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- At a Glance: Our Top 3 Picks
- How We Picked the Best Deck Boxes
- 1) Best Overall Deck Box: Keter Solana Storage Bench (70 Gallons)
- 2) Best Budget Deck Box: Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box
- 3) Best Large Deck Box: Keter Westwood 150-Gallon Deck Box
- What to Know Before You Buy a Deck Box
- What to Store in a Deck Box (and What Not to Do)
- Care, Maintenance, and Setup Tips
- Other Deck Boxes Worth Knowing About
- of Real-World “Deck Box Experience” (Without the Fairy Tale Ending)
- Final Take
Outdoor spaces are supposed to feel like a mini vacation. But the second you step onto the deck and trip over a rogue throw pillow,
a pool noodle, and that one mystery gardening glove that’s been living outside since last summer… the “vacation” vibe disappears fast.
A good deck box fixes that. It’s the low-drama, high-impact kind of storage: weather-resistant, easy to live with, and (ideally) nice
enough that you don’t feel like you parked a plastic spaceship next to your patio furniture.
After comparing what top U.S. home-and-garden editors and testers consistently rewarddurability, true weather protection, capacity that
matches real-life clutter, and details like hinges that don’t try to guillotine your fingersthree winners rise to the top. These are
the deck boxes our editors love because they solve the biggest outdoor-storage problems without creating new ones.
At a Glance: Our Top 3 Picks
| Pick | Best For | Capacity | Material | Standout Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Keter Solana Storage Bench | Small-to-medium patios that need seating + storage | 70 gallons | Resin (polypropylene) | Looks like furniture, works like storage, holds up to everyday use |
| Best Budget: Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box | Balconies, tight decks, grab-and-go storage | 22 gallons | Resin | Compact, affordable, surprisingly weather-tough for the price |
| Best Large: Keter Westwood 150-Gallon Deck Box | Cushion storage and big, awkward outdoor stuff | 150 gallons | Resin | Massive capacity + leakproof performance + soft-close hinges |
How We Picked the Best Deck Boxes
The best deck boxes aren’t just “big bins with lids.” The best ones behave like outdoor furniturebuilt to sit outside through sun, rain,
wind, and the occasional “who left the sprinkler on?” moment. When editors and testers evaluate deck boxes, the same practical categories
come up again and again:
- Weather resistance that actually works: Not “kind of water-resistant,” but “your cushions aren’t soaked after a storm.”
- Capacity you can use: Gallons matter, but interior dimensions matter more when you’re storing long cushions or bulky items.
- Materials that fit your climate: Resin and plastic are low-maintenance; wood and metal can be gorgeous but need more care.
- Everyday usability: Hinges, lid lift, lock compatibility, and whether you can open it one-handed while holding a drink.
- Looks: You have to see it every dayso “not ugly” is a legitimate performance feature.
1) Best Overall Deck Box: Keter Solana Storage Bench (70 Gallons)
If your deck box needs to do double dutystorage and extra seatingthe Keter Solana is the sweet spot. It’s a storage bench that
reads like actual patio furniture instead of “yard supply container,” with a slatted look that blends in near planters, railings, and outdoor
seating sets.
Why editors love it
The magic here is balance: it holds more than you expect, but it doesn’t dominate your deck. In real-world testing, editors were able to
stash bulky items like camping chairs and extension cords, and the bench function wasn’t just theoreticaltwo adults could sit on it and it
still felt sturdy. That’s a huge win for small patios where every piece has to earn its keep.
What it does best
- Seating + storage in one footprint: Perfect for patios that need an “extra chair” solution without adding another chair.
- Low maintenance material: Resin/polypropylene won’t splinter, and you won’t be scheduling “bench staining weekend.”
- Lock-compatible: Useful if you’re storing smaller gear or you live in a windy area and want the lid secured.
Things to know before you buy
Assembly can be a little confusing because some pieces look similar. Also, because the interior is basically one big cavity (no dividers),
small items can play hide-and-seek in the corners. If you plan to store hand tools, citronella candles, and random outdoor gadgets, consider
tossing them into a small tote or bin first, then placing that bin inside the deck box. You’ll feel wildly organizedlike someone who labels
spice jars for fun.
Quick specs: 70-gallon capacity; resin construction; exterior approx. 54.6 x 23.4 x 32.8 inches.
