Are you looking for a reliable and durable outdoor deck storage box to keep your patio or deck organized and clutter-free?
With so many brands and models on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you.
In this article, I’ll help you take a closer look at some of the most popular brands of outdoor deck storage boxes, including Suncast, Keter, Lifetime, Rubbermaid, and YITAHOME. We’ll compare these brands on various dimensions, such as size, durability, warranty, assembly, additional features, price, and more, to help you find the perfect outdoor deck storage box for your needs.
So read on below to find the right one for your backyard now!
When you are done reading below, come back and check out:
- Need new chairs to round out your backyard setup? Check out these Adirondack chairs with cup holders.
- Fire pit table conversation sets are a great addition to any backyard. See our roundup of some of the best fire pit table conversation sets.
Deck Box Winners
Before I get into the details of our full comparison, here are the key takeaways for each brand of deck boxes that we reviewed:
Best Overall: YITAHOME
I constantly found that YITAHOME’s deck boxes across different size groups have lots of key features to go along with a great price.
- Hydraulic hinges
- Lockable lid
- Side handles
- Lid can be used as a seat
Best Style and Color Variety: Suncast
If you are looking for a variety of colors and style designs, then check out outdoor storage boxes from Suncast. This company makes deck boxes that come in a wide variety of colors and designs like wicker weave patterns, wood-like paneling, and decorative designs.
- Lid can be used as seat
Best Features: Keter
You will find that all of these brands offer some of the core features you want in a deck box (slow closing hinges, lockable lid, can be used as a bench), but we found that some Keter options like wheels, ventilation, and paintable surfaces.
- Paintable sides
- Ventilation
- Hydraulic hinges
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Lockable lid
Best Heavy Duty: Lifetime
You shouldn’t have to worry about the durability of the deck boxes from any of these brands because they all use weather-resistant resin materials backed by a warranty. But, I found that Lifetime deck boxes are designed to be more heavy-duty than most, given that a lot of their deck boxes have dual wall construction using strong HDPE material.
- Spring hinges
- Lid can be used as a seat
Best Warranty: Rubbermaid and Lifetime
This goes down as a tie between Rubbermaid and Lifetime. These companies have many outdoor storage boxes that come with a 10-year warranty.
- Lockable lid
- Lid can be used as a seat
Outdoor deck box characteristics we reviewed and why
When it comes to choosing an outdoor deck box, there are several characteristics that you should consider before making your purchase. Each dimension plays an important role in determining the overall functionality and durability of the deck box.
And we used these characteristics to make our comparisons. These characteristics are:
#1. Size: Deck boxes come in a range of sizes, so choose one that can hold all your outdoor items, such as cushions, gardening and yard tools, pool supplies, and whatever backyard items you need.
#2. Materials: The material of the deck box is a key important consideration, as it will determine how well the box can withstand the elements. This influences the weather resistance, durability, and maintenance needs of your deck box
#3. Styles and Colors: You will want a deck box that complements the style of your backyard or at least blends in with your outdoor space without sticking out.
#4. Assembly: Putting anything together can be a real pain, so it’s always best to find a deck box with little assembly or one that you can manage putting together.
#5. Warranty: One thing I always look for when buying something is a warranty. A warranty gives you protection against manufacturing defects.
#6. Return Policy: Let’s face it, you might not love what you order, so it’s important to know if you can return your deck box in this case. If so, you need to check how many days after you receive your item before you have to return it and if there are any restocking fees or shipping costs you need to pay to return it.
#7. Features: Some outdoor deck boxes come with additional features that can enhance their functionality. For example, some deck boxes come with built-in seating or a tabletop surface. Some have handles and lockable lids. Others may have built-in wheels for easy mobility. Consider these additional features when making your purchase to find a deck box that best meets your needs.
#8. Price: Last but not least, the cost! We all want the best one at the best deal. As you look at deck boxes, make sure you find one that fits your budget.
Some important similarities for these brands of deck boxes
As we did our research on the deck boxes across the dimensions above, we found that there are some key similarities to call out:
Materials (Weather Resistance/Durability/Maintenance): Deck boxes from these brands are all made with durable, fade-resistant, and chip & crack-resistant resin materials (think: plastic materials). This resin/plastic material is ideal for backyard use because you can leave these deck boxes out year-round without worrying about the box falling apart due to normal backyard wear and tear. Also, these resin materials require little maintenance, if any at all. All you may need to do from time to time is use a wet cloth or a hose to wash off any dirt.
Shipping and Delivery: I like to account for shipping costs and delivery times on any product that I buy. But it’s difficult to do here in this comparison because shipping and delivery can vary depending on the retailer – especially Amazon. It’s pretty common to find items from these brands at different retailers with free delivery and quick shipping (at least within two weeks)
Return Policy: Again, this can vary from retailer to retailer or if you buy directly from the brand. In some cases, you may have 30 days to return an item at no cost, or you may have 15 days to return the storage box if you pay a restocking fee and return shipping costs.
