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When it comes to outdoor storage, most of our minds automatically go to the garden shed. However, not all of us need that much storage, or maybe we simply don’t have the space or budget for one. So, what are we to do in that case? Get one of the top deck boxes!
These boxes will keep its contents safe from various weather conditions, and in an attractive, organized space to make your life easier. We’ve done in-depth research and taken the feedback of others to bring you the best outdoor storage boxes on the market – let’s take a look!
For more of my home and garden recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Outdoor Storage Sheds, Greenhouse Kits, Rain Barrels.
Quick Answer: The Best Rated Deck Storage Boxes
- Suncast 99 Gallon Resin Wicker Patio Outdoor Storage Container
- Rubbermaid Weather Resistant Outdoor Storage Deck Box
- Lifetime 60254 Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Deck Box
- Keter Westwood 570L Outdoor Storage Box
- BLUU 120 Gallon Outdoor Deck Box Storage
- Toomax Portofino Weather Resistant Outdoor Deck Box
- Suncast SS601C Outdoor Small Deck Box
Our reviews to the top rated outdoor storage boxes with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right storage box for you.
Outdoor Storage Box Reviews
#1 Suncast Resin Wicker Patio Outdoor Storage Container
- Capacity: 99 Gallons
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Used for Seating: No
- Weight: 30 Pounds
The best outdoor storage box should be durable, have a large capacity, and look good. The Suncast 99 Gallon Resin Outdoor Storage Container has all that and more. Suncast is a company that consistently creates high-quality, convenient products that anyone with a yard or patio is sure to enjoy.
Coming in either Java, Mocha, or White, each one offers a sense of simplistic elegance that will go with any existing décor. It has an almost Mediterranean feel to it, with small weaves and gently-curved sides.
However, this setup is so much more than just looks! The wicker plastic exterior is equally as beautiful as it is functional. Rain runs right off of the box, keeping your items inside nice and dry without risk of mildew. Not only that, but the material is resistant to fading or rusting, so it will look new throughout many years.
With a massive 99-gallon storage capacity, you’ll be able to fit all kinds of stuff inside. Tools, sports gear, gloves, blankets, cushions, etc. can all go in. You can even leave metal items inside without worry of them rusting, too! The lid is hooked onto smooth hinges which easily flip open whenever you need to access things inside the box.
Assembly is very minimal, and the box comes with a 5-year warranty which only adds to the peace of mind its reliable construction invokes.
#2 Rubbermaid Resin Weather Resistant Outdoor Storage Deck Box
- Capacity: 120 Gallons
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Used for Seating: Yes
- Weight: 53 Pounds
Rubbermaid is a brand just about everyone knows, due to their sheer durability and convenience. Their Extra Large Resin Weather Resistant Outdoor Garden Storage Deck Box holds up to that reputation, quickly becoming the best deck box for many. The extra-large size is our favorite: capable of holding up to 16 cubic feet of material inside.
You can choose between either Sandstone or Roughneck in terms of color scheme. Sandstone is a sand color for the body and the lid, while Roughneck is like a brownish-gray for the body and that same sand color for the lid.
Double-wall construction and full resin construction make this model one of the toughest we’ve come across. You don’t have to deal with flimsy walls, poor craftsmanship, etc. like you would many others at this price point.
Assembly is not as easy as some others we’ve used, but if you have someone to help you it should be a breeze. Everything basically snaps into place and the molded hinges only add to the sturdiness.
In fact, it’s so strong that it also doubles as seating for up to 3 adults which is perfect for when you have more guests over than planned or just want to gather around the fire pit. We’ve even used it as a little area to place food so everyone can serve themselves on a stable surface.
The easy-access lid is easy to open yet stays closed otherwise while keeping leaks, dents, and moisture away.
