4 Best Outdoor Storage Benches (2023 Guide)

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, our team researched the best outdoor storage benches.

Here are our 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

Best Storage Capacity

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 our 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

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

Our team noted that customers who liked this product said that it was sturdy, held up well against elements, and was easy to put together. However, we 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

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

Our research revealed that happy customers were impressed with this storage bench’s appearance, sturdy materials, and comfortable seating. However, we 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

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

We noticed that 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 completely secure even after being fully assembled.

Buying Guide to Outdoor Storage Benches

Here are some of the most important factors we find 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 our team recommends 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 We Selected the Best Outdoor Storage Benches

To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we 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. We 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: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we 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.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published countless reviews of garden, lawn, and outdoor products—from fertilizer and garden hoses to patio furniture and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

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