Outdoor Storage Benches
Storage benches are nifty because they do double duty: they give you something to sit on and also a place to hide clutter so that you can relax in a tidy environment.
What do people stash in the storage compartment? Well, it depends how much space is available. But here’s what might be under the bench: seat cushions, garden tools, toys, sports equipment, pool towels, spa supplies, dirty work boots, bird seed (in closed metal containers), mulch, potting soil, propane canisters, charcoal, grill tools, and the like -- in other words, all the stuff that would otherwise clutter up a porch, yard, or patio.
Some people put a storage bench on the porch so that the delivery man has someplace to hide packages.
Below you will find brief reviews of several of the best rated, most popular OUTDOOR STORAGE BENCHES available at Amazon in 2019:
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There’s a good reason why the KETER EDEN storage bench is a big seller at Amazon. It’s a practical 2-in-1 piece of furniture that is both a garden bench and an outdoor storage solution.
It has a storage capacity of 70 GALLONS, which is enough space for 6 or 8 seat cushions and lots more.
It’s made of high-strength, all-weather, UV-protected polyurethane resin, which means your stuff will stay dry and the bench won’t fade in the sun. As for colors, you can choose all brown or a beige/brown combination.
Here are the bench’s dimensions: Overall, it is 55” long, 23” wide, and 33” high. The seat itself is 50” long, 20” wide, and 18” high.
You’ll probably want to add a seat cushion for added comfort and to jazz it up a bit. A standard size bench cushion (roughly 48” x 18”) will fit fine.
The manufacturer says the bench supports 700 pounds, but we didn’t test it with that much weight. Let’s just say that the bench easily supports two average-size adults or several kids.
The assembly is a snap – literally. The pieces snap together, and then you secure them with the screws provided. (You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver.) The lid doesn’t have any hinges – it also snaps into place – and you can add a padlock for security.
If you plan on storing very heavy items, such as soil-filled ceramic garden pots, we suggest you reinforce the bottom with a piece of plywood. (The bottom is strong, but not that strong.)
We like the KETER EDEN outdoor bench because it is durable, lockable, practical, nice looking, it and contains a good amount of storage space. It’s a good value for the money.
>>Click here to see the KETER EDEN all-weather 70-gallon storage bench at Amazon.
Granted, this is more of a storage box than a storage bench, but it certainly can be used as comfortable bench seating for two average adults (up to a maximum of 660 pounds). Toss a tablecloth on it and it can be instantly transformed into a buffet table for food and drinks.
This thing is HUGE. It’s longer, wider, and taller than the 70-gallon Patio Bench described above, and the top is sturdier. It has a 150-GALLON STORAGE CAPACITY and the inside can support 165 pounds – surely enough space for seat cushions, garden tools, toys, sports equipment, and the like. Even small bikes fit in this big box. The contents will stay dry and ventilated. A padlock can also be added for security.
It’s made of all-weather resin that resembles natural wood texture and will never chip, rust, rot or peel. The metal parts are galvanized to prevent rusting or corrosion. It is UV protected, so it won’t fade in the bright sun.
Here are the dimensions:
The outside is 61” long, 28.5” wide, and 25” high.
The inside is 56” long, 24.6” wide, and 23” high.
Assembly is easy, and all materials are included. The big pieces literally snap together, and then you add screws for reinforcement.
Buyers really like the smooth and easy way the lid operates – the pneumatic hinges work beautifully to hold the lid open for you while you’re rearranging your stuff.
The KETER WESTWOOD is a good choice if you need LOTS of storage space that also provides extra seating.
>>Click here to see the KETER WESTWOOD 150-gallon storage box at Amazon.
Here’s a clean-looking patio bench with 50 GALLONS OF STORAGE SPACE under the seat. It’s made in the USA of weather-resistant resin that will not discolor or rust. The color (light taupe) is neutral, so it blends well with any décor.
Here are the dimensions:
The exterior is 52 3/4" wide, 21" deep, and 34.5" high.
The interior is 47 3/4" wide, 17.5" deep, and 16.5" high.
The seat, which is meant to support two average-size people, is 45” wide, 17” deep, and 18.5” high. A cushion – and maybe pillows – could be added to jazz it up a bit while adding some comfort.
The bench assembly is a cinch. It comes in about seven pieces that simply snap together. You don’t even need any tools (although a rubber mallet might be helpful). The advertised “5-minute assembly” is probably an exaggeration, but it can certainly be done within 20 minutes or so. An extra pair of hands is always helpful.
The bench should arrive with assembly instructions, but they are hardly necessary. (If you are ever missing the assembly instructions for this or any other product, you can usually find them by doing a computer search for the exact product name. And a search at YouTube often brings up a brief video with assembly instructions.)
For seasonal cleaning of the bench, just hose it down or wipe it with a damp cloth. Buyers like the fact that the resin material is nearly maintenance-free, which gives you all the more time for relaxing and socializing in the great outdoors.
The Suncast Patio Bench is a basic, practical storage bench with a simple and clean look. It is often purchased with other matching Suncast products, such as chairs and the outdoor trash hideaway.
>>Click here to see the Suncast PB6700 Patio Bench at Amazon.
Wicker furniture has such a classic and handsome look, but real wicker would rot if left outside. Suncast has solved this problem with faux wicker furniture made of water-resistant heavy-duty resin that can be kept outside year round. Their snazzy little loveseat with storage comes in three colors: java, taupe, and white.
This bench has a STORAGE CAPACITY OF 23 GALLONS. (That’s enough space for keeping cushions clean and dry when they’re not in use.) It is often purchased with a Suncast Elements matching club chair, end table and/or coffee table, and each one of them also has hidden storage space. (The coffee table has 30 gallons of storage space, the end table has 13 gallons, and the club chair adds 11 more gallons.) All together, that gives you lots of storage space!
Here are the bench dimensions: It is 47” wide, 30” deep, and 35.5” high. The seating area is 41” wide and 19” deep (big enough for two average size people or one big lazy dog). The inside storage compartment is 41” wide and 18” deep.
It’s easy to assemble and easy to maintain (just wipe with a damp cloth or hose it down).
The delivery box contains about 7 bench pieces, some bits of hardware, and easy-to-follow instructions (with pictures). One person can do the assembly in roughly ½ hour. The only tool you need is a Phillips head screwdriver or power drill. (Of course, if you want the bench to arrive fully assembled, you can pay a premium for that at Amazon.)
Most buyers add some comfort and style with a nice seat cushion, and perhaps some pillows. A standard size loveseat cushion (approx. 42”) would be a good choice, even better if it’s waterproof.
We like this Suncast bench (and matching pieces) because it offers the best of both worlds: the look of wicker with the durability and easy maintenance of heavy-duty resin. (And did we mention that it’s lightweight enough to easily move around?) As an added bonus, this product is made in the USA and comes with a five-year warranty.
>>Click here to see the Suncast Elements Loveseat with Storage at Amazon.
Outdoor storage benches are a great choice if you are looking for furniture that provides both seating and a place to keep some things clean, dry, safe, and hidden from sight.
If you’re looking for a storage BOX rather than a BENCH, check out the highly rated ones by LIFETIME. (You can choose 80 or 130 gallons of storage space.) They are not sold as furniture, but they are certainly strong enough to use for extra seating.