Waterproof garden storage boxes to protect outdoor gear

Safeguard your garden tools, furniture, pet food and more from the elements.

Waterproof garden storage box

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

A waterproof garden storage box is a year-round solution to keeping tools and outdoor accessories dry. When looking for garden storage ideas it's natural to think of sheds, but a weather-resistant container is an affordable alternative, especially if you're short on space.

An outdoor trunk is designed to store and protect various garden items and equipment. It's typically made from durable materials such as plastic or resin, and has a lockable lid or doors to prevent moisture from damaging the contents. It's a versatile space; use it as a coal bunker or place to store fire wood. A garden storage box is also ideal for keeping outdoor furniture cushions when sofas and seats are not in use. If you receive lots of deliveries but you're never in, a secure outdoor box is a perfect place for the postman to put parcels. Not to mention, you can also find extra large garden storage boxes that are tailor-made to store wheelie bins.

Best waterproof garden storage boxes at a glance:

Best waterproof garden storage box: Keter Marvel+ Garden Furniture Storage Box – View on Amazon UK
Best extra large waterproof garden storage box: Lifetime 60186 Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Box – View on Amazon UK
Best waterproof garden storage box with cushion: YITAHOME Garden Storage Box – View on Amazon UK

When it comes to garden storage, it's good to think outside the box. Not everyone has space for a potting shed or summer house, that's when a waterproof garden storage box can be a space-saving alternative. These useful containers vary in size, design, materials and features, allowing you to choose one that suits your specific needs. Look for containers that are made from water-resistant materials. Also, ensure the box has a tight-fitting lid to keep moisture out and that the box is a durable construction with no cracks. Some containers will have locks for added security, wheels or rollers for manoeuvrability, and vents to prevent mould.

It's a multifunctional storage solution – in the summer holidays it's a place to stash the kid's toys so the lawn isn't a dumping ground for Nerf guns. In winter, use a garden storage box to store outdoor Christmas lights – saving a trip up to the attic. Designed to withstand outdoor conditions, these storage boxes can protect potting soil and seeds, BBQ grilling accessories and pond or pool cleaning chemicals. It helps extend the lifespan of your belongings and keep your outdoor space organised and clutter-free.

Best waterproof garden storage boxes

Best waterproof garden storage box

Protects outdoor items from moisture and keep them well-preserved with the Keter Marvel+ Garden Furniture Storage Box. It's a multi-purpose addition to your patio, offering both storage and seating. With a 270 litre capacity, it can hold your items and support two adults on its lid (220 kg). Crafted from durable, weather-resistant resin, it's low-maintenance, provides ventilation and stays dry. Built-in handles and wheels simplify mobility, while quick assembly (five minutes, no extra tools) and a lockable design enhance security.

Customer review: "It’s a decent size, colour is standard and overall it’s not an offensive looking item. It does exactly as you’d expect and from Keter I’d expect no less. If it lasts as long as the last one I’ll be extremely happy as for the price it’s already proving to be a good buy. So much so I may consider another for additional storage."

Pros

  • Wheels for portability
  • Decorative wood panel-style finishing
  • Fade-resistant

Cons

  • Lock clasps are a little fiddly

Best extra large waterproof garden storage box

Lifetime 60186 Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Deck Box
Price: $146.93
Alternative retailers
Wayfair$173.71View offer
Tractor Supply$189.99View offer

Store patio cushions, sports equipment and long garden tools in the Lifetime 60186 Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Deck Box. Its sides are rigid due to being made from high-density polyethylene. Lifetime claims that this storage box will not crack, chip or peel. It has a hinged lid that opens to a 90° angle. Also, the lid can be secured with a padlock. This is a slightly deeper box than others, with a 439 litre capacity. In addition, Lifetime offer a large range of sizes so you can coordinate several boxes for different purposes around your garden.

