The Best Outdoor Storage Buying Guide

Getting outdoors in the summer is a goal for many of us. But enjoying the patio can feel like work when you have to lug cushions in and out of the house each time. Same goes for pool toys or barbecue supplies. The right outdoor storage can make enjoying your outdoor spaces feel fun again—and less like a chore.

“You should consider the aesthetic design of the storage container to ensure it complements your outdoor decor,” suggests Roy Neely, a Frontdoor handyperson expert. He notes that you’ll also want to consider whether you’ll need portability in terms of features like wheels or handles. 

To help you find the right outdoor storage for your spaces, we compiled a list of the best options for patios, gardening tools, pool accessories, and large items.

Best for Patios

The best outdoor storage options are both functional and at least a bit stylish. We tested out this deck box from Keter and were incredibly impressed with its generous storage capacity.

We stashed three camping chairs, two extension cords, and one medium-sized bag full of gardening accessories—and then we used it as additional patio seating. Guests will never know that it’s not a simple bench, unless you’re tempted to show off how awesome your new storage box is (we wouldn’t blame you!).

It even kept things dry during summer rain showers, but the box still maintained good ventilation to keep the contents from getting musty. The box itself only weighs 34 pounds, but can actually hold up to about 550 pounds of weight, meaning it’s nice and sturdy.

The weather-resistant material resists fading in the bright sun, and you can add a padlock to keep everything secure. It doesn’t have compartments for organization, so you may have to dig around to locate smaller items. And the assembly process was a bit challenging since multiple pieces looked alike. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 54.6 x 23.4 x 32.8 inches | Material: Resin | Storage Capacity: 70 gallons

Relaxing on the deck is a quintessential summer experience, and ottomans can help you kick back after a long day. But ottomans might as well pull their weight, so to speak, and offer up extra outdoor storage space, too.

We like this set of two wicker ottomans because they’re multifunctional: Prop up your feet, stash patio necessities in them, use them as tables, or turn them into extra seats for backyard barbecues. The cushions are detachable and offer extra comfort for seating.

Meanwhile, the wicker material is placed over a steel frame and is weather resistant. You can choose from six frame and cushion color combinations to suit your outdoor decor. Though storage capacity isn’t listed, these are a great size for storing outdoor blankets or small throw pillows.

Keep in mind that you’ll need some tools to help out with assembly—and the ottomans can hold up to just 200 pounds of weight, so they’re not going to be a good heavy-duty option.

Product Details: Dimensions: 15.5 x 16 x 15.5 inches | Material: Aluminum, steel | Storage Capacity: Not listed

When you’re planning to have a few friends over to enjoy a mild summer evening, it seems like there’s always a shortage of table space. Not so with this handy storage box from Keter. Its 37-gallon capacity is perfect for tucking unneeded accessories out of sight, like extra cushions or patio lights.

The all-weather resin material is basically maintenance free (no painting required!) and is meant to look like actual wood. Perhaps one of our favorite features is the lid that lies flat for the perfect outdoor table. Of course, you can use it as seating, too, since it can hold up to 308 pounds.

The hard material may not make for the most comfortable chair, but it’ll do in a pinch. Its circular shape adds character, although that can make it difficult to tuck into a corner if you’re short on space. Assembly should take no more than five minutes. But brown is the only color available.

Product Details: Dimensions: 27.5 x 17.1 x 27.5 inches | Material: Resin | Storage Capacity: 37 gallon

Baskets are great for corralling odds and ends around your home, and they can do the same for your outdoor spaces, too. This storage basket is meant for indoor and outdoor use with its stain- and fade-resistant polypropylene material. It’s also resistant to mildew, a big plus if you’re planning to place it outdoors.

This is a nice size for smaller items like toys to keep the kids entertained, or books and magazines to keep the adults entertained. It comes in four hues, including a neutral brown and a fun lime green if you want to add some outdoor color that pops. 

You probably won’t want to leave this basket outdoors 24/7 as it doesn’t have a lid. But the two handles make it easy to tote back and forth between indoors and out. And we like that it’s made in the United States.  

Product Details: Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 14 inches | Material: Polypropylene | Storage Capacity: Not listed

Every grill master needs a quality grill (or two). But an outdoor grilling table offers a next-level upgrade, especially with this version from Keter. The stainless-steel top is perfect for food prep and is a cinch to clean. The storage unit includes a bar at each end to hold a paper towel roll or to hang a cloth towel.

It also comes with four hooks to keep grilling tools handy, a spice rack, and a bottle opener so the chef can sip an ice-cold beverage while grilling up burgers for the family. Need to move your grilling station? No problem at all thanks to the wheels.

The unit is weather-resistant and made to look like wood. It won’t rust, peel, or dent, so it’s a sturdy and low maintenance option. Two doors open to reveal 54 gallons of enclosed storage space for charcoal or other grilling supplies.

