flip?

A complete Brown Jordan or Gloster teak dining set sourced from a winter estate sale for $200-$400, cleaned and photographed beautifully, and sold in April-May for $1,200-$2,000. That’s a single flip returning $800-$1,600 in profit. These opportunities come up several times per season if you’re actively searching. Set alerts for these brand names on every local selling platform.

How do I know what a piece of outdoor furniture is worth before I buy it?

Research is your best friend. Check the brand tag, search the model name on the manufacturer’s website for the original retail price, and then look at completed sales on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist in your area for realistic secondhand pricing. The Underpriced app can also help you quickly evaluate resale value using comparable sales data so you can make confident buying decisions on the spot.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor furniture flipping works because it exploits a simple market inefficiency: seasonal demand shifts create massive price gaps that anyone with a truck and a pressure washer can profit from. The brands are easy to learn, the restoration is straightforward, and the local selling process keeps competition low.

Start small—grab a free Adirondack chair from Craigslist this week, clean it up, and list it. Once you see how fast it sells, you’ll understand why experienced flippers load their garages every fall and clear them out every spring for consistent four-figure seasonal income.