Sudden storms, harsh sun, strong bouts of wind—the best deck boxes are designed to endure the elements all year long. If you’re looking to keep your seat cushions, throw pillows, or other entertaining essentials clean and dry between outdoor gatherings so that they last even longer, look no further than our list of favorites below. We tested a bunch of sizes on back decks, patios, and covered balconies in a range of styles, but nearly all double as seating thanks to reinforced lids.
Because let’s be honest: One of the main reasons to invest in a deck box is combating a shortage of storage space. These rectangular bins can be as small as 20 gallons or as big as 200, but no matter what size you need, they won’t soak up as much square footage (or put as big of a dent in your wallet) as a shed or garage—all while keeping an outdoor oasis free of clutter. If you’re curious to discover the products that earned top marks from our testers, as well as a few other options that have caught the eye of our editors to try out in the future, read on.
What We Tested
To find the best deck boxes, we researched the market and tested our top picks, evaluating each based on its capacity, material, weight limit, and additional features like lockable lids, quiet-close hinges, and UV-protected coatings.
To learn more about how we tested deck boxes, check out our testing process below.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Keter Solana 70-Gallon Outdoor Storage Bench
Best Budget: Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box
Best Large: Keter Westwood 150 Gallon Plastic Backyard Outdoor Storage Deck Box
What We Recommend
Best Overall
Keter Solana 70-Gallon Outdoor Storage Bench
- If you need extra seating as much as you need a solid storage solution, this pick offers the best of both worlds.
If you need extra seating as much as you need a solid storage solution, this pick offers the best of both worlds.
- Assembly is tricky because the pieces look alike—and some may require a little more oomph when clicking together.
Assembly is tricky because the pieces look alike—and some may require a little more oomph when clicking together.
Keter’s Solana deck box holds more than it looks (we stored three camping chairs, two extension cords, and one medium-sized tool bag full of go-to gardening gear), but ample amounts of storage isn’t the only reason it’s our favorite overall. We love that it's multifunctional, adding two or three extra seats to an outdoor space. Constructed from the same weather-resistant polypropylene material as the brand’s popular Adirondack chairs, the frame won’t buckle or break, a detail that took us by surprise.
During the assembly process, the pieces felt surprisingly thin and lightweight (the whole thing only weighs about 34 pounds, yet can withstand up to 551 pounds), but when two people sat on it while watching our dogs play in the front yard for a little over a half hour, we were shocked by how sturdy it felt underneath us.
While comfortable enough on its own, for extra padding, we recommend looking for a cushion roughly 52 by 21 inches in size that can be tied onto the back rails. Add a striped lumbar pillow, and guests would never even know this is a deck box. Better yet, the wood-like appearance doesn’t come off as cheap. Situated in between flower pots, it’s now the star of our front porch and has even refused to fade in the sun.
It’s also performed well in the rain, keeping contents dry during summer storms, despite the fact that the slatted bench has built-in ventilation. And since we stored mostly large items inside, the lack of dividers wasn't an issue here. Smaller items, however, might get lost within, requiring some initial digging every time you’d need to pull it out. Otherwise, there isn’t a thing we’d change about it—it’s even compatible with a padlock if you need to keep your items extra secure and safe, particularly during strong gusts of wind.
Product Details: Material: Resin | Exterior dimensions: 54.6x23.4x32.8 inches | Interior dimensions: 50.4x19.7x15 inches | Storage capacity: 70 gallons
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / WENDY VAZQUEZ
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / WENDY VAZQUEZ
Best Budget
Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box
- Small but mighty, you won’t have to spend more than $60 for a wicker-like exterior.
Small but mighty, you won’t have to spend more than $60 for a wicker-like exterior.
- Although lightweight, it lacks side handles or indents for easy transport.
Although lightweight, it lacks side handles or indents for easy transport.
Deck boxes boasting woven, wicker-like exteriors typically tout a higher price tag, but not this petite option from Suncast. At the time of publishing, it retails for just under $60, but we’ve spotted it at varying costs, so you may be able to snag it for even less during a sale.