#3 Lifetime 60254 Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Deck Box
- Capacity: 150 Gallons
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Used for Seating: Yes
- Weight: 53 Pounds
Next up, we have the Lifetime 60254 Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Deck Box. Lifetime is another brand that’s proven time and time again that everything they produce is held to the highest standard. Coming in 4 different sizes ranging from 80 gallons to 150 gallons, we’re going to be reviewing the 150-gallon version today.
With 4 different colorways to choose from, you do get a bit of variety in terms of style. Desert Sand/Brown, Gray, Desert Sand, and Arctic White are all beautiful, natural shades. Appearance-wise, Arctic White is definitely our favorite, though it can get a bit dirty if there’s a lot of dirt flying around.
The entirety of the best deck storage box is made of polyethylene, complete with rust-resistant stainless steel hardware. Together, you can expect it to hold strong against just about any kind of weather and for years of regular use.
What’s also cool, is it can sit on practically any surface so if you only have a patch of grass or brick patio, it’ll work just as well.
The top lid is lockable, though a lock does not come included (though you can purchase one separately for just a few bucks) so you don’t have to worry about anyone or anything making their way inside when they shouldn’t be.
The controlled spring-hinge lid opens even wider than 90 degrees so you can take big items out easier. Not only that, but it won’t slam shut or blow around.
There are plenty of benches out there made with weather-resistant materials, but don’t have the lid fit close enough to keep water out. Thanks to the water-resistant seal and UV-protected panels, you can feel confident none of your belongings are becoming wet or faded.
#4 Keter Westwood 570L Outdoor Storage Box
- Capacity: 150 Gallons
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Used for Seating: Yes
- Weight: 43 Pounds
If you don’t mind paying a bit more, then you can grab yourself the beautiful Keter Westwood 570L Outdoor Storage Box. While there are plenty of plastic boxes that look very similar to wood, nothing can compare to the real smell and feel of it. This authentic model is one of the most stylish we’ve seen, complete with the rich finish and texture.
It couldn’t be the best garden storage box without being functional, as well! While its attractiveness definitely turns heads, what will make it worth your while is its storage space of a huge 150 gallons.
Store garden tools and equipment, cushions, games, and much more. The piston-assisted lid won’t slam shut, so the wood stays in top shape as well as fingers!
The lid is lockable, though keep in mind the padlock does not come included. As the entire model is weather-resistant, you can keep it outdoors no matter the season. Water does not seep in or rot, but rather rolls right off. Contents will always stay dry yet ventilated, to avoid any mustiness or mildew.
If you thought that was great, just wait: you can also use this one as a bench! The wood craftsmanship makes for a stunning addition to any garden or yard as it complements Mother Nature perfectly.
#5 BLUU 120 Gallon Outdoor Deck Box Storage
- Capacity: 120 Gallons
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Used for Seating: Yes
- Weight: 43 Pounds
Next up is the best waterproof deck box for storing big pillows and cushions: the BLUU 120 Gallon Outdoor Deck Box. Assembly is super easy, requiring you to snap and screw everything in place. It’s also beautiful to look at and highly functional!
As far as storage goes, this one has a 120-gallon capacity inside to store all kinds of belongings! If you have a lot of, or just very voluminous pillows or cushions for patio furniture, you may find that most storage boxes don’t have enough room. This one can store them, pool toys, sports equipment and more.
Not only does it function as storage, it also serves to sit up to 3 people at once on the lid! This is due to the durable construction of plastic resin and added resilience through the snap-in parts. The box will never bend or fade due to its weather-resilient and fade-resistant properties.
Two iron rods and gas rods make for seamless opening and closing. This is particularly great if you have kids around and are worried about squashed fingers, but also ensures the lid stays steady at all times and won’t slam shut.
To ensure your belongings are safe too, you have the ability to lock it! It’s one of the very few brands that actually include the lock, too. If you ever need to move it to another place in the yard or indoors, the side handles make it easy to do.