One potential drawback is it lacks shelving within the enclosed storage area, though that can be handy if you want to stash large items. There are also another 24 gallons of open storage space perfect for holding dinner plates or pans of food. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 52.7 x 35.2 x 20.3 inches | Material: Resin, stainless steel | Storage Capacity: 78 gallon

Best for Gardening Tools

Having a dedicated space to store gardening tools and supplies makes it easier to get out in the garden. This steel-reinforced Suncast shed offers 574 cubic feet of storage space, which is plenty of room for rakes, shovels, a garden tiller, and other common gardening tools. 

The metal-reinforced roof adds another layer of protection from water as well as from sun damage. Plus, it includes skylights and a shatterproof window to allow daylight to illuminate the shed with no need for electricity. The double doors can be locked, but you’ll need to buy a padlock separately. 

It’s important to note that the shed weighs over 400 pounds and requires multiple people to assemble it, so set up can be complex. An adjustable shelf is included and the shed includes a floor so your gardening supplies won’t have to sit directly on the ground. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 100.5 x 122.25 x 103 inches | Material: Plastic | Storage Capacity: 574 cubic feet

Gardeners who plant a lot of flower pots will love the features of this practical yet pleasing potting bench. It’s a wheeled bench that lets you easily maneuver it wherever you need to go, and the wheels lock in place while you’re gardening. It’s stained in either a natural or gray tone.

The bench is made of fir wood, which is a softer wood that tends to dent more easily. That can mean the bench will take on a few more scuff marks from regular use. The top section has panels that slide apart to allow you access to a dry sink. Or, keep the panels together for a spacious working surface.

The bottom shelf can hold sizable items like potting soil or empty pots, while the two top shelves are perfect for seed packets or small pots. Two hooks in front are perfect for hanging handheld gardening tools for easy access. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 39.5 x 58.25 x 18 inches | Material: Fir wood | Storage Capacity: 8 square feet

Best for Pool Accessories

Having a pool at home can make summer even sweeter. This cabinet from Rubbermaid is an excellent option for storing beach towels within easy reach of your pool. Made from weather-resistant plastic, towels will stay safe from the sun as well as the rain. 

An adjustable shelf means you have the flexibility to store multiple towels or even pool toys if you prefer. You can lock the double doors if you have a padlock at hand. The double-wall construction makes it a durable pick and the wicker style front lends an aesthetic touch to the unit.

Assembly is required, and the larger size means you’ll likely need to put in a decent amount of elbow grease. It’s best to have two people during the assembly process, if possible.

Product Details: Dimensions: 46×37.8×26.64 inches | Material: Plastic | Storage Capacity: 9.589 cubic feet

Summers by the pool are made even more fun with plenty of toys and floats to choose from, but it can be challenging to store pool toys. This Outsunny caddy will keep all of your must-have pool toys within reach while you’re taking a dip, then it can be wheeled back to storage when you’re done.

The reinforced steel frame gives it a sturdy feel, but at 25 pounds with wheels, it’s easy enough to move. The wicker-style material adds character but unlike traditional wicker, it’s a water-safe option. And the weave allows water to drain from pool noodles after you’re done enjoying the water. 

The open compartment is on the smaller side. It’s big enough to store one large pool float or raft, so this may not be your best option if you have multiple. The other side has a walled compartment to keep several smaller floats or pool toys in the cart rather than scattered about. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 43.25 x 28 x 22.5 inches | Material: Polyethylene rattan | Storage Capacity: 110 gallons

Though this waterproof storage option is small, it’s perfect if space around your pool is tight. It also weighs just 10 pounds, so it’s easy to move around if you want to use it in a different outdoor area.

The weather-resistant resin will stand up to UV rays as well as water. It also won’t rust, peel, or dent, so it’s just about maintenance-free. Use it by the pool to store small toys the kids use often, like goggles, beach balls, or pool games.

Assembly involves connecting six panels together, but you won’t need any tools. The whole process should take about 10 minutes. It only comes in gray, but its simple design allows it to fit with many outdoor spaces.

Product Details: Dimensions: 22.79 x 20.86 x 17.1 inches | Material: Resin | Storage Capacity: 31 gallon

Best for Large Items

Garbage pickup service is fantastic, but those large garbage cans don’t exactly add curb appeal when they’re just sitting out in the open. Conceal up to two 58-gallon garbage cans (or even up to three smaller cans) easily behind this cedar wood shed.

The double doors have chic handles to add style as well as functionality, and the doors can be closed to conceal the cans while keeping curious critters at bay. The curved lid offers a bit of extra room for taller cans and it opens for quick top access. There’s also a cedar floor included to keep garbage cans out of the mud or snow. 

You’ll need someone to help you with assembly. And because it’s made of unfinished cedar wood, you’ll likely need to add some additional maintenance (like staining or painting) to your to-do list. However, the enclosure offers a stylish way to stash cans out of sight when it’s not garbage day.

