We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. But there is a solution to your woes: The deck box. We’ve compiled the best deck boxes available on the market today, plus our expert advice to help you choose the best one for your needs. Continue reading to learn all about them!
Size of Box
Arguably the most important aspect of purchasing your outdoor storage unit, size is a key aspect to consider. A huge compartment is great but quickly becomes cumbersome and feels out of place if you’re keeping it in a small area, and a compact unit is worthless if you need to store large quantities of material.
Suncast 99-Gallon Mocha Resin Wicker Deck Box It requires assembly, but this is a simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes, with no tools required. As an added bonus, when you’re finished assembling it, you can take a seat right on top of the box. Although it’s not designed to be a seat, it’s strong enough to act as a bench! Full dimensions are 50 x 25.5 x 25.5 inches, and it weighs 40 pounds. Convenient handles on either side help to facilitate carrying with a buddy, if necessary. And a five-year limited warranty against manufacturer or material defects is included with purchase. Suncast 99-Gallon White Resin Wicker Patio Storage Box The wicker design is appealing, but keep in mind that this can be a headache to clean. We recommend using a power washer on a low setting to clean out all those nooks and crannies – or a toothbrush, if you’ve got the time and patience.
2. Keter Westwood 150-Gallon Plastic Deck Storage Container: The Biggest Chest Style
When you need to store a LOT of stuff, this 150-gallon plastic storage container from Keter is the winner. Combine a spacious design, resin-based construction, and a convenient mechanism to aid opening and closing, and you’ve got yourself one great deck box. Keter Westwood 150-Gallon Brown Plastic Deck Storage Container The brown wood grain UV-protected plastic resin will blend into natural surroundings or mesh nicely with your outdoor decor, and it’s easy to assemble. It’s pretty large, just over 5 feet long, and it’s the best option for large-scale storage on our list if you’ve got the room for it. Full dimensions are 61 x 28.5 x 25.4 inches and it weighs 48.5 pounds. It does double duty as a bench as well, which further justifies its size, and can hold up to two adults or a max weight of 660 pounds. This product has a limited 2-year warranty. The construction of this deck box is durable but ideally used for light-duty storage. Pack up your pool toys, cushions, and other lighter objects to the brim, but think twice before filling the Keter with tools and heavier objects, and do not plan to move it while it’s full.
3. Manhattan Teak Deck Box by Chic Teak: A Beautiful Wooden Option
Our first all-wood entry on the list, this container is perfect for those with exacting standards. Constructed of 100% teak wood, the open-slatted design of the wood base allows water to easily run through it.
Chic Teak Manhattan Deck Box The grade-A Indonesian teak is water, rot, and mildew resistant, so you’ve got minimal need to fear any discoloration, though it is not naturally protected from UV like other materials. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Top weight capacity is only 50 pounds, so it’s best to avoid using this solid wood box to take a seat after swimming around the pool – though this may look like an inviting option to your guests, it isn’t recommended. The hardware is solid brass, so it is durable and promises to hold its handsome shine.
Overall dimensions are 22 x 76 x 26 inches and it weighs 116 pounds. A 1-year warranty is included with purchase. The slatted wood design is great for airflow. The only drawback to this purchase is its hefty price tag, but it’s worth every dollar. Available via Wayfair.
4. Lifetime Extra Large (130 Gallons): A Heavy Duty Contender
A marriage of simple design, sturdy and durable construction, and ample space for storage, the Lifetime is available in three different storage sizes and three finished colors – 80, 130, or 150 gallons, in desert sand, gray, or a combination of desert sand and brown. It has a lockable lid and a spring hinge to ensure that it closes softly. Lifetime 60298 Heavy Duty Outdoor Storage Deck Box, 130-Gallon Gray Made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic with powder-coated steel hinges, this model is strong enough to hold gardening supplies like potting soil, fertilizers, and small tools. And its large size makes it perfect for bulky items like pool hoses as well. Between 39 and 60 inches in length, all models are roughly 25 inches wide and high, give or take an inch. Depending on which size you choose, these storage boxes range from 41 to just under 63 pounds. Plus, a 10-year limited manufacturer warranty is included to cover manufacturer defects. The only complaint among users is that the bottom can allow water to seep in. Solve that dilemma by placing yours on a raised platform or base to prevent leakage. Reviewers also advise people interested in this option to make double-sure that they are assembling the correct panels in place. If they are attached to the wrong location, removal can cause irreparable damage.
