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Keep your backyard space clean and organized all year long. Plastic Containers With Lids
Even if you have a small backyard, a charming patio, or an outdoor deck, you likely have belongings that need a home to keep them safely stored away. Deck boxes provide an excellent level of security, and don’t sacrifice when it comes to style either. That’s right, the best deck boxes will blend seamlessly into your outdoor decor and in some cases, provide a couple of extra seats for the next backyard party.
We spoke with Courtney Cole, an interior designer at TileCloud, an Australian-based decor company, to learn what you should prioritize when shopping for a deck box. While she says that size is definitely important (as you don't want to overcrowd your space), Cole also tells us that material is especially crucial to ensuring that you pick a box that lasts. “Resin is my go-to material recommendation for deck boxes,” she advises. “It stands up well against all of what Mother Nature can dish out, from pouring rain, unrelenting sun, and even snow storms.”
While durability is certainly important, that are a variety of other factors you should consider when shopping for a deck box. To help you come to a sound decision, we researched numerous deck box options, taking into account the aforementioned size and durability specs, alongside other factors such as capacity, cost, seating capabilities, and more. Additionally, Cole offered some pointers for choosing the best deck box that’s right for you.
It blends really well with dark or wooden outdoor decor.
While the lid is lockable, it doesn’t include a lock.
The Keter Westwood Storage Deck Box is our best overall pick due to how it blends seamlessly with dark or wooden outdoor decor thanks to its espresso, faux-wood coloring and texture. Moreover, this large-capacity deck box is both eye-catching and subtle so as not to overpower the motif of your deck’s design. The lid is easy to lift and closes softly thanks to a hydraulic mechanism, and the plastic is sturdy enough to double as a loveseat with an upper weight limit of 660 pounds.
The deck box is easy to assemble and will provide years of stylish storage due to its UV-protected resin. This means that no matter what Mother Nature, kids, or pets dish out, this 150-gallon capacity deck box will handle it beautifully. While a lock is not included with this pick, it’s still designed with a lockable lid to add an extra layer of security.
Dimensions: 61” x 28.5” x 25.4” | Material: Resin | Capacity: 150 Gallons
It’s made of waterproof and UV-resistant resin at a low cost.
It can feel flimsy to move around a patio when full.
The Devoko 100 Gallon Deck Box offers great value for new homeowners sticking to a tight budget to decorate and outfit the house with necessities. With a 100-gallon storage capacity, and at just four feet long, the Devoko deck box is perfect for a smaller outdoor space and for those with fewer belongings.
Cleverly designed with handles on both sides, this patio storage box offers ease of mobility, and thanks to hydraulic hinges, you can rest assured that no one will get their fingers pinched when opening or closing the lockable lid. Finally, the hard plastic resin build is strong enough for this deck box to be used as a two-person bench, making it a functional piece of outdoor furniture, too, but can feel a bit flimsy when being moved while full of birdseed or other heavy backyard essentials.
Dimensions: 48” x 22” x 24.5” | Material: Resin | Capacity: 100 Gallons
It can support up to 880 lbs of weight, allowing it to double as a loveseat.
It’s large, so it may not fit well if you have limited space.
If you have the money and the need for a shed-like deck box, the massive East Oak 230 Gallon Deck Box is for you. With space for a patio’s worth of seat cushions, pool toys, gardening equipment, and more, this best deck box can hold it all, and do it for decades thanks to a thick, sturdy resin that is durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant. Despite its large size, the box is relatively easy to maneuver thanks to grooved handles that provide plenty of grip.
This box is loaded with extra features, including reinforcing rods that allow you to store heavy items without bending the plastic, and hydraulic lid to prevent small fingers from catching. Additionally, buyers will be happy to know that a padlock is included with the deck box, saving you from having to buy one yourself. Just note that if you have a small outdoor space, this deck box might be a little too big.
Dimensions: 60.2” x 29.1” x 31” | Material: Resin | Capacity: 230 Gallons
Two layers of wall provide extra strength and durability.
Its design is a bit plain.
Fans of Rubbermaid storage containers inside the home will know how well the brand makes sturdy containers, and the company’s deck boxes are no exception. The brand provides excellent weather-resistant deck boxes that come in a variety of sizes, from a small, 2.6 cubic foot box to this extra large pick that’s five feet wide and offers 120 gallons of storage space. Thanks to the box’s sturdy, UV-resistant resin, you won’t have to worry about the material fading or rusting, making it well worth the investment.