Product Details: Dimensions: 72.5 x 55 x 37 inches | Material: Cedarwood | Storage Capacity: 50 cubic feet

If you have several bicycles taking up residence in your garage, a separate bike shed can be a big space saver. This metal option has over 55 cubic feet of storage space, which can hold up to three adult-sized bikes. Black, cream, and an avocado green are the colors available to choose from.

The shed is made of PVC-coated galvanized steel, which offers protection against corrosion for up to 25 years and is even rodent- and fire-resistant. There’s a spring-assisted opening to make it a cinch to access your bike when you want to take it for a spin. 

Assembly can take several hours and will require a second pair of hands, but once complete, you’ll have a dedicated home for your bikes—no more bicycles taking up too much space in your garage.

Product Details: Dimensions: 77.16 x 35 x 50.78 inches | Material: Metal | Storage Capacity: 55.2 cubic feet

Lawn mowers, especially riding mowers, take up a ton of garage space. This double-walled resin shed will step in to free up more room. With a storage capacity of over 150 cubic feet, it can easily fit most lawn mowers. It’s maintenance free and resistant to dents and leaks (though it’s not completely watertight). 

Inside, you can customize the storage further with wall anchors, available separately from Rubbermaid. This allows you to add shelves, hooks, pegboards and more to organize your lawn tools. You can also add a padlock to keep things secure, though you’ll also need to be purchase it separately. 

The flooring is made of resin so it’s impact-resistant. This is ideal if you don’t want to worry about damage from dropping sharp gardening tools, for instance. Keep in mind that the shed weighs nearly 200 pounds, so you’ll want one or two other people to help you put it together. 

What to Know About Outdoor Storage Before Shopping

Material

When shopping for outdoor storage, you’re often going to find three materials: plastic, wood, and metal. According to Neely, plastic options lighter weight, easier to maintain, and more weather-resistant. Neely says wood may be more aesthetically pleasing, but “requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and insect damage.”

Metal options tend to be “durable and secure,” especially for stashing more valuable or delicate items. However, Neely cautions that metal storage options “can be prone to rust without proper treatment.”

Size and Storage Capacity

Before buying storage containers (whether for indoor or outdoor use), make sure you know what it is you need to store and how much space you have. “Consider the available outdoor space to avoid overcrowding your yard or patio,” Neely says.

For instance, smaller containers might be the way to go if you just need to store a few garden tools or accessories. On the other hand, storage sheds can be the perfect space for bigger items like patio furniture, cushions, or even bicycles, along with larger outdoor equipment such as a garden tiller or mower. 

Use

Keep an eye out for handy features that can more readily accommodate what you plan to store. For instance, Neely recommends shelves if you want to keep small items (gardening tools or small toys) organized. Meanwhile, hooks are convenient for tidying up garden hoses, outdoor extension cords, or rope.

The outdoors are subject to damp conditions, so for fabric items like furniture cushions, you’ll want to choose storage with good ventilation to help prevent mold or mildew. And you may want to consider a locking storage option in some cases.

Your Questions, Answered

Do sheds need a foundation?

“Yes, sheds typically need a foundation to ensure stability, prevent ground moisture from seeping in and causing rot, and protect against pests,” Neely says. He adds, “Foundations can be concrete slabs, gravel bases, or wooden platforms using pressure-treated wood.” 

Goni Goder Cohen, vice president of marketing North America at Keter, adds that a foundation “ensures the shed is on an even surface for easier assembly and can be anchored to a stable surface.” If you’re unsure what foundation to choose, you may want to consult a trusted contractor for advice.

What items shouldn’t be stored outdoors?

There are certain things you won’t want to stash outdoors, such as electronics, which Neely says “are susceptible to moisture and temperature fluctuations.” 

Storing paper products outside isn’t a great idea, either, since humidity and pests can wreak havoc on them. Similarly, food can quickly attract pests and become inedible. Neely also adds, “Some chemicals can degrade in extreme temperatures or pose a risk if not stored properly.”

Are outdoor storage pieces watertight?

While you may be able to find some watertight storage, keep in mind that not every outdoor storage option is designed to be watertight. For instance, Goder Cohen explains that Keter’s ventilated storage options aren’t watertight, but that ventilation can help keep musty smells at bay.

“When purchasing, look for containers specifically labeled as watertight, featuring sealed lids and durable materials to ensure protection from rain and snow,” Neely says.

Who We Are

This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens who has covered topics including shopping guides, cleaning and organizing, and home improvement. For this article, she researched multiple outdoor storage solutions options, considering size, capacity, material, assembly requirements, features, and use. She also consulted Roy Neely, a Frontdoor handyperson expert, and Goni Goder Cohen, vice president of marketing North America at Keter for additional insights.