5. Keter Eden 70-Gallon Patio Storage Garden Bench: Seating Plus Storage Combo
My personal favorite on our buying guide, the Eden from Keter doesn’t just function as a bench, it LOOKS like one too! It can seat two adults and looks appealing while it does so. The resin build is waterproof and resistant to both sun and physical damage. Keter Eden 70-Gallon All Weather Outdoor Patio Storage Garden Bench Deck Box, Brown It doesn’t have the largest storage capacity, but 70 gallons is plenty for most purposes. The bottom panel is a bit flexible, so many users place metal bars as a base frame at the bottom of the storage area to prevent the plastic from “dipping.” Available in brown or in beige with a brown seat, total product dimensions for this model are 55.1 x 23.6 x 33.07 inches, with a total weight of just 34 pounds. The open-back design of the bench portion makes this deck box great for choosing your own cushions to customize the comfort. And the seat can hold up to 771 pounds, so this thing is sturdy! Like all resin-based containers, make sure you’ve assembled this one fully and securely! This model has a limited 2-year warranty.
6. Anderson Teak Del-Amo Storage Bench: High-End Wooden Seating Plus Storage
Like the bench described above, this Del-Amo box from Anderson Teak camouflages your storage device with a functional and attractive bench design. The difference here is the beautiful teak wood construction that will weather with age and build unique character.
Anderson Teak Del-Amo Storage Bench It also functions just as well indoors as out and can be a great addition to just about any room of the house. The optional cushions are waterproof and sunproof, though, so they get their best use when kept outdoors.
It takes about half an hour or so to assemble and is easiest when you’ve got a partner to help you out. The manufacturer includes a 2-year limited warranty on the Del-Amo. It has a weight capacity of about 500 pounds for seating. Available from Wayfair.
7. Noble House Multi-Brown Wicker: the Best Looking (and Waterproof) Storage Solution
Love that wicker look! The Noble House is made out of resin and is pretty darn waterproof for safe storage of your outdoor supplies.
Noble House Wicker Outdoor Storage Chest Its frame is made of lightweight aluminum for durability and strength. With exterior dimensions of 26 inches high x 51 inches wide x 22.2 inches deep, it provides ample storage for all your outdoor essentials.
The Noble House requires no assembly, and has a gas-shock hinge to make opening and closing it very easy.
The slightly rounded top could serve as a bench but it isn’t recommended to do so. That’s alright; this deck box is handsome enough that it stands on its own. Available from Home Depot.
8. Lancaster Eucalyptus Storage Box: the Best Affordable Wooden Option
Attractive and affordably priced, the Lancaster Eucalyptus is a dandy of a deck box. It wouldn’t be out of place indoors in the lounge, your bedroom, or the foyer thanks to the handsome construction and wood. It’s not intended for sitting on, but it makes up for that with great durability.
Lancaster Eucalyptus by Plow & Hearth The dimensions on this cap out at about 49 inches long so it limits your available storage options to some extent, but it’s still great for just about whatever you need that’ll fit. It weighs a good amount by itself (almost 50 pounds) so it might be tough for some people to move it on their own. The only issue reviewers have with this deck box is that it isn’t very waterproof. The bottom portion has space for insects or mice to make their way in, but sealing the box and making it waterproof is an easy job! You won’t find a better priced wooden deck box out there, so it’s worth this minor inconvenience! It’s priced at a reasonable $299 on Plow & Hearth.
9. Suncast 195-Gallon Resin Cabinet: the Best Large and In Charge Cabinet Style
What a nice, unique setup with tons of space! Seriously, you could fit your entire patio cushion set in here and still have room for a hippopotamus.
Suncast Backyard Oasis® Storage and Entertaining Station with Shelf Alright, that was an exaggeration, but you get the point! With three individual doors, you can easily wrap the Suncast cabinet into whatever package you need for your home.
If in a sturdy location, this deck box could serve as an outdoor bar. The multiple methods of entry make it a lot easier to get inside to access whatever you need to reach, rather than sifting through piles of stuff. It’s also pretty darn waterproof, too, so you don’t need to worry about anything getting moldy or damp.
Quite a few reviewers found it to be a headache to assemble, but that’s because of its relatively large and complicated design. With a bit of patience and some help, you should have no problem putting together your Suncast cabinet. Priced from $249.00 via Wayfair.
