Keep your treasured tools and cushions secure with garden storage benches. Just like our indoor spaces, our gardens are prone to getting a little messy, especially when they get so much use in the spring and summer months. Luckily, there are plenty of storage options, from storage chests to sheds, or you could even use your summer house. These can help you to organise your outdoor space and keep your treasured tools and garden decor secure and protected off-season. But if you're after a multifunctional storage solution, we'd recommend a garden storage bench.
Best garden storage benches at a glance
• Best wooden garden storage bench: Wooden storage bench box 120cm - View on Etsy
• Best small garden storage bench: Blue Outdoor Storage Bench - View on CountryAndHome
• Best large garden storage bench: Habitat Henrietta 3 Seater Wooden Bench with Storage - View on Argos
Garden storage benches are a great option if you don't have much room for a garden shed or an outbuilding, and serve a dual purpose - they can be used as a seat and a discreet storage unit in one. Combining comfortable seating with hidden storage makes for a great space-saving solution for small gardens. They often fit two or more people with plenty of room underneath the seat to keep cushions or tools hidden out of sight.
Here at Modern Gardens, we understand how important storage is in a garden, especially as we transition between seasons, so we've rounded up the best garden storage benches out there.
Best garden storage benches
Best wooden garden storage bench
Etsy www.etsy.com
This classic wooden storage bench made from treated impregnated pine wood will be a show-stopper in your garden for years and years to come. Assembly is required and the shade of the wood may be different from that in the pictures. You can also customise with a matching bench, table and chairs.
Customer review: "The quality is good, and matched the description. I was very pleased with service and look forward to enjoying the 2 bench seats."
Pros
- Made from treated pine wood
- Hardwearing
- Great value
Cons
- Heavy if you plan to move it around
Best small garden storage bench
Country & Home www.countryandhome.co.uk
If you're lacking in space, a couple of small storage benches will be your best friend when it comes to keeping things tidy. This vintage-style Blue Outdoor Storage Bench, made from apple crates, adds a unique touch. The bench offers ample space to store your outdoor essentials, with a hinged lid that has been upholstered in a water-resistant material.
Customer review: "Easy to order and fast delivery and well packaged."
Pros
- Vintage style
- Ample space
Cons
- Not waterproof
Best large garden storage bench
www.argos.co.uk
If you've got ample room for a larger garden storage bench, this three-seater from Habitat will easily store everything you need to store away at night or in the winter months (and probably much more, too!) Crafted out of long-lasting, solid Acacia wood and includes built-in storage (185L capacity).
Customer review: "Good looking garden bench with storage for cushions, brightens up my garden as lovely white washed colour."
Pros
- Large, can fit three people
- White finish will match any garden decor
Cons
- Not suitable for wet weather, will have to be covered or brought indoors in winter
Best rattan garden storage bench
www.diy.com
Rattan garden furniture has been so popular in the past few years, and the trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon. This two-seater bench from Garden Chic is made from hardwood and has 150 litres of storage beneath it.
Pros
- 150 litres of storage
- Popular rattan design
- Made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved hardwood timber
Cons
- It is quite small
Best Keter garden storage bench
www.diy.com
Keter garden furniture is a popular choice for garden storage benches as they are made from polypropylene. As a result, it's durable and unlike wood, it won't rot, dent or peel. Unlike plastic, it is 100% recyclable and most Keter products already contain a variable level of recycled material.
Customer review: Generally I'm happy with my keter storage bench. I built it pretty much one my own but needed some help clicking it all together properly. It hasn't colour faded ( yet) & hoses or wipes clean easily. Got some decent storage space too."
Pros
- Made from recycled materials
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Straight forward instructions
Cons
- Some reviews say water can get in in extreme weather like snow
Best looking garden storage bench
www.wayfair.co.uk
If you're after a bold statement, this Aada wooden garden storage bench, painted in light green, is picturesque and has all the space you need to store all your small garden tools.
Customer review: "Nice quality, good colour. Took a lot longer to assemble than expected, extra holes needed to be drilled. basic tools just wouldn't be sufficient. The bench is a little shallow and wouldn't be comfortable to sit on for a length of time but perfect for our 4-year-old granddaughter to sit on in our summerhouse."
Pros
- Looks great
- Frame is mildew resistant
Cons
- Hard to assemble
What can you store in a garden storage bench?
You can store all sorts, including (but not limited to):
• Cushions and throws in the summer months
• Tools and gardening equipment
• Smaller BBQs and BBQ accessories
• Bikes, children's toys and paddling pools
Are garden storage benches weather-resistant?
Many garden storage benches are designed to be weather-resistant, but the level of weather resistance can vary depending on the materials used and the specific design of the bench. Here's a few common examples:
Cedar Wood: Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it a good choice for outdoor furniture. Cedar garden storage benches can withstand the elements but may benefit from periodic sealing or staining to maintain their appearance.
Plastic or Resin: Storage benches made from plastic or resin materials are often very weather-resistant. They are usually designed to be UV-resistant and can handle rain, snow, and sun without much maintenance.
Resin Wicker: Garden storage benches made from resin wicker are generally highly weather-resistant. They can withstand rain, sun, and humidity without deteriorating. However, you should cover them in harsh winter weather.
What to read next:
Shed organisation: How to get the most out of your outdoor storage
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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.