Tired Of Yard Clutter? We Have The Solution

A deck box is perfect for stowing away items that would otherwise clutter up the yard, such as pool toys, gardening tools, and kids’ toys. And because deck boxes also protect their contents from the elements, they’re also great at keeping deck, patio, and porch furniture cushions dry, clean, and fade-free until they’re needed. Designed as weather-resistant storage bins for outdoors, these storage solutions come in a wide variety of sizes and materials. We decided to test some highly rated selections to find out which ones function and look the best. 

The Rubbermaid Extra-Large 134-Gallon Deck Box topped our list. We really liked the durable and attractive wicker-textured resin material, and it offered lots of storage space while fitting comfortably on the deck. However, some shoppers may prefer a bench-style box for added seating, a smaller box for a better fit, or a larger capacity box for bulky items. That’s why we included six more options. 

Whether you prefer resin or wood, large or small, this guide includes a wide range of outdoor storage containers that will do the job and look great. Read on for our reviews of the models we tested, then keep reading for tips that will help choose the best deck box for your storage needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Rubbermaid Extra-Large 134-Gallon Deck Box
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Suncast 73-Gallon Medium Deck Box With Seat 
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3. BEST SMALL: Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box with Storage Seat 
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4. BEST LARGE: Keter Java 230-Gallon Deck Box 
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5. BEST WOOD-LOOK: Keter Eastwood 150-Gallon Deck Box 
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6. BEST WOODEN: Tangkula 48-Gallon Acacia Wood Deck Box
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7. BEST LOCKABLE:Lifetime 116-Gallon Outdoor Storage Deck Box
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Deck Boxes Comparison

Our Top Picks

We chose these deck boxes based on their standout reputations for durability, functionality, appearance, and value, which we then confirmed in our hands-on testing. Read on for our reviews.

Best Overall

Rubbermaid Extra-Large 134-Gallon Deck Box

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Wayfair

What We Like

• Very easy to assemble
• Large storage capacity
• Durable and attractive resin
• Competitive price point

What We Don’t Like

• Surface becomes very hot in direct summer sunlight

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Product Specs

• Dimensions 28 inches tall by 55 inches wide by 27 inches deep
• Capacity 134 gallons
• Material Resin

Our Ratings

The ideal deck box is not too big and not too small, and it has to look good, too. That’s why we named this Rubbermaid 134-gallon deck box Best Overall. In addition to hitting the size sweet spot, this box’s wicker-textured resin material offers durability with classic styling. On top of that, on a per-gallon basis, it’s also one of the most affordable deck boxes we tested. Assembly was easy: it consisted of panels that snap and pin together, and installing a handful of screws with pre-drilled holes.

Rubbermaid calls this box “extra large” but we consider it large; our extra-large pick is quite a bit bigger. It’s a perfect storage bin for the electric hedge trimmer and leaf blower, pruners, trowel, and watering can that we like to keep close at hand to quickly tidy up the deck area, with enough extra space for a bag of charcoal and some bulky grilling accessories. Best of all, the stored items don’t get all jumbled up inside, and during heavy wind-driven rain, everything inside stays nice and dry.

This box is not designed to be used for seating, which may be a downside for some. In fact, we advise against placing heavy items on the lid because it really doesn’t seem all that strong. That may be problematic in climates with cold winters in which snow loads might be a consideration, but our area rarely sees measurable snow, so it won’t be an issue here. On the other end of the temperature spectrum, as with other resin and plastic boxes we tested, the material gets quite hot to the touch in midsummer sun.

What our tester says: “The Rubbermaid deck box was easy to assemble, highly weather-resistant, and a good general-purpose storage size. It checked all the boxes for practicality and affordability, and it looked great too.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Rubbermaid deck box at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Best Bang For The Buck

Suncast 73-Gallon Medium Deck Box With Seat

Buy at Lowe's Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Wayfair

What We Like

• Tool-free assembly
• Lid also provides an extra seat
• Includes pull handle and wheels

What We Don’t Like

• Not ideal for storing big, bulky items

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Product Specs

• Dimensions 25.5 inches tall by 46 inches wide by 23.75 inches deep
• Capacity 73 gallons
• Material Plastic

Our Ratings

For the most efficient use of space at a bargain price, the Suncast 73-gallon deck box pulls double-duty as both a midsize storage bin and a seat. Tool-free assembly makes setting up this multitasker a breeze, too: It only took us about 15 minutes to complete. All of the pieces snapped together with no additional hardware or other small parts to keep track of. 

