Outdoor Storage Benches and Boxes

Your backyard is a natural gathering place, especially during warmer months. Holiday barbecues, dinner parties on the patio, and graduation celebrations characterize sunny days on the lawn - and the last thing you should have to worry about during your fetes is storage or seating. Outdoor storage benches ensure your personal (or party) items are safely stored out of sight, and they offer an extra seat so you really can say the more the merrier.

Here, we take a look at the basics of outdoor storage benches - their types, materials, styles and uses.

Outdoor Storage Bench Types
Outdoor storage benches come in two basic shapes: storage benches and storage boxes. Benches can either have simple or decorative backrests, or no backrests at all. Outdoor storage boxes are simple, backless trunks. Both types can be outfitted with outdoor bench cushions for comfy seating.

Outdoor Storage Bench Materials
Outdoor storage benches and boxes are generally constructed of weather-ready materials: decorative-yet-sturdy wood storage benches; hardy teak storage benches; and breezy wicker storage benches. You may want to consider treating outdoor benches with protective varnishes or rust-resistant wax.

Cromwell 3-foot Storage Bench with Waterproof Lid

Outdoor Storage Bench Styles and Uses
Outdoor storage benches can be just as detailed as their indoor counterparts - they can have intricately formed backrests, personalized carvings, patterned pillows, drawers, and super-functional wheels. Of course, after filling the storage space with items - gardening hoses and tools, picnic materials, toys, table linens and towels - the lid can be closed and prepped for alternative seating. Another popular bench style is the potting bench; the lid, rather than serving as seating, has a recess to allow pretty plants and herbs to flourish.