{"title":"Garden Storage Benches","description":"\u003cp\u003eGarden storage benches earn their footprint twice: somewhere comfortable to sit, and generous capacity underneath for cushions, tools or a tidy-away spot. Instead of choosing between seating and storage in a small garden, a bench gives you both in a single footprint, with a proper seat rather than just a box lid to perch on.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChoose the material to suit your space and your appetite for upkeep. Plastic keeps maintenance to a minimum, timber brings natural warmth and a traditional feel, and rattan-effect designs deliver a premium look for modern patios. Whichever you pick, the compartment beneath shelters its contents from the weather between uses, and every bench is backed by a 10-year guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore ordering, measure your bulkiest items, cushions especially, against the internal dimensions, and stand the bench on a level base so the lid closes cleanly and the storage stays dry.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"waterproof-garden-storage-bench-grey","title":"Waterproof Garden Storage Bench — Grey","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA seat for 2 with a proper storage compartment underneath — for the cushions, kids' kit or BBQ gear you don't want to look at.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoulded from UV-stabilised resin — the same material we use across our waterproof range, chosen because it doesn't rot, doesn't fade and never needs re-staining. Panels are thicker than most at this price point and joints are sealed rather than painted over, so water genuinely can't creep in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRated for 2 adults (up to 250kg) comfortably seated. The hinged lid opens to a full ninety degrees and stays there on safety struts while you access the storage below. The slatted seat sheds water quickly so cushions don't sit on a damp surface when you lift them out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e1 × garden storage bench\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHinged lid with safety struts\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eUnderseat storage compartment\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAssembly hardware and printed instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDesigned for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003ePatio seating with cushion storage tucked underneath\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEntryway benches for outdoor shoes and muddy kit\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSummer-house or conservatory seating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare \u0026amp; maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWipe clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. No annual re-treatment needed; the resin is UV-stabilised so colour fade is minimal. Avoid solvents and power-washing at close range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"seo-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you're getting beyond storage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Waterproof Garden Storage Bench — Grey is a garden storage bench — seating that doubles as a dry place to keep cushions and outdoor accessories. The category combines two functions, which means it has to do both well; the notes below explain what to look for and what we've checked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlastic and resin construction — what UV-stabilised resin buys you\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlastic garden storage covers a wide quality range. The cheap end is commodity HDPE engineered for two summers; the Waterproof Garden Storage Bench — Grey sits at the other end — UV-stabilised resin engineered for ten or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe differences that determine lifetime:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUV stabilisation\u003c\/strong\u003e — additives in the polymer formulation that resist breakdown from sunlight. Without these, plastic goes chalky in 18 months and brittle in 3–4 years. Stabilised plastic stays flexible and structurally sound for a decade or more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWall thickness\u003c\/strong\u003e — quality resin units use 4mm+ walls, visible at the lid lip. Cheap commodity plastic is 2–3mm and flexes when leaned on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrost rating\u003c\/strong\u003e — stabilised resin handles -20°C without cracking. Commodity HDPE goes brittle at -5°C and cracks under impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSealed joinery\u003c\/strong\u003e — corner joints and lid gaskets that keep water out. The mark of an engineered product, not a moulded plastic shell.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe differences are usually invisible at the marketing level — manufacturers don't volunteer \"we use cheap plastic\" — but they show up unmistakably after the first 18 months in a UK garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSizing and what fits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact dimensions and capacity for this product are in the specifications above. As a general guide for our storage benches range:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCapacity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat fits inside\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnder 250L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 cushion sets, throws\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250-400L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull 4-seater patio cushions + accessories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e400L+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6-seat cushions + parasol cover + bits\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInternal dimensions are what matter for fit; external dimensions matter for placement clearance. Quoted capacity is brim-full; usable capacity is roughly 70-80% of that, since you can't pack to the lid and expect to retrieve bottom items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eUK weather considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritish gardens see 1,000-1,200mm of annual rainfall, frost cycling between -5°C and +10°C through winter, and summer UV exposure that damages unstabilised materials. The Waterproof Garden Storage Bench — Grey is engineered against those specific conditions. Practical implications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrost\u003c\/strong\u003e — products in this range are rated for sustained sub-zero temperatures without cracking. The cheap alternatives aren't.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUV\u003c\/strong\u003e — UV-stabilised plastics, hot-dip galvanised metal, and pressure-treated timber all handle UK summer sun. Commodity equivalents fail visibly within 2–3 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWind\u003c\/strong\u003e — exposed gardens (hilltops, coastal locations, wide gardens with no windbreaks) need anchoring. Most products in this range include floor anchor points; use them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDriving rain\u003c\/strong\u003e — sealed lid gaskets and overhung roof edges keep wind-driven rain out. Look for these features specifically if your site is exposed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBase preparation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single most-skipped step on outdoor storage installation. Most storage benches sit on any reasonably level paving or decking. The lid mechanism is sensitive to twist — uneven ground causes lids to bind or fail to seal. A proper level surface extends usable life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't put any storage unit directly on grass. The base will move; lid seals will fail; condensation underneath will accelerate component failure. Plan the base before ordering the product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDelivery and assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis product ships from our UK warehouse with free mainland delivery on orders over £100. Standard delivery is 5–7 working days, tracked. This product ships pallet-direct to your kerbside. The driver won't bring the pallet down a path, up steps, or inside. Plan for help moving it from the kerb — two people minimum, or a pallet truck for the very largest. You'll get a dispatch email with a tracking link; the courier will text or email a delivery window the day before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStorage bench assembly is 30-60 minutes with two people, basic hand tools. The lid mechanism is the most sensitive component; follow the instructions carefully there. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/assembly\"\u003eassembly help page\u003c\/a\u003e for tools, time estimates, and where to book a Tasker if you'd rather not DIY.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eReturns and consumer protection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery order is covered by your full UK consumer protections:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConsumer Rights Act 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e — the goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. Your statutory rights apply automatically and never expire.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConsumer Contracts Regulations 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e — 14 days from receipt to change your mind, no reason needed. See our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/returns\"\u003ereturns page\u003c\/a\u003e for the process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30-day damaged-on-arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e — if anything's wrong on delivery, email us with photos and we'll arrange a free replacement or full refund including return postage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor order questions, delivery updates, or post-purchase support, email \u003ca href=\"mailto:hello@garden-storage.com\"\u003ehello@garden-storage.com\u003c\/a\u003e or call \u003ca href=\"tel:+447383567839\"\u003e+44 7383 567839\u003c\/a\u003e Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. We respond to email within one UK working day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions about storage benches\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it support adult weight repeatedly?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — quality storage benches are engineered as furniture, not glorified storage boxes. Look for hardwood frames, thick galvanised steel structures, or hybrid steel-and-wood designs for longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLid safety?\u003c\/strong\u003e Gas-strut lids stay open at any angle and close with controlled descent. Plain hinged lids can pinch fingers. Pay the modest extra for gas struts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComfort?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bench dimensions matter — 42-46cm seat height, 40-45cm seat depth are standard. Cushions you already own affect the final sit height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more bench options see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/garden-storage-benches\"\u003estorage benches\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Garden Storage","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":57903904096601,"sku":"GSBEN-STD-GREY-47","price":499.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1041\/5557\/8713\/files\/waterproof-garden-storage-bench-grey-1-standardised_5593d424-dbe1-4f88-8072-e5313a4b3115.png?v=1776964951"}],"url":"https:\/\/garden-storage.com\/collections\/garden-storage-benches.oembed","provider":"Garden Storage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}