The stout lid supports up to 300 pounds, with enough space for one or two people. Using the lid frequently for a month didn’t seem to have an effect on the box at all. It remained sturdy and secure, but we might suggest adding a cushion to make it a bit more comfortable. 

We especially liked the inclusion of wheels and pull handles on this box. They made it easy to move the box around (as is sometimes necessary during setup) or clean up after hosting a gathering. The medium size was perfect for storing tools and toys. It could be a great option for families with small children, as it offers a practical and affordable storage solution.

Get the Suncast 73-gallon deck box at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Best Small

Suncast 22-Gallon Small Deck Box with Storage Seat

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Suncast

What We Like

• Fast, easy assembly
• Lid provides additional seating
• Lightweight and easy to move around

What We Don’t Like

• Limited storage capacity

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Product Specs

• Dimensions 20.5 inches tall by 22 inches wide by 17 inches deep
• Capacity 22 gallons
• Material Resin

Our Ratings

For those who only need to store a few small items or whose deck has limited space, a small deck box will be the best fit. The Suncast 22-gallon deck box offers just the right amount of storage for hand tools or gardening accessories and sits on just 2.6 square feet. The box measures 22 inches wide, 17 inches deep, and 20.5 inches high, making it a convenient size for smaller decks and patios. It features durable poly resin construction with added UV protection to resist fading, and it’s available in a variety of lovely neutral colorways.

This may have been the fastest and easiest deck box we assembled. The instructions were clear and simple, and it only took about 7 minutes (and no tools) to snap the pieces together. The box doubles as a single-person bench that supports up to 200 pounds. The box is also lightweight, just over 11 pounds, so moving it around the deck is fairly easy. 

The box lid is designed to allow water to drain off easily, keeping the contents inside bone dry and mildew-free. The interior is quite compact but large enough to hold items like games, toys or tools. The smaller size and double-walled construction also make it a good choice for use as a cooler, filled with ice and drinks, during family get-togethers.

Get the Suncast 22-gallon deck box at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Suncast.

Best Large

Keter Java 230-Gallon Deck Box

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Keter

What We Like

• Extra-large storage capacity
• Durable resin faux wicker
• Designed for easy assembly
• Secure lockable lid

What We Don’t Like

• Some parts were missing
• Rainwater may not drain completely off the lid
• Not ideal for storing small items

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Product Specs

• Dimensions 33.8 inches tall by 57.8 inches wide by 32.6 inches deep
• Capacity 230 gallons
• Material Resin

Our Ratings

Anyone looking to store big, bulky items, such as large grilling accessories or already-inflated pool floats, will love the huge volume of Keter’s extra-large deck box. It boasts a whopping 230-gallon storage capacity that rivals some small storage sheds. 

The box itself is made of weather-resistant resin with a surface texture that resembles wicker. Assembly was tool-free and fairly straightforward. Using just a screwdriver, it took about 45 minutes to complete. However, a piece was missing from the box, so we had to reach out to customer service to replace it. It took a few days to arrive, and the color did not match perfectly with the rest of the parts, but we went ahead with the build. Several online reviewers had similar issues, so this is something that buyers should be aware of.

But the storage box was great otherwise. We especially liked the easy-lift/soft-close lid. It worked perfectly and was a nice addition to prevent pinched fingers. The box also features a lockable lid and built-in handles. The large size could be a downside for some, who may find it difficult to reach smaller items at the bottom of the box, but it’s a great option for larger items.

Get the Keter Java deck box at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Keter.

Best Wood-Look

Keter Eastwood 150-Gallon Deck Box

Buy at Wayfair Buy at Walmart Buy at Keter

What We Like

• Simple assembly process
• Built-in transport handles
• Secure lockable lid

What We Don’t Like

• Bench/lid gets too hot for seating
• Heavy; requires two people to move

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Product Specs

• Dimensions 25.4 inches tall by 61 inches wide by 28.5 inches deep
• Capacity 150 gallons
• Material Resin

Our Ratings

The Keter Eastwood deck box is made of durable, UV- and weather-resistant resin with an attractive wood-look finish. It offers a large 150-gallon storage capacity. Despite its large size, it went together quickly, requiring only about 30 minutes and the use of nothing more than a screwdriver. The instructions were easy to follow, and the pieces have pre-drilled screw holes to eliminate alignment mistakes. We recommend having a rubber mallet on hand, though, for extra leverage.

This box features a set of support pistons intended to let the lid close softly. Unfortunately, ours were flawed, letting the lid slam shut. But the lid did stay securely open. We used this one like a big toy box for containing lots of medium-size pool toys, such as pool noodles, inflatables, and water guns. The lockable lid will come in handy for those who store tools or other valuable items.

