If you don’t have the space in your garden for a shed or you prefer something less obtrusive, a garden storage box is a great choice.
Garden storage boxes are cheaper, easier to move around and some double up as garden benches.
You do have to make do with less storage space. But if you want to store mostly small items and gardening tools, a storage box works perfectly. If you have bigger items you need to store like bikes, cushions, wheelie bins or a lawn mower, you can find some extra-large boxes that are closer to a shed.
In this buying guide, I recommend the best garden storage boxes in the UK, and give you some tips on how to choose the right one to fit your storage needs.
Features To Consider When Choosing A Garden Storage Box
A. Capacity
Garden storage boxes range in size from small boxes that double up as benches to large boxes that are more like small sheds.
How big a box you should buy depends on what you want to put in it. If it’s mostly small gardening tools, toys and parcels, a small box with a capacity of 200 litres or less will do.
A small box is also the best choice if you’d like a box you can move around the garden and for small gardens without a lot of space to spare
If you’d like something bigger that can hold larger tools, bigger outdoor toys or seat cushions for garden furniture, get a 300-600 litre box. Just note that it’ll take up more space and moving it will not be easy once you put stuff in it.
If you want something even bigger to put bikes, a lawn mower and other large pieces of garden equipment, get a box with a capacity of at least 700 litres. Some extra-large storage boxes can have a capacity over 1,000 litres.
A large garden storage box still has its limitations. You can put many smaller gardening tools and items. But when it comes to storing large items, you can only fit one or two things. For example, an 800L box may only fit one adult bike or two kids bikes.
You can fit a large wheelie bin, but it’ll take up half the space.
If you have several large items you want to store, you may be better off just getting a garden shed. Also, keep in mind that a large storage box will take up more space in your garden.
B. Build Quality
Most garden storage boxes are made with heavy duty plastic. This is the best material as it can withstand exposure to the elements and invasion by pests.
A well-made garden storage box should last for years without cracking, warping or fading.
If you plan to store any valuable items in the box, like a pricey lawn mower, get a box that’s sturdily built and hard to break into.
C. Weatherproof
Part of your build quality assessment should include checking whether the box is weatherproof. By that, I mean it should be 100% waterproof.
Garden storage boxes are designed to be left out exposed to the elements. It should withstand rain and snow without getting your stuff all wet.
Also make sure the box is UV-resistant.
D. Lockable
Look for a box with a lockable lid. Being able to lock the box is not just good for deterring burglars; it also keeps kids away from potentially dangerous equipment and tools.
E. Design
This comes down to your preferences. Some garden storage boxes have a farmhouse look to them while others have a more contemporary appearance.
Most boxes are given a wood-like finish, but we’ve also come across others with a rustic rattan finish.
Don’t forget to check whether a particular box is available in different colours, so you can choose the one that blends perfectly with your garden furniture.
Another more practical design feature to check is whether the storage box doubles up as a bench. This is usually the case for smaller storage boxes. Set the box under a tree and you have a great place to store stuff and relax.
F. Easy to Assemble
Garden storage boxes are delivered as flat packs, meaning they require assembly. Check how easy the box is to assemble.
As expected, big storage boxes are harder to assemble and they take more time. They also require tools like a drill. You could spend an hour or more assembling an 800-litre box. And you’d better assemble it where you want it to stay, since moving it will be difficult.
Smaller boxes generally take a few minutes to snap together and you don’t need any tools. Another upside is that these compact designs are easier to move around. Mot even include hands. You can assemble the box inside and then move it where you want it to stay.
Best Garden Storage Boxes: Top 5 Reviews
1. Lifetime 60186 Heavy-Duty Outdoor Storage Deck Box, 439.1L
With a 439-litre capacity, the Lifetime outdoor storage box is a great medium size option for most homes.
It’s big enough to fit several seat cushions, a few gardening tools and some gardening toys.
Build quality is very good. It’s made with double walled high density polyethylene to withstand the outdoors.
The spring-hinge lid is easy to operate. It opens wide, giving you easy access to the interior. And when you close it, it doesn’t slam shut. The lid doubles up as a bench top that you can sit on.