Important tips for selecting and setting up a deck box
#1. Know what “Inside Dimensions” of a Box You Need
If you already know what items you want to store, measure those items to get an idea of how much space (width, length, and height) you need to fit that item. From there, pick a storage box that can appropriately fit that item or items. Do this by checking for the inside dimensions of a storage box.
#2. Know your outdoor space limitations
Make sure you get a box that fits your outdoor space. Do this by measuring the outdoor areas you want to place the box, then compare these dimensions to the outside length, width, and height measurements of the deck box
#3. Pick the right color and style
You can find deck boxes in an array of brown, white, gray, and black colors. Additionally, you will find the majority of resin deck boxes from these brands come in wicker weave or wood panel styles. Figure out which color and style works for you, then go find the right one!
#4. If you have kids, consider slow-closing hinges
If you expect your young children to get into the box on their own, you may want to get a deck box with slow-closing hinges to keep the lid from slamming down unexpectedly. This might not be needed on smaller boxes since the lids can be smaller, but this can be a must on larger outdoor storage boxes.
#5. Plan to assemble the deck box where you want to place it
These deck boxes can be pretty large once they are fully put together. Avoid some pain in having to move it a long distance by assembling it close to where you ultimately want to place it.
#6. Consider additional organization accessories
In comes cases, you may be able to add storage nets or dividers to provide some organization to your deck box. Some outdoor storage boxes will come with these options, or you can buy them separately.
Our deck box comparison findings and results
For our comparison across these brands, we broke up our analysis across four main sizes of outdoor deck boxes:
- Small (20 to <50 gallons)
- Medium (50 to <90 gallons)
- Large (90 to <150 gallons)
- Extra Large (anything over 150 gallons)
Read on below to see what these brands offer in these size categories and which one we think is the winner!
Small Deck Boxes
For our purposes, we classified small deck boxes as those with a size capacity of 20 gallons to <50 gallons. In the options below, you will see that the sizes we reviewed are mainly 20-30 gallons.
Outdoor storage boxes this size are great for storing some pillows are other small items. We use one of these to store a bucket of pool chlorine tablets to keep them protected from the elements.
Winner: We like the YITAHOME and Suncast deck boxes in this category. You can find a lot of variety in style in color from Suncast in this size category, while YITAHOME’s deck box provides a large storage capacity at a very reasonable price. Additionally, the Rubbermaid small deck box can be found on sale at a very low price.
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Size:
22 Gallons
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Size:
30 Gallons
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Size:
25 Gallons
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Size:
20 Gallons
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Size:
30 Gallons (another small option is 32 Gallons)
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Warranty:
5 Years
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Warranty:
2 Years
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Warranty:
5 Years
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Warranty:
1 Year
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Warranty:
2 Years
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Styles:
Wicker weave, wood paneling, decorative design (see other small Suncast deck boxes)
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Styles:
Flat
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Styles:
Wicker weave and wood paneling (see other deck box options)
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Colors:
Gray, brown, off white, red, blue (see other small Suncast deck boxes)
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Colors:
Brown, gray
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Colors:
Gray
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Colors:
Brown, Gray
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Colors:
Black and gray
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Assembly:
No tools required for assembly (snap pieces together)
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Assembly:
No tools required for assembly (snap pieces together)
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Assembly:
Tools and screws required
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Assembly:
No tools required for assembly (snap pieces together)
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Assembly:
No tools required for assembly (snap pieces together)
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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$43.00
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$51.98
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$78.85
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$30.39
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$169.99
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- Lid can be used as seat
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Lockable lid
- Side handles
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Detachable lid
- Side handles
- None
- Lockable lid
- Side handles
Medium Deck Boxes
This category covers deck boxes with a capacity of 50 gallons to less than 90 gallons. Outdoor storage boxes in this category are great for storing a piece of patio furniture cushions or great for storing outdoor toys
For our comparison, we focused on deck boxes with approximately 70 to 80-gallon capacities as there were more options in this range.
Winner: Again, we like YITAHOME’s deck box in this comparison because of its low price yet high storage size and additional features. If you are looking for something to easily move around, check out the deck box from Keter that has wheels.
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Size:
73 Gallons
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Size:
80 Gallons
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Size:
80 Gallons
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Size:
72.6 Gallons
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Size:
86 Gallons
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Warranty:
5 Years
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Warranty:
2 Years
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Warranty:
10 Years
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Warranty:
10 Years
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Warranty:
2 Years
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Styles:
Wicker weave (other options have wood paneling and decorative design)
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Styles:
Flat panel
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Styles:
Flat panel
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Colors:
Brown, taupe, gray
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Colors:
Brown
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Colors:
Two-tone brown, off-white
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Colors:
Two-tone brown
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Colors:
Brown, black, and white
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Assembly:
No tools required for assembly (snap pieces together)
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Assembly:
No tools required for assembly (snap pieces together)
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Assembly:
Additional tools needed for screwing pieces together
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Assembly:
Minimal additional tools required
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Assembly:
Additional tools needed for screwing pieces together
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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$118.00
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$97.84
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$110.00
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$109.00
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$104.99
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- Side handles
- Wheels
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Wheels
- Side handles
- Lockable lid
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Spring hinges
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Lockable lid
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Hydraulic hinges
- Lockable lid
- Side handles
- Lid can be used as a seat
Large Deck Boxes
Deck boxes in this capacity range from having 90 gallons to less than 150 gallons of storage space. These boxes are great for storing nearly anything you could possibly want to store in your backyard, including all the cushions of your outdoor furniture or entire sets of yard equipment.
