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10 Best Outdoor Storage Bench

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Outdoor Storage Bench

Choosing the right outdoor storage bench means finding a product that combines functionality with your personal style and the specific needs of your outdoor space. You want a bench that not only provides extra seating but also enough storage to help keep your patio, deck, or garden tidy. Before deciding, consider where you'll place the bench, what items you’ll store, and how much maintenance you're willing to do. Look for something sturdy enough to handle the weather in your area and easy to clean, as outdoor furniture can get exposed to sun, rain, and dirt.
MaterialThe material of an outdoor storage bench determines how durable, weather-resistant, and maintenance-heavy the bench will be. Common materials include wood, resin/plastic, and metal. Wooden benches offer a natural look but need regular treatment to prevent weather damage. Resin or plastic benches are lightweight, weatherproof, and very low-maintenance, making them a good choice for those who want something easy to care for. Metal benches, often made from aluminum or steel, are sturdy and can handle heavy use, but may need protection from rust. Think about both the climate where you live and how much effort you’re willing to put into maintenance when choosing material.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity tells you how much you can fit inside the bench and is usually measured in gallons or liters. Small benches hold about 30-50 gallons and are suitable for storing small gardening tools or a few cushions. Medium options, around 50-80 gallons, can accommodate multiple cushions, outdoor toys, or folded blankets. Large benches, above 80 gallons, let you store gardening equipment, bulky toys, and even pool supplies. Consider what you'll be storing and make sure the capacity matches your needs without taking up more space than necessary in your yard.
Comfort and SeatingBecause storage benches double as seating, comfort is important. Some benches come with contoured or slatted seats, sometimes with included or optional cushions. For benches used mainly for sitting, look for ergonomic shapes and enough length to seat your intended number of people—some fit one, others two or three. If storage is your main concern and the bench will only occasionally be used for sitting, basic flat tops may be sufficient. Decide how often you'll use the bench for seating to help determine how much comfort you need from the design.
Weather ResistanceSince outdoor storage benches are exposed to the elements, how well the bench resists weather is crucial. Weather resistance includes protection against rain, UV rays, mold, and fading. Resin and plastic materials tend to offer excellent weather resistance, with little worry of rust or rot. Treated woods can also do well but may require periodic oiling or staining. Some metal benches come with protective coatings. Evaluate how exposed the bench will be in your outdoor area and choose a level of weather resistance that matches your climate and placement.
Security and ClosureThe way the storage compartment closes and can be secured affects both convenience and safety. Some benches come with simple lift-up lids; others have lockable designs, which are important if you need to keep tools safe from children or animals. Lids with pneumatic lifts are easier to open and close, preventing fingers from being pinched. Decide if you need a bench with a locking mechanism or soft-close lid based on what you'll store and who will be using the bench.
Assembly and MaintenanceHow easy it is to assemble and maintain your storage bench counts for a lot, especially if you’re not used to building furniture. Some benches snap together without tools, while others require more complicated assembly. Maintenance will depend on material: wood may need annual sealing, while resin or plastic needs only occasional cleaning. If you want minimal effort, stick to low-maintenance options and look at user reviews for notes about assembly challenges.