Uncover Top Picks from Lowe's Clearance Deals of 2026

Major Appliances (Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers)

Appliances represent one of the most significant opportunities for savings on the Lowe's clearance aisle. These deals typically emerge for a few key reasons. The most common trigger is the release of new models by manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE. When the 2027 models are set to arrive, Lowe's needs to clear out the 2026 inventory. This usually happens in the fall, particularly around September and October, making it a prime time to shop. You can often find brand-new, in-box appliances discounted by 20-40% simply because they are last year's version.

Another huge source of appliance deals is floor models or "scratch and dent" items. These are units that have been on display in the store or may have acquired a minor cosmetic imperfection during shipping or handling. A small scratch on the side of a refrigerator that will be hidden by your cabinets could translate into a massive discount, sometimes exceeding 50% off the original price. Always inspect these items carefully to ensure the damage is purely cosmetic and doesn't affect functionality. Ask a store associate about the full warranty, as it often still applies.

Patio Furniture, Grills, and Outdoor Equipment

The seasonal nature of outdoor living products makes them a predictable source of deep clearance discounts. As summer winds down and the weather turns cooler, typically from late August through October, Lowe's begins a major push to clear out its inventory of patio sets, outdoor seating, umbrellas, grills, and smokers. The initial discounts might start at 25%, but patient shoppers who wait until the very end of the season can see prices slashed by 50-75% or even more.

The selection will dwindle as the season ends, so there's a trade-off between choice and discount level. Grills, in particular, see significant markdowns as manufacturers like Weber and Char-Broil prepare to launch their new models for the next spring season. This is the absolute best time to invest in a high-quality grill or patio set that would otherwise be a major expense. If you have the storage space to keep the items over the winter, your patience will be rewarded with substantial savings.

Lawn and Garden Supplies

Similar to patio furniture, the lawn and garden department follows a strict seasonal calendar. The most significant clearance event happens at the end of the growing season. Look for deals on everything from lawn mowers and trimmers to bags of soil, mulch, and fertilizer starting in late summer and peaking in the fall. Lowe's does not want to store pallets of mulch or seasonal plants through the winter, leading to deep discounts to move the product. Live plants, especially perennials, shrubs, and trees, are often marked down heavily as the first frost approaches.

Don't overlook the end-of-season clearance on gardening tools like shovels, rakes, hoses, and sprinklers. While these items are less perishable than plants or mulch, stores still prefer to clear out old inventory. Another key time to check is after specific holidays. For example, right after spring holidays, you might find deals on specific themed planters or seeds. Likewise, after Halloween, pumpkins and fall-themed garden decor will be heavily discounted.

Tools and Power Equipment

Tool clearance deals at Lowe's are a year-round affair, but they spike around key holidays and when brands update their product lines. Father's Day, Black Friday, and the Christmas season are prime times for tool promotions, and the aftermath often leaves a trail of clearance items. You can find discounts on individual power tools, hand tools, and large mechanic's tool sets. Often, these are part of a "bundle" promotion that has ended, and the individual components are then sold off at a reduced price.

Keep an eye out for brands like Kobalt, Craftsman, and DeWalt as they refresh their battery platforms or tool designs. When a new 20V MAX line is introduced, the previous generation of tools and batteries often goes on clearance to make way for the new stock. This is a fantastic way to build out your tool collection for a fraction of the cost, especially if you are already invested in that brand's battery system. Check the tool endcaps and the dedicated clearance section for these hidden gems.

Flooring and Tile

The flooring department can be a goldmine for clearance finds, particularly if your project is flexible or relatively small. The best deals are typically on "special order returns" or discontinued styles. When a customer special orders a specific type of laminate, vinyl, or tile and then returns the excess, Lowe's often sells those open boxes at a steep discount. This is perfect for a small bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen backsplash where you don't need a massive quantity.

Discontinued flooring is another area of opportunity. When a manufacturer stops producing a certain color or style of tile or hardwood, Lowe's will mark down its remaining inventory significantly to clear the space. You can often find high-quality materials for 50-80% off. The key is to calculate your square footage needs carefully (always add 10-15% for waste) and ensure the store has enough stock to complete your entire project before you buy.

Lighting, Ceiling Fans, and Home Decor

As interior design trends change, so does the inventory at Lowe's. The lighting and home decor aisles are constantly being updated, which means last season's styles are always being moved to clearance. Look for light fixtures, ceiling fans, lamps, and even bathroom vanities and faucets that are being phased out. These items are often perfectly functional and stylish but are simply making way for new products.