Customer review: "Bought this box to store our outdoor cushions in. The box was relatively easy to put together with two of us (make sure you spot the big L and R on the inside panels before starting). We were very impressed with the quality of the box – it feels more sturdy than a lot of others we've seen."

Pros

  • All-weather resistant
  • Easy to wipe clean
  • Heavy duty

Cons

  • Requires a drill for assembly

Best waterproof garden storage box with cushion

Pet food, camping gear and outdoor furniture covers are preserved in this attractive YITAHOME Garden Storage Box. This is a thoughtfully-designed deck box that provides generous storage space for bulky outdoor cushions, gardening tools and pool equipment. The cushion provides extra comfort when using this outdoor chest as a seat. The cover is removable and water-repellent. The lid is on a child-friendly hydraulic hinge so it won't slam shut with a surprise. It's constructed from highly durable, waterproof poly resin that's heavy duty and won't fade or rust.

Customer review: "These deck boxes were easy to assemble if you take your time and read illustrations and THINK before you snap together. Took me all of 90 minutes to assemble two boxes. Do not understand why instructions say to have two or MORE people assemble it… I'm 77 years old and assembled them alone without mishap or strain."

Pros

  • Lockable lid
  • Ergonomic side handles for easy lifting
  • Easy to assemble
  • Weather-resistant

Cons

  • Some reviews comment the lid was damaged on arrival

Best small garden storage box

Your garden gnome's secret stash is safe with the Duramax Cedargrain Durabox. Durable and long-lasting, this backyard storage box, with its 270 litre capacity and UV-resistant PP plastic resin construction, fulfils all your storage needs. The elegant wood-effect is strong, attractive and resistant to fading. Made of heavy-duty, weather-resistant polypropylene, it features a woodgrain finish, a hinged flat lid and ergonomic side handles.

Customer review: "Easy to assemble on your own. Not a bad size too. The top is probably not good at holding too much weight but I stored quite allot in mine and seems very waterproof so far. Good for the price."

Pros

  • Rollers for portability
  • Elegant and functional
  • Lockable lid with padlock
  • Weatherproof and UV resistant

Cons

  • A little flimsy

Best garden storage box and bench

You'll be lichen this Keter Eden Bench to keep your garden gear dry and it makes for an attractive seat for two. This weather-resistant garden bench storage box serves as both seating for two adults and a 265 litre capacity storage unit for patio accessories and cushions. Its attractive wood-style finish enhances outdoor aesthetics, while the lock provides added peace of mind, keeping your items secure, dry and well-ventilated.

Customer review: "I had been looking for a bench of decent quality for a while at a very good price. It is everything I was expecting and very happy with the product solidity and design. Great addition for storage and sitting."

Pros

  • Multifunctional
  • Wool-panelled design
  • Lockable

Cons

  • Tricky to assemble

Best outdoor storage box for a balcony

Keter City Resin Deck Box

Rrp: $39.99

Price: $29.99

Ideal for a city balcony, the Keter City Resin Deck Box is a waterproof solution to storing cushions, yoga mats and sun-bathing pillows. Declutter your outdoor space and use it as an an attractive side table or extra seat. The ventilated interior keeps your items dry and safe from mould. Weather-resistant resin won't rust, peel, dent or warp and the interior is protected from UV, rain, snow and moisture.

Customer review: "We bought this to use outside for delivered packages, keeps them dry and away from temptation of theft. It was very easy to assemble, and seems water-tight so far although we did set it up on some low concrete blocks to prevent standing water from leaking inside. Would buy it again for this purpose."

Pros

  • Wood-effect low maintenance resin
  • Fits any space
  • Weather-resistant

Cons

  • American measurements

Best mini outdoor storage shed

Out of sight is out of mind with the Keter Store-It Out Midi Outdoor Garden Storage Shed. Ideal for wheelie bin storage, the sloped threshold on the floor makes it effortless to wheel bins in and out. Store BBQ equipment, garden tools or two 120 litre wheelie bins. It has elegant wood-effect sides and a heavy duty floor with built-in support for shelving (shelf not included). Easy to assemble and lockable for security, it's perfect for storing various indoor and outdoor items, from garden equipment to furniture, barbecues and DIY tools.