This box is a bit heavy at just over 41 pounds, so it’s best placed where it won’t need to be moved. However, it does include built-in handles to make any needed moves a little easier. The lid doubles as a bench, but it gets really hot in the sun, much like other dark resin surfaces. If using it as a seat, be sure to add a cushion.

Get the Keter Eastwood deck box at Wayfair, Walmart, or Keter.

Best Wooden

Tangkula 47-Gallon Acacia Wood Deck Box

Buy at Amazon Buy at Tangkula

What We Like

• Doesn’t get hot like resin
• Better visual match with wooden decks
• Excellent ventilation to prevent mildew
• Lid provides extra seating

What We Don’t Like

• Higher maintenance than resin

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Product Specs

• Dimensions 18 inches tall by 45 inches wide by 18 inches deep
• Capacity 47 gallons
• Material Wood

Our Ratings

When thinking of wooden outdoor furniture, teak, cedar, and cypress traditionally come to mind because of their attractive appearance and natural resistance to decay. But those species can be quite expensive. The Tangkula deck box is made of beautiful, durable, and affordable acacia wood. Acacia is a dense hardwood species with excellent resistance to scratches and dents. It’s also unlikely to warp, crack, or splinter under normal use.

We assembled this kit in less than 30 minutes. It would have gone a bit faster, but the pre-installed lid supports had been installed backwards. After we rectified that minor detail, the box looked great and functioned perfectly. Weighing just 31 pounds, the Tangkula deck box is quite strong and lightweight for its size. It does not have a weight rating, but we used it for seating with no problems at all. It offers 47 gallons of storage space. 

The wood surface was notably cooler to touch on hot sunny days than any of the plastic or resin boxes. That made for a much more pleasant experience for anyone who happened to brush up against it or have a seat without checking the temperature. The appearance was also the best complement to our rustic wood deck. We used it to store a leaf blower and container gardening supplies that we regularly need in the area. We also like that this box would be easy to refinish to match any deck paint. 

Please note that this box is not weather-tight. The end panels are made with downward-angled slats, which provide excellent ventilation, but they allow some water to splash upward into the box during heavy rain or when pressure-washing.

What our tester says: “Of all the boxes we tested, the wooden one from Tangkula seemed best suited for my 10-by-12-foot deck. At 18 inches tall, it offered a lot of flexibility for secondary uses as a bench, coffee table, or potted plant stand, and it had the structural strength to do any of those things.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Tangkula deck box at Amazon or Tangkula.

Best Lockable

Lifetime 116-Gallon Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Box

Buy at Amazon Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Lifetime

What We Like

• Sturdy double-wall construction
• Slam-proof hinge design
• Lockable for added security
• Weatherproof outdoor storage

What We Don’t Like

• Assembly took longer and required more tools

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Product Specs

• Dimensions 26 inches tall by 50.3 inches wide by 25.2 inches deep
• Capacity 116 gallons
• Material HDPE plastic

Our Ratings

For true security, a sturdy deck box needs a lock bracket. This high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic deck box from Lifetime features a steel-reinforced dual-wall design with powder-coated steel hinges, as well as a padlock bracket located below the handle. It is one of the sturdiest boxes we tested, and it offers an impressive 116 gallons of storage capacity. It also comes with anti-slam lid pistons for safe and convenient use.

While this box is strong and secure when assembled, assembly was a sticking point for us. We needed a full set of tools: rubber mallet, wrenches, drill/driver, and bits. The screw holes were not pre-drilled, which made the process a bit more difficult and time-consuming, requiring about 90 minutes in total. 

Despite the construction issues, this outdoor deck box felt very strong and secure. It’s fairly heavy at 42 pounds, so it’s best to have a partner if it needs to be moved. This is not a completely waterproof outdoor storage box, but the interior remained dry after heavy rain. The medium size was great for holding small- to medium-size toys and tools. With a lock in place, it could be an ideal location to store fertilizer, pesticides, or pool chemicals.

Get the Lifetime deck box at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lifetime.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Deck Boxes 

Not every shopper needs the same deck or patio storage box, so we began by researching the top-rated deck box sizes, models, and brands. Then we chose what we suspected could be 10 of the best wood, resin, and plastic storage boxes of various sizes so that we could test them ourselves. We assembled each one, then placed them outside for evaluation. We loaded them with pool toys, patio cushions, grilling accessories, and lawn and garden equipment. During the month-long test, we monitored each bin’s ability to keep items clean and dry as well as its resilience against harsh weather exposure. After testing, we awarded points for each unit’s ease of assembly, functionality, durability, and overall value. We entered our notes into a scoring rubric before naming the winners for this guide.