2) Best Budget Deck Box: Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box
This little Suncast box is proof that “budget” doesn’t have to mean “flimsy.” It’s compact enough for balconies and small decks, and it has
that woven, wicker-like texture people wantwithout the price tag that often comes with wicker styling.
Why editors love it
It’s “small but mighty” storage. Testers fit multiple outdoor pillows and even an outdoor sectional cover insideexactly the kind of stuff
that usually ends up draped over a chair like it’s auditioning for a laundry commercial. Better yet, the lid design helps shed water, and it
held its own through severe storms in testing by keeping contents dry.
What it does best
- Perfect for tight spaces: A smart solution when you don’t have room for a 5-foot-long storage chest.
- Flexible use: Works like a side table, quick-access cushion stash, or a spot for gardening tools and tall boots.
- Budget-friendly style: The look is “patio decor,” not “I bought this solely because it was on sale.”
Things to know before you buy
It’s lightweight (great), but it doesn’t include handy side grips/handles (not great) if you plan to move it around often. Also, the top can
get hot in direct sunso think of it as a side table, not your new favorite “sit here while I scroll my phone” throne.
Quick specs: 22-gallon capacity; resin construction; exterior approx. 17 x 22 x 20.5 inches; weight limit around 200 lbs.
3) Best Large Deck Box: Keter Westwood 150-Gallon Deck Box
If you’ve ever tried to store full-size patio cushions indoors, you know it’s basically a Tetris game with emotional consequences. The Keter
Westwood is the deck box you buy when you’re done negotiating with your living room. It’s large enough to handle big cushions and still have
room left for pool gear, pet supplies, and the many oddly shaped items that come with being a person who owns the outdoors.
Why editors love it
Two words: leakproof performance. In testing, the Westwood kept contents impressively dry through relentless rainstorms.
Its resin construction gives the look of stained wood without the peeling, rusting, or maintenance worries that come with some traditional
outdoor materials. It also stayed put during high windsso you don’t have to chase it across the yard like a runaway cooler.
What it does best
- Serious cushion storage: Testers stored eight seating cushions (including a large one) plus multiple pillows with room to spare.
- Soft-close hinges: The lid is easier and safer to useespecially if kids are grabbing pool floats or outdoor toys.
- Fast assembly for a big box: Despite its size, it can come together quickly with photo instructions.
Things to know before you buy
For the price, it’s mostly a big open interiorno dividers, no fancy organization built in. Also, the exterior can show dirt and debris more
than you’d expect, but it wipes clean easily with a damp rag. Think of it like a dark-colored car: gorgeous… and very honest about pollen.
Quick specs: 150-gallon capacity; resin construction; exterior approx. 61 x 28.5 x 25.4 inches; interior approx. 56 x 24.6 x 22.8 inches.
What to Know Before You Buy a Deck Box
1) Size: measure your space like a responsible adult (for five minutes)
Deck boxes range from around 20 gallons to 200+ gallons. The catch? A box can be “big” in gallons but awkward in shape for your deck. Before
you buy, measure the footprint on your patio. A simple trick is outlining the dimensions on the ground with painter’s tape so you can see how
it fits with your furniture and traffic flow. You want storage, not a new obstacle course.
2) Material: pick the right one for your climate and your patience level
Materials are where “deck box shopping” becomes “deck box strategy.” Here’s the plain-English breakdown:
-
Resin/plastic: The go-to choice for most peopledurable, easy to clean, and generally weather-resistant.
Higher-quality versions often mimic wood or wicker, giving you style without the upkeep. -
Wood (cedar, teak, etc.): Beautiful and timeless, but it may need routine maintenance like staining or refinishing.
If you love the look and don’t mind the care, it can be worth it. - Metal: Strong and sleek, but can be prone to rust if finishes wear downespecially in wet climates or salty coastal air.
- Wicker/rattan-style: Looks great, but woven textures can be harder to clean and sometimes need extra protection from heavy rain.
3) Water management: “weather-resistant” isn’t the same as “waterproof”
Some deck boxes are designed to stay dry inside; others are more like “it’ll probably be okay.” If you’re storing cushions, pillows, or anything
fabric-based, prioritize designs that testers describe as leakproof or that consistently kept items dry during storms. Lid design matters: lips,
overlap edges, and tight seals help shed water.
4) Use and access: the lid should not fight you
You’ll open your deck box a lotespecially in summer. Look for easy-open hinges, soft-close hardware, and lids that don’t feel like you’re lifting
a manhole cover. If you want it to double as seating, check the weight limit and the lid’s rigidity.