#6 Toomax Z175E097 Portofino Outdoor Deck Box
- Capacity: 90 Gallons
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Used for Seating: Yes
- Weight: n/a
Coming towards the end of our product selection, we bring you the Toomax Z175E097 Portofino Weather Resistant Heavy Duty Gallon Novel Resin Outdoor Deck Box! That may sound like a mouthful, but the model is very minimal and streamlined. Coming in one color (Gray), it is pretty to look at, cheap, and durable.
If you don’t need quite as much storage as the others we have looked at so far, then this is a great option as it holds up to 90 gallons. The durable construction is made of heavy-duty polypropylene which is water-resistant, and won’t rust, peel, fade, or dent.
This is great no matter what type of area you live in, but particularly if you live in an area that gets wet or very hot/humid. The lockable lid doesn’t come with a padlock, though it’s nice to know you can further secure your items and leave your storage box outside while keeping your mind at ease.
The lid doubles as seating for up to 3 people, supporting up to 450 pounds. A cushioned pad can also be attached to the lid if you want it transformed into a full outdoor bench.
What’s even better, is that the Portofino is incredibly affordable – you simply aren’t going to find this kind of quality at this low of price.
#7 Suncast SS601C Outdoor Small Deck Box
- Capacity: 22 Gallons
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Used for Seating: Yes
- Weight: n/a
Last but not least, we have the Suncast SS601C 22 Gallon Outdoor Small Deck Box. This is easily the best garden storage box for those who don’t need to store much. While much smaller than the others in size and capacity, it’s also perfect if you’re a bit limited in outdoor space.
Another advantage of it being so small, is that it’s so incredibly versatile. This multipurpose box instantly adds a bit of interest, offering more function and logic to your garden or yard. With a 22-gallon capacity, it’s awesome for keeping some garden tools, padding, blankets, toys, and so on.
Made of resin like most others on our guide, you already know it’s going to be weather-resistant and resilient even after years of heavy use. However, due to its size and dark gray style, it’s a fabulous choice for indoor use as well. It could even be used as a small toy box for kids due to the compact size yet adequate storage space.
The lid is lightweight and won’t slam shut, so it’s safe for all ages. Assembly is also incredibly easy as it has sturdy, snap-together parts that won’t take more than 30 minutes to put together.
How to Choose the Best Deck Box – Buying Guide
Now that you’ve read all about some good outdoor storage boxes and the types you can expect from the top models, have you decided which one is right for what you’re looking for? If you’re still undecided, we’re here to help!
We know how challenging it can be when there are so many great options to choose from! That’s why we’ve gone ahead and written up the following in-depth buying guide. This guide will take you through each step of the process to ensure that by the time you’ve read through, you’ll know exactly which one to get.
Capacity
First things first: you need to figure out how large of a capacity you need for the items you’re going to store. It’s always wise to go a bit bigger, because trust us: you’re always going to find something else that you want to stow in it!
The smallest models will hold around 22 gallons which is nice for smaller items like small garden shovels, thinner blankets, inflatable pool toys, etc. The largest ones on the other end of the spectrum will typically manage up to 150 gallons which is massive! At that point, you can place a ton of stuff in there – not just all your cushions but also toys and tools.
Size
This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the capacity, as they’re directly related. The smaller capacity models will fit perhaps one person, while the largest ones can fit up to around 3. If you want to or are able to use your outdoor storage box as a bench/seating as well then that’s something to consider. Make sure to note the weight capacity on the lid too so you don’t break it!
Next, think about the available space you have in your outdoor space you want to place the box in. For example, if you’re planning on putting it on a balcony you’re probably not going to want to get a 3-seater because that will take up too much space.
Materials
There are usually 2 different materials to choose from when looking at outdoor storage boxes: wood and resin/plastic. Each has their own appeal, so let’s take a look at their similarities and differences.
Wood – Wood is always the most appealing in terms of looks. Resin does a great job at emulating that appearance, but at the end of the day, it’s not actual wood. You get that full wood texture and smell, which hits you every time you open up the box. While wood obviously does hold up against the elements, it’s still not as durable as resin and is a bit more expensive.