We scooped up this style to complement a larger, 103-gallon deck box by Backyard Creations, and we were able to easily fit three square and one lumbar pillow, along with a cover for an outdoor sectional. Otherwise, it could fit three or four throw blankets, a dozen beach towels rolled up, or gardening tools (including tall boots). In other words, everything we were hoping to keep in here, we can, without having to take up any more space on the deck.
At first glance, it could easily be mistaken for a side table or even a single seat (for the latter, however, the paneled top tends to feel pretty hot to the touch in direct sun), although it can’t exceed 200 pounds in weight.
Happy-hour beverages could easily be kept here, especially considering it’s constructed from resin plastic, so you don’t have to worry about water rings popping up. In fact, it endured multiple severe storms that blew through Iowa, including heavy winds, but this little box didn’t blow away and kept everything dry inside. The slight lip of the top has made a big difference by channeling runoff to drip down the sides rather than through the top.
Product Details: Material: Resin | Exterior dimensions: 17x22x20.5 inches | Interior dimensions: 20.5x15.5x17 inches | Storage capacity: 22 gallons
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY SCHAUBROECK
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY SCHAUBROECK
Best Large
Keter Westwood 150 Gallon Plastic Backyard Outdoor Storage Deck Box
- Not only is it large enough to stack longer seat cushions within, it’s also totally leakproof.
Not only is it large enough to stack longer seat cushions within, it’s also totally leakproof.
- This one is a bit pricey for what you get (no dividers, dated design).
This one is a bit pricey for what you get (no dividers, dated design).
Another winner from Keter, this 150-gallon deck box (the largest we tested) may look like stained wood, but it’s far less prone to peeling, fading, and rusting. Our tests confirmed the resin plastic construction is leakproof, as it kept contents shockingly dry after relentless rainstorms. And during other nights of high winds, it refused to budge. While it is compatible with a lock, we didn’t need one. The only issue is that it easily shows debris and dirt, but everything wipes clean with a wet rag—no hose necessary. Its dark brown exterior still looks as good as the day it arrived. Who doesn’t love a low-maintenance material?
Still, the major appeal is almost entirely the size. It stores eight seating cushions, including one that’s 2.5 square feet, and three decorative pillows, with room to spare. It’s big enough to store fitness equipment, pool toys, pet supplies, and gardening gear. Throw a tablecloth on top for a makeshift dining table, or disguise it as a coffee table by placing it in the center of your patio furniture.
The soft-close hinges also bump this style up into our list of favorites; despite the increase in size, lifting and closing the top isn’t burdensome. So much so, we could see kids being able to reach in and grab their favorite float without needing an extra hand to help. This extra feature didn’t delay the assembly process either—the entire box took no more than 15 minutes to put together, thanks to easy-to-follow photo instructions.
Product Details: Material: Resin | Exterior dimensions: 61x28.5x25.4 inches | Interior dimensions: 56x24.6x22.8 inches | Storage capacity: 150 gallons
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / JENNIFER MAY
More Deck Boxes That Caught Our Eye
While we haven’t had a chance to try out the deck boxes below for ourselves, we think they’re worth mentioning, nailing the trifecta of good design, durability, and versatility.
Better Homes and Gardens Outdoor Storage Ottoman
At first glance, we’d never know this BHG ottoman is also a deck box. Not only does the padded top open up to unveil a decent amount of storage, but the wicker-like exterior is actually all-weather resin. The cushion is also covered in a fade-resistant fabric, putting durability top of mind. However, despite the tight braiding, the bottom is more open, so there is a slight possibility of items getting wet—it’s best to put this in a covered area if storms are in the forecast.
West Elm Portside Deck Storage Shelving Unit
Don’t have enough floor room? Look up. This West Elm outdoor cabinet combines a deck box bottom with three adjustable shelves on top. Contents that absolutely cannot get wet can be tucked behind the doors, whereas other knick-knack and entertaining items can be placed up top.