The manufacture says the box is weatherproof and will keep the interior dry, but the user manual states it is not waterproof. Some customers have tested this by leaving the box outside in a heavy downpour, and it didn’t let in any water. But to be safe, you may want to keep it in the porch or deck where it’s partially shaded.
Another issue with the Lifetime storage box is assembly. The process is a bit cumbersome and some parts have a hard time lining up perfectly. But most customers were able to assemble it on their own in under an hour.
What I like about it:
- Big enough for storing garden seat cushions.
- Easy to operate lid.
- Doubles up as a bench.
- Excellent build quality.
2. TOOMAX Storaway Outdoor Garden Plastic Storage Box, 842L
If you need an extra-big box to store garden equipment or large items like a bike, get the 842-litre TOOMAX Storaway garden storage box.
The TOOMAX Storaway is just a step down from a full size shed. Its spacious interior easily fits large items like a lawn mower or a bike, plus several smaller garden tools.
When fully assembled, the box consists of two lockable doors at the front and an additional lockable lid on top. With the top and front open, you have easy access to the inside.
Build quality is good. The box is made with UV and water resistant plastic. The only complaint from customers is the back panel. It’s made with thin plastic that would take no effort to break into. If you plan to store anything valuable in the box, make sure the back is against a wall.
Despite the large size of the box, assembly is fairly easy and quick. Most people were able to do it in under 30 minutes.
What I like about it:
- Large capacity.
- UV and water resistant.
- Easy to assemble.
- Lockable doors and lid.
3. Suncast SS1000 ® Premium Garden Storage Seat Box, 83L
The Suncast SS1000 is a great choice if you are looking for a small garden storage box. With a capacity of 83 litres, the SS1000 works great as storage for your kids’ garden toys, seat cushions, muddy boots or small garden tools and supplies.
The SS1000 also doubles up as a seat, though only wide enough for one person.
The box is small enough to fit in a porch. But you can also leave it outside in the garden. It is waterproof, so the inside will stay dry if it rains.
The box is made with durable and UV-resistant resin. It’ll survive years outdoors without cracking, warping or fading.
The only thing I don’t like about the Suncast SS1000 is that it’s not lockable. Unless you are using the box indoors, do not put anything valuable in it. Also be careful not to store anything kids might harm themselves with like garden shears or detergent.
What I like about it:
- Compact design – perfect for small gardens.
- Watertight design.
- UV resistant.
- Doubles up as a seat.
4. Keter Marvel Garden Storage Box 270l
If you prefer a modern look, the Keter Marvel box is one of the few garden boxes that don’t have a like-wood finish.
Its grey smooth exterior goes especially well with rattan garden furniture. The box is still plastic like other garden boxes, so you can be sure it is weather resistant.
The 270 litre capacity is perfect for storing seat cushions, garden toy and gardening supplies. The top lid opens wide and you need to buy a lock to make it lockable.
Assembly takes a few minutes and, unlike most storage boxes, you don’t need a drill or any other tools to put the box together.
What I like about it:
- Beautiful grey finish.
- Weather resistant.
- Easy to assemble.
- Maintenance free.
5. Kingfisher OSPROMO Storage Box, 150L
The Kingfisher OSPROMO is another good choice if you are looking for a small garden storage box. It’s almost double the size of the 83-litre SS1000, so you can store a lot more items in it.
The 150-litre interior fits several cushions. You can also store gardening tools or use the box to organize your kids’ outdoor toys.
The box is small enough that you can keep it in the porch. Being waterproof, you can also keep it in the garden. The polypropylene constructions can withstand rain, dust, pests and UV.
One thing I love about small garden storage boxes like the Kingfisher OSPROMO, is that you can move them around with ease. The OSPROMO weighs just 4.6kg when empty and comes with built-in handles for easy portability.
Smaller boxes are also easier to assemble. Putting together the OSPROMO takes a few minutes and it doesn’t require any tools.
What I like about it:
- Lockable lid.
- Compact, space-saving design.
- Weather resistant.
- Easy to move around.