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Storage benches provide you with both storage and extra seating, cutting down on the amount of money you spend on outdoor furniture and the amount of space your patio furniture takes up. To help you select the bench that’s right for you, I researched dozens of the best outdoor storage benches. Here are my top picks.
Top 4 Storage Benches
- Best Storage Capacity: Keter Westwood Resin Large Deck Box
- Best Medium Capacity: Keter Borneo Resin Deck Box
- Best Wood Bench: Tangkula Wooden Outdoor Storage Bench
- Most Secure: Keter Eden Storage Bench
Compare Top Outdoor Storage Benches
| Product | Material | Dimensions | Capacity | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keter Westwood Resin Large Deck Box | Polypropylene, resin | 61 x 28.5 x 25.4 inches | 150 gallons | Brown |
| Keter Borneo Resin Deck Box | Polypropylene, resin | 51 x 27.6 x 24.6 inches | 110 gallons | Brown (other color available) |
| Tangkula Wooden Outdoor Storage Bench | Wood | 42 x 23 x 35.5 inches | Not listed | Natural |
| Keter Eden Storage Bench | Polypropylene, resin | 54.6 x 23.4 x 32.8 inches | 70 gallons | Gray (other color available) |
| Product | Material | Dimensions | Capacity | Color |
Best Storage Capacity
Keter Westwood Resin Large Deck Box
- $208.99
- $329.99
- 37% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has large weight capacity of 600 pounds
✔ Features a durable resin construction
✔ Includes built-in handles for easy carrying
✘ Some customers said it did not hold up to extreme heat
✘ Comes in limited finishes
What Customers Are Saying
According to my buyer research, customers who gave this product a positive review said that it had a large storage capacity, was made from durable materials, and had straightforward assembly. On the other hand, others who had a less positive experience with this product said that it was not properly packaged, and others had issues with it deforming in hot temperatures.
Best Medium Capacity
Keter Borneo Resin Deck Box
- $139.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Is constructed from weather-resistant materials
✔ Is lockable and has a slot in front-facing lid for attaching your own padlock
✔ Also available in packs with matching benches and tables
✘ Holds less weight than some other, similar models
✘ Only comes in two colors
What Customers Are Saying
I noted that customers who liked this product said that it was sturdy, held up well against elements, and was easy to put together. However, I also saw some customers who felt this storage bench’s color didn’t match the description, and others felt that it was not made with the most durable materials.
Best Wood Bench
Tangkula Wooden Outdoor Storage Bench
- $149.99
- $159.99
- 6% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Is made with water-resistant materials
✔ Has a large weight capacity of over 700 pounds
✔ Comes with an inner bag that zips up to protect your items
✘ Has less storage space than other benches
✘ Not available in other finishes
What Customers Are Saying
My research revealed that happy customers were impressed with this storage bench’s appearance, sturdy materials, and comfortable seating. However, I also saw a few reviews that said the bench didn’t hold up while outdoors, and others had issues with it being wobbly.
Most Secure Storage Bench
Keter Eden Storage Bench
- $281.42
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can hold nearly 800 pounds
✔ Plastic material looks like solid wood and has the durability of resin
✔ Includes a slot for a padlock
✘ Has less inside storage space than some other models
✘ Some customers felt the bench was not comfortable
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who left positive reviews for this product often called out that it was easy to assemble, had good value, and was especially effective at storing pool supplies. However, other customers found this bench to be lacking in comfortability, and some claimed it was not secure even after being fully assembled.
Buying Guide to Outdoor Storage Benches
Here are some of the most important factors that I think are worth considering before purchasing or building a storage bench to add to your outdoor decor.
Type
There are two types of outdoor storage methods that can be used for bench seating.
Bench
This type is specifically designed to look like a bench with storage underneath its bench seat. It usually has armrests and a backrest to make sitting on it more comfortable.
Box
This type is a storage box where the lid is strong enough to hold the weight of one or more people.
Durability
Since your storage bench will be used outdoors, it should be able to withstand the elements. Look for a storage bench that is made with high-quality materials that can last for years and can hold up to difficult weather.
Material
Storage benches are made of a variety of materials, including wood, faux wood, plastic, and resin. Wood and faux wood provide a more natural look, but they’re more prone to damage from the elements. Plastic and resin are more affordable and lightweight alternatives, and sometimes, they look more decorative with a wood or wicker texture.
Size/Storage Capacity
Determine how much space you have for a bench in your yard, and choose a model accordingly. Keep in mind that a smaller bench gives you less storage space, while a larger bench takes up more room.
Weight Capacity
Some manufacturers provide a weight capacity in addition to a storage capacity. This number is for the combined weight of you and your items. For example, if your storage bench has a maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds and someone weighing 200 pounds is sitting on it, your bench can hold items weighing up to 400 pounds.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Outdoor Storage Bench
Outdoor storage benches are useful for outdoor seating for parties and gatherings, as well as a storage solution for your outdoor items, keeping them protected and stored in a secure location. Here are some tips I recommend for getting the best use out of your outdoor storage bench.
Choose the right location: When deciding where to place your outdoor or patio storage bench, select a suitable spot in your outdoor area to place it. Consider factors like convenience, accessibility, and protection from harsh weather conditions.
Organize items: Use your outdoor storage container to keep your essentials organized. Group similar items together and designate specific sections or storage compartments for different categories, such as gardening tools, outdoor cushions, pool equipment, toys, or sports equipment.
Perform regular maintenance: Clean and maintain your storage bench regularly to prevent dirt, mold, or mildew buildup. Wipe the bench down with a damp cloth, and check for any signs of damage or wear.
Keep valuables well protected: If you plan to store valuable items inside the bench, consider adding extra security measures to prevent theft or the items getting lost in your outdoor space. You can use a padlock or install a latch to keep the bench securely closed, or look for a garden bench with hidden storage or a lockable lid.
Make the bench more comfortable: Most outdoor storage benches double as seating areas. Make sure the bench is comfortable to sit on by adding cushions or pillows for extra support. Opt for weatherproof and quick-drying materials to ensure longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Benches
Can I move my outdoor storage bench?
Your bench should be lightweight enough when it’s empty to move by yourself or with another person. It may also have extra features, such as handles and wheels, that make transportation easier.
What should I store within my outdoor storage bench?
Store items that you frequently use outdoors, such as sports equipment, furniture cushions, tools and gardening supplies, and pool toys.
How do I organize the storage space in my outdoor storage bench?
Some outdoor storage boxes and benches have shelves or dividers to break up their storage space and make organization easier. However, you can buy tubs that fit inside the storage space if your bench doesn’t have these organizers.
How I Selected the Best Outdoor Storage Benches
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, I rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of benches with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. I looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: I then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, I pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
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