The deck box’s large size also means that you can have at least an extra three seats by the pool or on your patio. Although the box’s smooth surface is great for sitting, it also means that cleaning and maintenance aren’t a big hassle since you don’t have to deal with any potential snagging while wiping it down. While its beige, neutral coloring isn't the prettiest, if durability is your priority, you can’t go wrong with this pick.
Dimensions: 60” x 25.7” x 27.5” | Material: Resin | Capacity: 120 Gallons
It features a beautiful faux-wicker design and is water-resistant.
Its storage capacity is limited.
As the name implies, the Suncast 22 Gallon Small Resin Storage Seat is perfect for stowing away small items, while also providing an extra place to sit for guests. This best small pick is made of water-resistant poly resin plastic that’s fashioned in a faux-wicker style. The lid is also designed to allow rainwater to naturally run off the box, preventing it from pooling on top of your precious belongings.
The versatile small box holds up to 22 gallons of space, and stands at only 17” tall. Naturally, those looking to maximize their storage space may find this box to be a little too limiting. However, its durability is certainly solid for its small size, and you can make use of it in a garage, sunroom, or patio.
Dimensions: 17” x 22” x 22.5” | Material: Resin | Capacity: 22 Gallons
It’s very durable and can seat several people at once.
Its large size comes at a high price point.
Available in white, black, and two shades of brown, the YITAHOME 260 Gallon Extra Large Deck Box is not only massive, but it can also compliment almost any home’s outdoor decor motif. Although it certainly is large, the box is fairly simple to assemble, with some force needed to snap in pieces. It also features a beautiful faux-wood panel finish on the outside of a double-walled construction that will withstand nature’s harshest storms.
This box is so large and tall that it can serve not only as an extra table for outdoor entertaining but also extra seating for up to 6 people (with a whopping 1,000-pound maximum). Seating capabilities aside, this deck box also comes with a divider to help organize stored belongings with ease. Be aware, however, that this box’s large size does come with a steep price tag.
Dimensions: 69.7” x 32.3” x 32.7” | Material: Resin | Capacity: 260 Gallons
Despite being wooden, it does offer a fair amount of water-resistance.
It’s not completely waterproof, which can lead to durability issues if faced with constant downpours.
If style is paramount for your deck box, there are few storage boxes more handsome than the Tangkula Acacia Wood 47 Gallon Deck Box. While not waterproof, the acacia wood is water-resistant thanks to a sleek teak oil coating adding a layer of protection and a striking finish, too. The deck box also features heavy-duty hinges that will keep the lid open strong, and a clever pull-out ring for opening the lid.
At almost four feet long and nearly 18” tall, the box’s size makes it perfect for hiding away all of your gardening supplies before your guests arrive, while still giving them a bench to sit on. If rainwater and wind are not a concern, this could be the perfect deck box to accent your outdoor patio furniture.
Dimensions: 45” x 16” x 15” | Material: Acacia Wood | Capacity: 47 Gallons
The built-in corrugated floor keeps everything inside safe and dry from the outdoor elements
It’s fairly heavy, making it difficult to move around when rearranging outdoor decor.
At 73 pounds, this rugged, galvanized steel Arrow deck box provides the utmost in space, security, and weather-resistance. The pneumatic lifts of this metal pick give users total control over the opening and closing of the lid, and the built-in clasp lets you lock your deck box with any padlock (although one is not provided).
The corrugated floor of this 134-gallon deck box guarantees that the items you store will stay off the ground and 100% dry. Meanwhile the powder-coated steel exterior, fashioned with a basket-weave texture, ensures that the metal will not rust or corrode all at once. While the box is certainly a bit heavy to move around, once it's in position you can expect excellent protection for many years.
Dimensions: 52.5” x 27.5” x 26.1” | Material: Galvanized Steel | Capacity: 134 Gallons
It has armrests and a backrest to provide maximum comfort.
It can’t hold oversized items.
Many deck boxes can double as an extra seat or two, but the Keter Solana 70 Gallon Storage Bench is designed as a bench first, with a weight capacity of over 550 pounds. This pick’s design looks like a literal bench, featuring armrests and a backrest to provide maximum comfort. Seating aside, this 70-gallon storage bench is made of weather-resistant resin that is designed to mimic the look of attractive natural wood. But unlike wood, you don’t have to worry about denting, warping, peeling, or rusting thanks to its durable polypropylene construction.
To keep the cushions, supplies, and other stored items safe, homeowners can lock the deck box beneath the comfortable bench by using any standard padlock (not included). This piece is also available in two-toned graphite gray or all brown to better match your current patio or backyard setup. Although the 70-gallon capacity is nothing to scoff at, those needing a large amount of storage space may find this pick to be just a little limited.