Constructed with sustainably sourced mahogany and eucalyptus (both solid wood but treated with moisture resistance), this single piece can be customized with other modular pieces to create an entire storage system, too. If you’ve ever dreamed of having an outdoor kitchen, this unit helps bring indoor-entertaining vibes out. Do note that both the driftwood and heather gray colorways have an unfinished look to them to help disguise any future imperfections that come with the territory of outdoor terrain.
Frontgate Teak Storage Chest
Speaking of wood, teak is one of the few natural materials that are totally safe to stick outdoors, chiefly because it's more resistant to water than other species, thanks to the presence of silica. This particular deck box from Frontgate, in fact, has been kiln-dried to remove any leftover moisture and sanded by hand for a smooth finish that won’t warp or crack. It’ll also repel rot and pests, but don’t expect the lovely warm shade to last; teak has a tendency to patina over time to a silvery hue.
As a premium product, the material doesn’t come cheap. But we think it's worth every penny for evolving beauty, so long as you’re game to refinish or reseal it each year or so.
The Bottom Line
The Keter Solana Storage Bench is the best deck box we tested. Its slatted seat opens to reveal a 70-gallon cavern that’s roomy enough to house a bunch of outdoor essentials. It’s constructed from heavy-duty plastic that you won’t have to worry about warping, fading, or splintering over time. Weatherproof, sturdy, and easy enough on the eyes, the elevated wood-like design still won’t run you more than $200. It’ll cut back on your outdoor clutter and seat unexpected guests, keeping them from having to pull up an extra chair.
Our Testing Process
From the Midwest to the West Coast, the best deck boxes withstood heavy days of rain, thunderstorms, and days plagued by strong winds. We made sure not one of our favorites became damaged during the testing period or blew away and that, when the exteriors started collecting dirt and grime, were a breeze to wash, looking good as new.
We paid close attention to the size and how much we were able to fit based on the amount of room a deck box took up in the outdoor space, how easy it was to lug items in and out, and if the price point matched the quality in terms of durability and sturdiness, especially since nearly all double as seating. In doing so, we narrowed down our list of absolute favorites to just three options, but researched a few alternatives to show readers the diversity in design (some have wheels for easy transport, others offer even more storage with built-in shelves) and materials beyond resin plastic including teak and metal.
What to Know About Deck Boxes Before Shopping
Exterior Dimensions
It’s important to know how much space a deck box is going to take up, especially if you’re going to place it on a patio or deck. Small deck boxes can be as narrow as 18 to 20 inches, while oversized deck boxes can stretch out to 5 or 6 feet long.
For instance, the Suncast Resin Deck Box is more compact, taking on the dual purpose of a side table, and measures in at 22x17x19.5 inches. Our large pick, however, is almost double that, spanning nearly 5 feet in length.
If you want to ensure it will fit into your outdoor setup, we recommend grabbing a roll of masking tape and marking the dimensions of potential boxes on the ground. Seeing the size outlined on your deck may help you visualize how it will mingle with other items in your space and get a better idea of what will be able to fit inside.
Material
“There are several materials available when it comes to deck boxes, including resin and plastic, wicker and rattan, wood, and metal,” says Caitlin Sole, senior home editor at Better Homes and Gardens. When choosing the best deck box for your needs, Sole says to consider “your storage needs, aesthetic preferences, and climate.”
“For example, wood deck boxes, including cedar and teak, look timeless but may require routine maintenance like staining,” she says. “Meanwhile, plastic or resin deck boxes are long-lasting, lightweight, and come in a range of colors, though may not be as upscale as their wood and rattan counterparts.”
Plastic deck boxes are a popular choice because they are often more affordable, easy to clean, and able to withstand the elements. They may not be the best choice for someone looking to add some flair to their outdoor space, as they’re typically not as aesthetically pleasing as their wicker or wooden counterparts.
