Clean Up Your Yard with an Outdoor Storage Bench
We’re always on the lookout for additional storage around the house and in the yard. An Outdoor storage bench provides an easy, affordable option.
Whether your yard is overrun with gardening tools or the kids’ toys, or you need a place to store cushions and blankets for the patio, today’s best outdoor storage benches could help – and look good doing it.
What’s better?
With a patio storage bench, you not only get storage space, but a functional bench seat that looks like part of your decor, and not just a utilitarian storage container. Talk about a home improvement!
We’ve found the best outdoor storage bench options for you and have vetted them through customer and HomeGenerosity reader reviews.
If you’re ready to upgrade your yard or patio, with more space and a new piece of stylish outdoor furniture, read on.
UPDATE: We’ve checked the new outdoor storage bench options for 2020 and have included additional reviews from our readers.
9 Best Outdoor Storage Benches by Category
We’ve broken down our favorite outdoor storage benches into three categories:
- Best Looking
- Most Storage
- Most Affordable
Best Looking Outdoor Storage Benches
Keter Eden 70 Gallon All Weather Outdoor Patio Storage Garden Bench
You’re a practical owner who wants to have a more organized garden. You want to get rid of the clutter. You want to spruce things up a little bit without spending a fortune, while also adding a good looking piece of outdoor furniture.
Introducing the Keter Eden 70-Gallon All-Weather Outdoor Patio Storage Garden Bench.
It’s affordable and functional – you’ve got spacious storage and a gorgeous 2-seater for the price of one.
The Keter 70 Gallon is made of UV-Protected Resin, making it easy to clean and maintain. Wipe it with a wet rag, and it looks good as new.
This outdoor storage bench is durable because it’s made of heavy-duty plastic. However, thanks to its sleek finish, your neighbors will not be able to tell that it’s made of plastic. They might even mistake it for real wood.
This storage bench may be in the lower price range, but it holds up to 70 gallons of whatever you’d like and looks good doing it.
Plus, reviewers have found it easy to assemble. Within 30 minutes, it’s ready to go.
The Keter is available in three color schemes: Grey, Beige/Brown, and Brown/Brown.
Real HomeGenerosity Reader Review
“I looked all over for a storage bench for my patio. While the Keter had good reviews, I was a little skeptical because of a few of the negative reviews about the fit. After buying it, my guess is that they didn’t follow the assembly instructions step by step. The bottom floor isn’t the most stable, but what can you expect – it’s not made of wood. The plastic is similar to what my kids’ playsets are made of, and so far, it’s very durable. Also, the bench seat is comfortable, and the open slat back looks good. For the price, you can’t find better.”
Pros
- Great looks
- Two-seat bench
- Weather-resistant
- Lockable lid
- Durable and strong
- Works with standard padlocks
Cons
- Most pieces snap together – fit sometimes isn’t perfect
- Screw holes may need to be adjusted
Leisure Season SB6024 Bench with Storage
We get it. Not all outdoor storage benches are stylish enough for your gorgeous garden. But wait until you see the Leisure Season SB6024.
If you’re looking for durability and style in one, you’ve found it.
Unlike most outdoor storage solutions, this bench doesn’t have to mimic the appearance of wood, because it’s made of high-quality genuine Cypress wood.
It measures in at 45″ x 24″ x 33″ and is strong enough to hold up to 400 lbs.
Not only is it sturdy, but it’s also weather-resistant. Leave it out in the sun – or the rain, and it remains beautiful and intact.
This piece of outdoor furniture is more than what meets the eye – it’s also very reliable. You can store whatever you’d like without worrying about it getting wet. You can use it to store your kids’ outdoor toys, garden tools, or cushions inside the roomy interior.
And still, this pretty piece of furniture could be a sturdy bench for when you have visitors.
With the Leisure Season’s rustic and modern look, you can spruce up that garden of yours to impress.
Pros
- Stylish rustic design
- Durable
- Money-back guarantee
- Easy to assemble
- High-quality and decay-resistant properties
Cons
- Back support could use additional reinforcement
- May have a strong smell of wood upon unboxing
Suncast PB6700 Patio Bench
The Suncast PB6700 may have a slightly higher price point, but it’s for a good reason.
Besides being good looking, the PB6700 takes pride in its durability. It’s made of water-resistant resin, making it weather-resistant; you can leave it out in the sun, in the rain, even out in the snow all winter.
Reviewers have found that the Suncast PB6700 can withstand years of wear and tear. Unlike most outdoor storage benches, its hinges resist rust. Even areas with high humidity levels are not a problem.
