Prepping Your Patio for Summer? These Deck Boxes Neatly Store Outdoor Cushions, Pool Gear, Toys, and More (2024)

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.

Key Specs

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.

Key Specs

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.

Key Specs

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.

Key Specs

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.

Key Specs

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.

Key Specs

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.

Key Specs

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.