Outdoor Storage Box

Not all outdoor storage boxes are the same. Some boxes may look great, but are not serviceable in the very least. And then there are others that look innocuous and cheap, but proving to be more useful than its more expensive counterparts. So how can you get the perfect storage boxes for your outdoor décor? Here are some valuable tips on how to choose your outdoor storage boxes by the materials used.But first, we need to define what these storage boxes are. Basically, anything that can store, hide or keep any object from view can be considered as storage box. But outdoor storage boxes are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of being constantly outdoors.

An outdoor storage box is not the same as an patio storage box. This means that long exposure to direct sunlight, heavy rains, rough winds and a little snow should not mar the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor storage box. In some cases, storage boxes are created from waterproof materials so that its interior remains relatively high and dry. But not everyone would need or benefit from waterproofed storage boxes though. In many cases, conventional storage made from wrought iron or wood are better alternatives. Choosing the boxes you would need begins with knowing what materials are often used in its construction.

For waterproof storage boxes, there are aluminum, plastic and fiberglass storage containers. As a rule, aluminum storage boxes are not particularly ideal for outdoor settings since moisture and direct sunlight can cause the metal to rust and deteriorate quickly. However, modern designs are incorporating aluminum boxes within wicker, rattan, bamboo or other softwood materials to lessen exterior metal corrosion and make the storage box more appealing to the eye. Aluminum is also very lightweight and strong, which makes this material ideal for easy-to-move storage boxes. Nonetheless, aluminum is not a very good place to store other metal based objects like the common garden tools, since the material also triggers corrosion in other metals. Also, aluminum waterproofed outdoor storage containers with wood trimmings are a bit more expensive than the other waterproofed materials. On the other hand, plastic and fiberglass storage containers are great waterproof keepers as well, and even perfect for keeping metal tools and other small metal objects. Because of the tensile strength of these materials, the storage boxes can be created in larger sizes without adding that much weight to the entire product. Outdoor toy boxes and exterior tool or shoe cabinets can be made from plastic and fiber. By far, these two materials are the most inexpensive among the lot. Nonetheless, there is one major disadvantage to using plastic and fiberglass outdoor boxes. These materials tend to fade faster than conventional wood pieces. Plastic tends to discolor quickly under direct sunlight, which causes a permanent yellowing effect. Fiberglass tends to lose its vibrant color after only a few seasons of use, and often its transparent body turns into a murky shade. Fiberglass is also very solid and tends to handle poorly in areas where sudden shifts of temperature happen quickly. This causes some fiberglass storage boxes to crack or split.

And then there are the other kinds of outdoor boxes made from materials that are not exactly waterproof. Some of these materials include wrought iron and wood. Wrought iron storage boxes are very resilient and can usually stand long exposure to the elements without suffering from rust or other corrosive problems. Such outdoor storage boxes are ideal in the garden, the front yard or even the backyard. Such garden storage boxes may also work in moisture rich settings or in areas that receive a lot of rain / snow fall; or where the ground is constantly damp from watering the lawn, etc. However, wrought iron boxes can be very, very heavy. This means that once you have installed these in a particular part of your outdoor settings, you may not want to move the furniture anytime soon. Wooden storage boxes are also very sturdy and resilient. If properly constructed, wooden outdoor boxes can stand weather changes and sudden shifts in temperature. Long exposure to sunlight can bleach the wood into a lighter shade, but there are people who find that an attractive feature. Unfortunately though, wood tends to be porous as well. Even with several coatings of moisture repellents and sealers, it would be wise to keep your wooden furniture away from moisture rich environs.

In the following videos you can build your own deck storage box for inside and outside use. Build your own deck storage boxes in just one day! I build two last week and use them as patio storage boxes. Have fun!