The desire to relax in style outside is sending shoppers indoors this month. They're seeking deals on patio sets, individual items and accessories.

National chains and Atlanta boutiques are slashing prices, partly in hopes of clearing out old inventory to make room for next season's lines.

Authenteak (ENLARGE)

Furniture for outdoor entertaining, such as this grouping by Bonaire, often goes on sale in August and September, with prices reduced as much as 70 percent.

Smith & Hawken (ENLARGE)

Chaise lounges by Bayside not only look inviting, but they're also budget-friendly at this time of year.

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Budget-conscious shoppers typically can find prices cut anywhere from 40 percent to 70 percent in July, August and September, said Daniel Butler, vice president of retail operations for the Washington-based National Retail Federation.

It's a chance to buy additional pieces for a set you already own, finally buy something to replace those cheap chairs on your deck or stock up on garden equipment, grills, outdoor pillows, umbrellas and more.

Butler said it's part of the normal business pattern for home and garden stores, and some sales start after the July Fourth weekend, when summer is just getting into full swing. Some have catchy names, such as Restoration Hardware's Clear the Decks sale or the Sizzling Summer sale at Rocky Mountain Patio.

"A lot of the sales you see are geared toward clearing out the floor samples," he said. "It's kind of like every year the week after Christmas, all the Christmas stuff is 75 percent off. This is the time of the year you're really looking at the bargains."

The public expects it, said Eric Brenner, co-owner of Authenteak, an Atlanta outdoor furniture store. By discounting items, it helps them prepare for new products arriving in early September, he said.

Some of Authenteak's sets are up to 50 percent off, although discounts can be greater for damaged pieces or individual items, especially if they're being discontinued.

"It's a good opportunity for people to look for odds and ends," he said. "Products, as great as they may be, sometimes through no fault of my manufacturers, need to be dropped."

Discontinued may bring discounts

Dean Luckino, president and CEO of Georgia Backyard, says the slowdown in the economy is causing manufacturers to discontinue items as they look to sell fewer numbers of sets.

"If you want to get a big saving, buy an item that's being discontinued," Luckino said.

His Atlanta stores have floor model sales going on now, where items are reduced 25 percent to 70 percent, along with discounts on accessories such as acrylic glasses, dishes and cushions. In September, Georgia Backyard holds its popular tent sales.

"I just don't like a set to be in the store for longer than one season because it gets scratched and it looks a little worn," Luckino said.

But be smart, he advised. Ask whether the item is being discontinued because if it is, there won't be a chance to add pieces next year.

Butler recommended that shoppers consider the craftsmanship, even turning tables and chairs upside down and asking how they're assembled. Also ask about warranties, return policies and service agreements, he said.

What you could get

Here's an idea of discounted items you may find at end-of-the-season sales. Be aware that the exact pieces may not be available, depending on who gets to the store before you, and prices may change daily.

Authenteak: Collections on sale at stores such as Authenteak (1094 Huff Road, Atlanta, 404-525-1995, www.authenteak.com) come in a variety of pieces and sizes.

The Castelle Casablanca collection, for example, has a dining set that comes in round and square tables, as well as swivel rocker chairs and standard seating. Pieces in that set are 40 percent off, and for the deep seating set, discounts are 45 percent. The Gloster Scoop dining set, made of all-weather wicker, is 45 percent off, and its cushioned Castelle Bonaire set is priced at 50 percent off.

Smith & Hawken: Smith & Hawken is taking 30 percent off its Avignon Premium Teak Dining and Lounging Collection, which is the store's largest-ever discount on that collection. The sale ends Sept. 1. The nine-piece dining set, regularly $5,569, is $3,889. Or for those seeking a smaller splurge, there's the lounge chair, $629, compared with $899 (the cushion is on sale for $170). Tables are about $100 to $150 off, ranging from $239 to $349.

For the more budget-conscious, there are the Bayside chaises, for $199 each, or $398 for a set of two. Available at its stores in Buckhead (2395 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta) and Marietta's the Avenue at East Cobb, or online at www.smithandhawken.com.

Products on clearance at Smith & Hawken's Buckhead store include electrical sconces, clogs and solar pathlights, which are $48.99 each, compared with a regular price of $99.

Weather-resistant rugs also are part of the specials. Sears' 5-by-7-foot Garden Oasis Buckingham outdoor rug, which claims to resist fading, stains, mildew and mold, is on sale for $63.99.

Sears' sale includes its Kenmore stainless-steel grills. Its total cook area gas grill, which has four burners, a side burner and porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids, is marked down to $749.99 from $899.99 (for the 875-square-inch version). The discounts also apply to cheaper items, such as the Kenmore Premium Grill, at $399.99, compared with $469.99. Available in stores or at www.sears.com.