Plastic may be durable, but that doesn’t mean it's indestructible. Expect deck boxes made of this material to fade over time and even weaken over the years.
Resin deck boxes are also very popular thanks to their durability and ability to mimic other styles of deck boxes. Our choice for best overall deck box is made of resin, although it looks like it’s been made of wood. The Suncast Deck Box is also made of resin, has a woven pattern, and is weather-resistant.
Wicker deck boxes can be more difficult to clean because of the grooves and may require a separate outdoor furniture cover to keep moisture out during inclement weather.
Wood deck boxes tend to be very heavy and require some extra maintenance. It’s possible you’ll need to re-stain the wood if it fades over time, or treat the wood to ensure you don’t get blisters. Teak, as we mentioned above, will patina a silvery gray over time, but you have the option to refinish it to look as good as new. That’s why experts recommend it’s best for warmer climates or those where rainy days are the norm. Or, if tapped in a colder environment, you likely won’t be able to leave it out all year long. The same can be said for metal boxes, which can rust over time if not maintained properly. Otherwise, the material is inherently durable, and designs these days are more sleek than utilitarian.
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of deck boxes is often measured in gallons or interior dimensions. Gallon measurements can be confusing, as most homeowners use deck boxes to store outdoor pillows and cushions, pool accessories, and sporting or garden equipment.
If you want to store specific items in a deck box, consider the interior dimensions to determine whether it can hold certain cushions or pool floats.
Other Deck Boxes We Tested
Pottery Barn Benson Wicker Pool Storage Bin
While originally a favorite, after testing, this pick from Pottery Barn proved it should be limited to covered areas. While solidly built and expensive looking, not only did the top blow open during a particularly brutal storm in Seattle, water tended to pool on top and found its way inside, raising concerns over long-term exposure to water and moisture. So while it wins points for being roomy and sturdy, it loses some for a top not strong enough to double as seating, and a not totally weatherproof frame.
Your Questions, Answered
How much can you expect to spend on a deck box?
Deck boxes can vary in cost, depending on the materials you choose, the size of the deck box, and any features it may have. Typically, a quality, medium-sized deck box will cost $100 to $200. Our pick for the best budget, the Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box, costs about $60, while Frontgate’s teak chest is upward of $1,000.
What should you store in a deck box?
“Deck boxes are handy because they can house everything from furniture cushions to extra pool toys,” says Megan Hughes, horticulturist and landscape expert at Hughes Nursery and Landscaping.
“The key to happy storage is storing things properly—never put away anything wet in the box," she says. "Allow all items to dry thoroughly before storage. If there is a chance of something being put away wet (pool toys, for example), have two boxes—one for potentially wet items and one for everything else. Cushions, for example, degrade quickly in a hot, wet storage box.”
How long do deck boxes last?
Sole says the life span of deck boxes can vary anywhere from a year to a decade, “depending on factors like climate, frequency of use, care and maintenance, and whether the box is covered or protected from the elements.”
Some materials will last longer than others. “Resin and plastic deck boxes typically have a longer life than wood deck boxes, which can warp with moisture and heat, and metal deck boxes, which can begin to rust over time,” she says.
Who We Are
Our senior shopping writer, Morgan Bulman, has been covering home design for over five years—so she knows a thing or two about creating a cozy outdoor space. Whether it’s Adirondack chairs, weatherproof sectionals, planters, or solar lights, she’s covered just about every outdoor essential you can think of. In other words, she has a trained eye for materials, frame styles, and other construction details that will hold up better over time when exposed to the elements than others. It’s an ability that came in handy when compiling testing results for the best deck boxes.
This article was originally written by Better Homes and Gardens contributors Andrea Wurzburger and Megan Boettcher, who spoke to Megan Hughes, a horticulturist and landscape expert at Hughes Nursery and Landscaping, and Better Homes and Gardens senior digital home editor, Caitlin Sole, about what customers should look for in a deck box.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.