Discounts in this category can be substantial, especially on ceiling fans at the end of the summer. As demand for cooling products wanes, you can find excellent deals on high-end fans with lights and remote controls. Similarly, check the home decor section after major holidays (like Christmas or Halloween) for themed items, but also for everyday decor like mirrors, picture frames, and shelving that were part of a seasonal display.

Understanding the Lowe's Clearance Cycle: How It Works

Navigating Lowe's clearance deals effectively means understanding the system behind the yellow price tags. Lowe's doesn't just randomly mark items down; there's a method to the process that shoppers can learn to recognize. The primary driver of clearance is inventory turnover. This happens for several reasons: seasonal changes, product updates from manufacturers, overstocked items, or products being discontinued entirely.

The most visible and predictable cycle is seasonal. Outdoor items like grills, patio furniture, and lawn mowers have a clear selling season. As the season ends, Lowe's is highly motivated to free up that valuable floor space for the next season's products, such as snow blowers or holiday decorations. This urgency leads to progressively deeper discounts over several weeks. Another major category is new models. When a brand like Maytag or DeWalt releases a new appliance or power tool, the older model immediately becomes less desirable and is marked down to clear it out. Finally, there are store-specific clearances, which can include special order returns, items with damaged packaging, or floor models. These "hidden" deals are often the most heavily discounted and require a keen eye to spot in the store.

Answering Your Top Lowe's Clearance Questions

When is the absolute best time to shop for Lowe's clearance?

While you can find clearance deals any day of the year, certain periods are far more fruitful. The most reliable time is during seasonal transitions. For summer items (patio, grills, mowers), start looking in late August and continue through October. For winter items (snow blowers, space heaters), check in late February and March. Post-holiday periods are also fantastic. The days immediately following Christmas, Halloween, and Easter are perfect for stocking up on decor and related items for the next year at discounts of 75% or more.

Beyond seasonal trends, many insiders suggest that stores do their major markdowns mid-week, often on a Wednesday or Thursday, to prepare for the weekend rush. Shopping on these days might give you the first pick of newly discounted items before they get noticed. Finally, the month of January is often a great time for store-wide clearance as Lowe's looks to clear out old inventory to start the new fiscal year fresh.

How can I find hidden clearance deals in the store?

Not all clearance items are neatly organized in one central aisle. To find the best, often unadvertised, deals, you need to become a treasure hunter. Always scan the endcaps of aisles throughout the store. This is where managers often place items they need to move quickly. Look high and low on the shelves; sometimes clearance items are placed on the very top shelf (top stock) or the very bottom.

Another pro tip is to visit the paint department and look for the "mistint" shelf. Here you can find cans and even five-gallon buckets of high-quality paint for just a few dollars, simply because the color was mixed incorrectly for another customer. Also, look for products with damaged packaging. A ripped bag of mulch or a dented box for a tool set doesn't affect the product inside but can lead to a manager-approved discount if you ask politely.

Are Lowe's clearance items final sale?

This is a common question, and the answer is generally favorable for the consumer. Unlike some retailers where clearance means "final sale, no returns," Lowe's standard return policy typically applies to most clearance items. According to their policy, most new, unused merchandise can be returned within 90 days of purchase with proof of purchase. This provides a great safety net, allowing you to take a chance on a heavily discounted item knowing you can bring it back if it doesn't work for your project.

However, there are a few exceptions. Major appliances have a much shorter return window (usually 48 hours to report any issues), and this policy generally holds for clearance models as well. Plants also have a separate guarantee. It's always a best practice to double-check with the cashier or customer service desk when purchasing a clearance item, especially if it's a "scratch and dent" product, to confirm the specific return eligibility for that purchase.

Final Thoughts on Navigating Lowe's Clearance in 2026

Successfully shopping for clearance deals at Lowe's in 2026 is less about luck and more about strategy. By understanding the seasonal cycles, knowing where to look in the store beyond the main clearance aisle, and recognizing the difference between a discontinued product and a floor model, you can position yourself for significant savings. Patience is key, as the best discounts often come at the very end of a season. Whether you're undertaking a major home renovation or just need a new set of tools, keeping these tips in mind can turn a regular shopping trip into a rewarding treasure hunt.