Types of outdoor storage boxes, selection criteria, instructions for self-production

It is impossible to imagine a comfortable holiday in the country without a tidy local area and coziness inside the house.

Therefore, things and garden tools scattered around, collapsing cabinets will ruin the mood of any summer resident.

The problem is solved by purchasing or making your own outdoor storage boxes.

What are they?

When classifying boxes, 2 factors are taken into account: product material and shape. You can choose the storage you like, taking into account your personal preferences. For manufacturing, 3 materials are used:

1. Tree. Time-tested chests, according to classical canons, are made of oak, walnut, beech, and alder. Plywood and chipboard are also used for manufacturing. Natural material, environmentally friendly.
2. Plastic. Modern material, most often used for outdoor storage.
3. Wickerwork. Made from wicker or rattan. For use in the yard, artificial rattan boxes are usually purchased.

Often boxes have a dual purpose: for storage and as a table or bench. The photo below shows a plastic bench-chest.

Products made from artificial rattan look very elegant. You can purchase a small cylindrical table with an opening lid.You can store small-sized items in it.

Advantages and disadvantages of boxes

Along with the convenience of storage, outdoor boxes have both positive and negative sides. The qualities largely depend on the material of manufacture.

Wooden boxes attract summer residents for the following reasons:

1. Strength. You can store heavy items in it, for example, garden tools and other equipment.
2. Environmental friendliness. This is a natural material that harmoniously fits into the environment. Does not emit harmful substances.
3. Multifunctionality. Wood products can be used as a table or bench. They can withstand more weight than other “colleagues”.
4. Stylish. Originally designed boxes attract the attention of guests and give the dacha a unique look and elegance.

The negative aspects of wooden boxes include:

1. Heavy weight. To move them, the efforts of several people will be required, depending on the size.
2. Rotting. Over time, wood can crack and rot. There are special mixtures and varnishes that can extend the service life.
3. High price compared to other materials.

Plastic boxes are most often purchased for storage. They have the following advantages:

• huge selection - storage facilities of different designs and colors are sold;
• combination - thanks to the large assortment, you can create compositions from similar products and fit them harmoniously on the site;
• multifunctionality - they can also be used as a table or small bench;
• good ventilation - things will not smell damp;
• light weight - the boxes can be moved effortlessly and placed in a convenient place;
• ease of use and durability - the products are easy to care for, just wipe them regularly, the storage facilities are not subject to rotting;
• low prices.

The disadvantages include:

• less strength compared to wooden products - the bench is usually designed for 1-2 people;
• the problem is with environmental friendliness - if you buy boxes from reliable companies, then there will be no unpleasant odors or loss of color, you should avoid cheap products from unknown manufacturers.

Wicker boxes have limited use, the advantages include:

1. Original look. Wicker boxes look beautiful and can be used as decorative decorations.
2. A light weight.

Negative sides:

1. Boxes made of natural materials, such as wicker or rattan, are “afraid” of moisture, wind, and elevated temperatures. Therefore, it is better to use artificial substitutes.
2. If things are afraid of dampness, then they cannot be stored in wicker boxes. Moisture penetrates through the walls of the products.
3. Relative fragility compared to other types.

You need to select boxes based on their qualities and operating conditions. You can make simple wooden boxes yourself.

How to do it yourself?

Before assembling a wooden box, you need to purchase tools and materials. You will need:

• board 20×160 cm, at least 2 cm thick;
• fiberboard sheet 60 cm wide and 100 cm long;
• two slats 4×80 cm, 1-2 cm thick;
• loops;
• screws of different diameters;
• furniture nails;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• square, tape measure, pencil;
• hammer;
• chisel;
• sandpaper.

Assembly begins with the manufacture of the frame. For this:

1. Make markings. Draw the lines along which the sawing will take place, mark the places for the screws. Cut the board according to the drawing.
2. Using a screwdriver, connect the 4 walls together.
3. For better ventilation, drill 3 holes measuring 2-2.5 mm at the bottom of the frame.
4. Cut out the bottom and lid from fiberboard.
5. Next you need to nail the lid.
6. Clean the box with sandpaper to smooth out the corners and ends. You can screw in the legs.
7. Make a frame to which the lid will be attached. To do this, cut 4 blanks from the slats.
8. Use a screwdriver to assemble the frame.
9. Nail the cover and sand it with sandpaper.
10. Next, you need to use a chisel to hollow out the places for the hinges on the lid.
11. Screw the hinges to the lid.
12. Next, you need to mark the places for the hinges on the box, hollow them out with a chisel and screw on the lid.
13. The lid can be secured with a rope. To do this, holes are drilled, a rope is threaded into them and fastened, as shown in the picture below.

For convenience, you can attach handles on the sides and attach a rail to the lid. Plastic boxes can be purchased on trading floors.

TOP 3 finished products

A large selection of plastic boxes is available on the Yandex Market trading platform. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

• manufacturer;
• functionality;
• capacity;
• dimensions
• price.

On online sites you can find products that can satisfy any need:

Garden Bench (Eden)

This is a stylish bench with a lifting lid from the famous Israeli brand Keter. Internal volume 265 liters, can be locked. There are no metal parts, so the product does not rust.The plastic is high quality, does not fade or rot.

The length reaches 1m 40 cm, the width is 60 cm, the height is 84 cm. The bench weighs about 15 kg.

Keter BRIGHTWOOD 455L

Box with a large useful volume of 455 liters. Can be used as a table, supports weight up to 365 kg. Lockable with a padlock. Stylized as wood, there are brackets that prevent the lid from slamming shut.

The length reaches 1 m 45 cm, width - 70 cm, height - 60.3 cm. The product weighs about 20 kg.

Capri 230404 from Keter

Made of artificial rattan, capacity 302 liters. Withstands a load of 250 kg, so up to three adults can comfortably fit on it. There are casters for comfortable movement.

What to consider before purchasing?

There are several factors to consider before purchasing products:

1. Quality. There is no need to save money when purchasing by purchasing boxes from dubious companies. This also jeopardizes the health of summer residents. The product will not last long and will not pay for itself.
2. Capacity. You need to calculate the required volume so as not to overpay for unnecessary liters.
3. Dimensions boxes. A large chest may not fit into the chosen location.
4. Colors. Buying an ensemble in one color scheme will decorate the area around the house.

Conclusion

House boxes will add coziness and completeness to the area. It can be an additional decor at the dacha. Multifunctionality will allow you to save on the purchase of furniture.

You can make boxes yourself or purchase them on trading platforms. Priority should be given to well-known companies.