Dimensions: 54.6” x 23.4” x 32.8” | Material: Resin | Capacity: 70 Gallons
Its two wheels make it very easy to move around.
Its handle holes allow water and pests to get in.
With two wheels and handle holes on each end, the Tangkula 133 Gallon Deck Storage Box is thoroughly portable, even when filled to the brim with a variety of supplies. Thanks to its maneuverability, you don’t have to worry about dedicating this box to just holding light items, giving you more opportunities to stuff it with larger or heavier items. It’s also four feet long and almost 28 inches tall, giving you plenty of storage space.
All that being said, this box isn’t entirely weatherproof due to its open air handles. Any items that you put in here will likely get wet, so it’s best to reserve this deck box for items that can’t get damaged by moisture. Despite this con, the box itself is made from slightly durable PE woven rattan, alongside rust-resistant steel, both of which increase this wheeled deck box’s longevity.
Dimensions: 52” x 28.5” x 27.5” | Material: Steel and Rattan | Capacity: 133 Gallons
The best deck boxes come in all shapes and sizes, but we found that the Keter Westwood 150 Gallon Plastic Storage Deck Box, our best overall pick, offered a solid balance between price, durability, and capacity. Moreover, the box’s handsome dark brown design goes well with most wooden outdoor decor. If you’re on a tight budget, however, the Devoko 100 Gallon Deck Box holds a fair amount of items, but it may feel a little flimsy compared to other durable options on this list.
While generally all rectangular in shape, the best deck boxes are available in an array of sizes to meet a variety of needs, backyard spaces, and intended uses. The size of the deck box that will best meet your needs will largely depend upon the physical space you have on your deck, patio, or backyard, as well as on what you plan to store in the box. Generally though, most larger deck boxes tend to be a little costly due to the extra storage space, so keep this mind while shopping.
Most deck boxes are made with resin, a material that Cole highly recommends due to its solid durability. However, there are many boxes on the market that are made with wooden and metal material. Although the former is aesthetically pleasing, it may not last long, especially during constant downpours since it's not waterproof. Meanwhile, the latter does provide excellent durability, but it comes at the cost of either weighing too much, or becoming corroded over time.
As a general rule, Cole says, “The ultimate [deck box] is a low-maintenance piece of outdoor furniture that will keep looking great with minimal effort for many years.” If you keep this in mind, you’ll likely land on a box that suits your needs without having to replace or maintain it often.
While deck boxes are primarily used for storage reasons, there are several options that double as outdoor seating and decor. If you find yourself needing extra places to entertain guests, while still being able to keep your supplies safeguarded, large capacity boxes that are low to the ground are great for accomplishing both tasks. Conversely, if you require maximum storage space and don't care about aesthetics or seating, opting for an extra large box made with highly durable resin and double-walled construction will be your best bet.
Additionally, note that a yard isn’t required to make the best use of the best deck boxes. “For those who live in smaller city apartments with limited space, deck boxes are a smart way to maximize your outdoor area while keeping it uncluttered,” Cole advises.
As long as it fits, there is truly no limit to what you can store in a deck box. Some common items most people store include outdoor decorations, seat cushions, towels, blankets, gardening supplies, and more. When deciding on what to put in your chosen box, however, be sure to consider how weatherproof your box is, as some boxes aren’t made with sturdy materials or have open holes for handles which aren’t effective at keeping water and pests out. If your box falls into this category, you’ll likely want to reserve this space for just waterproof items.
Cole reiterates that resin is the most durable material for deck boxes, explaining that you get dependable protection against outdoor elements like rain, wind, sun, and snow. Moreover, its high durability also allows for low maintenance, saving you plenty of time and money in the long run from having to upkeep or replace it. Resin deck boxes are available in a variety of colors and textures, often mimicking other deck box materials like wood and wicker, to better blend in with your existing outdoor decor.
When assembled correctly, deck boxes can provide plenty of defense, protecting your belongings from heavy rain, snow, wind, UV rays, and pests. Additionally, some boxes also come with locking elements to add an extra layer of security. However, in many cases, locks are sold separately, which is something to keep in mind when purchasing a deck box that has a lock feature.
Folding Storage Box This article was written by Jeff Bogle, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To find the best deck boxes, he researched popular deck boxes from many reliable brands, bearing in mind essential factors such as price, style, material, durability, size options, and customer reviews. To help readers pick the perfect deck box, Jeff also spoke to Courtney Cole, an interior designer at TileCloud, an Australian-based decor company, for expert shopping tips.