What to Consider When Choosing a Deck Box

Choosing a deck storage box isn’t too complicated, but we recommend bearing a few things in mind while shopping. To get the best use out of a deck box, consider the items you plan to store in the box as well as the following characteristics of the box itself.

Size and Capacity 

The size and capacity of the storage bin are important for two reasons. First, it needs to hold all the necessary items, preferably in an organized and easy-to-access manner. Second, and just as importantly, it needs to fit the allotted space.

For many users, midsize boxes (by which we mean those with a capacity of about 100 gallons) offer the best balance of manageable storage volume and a physical size that integrates with the rest of the deck furniture. Larger deck boxes, over 150 gallons, hold lots of big or bulky items like deep seat cushions and inflated toys, but the box itself requires a larger area of the deck, and smaller items may be difficult to find inside. The smallest deck boxes (capable of storing 40 gallons or less) make efficient use of deck space, especially if they can serve as extra seating, but the storage volume is limited to fewer, smaller items like seat cushions, a watering can, or small toys. 

Durability and Material 

Plastics—including resin and high-density polyethylene—are some of the most popular deck box materials. These materials are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, inherently waterproof, and easy to clean. Resin deck boxes are also very durable because they are UV-resistant, which means they resist cracking, warping, and fading.

Wood is the most popular deck box material other than plastic. Wooden deck boxes can be durable if made of naturally rot-resistant species like cedar, cypress, teak, or acacia. Wood deck boxes require more care and cleaning to ensure longevity.

Assembly and Installation 

Deck boxes almost always come unassembled. Assembly requires between 15 and 90 minutes to complete, depending on the design. Preassembled components, presorted hardware, clearly illustrated instructions, and snap-together designs can minimize the tools and time required to complete the job. Many of these kits include “throw-away” tools designed for single use during assembly, but it’s always helpful to have a few of your own basic hand tools. Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, a rubber mallet, and a drill/driver with a basic set of bits should be sufficient.

Special Features

In addition to the dimensions and materials, a few special features can make a big difference in a storage bin’s performance. The lid may be just a lid, or it may double as a bench. Bench box lids are designed to hold more weight, but they may also be molded to a curved profile for added comfort. Other handy features include slow-closing hinges that help prevent finger injuries, built-in handles, and ventilation (especially in plastic and resin boxes) to alleviate moisture inside the box, which could otherwise allow mildew growth on items stored inside. A deck box with wheels can also be quite convenient.

FAQs 

If you have read this far, you may still have unanswered questions about buying a new deck box. In the following section, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help choose which model may be the best deck box for your needs.

Q. How long do deck boxes last?

Deck boxes made from durable materials, such as steel, UV-protected resin, or rot-resistant wood, can last 10 years or more.

Q. What should you store in a deck box?

A deck box is a convenient and versatile storage solution for all kinds of things, such as patio furniture, cushions, grilling accessories, firewood, outdoor toys, pet supplies, gardening equipment, and more.

Q. How much can you expect to spend on a deck box?

Expect to pay between $50 and $200 for most deck boxes, depending on the size and material.

Q. What’s the most popular deck box size?

Medium deck boxes, ranging in size from 90 to 120 gallons, are the most popular. They offer a nice balance of storage capacity, ease of organization, and manageable size.

Q. How much weight does a deck box hold?

Deck boxes often come with two different weight capacity ratings, one for the box interior and one for the lid. Most medium-size deck boxes can store up to 150 pounds inside. Those with bench lids support 200 to 300 pounds on the closed lid. Be sure to check the specifications of your specific model for its weight capacity ratings.

Q. Can you leave a deck box out in winter?

Yes. Deck boxes designed for outdoor use may be left outdoors year-round. However, heavy snow loads and frequent freeze/thaw cycles may cause damage. Moving the box away from building eaves in winter and protecting it with a waterproof cover will help to extend its working life.

Meet the Testers

Mark Wolfe is a writer, product tester and serial DIYer. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his home, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about hand and power tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor living goods.

Lisa Galek is a writer and editor with over 20 years of experience. As a busy mom of three, she oversees her family’s daily routines, including maintaining a 24-foot-round above-ground pool during the short Ohio summers. She loves testing products and writing reviews because it helps her find new, high-quality, user-friendly items for her home.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.

 

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