Customer review: "Really good storage box fits all gardening equipment in and a kids bike, ideal for what I needed."

Pros

  • Zero maintenance
  • Durable
  • Versatile
  • Large capacity

Cons

  • Shelving is not included

Best wooden garden storage box

Store rakes, hoes, rackets and balls in the beautiful Deuba Wooden Garden Storage Box With Lid. Bear in mind this is not a totally waterproof option, but the Acacia hardwood is aesthetically pleasing and can be treated with water-resistant stained. The wood is pre-oiled and an inner tarpaulin protects items that are inside from moisture. Stylish, durable and relatively low-maintenance, the DEUBA wooden cushion box is a high-quality garden storage solution. It's perfect for storing seat cushions, pillows, garden tools and toys helping you keep your outdoor space organised and free from clutter. No more stumbling over toys and tools.

Customer review: "A great purchase for the money. But if it rains heavily it does get wet on the inside – fine for storing toys but I wouldn't recommend for soft cushions unless they're water resistant. The hinge could also do with a mechanism to keep the lid up. However it is easy to assembly and I like the look of it."

Pros

  • Good ventilation
  • Natural material
  • Classic design
  • Inner tarpaulin included

Cons

  • Will weather over time and need maintenance

Best metal garden storage box

Gardebruk Metal Cushion Box
Price: £99.99 (was £128.95)

www.manomano.co.uk

Need somewhere to store perishable supplies, such as dog kibble or bird seed? The Gardebruk Metal Cushion Box is water-resistant, durable, stable and weather-resistant, with an extra-large lid for rain protection. The addition of gas pressure springs ensures easy and quick opening. This lockable chest comes with two keys and a reinforced base plate for added stability and protection. Made from galvanized sheet steel, it's ideal for protecting your seat cushions, garden accessories and outdoor supplies from the elements.

Customer review: "I bought one more. Very practical to put it in the garden. Being made of metal, it is very robust and does not suffer from the typical failures of plastic products."

Pros

  • Extra high feet to keep the base dry and provide ventilation
  • Reinforced base plate for excellent stability
  • Weather-resistant

Cons

  • It's more grey than white

FAQs

What can I store in my garden storage box?

You can store various items in a garden storage box, including garden tools, cushions, outdoor furniture covers, gardening supplies, BBQ accessories, pool chemicals, sports equipment, pet supplies, camping gear, and seasonal decorations. Moreover, it helps keep these items organised, dry and protected from the elements.

In addition, here are some other items that can be kept in a waterproof garden storage container:

Lawn mower and gardening equipment
Birdseed
Outdoor games and toys
Parasols and outdoor lighting
Gardening clothes, gloves and hats
Spare pots and planters
Firewood and firepit accessories
Bike helmets and cycling gear
Fishing gear and tackle
Outdoor party accessories

What should I consider when buying waterproof garden storage boxes?

When buying a waterproof garden storage box, ensure it suits your storage needs and complements your outdoor space. Also, it needs to provide adequate protection against weather and security for your items.

As well as the cost, factors to be considered include:

Size and capacity: Ensure it's spacious enough for your storage needs, but not too large for your space.

Durability of material: Choose weather-resistant materials like plastic or resin to withstand frost in winter and strong UV rays in the summer.

Locking mechanism: It's wise to have a box with a secure locking system to protect your belongings.

Aesthetics: Consider a design that complements your outdoor décor, such as rattan-effect weave.

Ventilation: Some models include ventilation to prevent mould and mildew growth inside.

Position: Consider the proximity to your house when placing items for easy access. Items used less frequently can be positioned further away from your home. B&Q advise: if your garden is prone to flooding, place your storage in the driest area possible and ensure it's on a level surface.

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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.

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