Garden storage boxes are usually sold by volume: 190 litres, 270 litres, 350 litres and sometimes 600 litres or more. That is a useful starting point, but it does not tell you whether your longest bench cushion will fit or whether the box can be opened alongside a wall.
Capacity versus useful internal dimensions
A 190-litre box could be tall and narrow or low and wide. The same applies to larger boxes. Nominal capacity is the volume of the enclosed space; usable capacity is limited by internal ribs, wheel housings, liners, hinges and the opening shape. Measure the length, width and thickness of the items you want to store, then compare those measurements with the internal dimensions from the retailer.
As a rough way to think about size, a compact 190L design may be a sensible candidate for a few smaller seat pads and garden accessories. A 270–350L box might be better for a set of dining-chair cushions or mixed garden textiles. A larger 600L-plus chest is worth considering for bulkier sets — but none of those examples guarantees a fit. Shape matters more than the label.
Allow room for opening the lid
Measure the patio location before shopping. A top-opening lid may require extra clearance behind the box or above it, and a gas-strut mechanism can change how far it opens. If the box sits under a window, a low shelf or an overhanging fence, check the actual open-lid dimensions. Also leave space to move around it without blocking a doorway.
Does a garden storage box keep cushions dry?
Look beyond the words “weather-resistant”. A product may use a water-repellent material but still have openings, ventilation gaps or condensation inside. Some timber and polyrattan boxes use an inner tarpaulin or waterproof lining. That is useful, yet fabric cushions should be clean and dry before storage, inspected regularly and brought indoors when appropriate.
Can you sit on the lid?
Only when the manufacturer explicitly rates it for seating or specifies a relevant load limit. A plastic box with a sturdy-looking top may be labelled not suitable for sitting. Never infer load capacity from the photograph. Children should not climb inside storage chests, and lids need safe, suitable opening mechanisms.
Plastic, timber, metal or polyrattan?
- Plastic and resin: often light, straightforward to clean and available in compact sizes.
- Timber: a natural finish that may blend with garden furniture, usually requiring more care.
- Metal: can offer keyed locks and strong structure; check corrosion protection and assembly.
- Polyrattan: a woven outdoor-furniture look; check the frame, internal lining and closure.
A practical pre-purchase checklist
- Measure the longest cushion or tool, not only the total volume.
- Check the internal box dimensions and the lid opening.
- Confirm whether the box is for storage only or rated for seating.
- Read the actual manufacturer’s care and water-resistance wording.
- Account for delivery size, assembly, locks and access to the garden.
Our approach: this guide explains practical buying criteria. Product specifications and prices mentioned elsewhere on this website come from retailer-supplied sources; we do not claim hands-on testing.