10. Lancaster Eucalyptus Wood Rolling Carts: Designer Looks with Prep Space on Top
This pair of rolling carts are sold separately, but you’ll make out just fine with one of them if that’s all the storage you need. They’re made out of eucalyptus wood and have a gorgeous finish; reviewers swear that the Lancaster carts look even better in person than they do in pictures.
Their purpose is much more focused than the other deck boxes we’ve looked at, but that’s not a bad thing!
Large Eucalyptus Wood Rolling Cart Designed as a vessel for holding items like outdoor dishware or your entertainment devices (speakers, radio, and so on), the Lancaster carts are mobile and look great with a pitcher of lemonade (or margaritas) on top.
Small Eucalyptus Wood Rolling Cart Although the carts can survive outdoor exposure, they are not weather or waterproof and should be kept out of the worst of the elements. The carts can also hold up to 50 pounds of weight (wow!), but no more than 25 pounds per shelf. That’s a fair trade-off! $279.95-$399.95 on Plow & Hearth.
How to Choose Your Deck Storage Boxes
Choosing the right deck box isn’t a complicated decision making process, but each element that we’ve outlined below is important to consider. Take your time when making this purchase and don’t feel rushed into buying something you aren’t ready for! I would recommend measuring the area you intend to put the deck box in first, and use those numbers to narrow down your purchase options. Also consider the intended objects you want to store in the unit before purchasing. After all, some of these we’ve looked at are excellent for holding cushions and pool equipment while others are geared more towards garden supplies and heavier objects.
Purpose
What are you using your new deck box for? That’s just about as important as the question of size, and while you might be able to eke out a bit of extra room in a smaller vessel, you can’t make thin plastic stand up to heavy-duty use. Got piles of outdoor furniture cushions? Maybe you can get away with a less durable structure. Start piling in pool equipment, and you’ll need something a bit more sturdy. And when you start adding in garden tools, fertilizers, and heavy objects you want to find a heavy-duty container. Keeping the contents dry is another concern that’s more important for some (towels, cushions) than others (garden tools, pool equipment). If you’re purchasing a model that isn’t waterproof but might want that feature to be available in the future, you could always experiment with your own waterproofing modifications!
Material – Wood vs. Plastic and Resins
Resin and plastic deck boxes tend to be more affordable, are durable and resistant to weathering, and are far more cost effective than wooden options. However, they tend to be more difficult to repair as well. Their lighter weight and resistance to climate effects makes resin boxes a good choice if you don’t need the deck box to stand up to lots of abuse. Wooden deck boxes are sturdier and by default tend to be more attractive than other options, and they may fit in nicely with your other outdoor furniture. They’re also typically far more expensive and require more upkeep. If you have a wooden box, it’ll be sure to stand the test of time admirably, but you’ll need to maintain it more diligently in exchange.
Types of Wood: Teak vs. Eucalyptus vs. All Others
Although teak and eucalyptus have similar properties, they differ in some important ways. Teak possesses a high mineral content, and that means the wood ages better and warps less than other types. Teak also lasts longer than most other woods used for outdoor furniture, and at times, can be even become an heirloom that is passed down to future generations. Teak is highly prized for these characteristics, and is a bit scarce today due to wide-scale use in the 18th and 19th centuries. As a result, it’s fairly pricey. Eucalyptus is a fantastic alternative, though it has a lower mineral oil content and doesn’t last as long as teak; you’ll get about 20 years or so out of furniture constructed from eucalyptus. Eucalyptus requires a little more TLC than teak does (a once-a-year rubbing of mineral oil and a light sanding does the trick). While they both take on a similar silvery color when they age, teak is a more durable – and expensive – option than eucalyptus. Acacia, oak, and cedar are also often used for constructing outdoor furniture, but require even more care than teak and eucalyptus. We’re of the opinion that this is not a bad thing! But we wanted to focus on getting you deck boxes that require minimal care for maximum value throughout this roundup of top products.
Packing It Up
There you have it, our Gardener’s Path deck box buying guide! We hope it was helpful and informative, and would love to hear any additional questions or comments. Thanks for reading, and come back soon! Looking for other outdoor furniture? Check out some of our other buying guides such as:
11 Best Benches for Enjoying a Fresh Garden View 15 of the Best Porch Swings for Your Outdoor Space Brighten Up Your Yard Decor with 7 of Our Favorite Outdoor Rugs
© Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Product photos courtesy of Suncast, Keter, Chic Teak, Lifetime, Anderson, Noble House, Home Depot, Wayfair, and Plow & Hearth. Other images via Shutterstock.
