So you want to cozy-up your deck, your balcony, your patio or porch without putting out the big bucks and you want to do it now so you can enjoy it all summer long? If you have less than a C-note, then craigslist, yard sales, or furniture thrift stores can be your best route. If you have only enough cash for a couple of cans of spray paint and some sand paper then keep your eyes on the free items listing in craigslist for-sale section or resort to dumpster diving and curb cruising on trash pick up day.With from $100 to $150 in your pocket you can head out to the following stores to score a decent deal:
HOME DEPOT - The Elissa bistro set (sku 372-190) that was $149 is on sale for $99. Ideal for a small space such as a balcony or apartment patio. The set consists of two steel framed chairs with a small (24x22x26-inch high) glass-top table. Nothing about this set looks cheap although they really could have added two-inches to the table's height. The thick 2-piece chair cushions that are included in the sale price are made of a rich looking burgundy and taupe striped weather resistant fabric. This set would also look good indoors in a breakfast nook or a small kitchen. The stores I visited were well stocked, but with this being such a good looking set and if you don't need more than a two-seater, you'd better jump on it.
HOME DEPOT - If you're in need of something larger, consider this 5-piece Hampton Bay set (sku 514-090) for $119. The glass-top 36x36x28-inch high table can accommodate an umbrella but one is not included in the set. The four folding sling chairs have lightweight metal frames with mesh weather resistant fabric seats and backs. This dining set is all beige and speaks of economy and function.
WALMART - For one dollar less than the Home Depot 5-piece set you can find a similar but more expensive looking set at Walmart. The glass-top table with a cutout for an umbrella (not included) measures 38x32x28-inches high. The four folding sling chairs have light weight dark brown metal frames and tan weather resistant fabric.
WALMART - The smaller 3-piece bistro set with a glass-top 24x24x28-inch table is priced at $98. The two dark brown steel frame chairs are heavier than the larger folding set but the seats and backs are covered with the same tan weather resistant fabric. Nice looking.
TARGET -So you want an umbrella with that? Target offers a 6-piece patio set with four folding sling chairs and a rectangular glass-top table for $139, marked down from $154. This same set was on sale in March for $129. Seek out the department manager and negotiate yourself a $10 discount. The dark light-weight metal frames are complimented with beige weather resistant fabric and a beige market-style umbrella. No umbrella base included.
TARGET - Piece together a black wrought iron set of individual folding pieces to suit your needs. The chairs are often on sale for $20 each and the 28-inch folding round table sometimes goes for as low as $26, also a shorter 20-inch round side table is available for $18 or so.
KMART - Reduced from $189.99, Kmart offers a 6-piece set that includes an umbrella, but no stand, for $129.99. Styles vary by store and my nearest store had none in stock.
CVS - Yes, the drug store, has a 5-piece set similar to the Walmart set with the rectangular table. The price, with their free loyalty card, is a great value at $88.88, such a deal!
KROGER - This Kendall 5-piece folding sling chair and table set looks much like CVS's except it has a 32-inch square table. Like CVS, the $88.88 to $99 price is easy on the budget.
KROGER - Just recently (second week of June), Kroger added a dark teak-wood folding bistro set to the mix. The slatted square table measures 24-inches. This great looking 3-piece set is worth every penny of the $129.99 price. Suitable for outdoors, but would also look good inside and since all pieces fold, they could be stashed in a closet to use when extra seating is needed.
CONSUMER NOTE - If you have a noticeably rotund physique, these chair and table sets probably won't work for you. Check out the higher quality and more expensive options for better comfort, safety and durability.
CONSUMER NOTE - Prices and styles may vary by region.
photo by Kat Photography
