The Great Patio Paradox is upon us. The best time to buy outdoor furniture and patio sets is in August or September. But we realize not everyone wants to wait until the summer ends to enjoy a cool(ish) evening relaxing on the deck. As such, we've put together this roundup of hot patio furniture deals, which offers great mid-season discounts on the likes of canopies and gazebos, outdoor club chairs, and more.

1. E-Z Up Pagoda 13x13-Foot Instant Shelter
   Store: Sears
   Price: $127.99 via coupon code "SEARS5OFF50" with in-store pickup
   Lowest By: $72
   Expires: July 20

   Is It Worth It?: Need a little shade out on the patio or yard? This pagoda is a peach, as it measures 13'x13' with its canopy and features a 150D polyester two-tone top, pull-pin sliders on legs, matching tiebacks provide additional style elements, and a wheeled carry bag for portability.

2. Martha Stewart Living Captiva II 7-Piece Patio Dining Set
   Store: Home Depot
   Price: $599.40 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $100

   Is It Worth It?: Now that Martha Stewart is a free domestic diva again, we suspect she'll want to spend lots of time outdoors, entertaining guests with a lavish set like this. It includes a 40" table and six dining chairs with mildew and fade-resistant Olefin fabric cushions. (Umbrella sold separately.) This set and other backyard furniture and accessories are a part of Home Depot's Special Values Center, which discounts prices up to 50% off. Note that shipping starts at around $7, or bag free shipping on most orders of $45 or more; or better yet, choose in-store pickup to avoid shipping fees on cheaper items.

3. Threshold Smithwick Metal Patio Club Chair 2-Piece Set
   Store: Target
   Price: $124 with $19.99 s&h
   Lowest By: $124

   Is It Worth It?: Talk about chairs that resist the elements: These
   weather-, fade-, water-, and rust resistant chairs measure approximately 32"x25"x34" and feature olefin fabric cushions. And if you're looking for a place to stash your Threshold chairs away from rain, birds, and other sources of outdoor droppings, check out the Threshold Smithwick 10x10-Foot Gazebo for $187 with $34.99 shipping (a low by $187). While less fancy than the pagoda, this 10x10 gazebo canopy features a steel frame and polyester canopy perfect for shielding your patio furniture — and patio bar — from the elements.

4. Hampton Bay Walnut Creek Patio Club Chair 2-Piece Set with Purple Cushions
   Store: Home Depot
   Price: $199.50 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $200
   Expires: July 31

   Is It Worth It?: Adding comfort and style to your patio has never been easier with this pair of matching club chairs. At $100 a piece, each chair measures 30.5"x33"x30", has a 225 lb. weight capacity, and features weather-resistant resin wicker and a scratch-resistant frame finish.

5. Smith & Hawken Premium Quality Belvi Woven Club Chair
   Store: Target
   Price: $499.50 with $95 s&h
   Lowest By: $500

   Is It Worth It?: Love the club chair style? Go all out with this chic and high-quality chair made from all-weather wicker and stainless steel. And with the rest of the Smith & Hawken premium quality outdoor furniture priced up to 50% off, you can even swing for the rest of the set, including: the Smith & Hawken Premium Quality Belvi Woven Loveseat for $699.50 and the Smith & Hawken Premium Quality Belvi Woven Sofa for $999.50.

Front page photo credit: Renters.com

Lou Carlozo is a dealnews contributing writer. He covers personal finance for Reuters Wealth. Prior to that he was the managing editor of WalletPop.com, and a veteran columnist at the Chicago Tribune.

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