Prepping Your Patio for Summer? These Deck Boxes Neatly Store Outdoor Cushions, Pool Gear, Toys, and More

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Extra outdoor storage space is always a plus, particularly in summer when you need a spot to neatly stow everything from pool toys and towels to outdoor cushions for your new patio furniture. Deck boxes are water-resistant outdoor storage trunks that come in a slew of styles and sizes, from small options that double as side tables to monster-sized models that can double as extra seating.

Whether you have a ton of stuff to stash and keep dry or simply want to tidy up the deck or patio, we’ve compiled a roundup of the most useful outdoor storage and deck boxes you can buy. Read on for our recommendations, plus shopping advice and FAQs.

The Best Deck Boxes

• Best Overall: Keter Brightwood 120-Gallon Deck Box

• Best Upgrade: Keter Westwood 150-Gallon Deck Box

• Best Small: East Oak 31-Gallon Outdoor Storage Box

• Best Oversized: Keter Denali 200-Gallon Outdoor Storage Box

• Best Wood: West Elm Portside Outdoor Storage Trunk

What to Consider

Size and Storage Capacity

When shopping for a deck box, capacity and outer dimensions are top considerations. Maximum storage space with a small footprint is typically a good ratio of metrics to seek out. In terms of capacity, the tiniest deck boxes are around 20 gallons, often shaped like a cube.

For something a bit larger, there are outdoor storage boxes that range from 60 to 80 gallons. Medium deck boxes in the 90- to 120-gallon range are perhaps the most popular, which is where our best overall Keter Brightwood 120-gallon deck box falls. Large outdoor storage boxes are around 150 gallons, and anything beyond that—200 gallons or more—is extra-large.

Note that not all deck boxes are built to double as extra seating. If that feature is important to you, make sure the model you’re considering has a maximum weight capacity of at least 250 pounds.

Material

Almost all outdoor storage and deck boxes are water-resistant to some degree. Resin is the most popular choice as the durable, hard plastic blocks moisture and doesn’t fade or dent.

Wooden deck boxes typically look more upscale than resin, but they also require more maintenance and may need to be stored indoors for the winter. There are also a few powder-coated metal deck boxes on the market, which have a more modern look than wood or resin.

Features

Another major consideration is if you need the deck box to lock. Most large resin models come with an included lock or a loop for adding a lock, which is always a plus, particularly if you have little ones. Beyond that, extra features include easy-close lids, liners, organizational bins, interior pockets, and wheels for moving around.

How We Selected

We considered dozens of models and read through countless customer reviews, honing in on durability and quality of hardware, noting when desirable features like hydraulic pistons for easy opening and closing are included on particular models. Our selection covers a range of materials and sizes, from 31 to 200 gallons, plus we offer options across multiple price points.

Brightwood 120-Gallon Deck Box

Our all-around top choice is Keter's Brightwood deck box for its solid capacity, durability, and good looks—and it doubles as extra seating for two adults.

At 120 gallons, the large outdoor storage box is spacious enough to hold everything from pool towels to furniture cushions, and its all-weather build means it’s virtually maintenance free.

In terms of style, our eyes are drawn to its subtle, wood-embossed finish and details such as corners fashioned to resembled tapered wooden legs. All the essential features are there, too, including a padlock and hydraulic pistons for easy opening and closing—and no slamming down on fingers.

The Brightwood deck box is available in dark brown or anthracite gray, and it’s reasonably priced to boot. The only potential drawback is that it may be quite heavy to move if filled to capacity, though the same applies to all large deck boxes.

Westwood 150-Gallon Deck Box

We recommend Keter's Westwood deck box if you love the look of wood but want the durability only resin can deliver. It’s spacious inside and we also appreciate that this model can be used as bench seating, as it’s sturdy enough to support two adults.

Other highlights include two handles on each side and hydraulic pistons that easily slide open and closed to prevent the cover from slamming down on your fingers. The lid also has a latch in front so you can bolt it shut with a padlock to keep items inside secure.

31-Gallon Outdoor Storage Box

This 31-gallon deck box from East Oak is shockingly spacious for its footprint size, with impressive capacity and space for a padlock (and it comes with one). The size is ideal for storing pool toys or a few patio furniture cushions, and with a 170-pound weight capacity on the lid, it’s safe to use for extra seating.

If you love the look of this outdoor storage box but are looking for one that’s larger, it’s available in several other sizes, including a well-designed 120-gallon model.

Denali 200-Gallon Outdoor Storage Box

We couldn’t help highlighting another deck box from Keter’s Denali collection, as there are few options out there that offer this much storage space. This huge box boasts a 200-gallon capacity, with the same streamlined, modern design as the 150-gallon model we write about above.

It also has the same hydraulic lift system inside, plus there’s no space between panels, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a deck box that offers maximum water resistance. However, just like the smaller model, there are no handles and the lid isn’t intended for seating.

Portside Outdoor Storage Trunk

No resin deck box can ever beat the elegance of natural wood, and our top pick in the material is West Elm’s Portside outdoor storage trunk. Sure it’s on the pricey side, but this deck box is crafted from solid mahogany and eucalyptus, and we especially appreciate its three easy-close hinges.

We also love the weathered finish, done by hand with a wired brush. You can’t go wrong in choosing a color, with two gorgeous options—weathered gray or driftwood—plus it’s available in 47- or 62-inch widths.

While this outdoor storage box naturally resists moisture, we recommend covering it if rain is in the forecast.

Metal Outdoor Storage Trunk

If your taste tips toward modern and you can’t picture a resin or wood deck box in your backyard, we highly recommend Pottery Barn’s Indio outdoor storage trunk.

The trunk has an all-aluminum build and we adore the cool and sleek slate-gray, powder-coated finish. Inside, there are steel hinges beneath the lid and welded joints connecting the frame.

While the deck box is water-resistant, like the West Elm wood option we write about above, we recommend a cover for inclement weather. The only potential downside is that the lid’s capacity is only 120 pounds, so it isn’t the best choice for extra seating.

Springwood Outdoor Storage Box With Wheels

This outdoor storage box is easy to move around, thanks to a set of rollers underneath the base. Like most of the deck boxes here, it’s made of resin, so hardly any maintenance is required.

The 80-gallon capacity is substantial enough for most people, and this outdoor storage box is more water-resistant than some other options we write about. It’s also reasonably priced. But while streamlined, Keter’s Springwood model isn’t the most stylish the brand offers.

FAQs

What’s the most popular deck box size?

On average, deck boxes fit anywhere between roughly 80 to 120 gallons, though 150 gallons is also a common choice. In terms of dimensions, most deck boxes are about two or more feet deep, two or more feet wide, and variable lengths.

Do deck boxes keep cushions dry?

No deck box is completely waterproof because it’s important to let air circulate inside to prevent mold. If you leave cushions inside a deck box during heavy rain, they may get damp, though during the warmer months they’ll likely dry quickly. We recommend storing cushions indoors off season.

How much weight does a deck box hold?

Weight capacity varies quite a bit depending on the deck box’s build. Not all deck boxes are designed to use for seating, so if it’s something you want, look at models that can safely hold 250 pounds at minimum.

Can you leave a deck box out in winter?

We recommend purchasing a cover to protect the deck box off season. If you live in locale with a harsh winter climate, we advise storing the covered deck box indoors, or at least placing it away from where snow and rain may fall.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?