Resin – Resin is still plastic, so it’s not going to have that authentic wood feel though high-quality models are very similar in looks. In fact, when it comes to resin you get even more stylistic and color options that you simply don’t have with wood. Resin is full-on weather resistant, super strong and durable, yet lightweight.
Weather Resistance
We just mentioned this in relation to material, but how weather resistant something is depends on more than just what it’s made from. You need to make sure the worksmanship is up to par so that it doesn’t have leaks or gaps that lets water get in.
If water gets in the inside of the box, it really kind of defeats the purpose of having something waterproof. Look for a box that has a tight seal as well as a lockable lid. Even if you aren’t worried about someone taking things inside it, you still have to worry about heavy winds blowing it open potentially.
Seating
You’ve probably noticed by now that many of the models on our guide can also be used as seating! This is pretty cool as it’s basically a 2-in-1 design and for how inexpensive they are, they make great additions to any outdoor area! Just make sure that your box’s lid can actually double as seating.
It can be hard to see in photos, but some lids are slightly curved and don’t work well to sit on. Others may not support the weight of 3 people, you just never know so make sure you check this before making your order.
Moreover, if you would like to add cushions, see if yours has the ability to attach them. While you can obviously place them on any flat lid, it’s much more secure and less of a hassle to have some kind of attachment method.
Portability
Are you going to use your storage box both indoors and outdoors? Will you be moving it around often? If so, then you need to look into how portable the box is. Look at how much it weighs, and if there are any handles built in. Not every one has handles, so look at this beforehand.
Price
How much are you willing to spend on one of the best patio storage boxes? We highly recommend you figure out a budget for yourself and don’t go over that number. No matter what your budget is, we’re sure there’s at least one model on our guide that will fit into it.
However, when it comes to these products, you’re usually going to get what you pay for which is added durability, a tighter seal, safer lids, and more. Plus, these boxes are pretty affordable to begin with!
FAQs About Outdoor Storage Boxes
Q: What do you store in a deck box?
A: Pretty much whatever you want! However, some of the most common items to stow in a deck box are garden tools, barbecue supplies (skewers, charcoal, etc.), toys, furniture covers, cushions, gloves, and more.
Q: How do you clean an outdoor storage box?
A: Most people just like grabbing a bottle of all-purpose cleaner with a soft-bristle brush and clean off any dirt and grime that way. However, soapy water and some white vinegar can go a long way and is a “healthier” way of cleaning.
Q: Are Keter storage boxes waterproof?
A: In our experience, yes. Keter’s boxes are great because they create a tight seal that doesn’t let any water or moisture in, while also offering ventilation to avoid mildew and mustiness.
Q: Can you paint an outdoor storage box?
A: That depends on the material and individual model, but in most cases yes, you can. Especially if the box is wood!
Tips For Choosing Outdoor Storage Boxes
#1: Check the weight capacity of the box.
If you’ve confirmed that the storage box lid can actually be used as seating, make sure you’re also checking the weight limit. Many only support around 450 pounds and less, so if it can hold up to 3 people you need to consider that it may not be able to support the weight of everyone.
#2: If you aren’t a fan of sitting on hard surfaces, get some cushions
What’s great is that when you’re done using them you can simply stow the cushions away inside the box when you’re done!
#3: Try to get a box with a lid that won’t slam shut.
There are many lids that use almost like hydraulics to make sure that the lid closes safely to avoid hurting any fingers or damaging the box itself.
Summary
Now that you’re practically an expert when it comes to some good outdoor storage boxes, have you decided which model is perfect for you and your household? If you’re still undecided then trust us when we say any option on this guide is a great one.
However, what’s most important is that it suits exactly what you’re looking for. We hope that our guide has been able to help you do just that. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again shortly!
How We Researched
To come up with the top deck storage containers, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target and Wayfair along with our own personal experience.
We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.
With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in yard design and home repairs.
The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from landscapers, bloggers and contractors.
After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.
Sources
Notice:
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