For this comparison, we stuck to comparing deck boxes with storage sizes between 120 and 130 gallons.
Winner: Suncast and YITAHOME come out on top here. Suncast is the only one in this category that doesn’t require extra tools for assembly, plus it comes with a removable tray for extra storage. YITAHOME comes packed with features and a low cost. The Lifetime deck box is a reasonable value for a heavy-duty deck box.
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Size:
129 Gallons
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Size:
120 Gallons
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Size:
130 Gallons
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Size:
120 Gallons
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Size:
120 Gallons
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Warranty:
5 years
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Warranty:
2 Years
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Warranty:
10 Years
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Warranty:
10 Years
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Warranty:
2 Years
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Styles:
Flat panel
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Styles:
Flat panel
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Colors:
Taupe
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Colors:
Brown, gray
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Colors:
Gary, two-tone brown, off white
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Colors:
Two-tone brown
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Colors:
Browns, gray, two-tone white and black
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Assembly:
No tools required for assembly (snap pieces together)
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Assembly:
Additional tools needed for screwing pieces together
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Assembly:
Additional tools needed for screwing pieces together
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Assembly:
Additional tools needed for screwing pieces together
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Assembly:
Additional tools needed for screwing pieces together
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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$189.00
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$171.99
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$149.98
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$174.11
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$169.99
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- Removable tray
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Lockable lid
- Side handles
- Lockable lid
- Piston hinges
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Side handles
- Lockable lid
- Spring hinges
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Lockable lid
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Divider options
- Hydraulic hinges
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Side handles
Extra Large Deck Boxes
Extra large deck boxes, by our standards, are any deck box that is over 150 gallons. These are great if you have tons of things to store, like a mountain pile of pool floats and toys, or if you have really long or tall outdoor items.
One thing to note is that we did not find a Rubbermaid deck box that falls within this category.
Winner: Suncast brings the best value in this category with it having the lowest price of the four options. While Keter’s deck box has unique features like ventilation and paintable sides.
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Size:
200 Gallons
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Size:
200 Gallons
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Size:
150 Gallons
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Size:
230 Gallons
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Warranty:
10 Years
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Warranty:
2 Years
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Warranty:
10 Years
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Warranty:
2 Years
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Styles:
Wood paneling
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Colors:
Gray
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Colors:
Two-tone black and gray
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Colors:
Two-tone brown
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Colors:
Black, taupe, two-tone black and white
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Assembly:
Additional tools are needed for screwing pieces together
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Assembly:
Additional tools (electrical screwdriver is recommended) are needed for screwing pieces together
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Assembly:
Additional tools are needed for screwing pieces together
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Assembly:
Additional tools are needed for screwing pieces together
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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Additional Features:
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$607.98
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$289.00
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$214.81
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$319.99
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- Soft closing hinges
- Lockable lid
- Paintable sides
- Ventilation
- Hydraulic hinges
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Lockable lid
- Lid can be used as a seat
- Lockable lid
- Side handles
- Spring hinges
- Hydraulic hinges
- Side handles
- Lid can be used as a seat
What additional features can you get in a deck box?
Below is a list of the common extra features of a deck box (more than just storing your items):
- Lockable lid
- Wheels
- Hydraulic hinges for soft closing
- Dividers, storage nets, or extra trays for more organization
- Ventilation
- Seating allowed on the lid (also use as a table space)
- Paintable sides
What can you store in deck boxes?
Deck boxes are great for storing a wide range of outdoor items like:
- Firewood
- Grill accessories
- Kids’ outdoor toys
- Pool toys and equipment
- Pool chemicals (recommended that you keep chemicals in separate containers to avoid reactions)
- Yard equipment and gardening tools
- Patio furniture cushions and pillows
- Small patio furniture and accessories
Are plastic deck boxes good?
You may be debating if a plastic deck box is the right choice versus a wood or metal outdoor storage box. And my answer is: yes! Plastic deck boxes are perfect options for outdoor storage because they are:
- Weather-resistant: they can handle nearly any weather conditions
- Essentially waterproof: you don’t have to worry about water getting inside the box (as long as it is in good condition and constructed properly)
- Reasonably priced: some plastic boxes are cheaper than wood and metal boxes
- Durable: These deck boxes can last a long time, many years, in your backyard
- Low maintenance: all you will ever need to do with these boxes is simply wipe of any dirt or debris