What to Store in a Deck Box (and What Not to Do)
Deck boxes shine when they store the awkward stuff: patio cushions, throw pillows, outdoor blankets, pool accessories, kids’ outdoor toys, garden
tools, hoses, and pet supplies. The big rule: don’t store wet items. Let everything dry first, especially cushions and anything
fabric-based. If you regularly stash pool toys that might be damp, consider using one box for “possibly wet” gear and another for textiles and
dry items. That one habit can extend the life of your outdoor accessories and reduce mildew surprises.
Care, Maintenance, and Setup Tips
- Place it on a flat surface: A level deck box lid closes better and keeps water from pooling where it shouldn’t.
- Wipe it down occasionally: Resin boxes are low maintenancesoap, water, and a soft cloth usually do the job.
- Use bins inside for small items: One small tote inside a big box saves you from daily scavenger hunts.
- Lock it if needed: Lock compatibility can help with security and can also keep lids from lifting in extreme wind.
Other Deck Boxes Worth Knowing About
Even though our top three are the editor-loved standouts, a few other models show up repeatedly in reputable testing and roundups:
- Keter Brightwood (around 120 gallons): Often praised for weather resistance and a wood-look design that doubles as seating.
- Lifetime heavy-duty deck boxes: Frequently highlighted for durability, UV protection, and weather-resistant lid seals.
- Rubbermaid deck boxes: Known for easier assembly approaches on some models and practical, patio-friendly designs.
If you’re choosing between similar sizes, focus less on the marketing words and more on the features that matter in real life:
water resistance, hinge quality, and whether the interior shape matches what you’re actually storing.
of Real-World “Deck Box Experience” (Without the Fairy Tale Ending)
The funny thing about deck boxes is that you don’t realize how badly you need one until you finally have one. Then it becomes the outdoor
equivalent of a junk drawerexcept it’s outside, it’s larger, and it holds objects that are somehow always either too soggy or too dusty.
Over time, editors and testers notice the same patterns: the best deck boxes aren’t just durable; they’re the ones you’ll actually use
every day because the lid opens easily, the storage fits your stuff, and the whole thing doesn’t look like a temporary fix.
Take cushion storage. It sounds simpleuntil you try to stack long seat cushions and realize your “large” box is large in gallons but short
in length. That’s why truly roomy options like the Keter Westwood win hearts: you can stack longer cushions without bending them into a sad
foam taco. And once you store eight cushions and still have room left, you start making bolder decisionslike finally retiring the indoor chair
you’ve been using as “temporary cushion storage since April.”
Then there’s the “small deck box glow-up.” Compact models like the Suncast 22-gallon box tend to become the MVP on small patios because they
handle the most annoying daily clutter: throw pillows, covers, gardening gloves, or those citronella candles you swear you’ll light but mostly
just move from place to place. The best part is psychological: when your deck looks tidy, you use it more. You stop thinking, “Ugh, I should
clean up out there,” and start thinking, “I could sit out there for ten minutes.” Ten minutes becomes an hour. The deck box did that.
Seating-style boxes create their own little lifestyle upgrade. The Keter Solana, for example, solves two common summer problems: “We need more
seating,” and “Where do I hide this mess?” It’s the kind of piece that quietly makes you a better host. Someone shows up unexpectedly? They sit.
The wind picks up? You stash the lightweight stuff fast. It’s not glamorous… but it is deeply satisfying.
One last lesson: deck boxes reward small habits. If you put things away dry, you avoid mildew drama later. If you toss small items into a tote
inside the box, you don’t spend your life digging around like you’re on an archeological dig for a missing lighter. If you occasionally wipe
down the exterior, it keeps looking like “intentional patio furniture” instead of “container that survived a pollen apocalypse.”
In the end, the best deck box isn’t the one with the fanciest product description. It’s the one that makes your outdoor space easier to live in:
cushions ready when you need them, gear protected when weather hits, and a deck that feels like a place you actually want to be.
Final Take
If you want one deck box that looks good, stores a lot, and doubles as seating, start with the Keter Solana.
If you need a compact, affordable fix for everyday patio clutter, the Suncast 22-Gallon is the easy win.
And if you’re serious about cushion storage and want a leakproof, storm-ready option, the Keter Westwood 150-Gallon is the
“buy once, relax later” pick.