Did we mention that it’s easy to assemble? Well, it is – most buyers take less than 5 minutes.
What don’t we like?
The Suncast PB6700 only has a storage capacity of 50 gallons.
While it makes for a good looking outdoor bench, it may not be the best option for you if you need to store large items.
Pros
- Made of durable materials
- Resistant to fading
- Easy to assemble – no tools required
Cons
- Water on top of the lid may run into the box when opened
Outdoor Storage Benches With The Most Storage Space
Keter Rockwood Plastic Deck Storage Container Box Outdoor Patio Garden Furniture
Need A LOT of storage space?
Gardening tools, hoses, sporting equipment, pool accessories, outdoor cushions…you name it, and this outdoor storage bench can store it.
The Keter Rockwood is a 150-gallon container box that doubles as an outdoor bench. Its size and large storage capacity will surely help you keep your backyard decluttered.
On top of its good looking wood-like plastic panel appearance, the Keter Rockwood is weather-resistant. This means that everything you keep in it will remain dry and ventilated.
Did we mention that it’s durable and very easy to maintain?
The Keter Rockwood measures in at 61″ x 28.5″ x 25.3″; the inside of its storage compartment measures 56″ x 24.6″ x 22.8″.
Real HomeGenerosity Reader Review
“I knew I needed something big for my deck, and this large, plastic deck box did the trick. I stored ten foldable patio chairs in it last winter and still had room for the pool toys. Just be careful, though. The plastic is chewable, and the squirrels aren’t afraid to try it.”
Pros
- Made of non-toxic, recyclable plastic
- Automatic opening mechanism
- Weatherproof
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Plastic is not chew proof – watch out for nibbling pets
Lifetime 60012 Extra Large Deck Box
The Lifetime Extra Large Deck Box delivers a big storage solution for your big outdoor storage problems.
The Lifetime 60012 is sold in 4 sizes: 80, 116, 130, and 150-gallon capacity.
It comes in 3 color schemes: Desert Sand, Desert Sand/Brown, and Gray.
Made of high-density polyethylene, this outdoor storage bench is super durable and can easily hold several big items at once, without bulging or breaking apart.
Plus, it’s weather-resistant.
You can leave this bin out in the backyard and don’t have to worry about getting your contents wet from the rain or moisture.
The gently-closing lid is not only water-resistant, but it’s also lockable – with an opening for a standard padlock.
A feature that we, and other reviewers, really like is that the Lifetime allows you to add interior dividers, even shelving.
Though you likely won’t need it, this storage box comes with a 10-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Lockable, gentle closing lid
- Allows for interior dividers and shelving
- Rust-proof hinges
- 10-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Assembly takes longer than some other outdoor storage benches
Real HomeGenerosity Reader Review
“We needed storage for all of our pool equipment and bought this storage box. It seems to be made well and definitely has plenty of room. Being able to sit on top of it is a nice bonus for when we have parties. It may not be the fanciest looking storage option, but it gets the job done.”
Rubbermaid Deck Box with Seat
The Rubbermaid Deck Box is another large outdoor storage bench option.
Although it has a 120-gallon capacity, this outdoor deck box is also extra durable and lives up to the Rubbermaid name. Reviewers consistently say how well made this storage bench is.
While it doesn’t have a back, the Rubbermaid Deck Box can seat three adults comfortably.
This box is offered in two colors: Roughneck and Sandstone.
Pros
- Crack-resistant
- Maintenance-free
- Easy access and lockable lid
Cons
- Assembly instructions could use some improvement
Most Affordable Outdoor Storage Benches
Suncast SSW1200 Mocha Resin Wicker 22-Gallon Storage Seat
Looking for a cheap outdoor storage solution that could fit in any nook and cranny? Then, the Suncast SSW1200 might be a good fit for your home.
The SSW1200 is a 22-gallon capacity storage seat made of resin.
It’s easy to assemble – everything snaps into place, like a puzzle, without tools.
Its compact build makes it a very versatile and practical storage seat – and it’s durable, too!
The Suncast SSW1200 is a beautiful piece of furniture on its own. It has a gorgeous basketweave finish for a clean and modern look. It looks perfect for decks, gardens, and patios and even can be used indoors.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy build quality
Cons
- Not large enough to store a propane tank
Rubbermaid Outdoor Patio Storage Bench
Want more storage and still be able to accommodate extra seating for two more people? Here’s another affordable outdoor storage solution you might want to check out.
Introducing the Rubbermaid Outdoor Patio Storage Bench.
This bench takes pride in its Rubbermaid brand durability.
It not only features a double-walled composite resin construction that can withstand heavy loads, but it is weather-resistant and leak and dent-resistant.
Another nice feature about the Rubbermaid is that it is also compact enough to fit in most spaces on your patio or porch.
It measures in at 4′ L x 2’1″ W x 3′ H and has approximately 30 gallons, or four cubic feet, or storage space.
Two adults can fit on the bench.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Weather-resistant
- Dent resistant
- Compact design
Cons
- Sloped lid reduces some interior storage space
Suncast SS1000 Storage Seat
The Suncast SS1000 may be one of the cheaper outdoor storage benches, but no one will be able to tell.
With its sleek and clean wainscot design, this piece of outdoor Suncast furniture looks great, making a nice addition to your home or backyard. For its size, it also features roomy storage – adequate for your small tools or the kids’ toys.
Because it’s compact, the Suncast SS1000 is also versatile. You can use it almost anywhere you like.
Above all, its water-resistant resin construction is durable and easy-to-maintain, too.
Did we mention that you could assemble this in 5 minutes, without the use of tools? It’s a feature that we love in this affordable option.
One thing we don’t love?
This mini outdoor storage seat is only available in taupe. While it’s a nice looking color, we wish it was also offered in something darker.
Pros
- Fade-resistant plastic
- Sleek design
- Easy to assemble with clear instructions
Cons
- Only available in one color
Best Outdoor Storage Bench Buyer’s Guide
When purchasing the best outdoor storage bench, there are a few things you need to take into consideration to get the biggest bang for your buck! Let’s take a closer look at some of those considerations down below:
Deck Box Materials
The materials of the outdoor storage bench are important because it is, in fact, an outdoor storage bench. This means it will be exposed to the elements. You want to find something made with a durable and weather-resistant material that can stand up to these conditions. Some good weather-resistant materials include plastic and resin wicker.
Resin offers you the beauty of real wood but provides you with durability. It is also a lightweight material. When properly cared for, this material is less likely to crack, fade, splinter, warp, and crack.
Wood is a natural and beautiful choice, as well. The ones made for outside are typically constructed with a weather-resistant material like teak, cedar, and pine. These are all moisture-resistant woods.
Plastic is another option and is lightweight and durable. There is also very minimal maintenance required for plastic when compared to the other choices. Plastic will not rust or fade.
Sizing
Now you have to consider what size bench you need. How much storage are you looking for? How much space do you have available outdoors for your furniture? You will find that many storage benches are measured in gallon sizes.
Small: this usually means it can store up to 50 gallons. So, if you need storage for pillows, towels, or a hose, then this may be the ideal size for you.
Medium: these hold between 51 and 99 gallons, so are slightly larger. It offers enough space for any gardening supplies or other outdoor items you may need to store or a full set of patio cushions that you take off your outdoor sofa.
Large: for even more storage space, you will want to shoot for something that can hold between 100 and 149 gallons. If you have a pool, then this bench is large enough to store most of your maintenance tools, some pool toys, or even more patio cushions.
Extra-Large: for the ultimate in outdoor storage space, consider an extra-large bench that can hold up to 150 gallons or more. You won’t have to fight for storage space for your items when you have something this large and available.
Style
There are also many different styles of storage options to choose from. You aren’t just limited to outdoor storage benches, either. You can also choose a simple deck storage box in addition or as an alternative to a deck storage bench.
However, many find that a deck storage bench is more advantageous than a deck storage box because it adds extra seating and may prove to be more functional for an entertaining space.
Deck box benches come in different sizes, and some have added armrests and a back to offer more support and comfort. You may find that a deck storage box may not be able to hold and support as much weight as a bench can. Benches typically have a higher weight capacity.
Other Features
Some other features you may want to consider include a lockable lid, handles, hinges, wheels, castors, and baskets, and storage nets. Again, all of this will really depend on how much you are storing and what you are storing in your bench.
Deciding on the Best Outdoor Storage Bench
Choosing the best outdoor furniture for your backyard will take some time. Ultimately, you have to consider what fits your needs and budget.
So, what’s most important to you?
Lots of storage? A bench with a backrest? Looks? Price?
The choice for the best outdoor storage bench for your backyard is up to you.
If you have any questions or would like to weigh in on one of the options we’ve listed, drop us an e-mail at [email protected]
Image Credit: Amazon.com