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15 Deck Storage Ideas: How To Incorporate Storage Solutions into Your TruNorth Deck Design

If you’re looking to maximize your outdoor space’s utility and aesthetic appeal, incorporating deck storage solutions into your TruNorth deck design is essential. No matter the size of your backyard, finding efficient ways to store outdoor essentials can transform your space, reducing clutter, and enhancing visual appeal. 

Conveniently, there are numerous deck storage solutions for all needs, from stylish deck storage benches to under-deck storage for larger items. To help you find the perfect storage solutions, this guide covers 15 of the best deck storage ideas, offering options for every design aesthetic, backyard size, and budget.

Why Incorporate Deck Storage Solutions Into Your TruNorth Deck Design?

Adding deck storage solutions to your TruNorth deck design provides many benefits. Firstly, you maximize space, especially if you opt for under-deck storage solutions. When using furniture storage, such as storage benches, you also increase space by combining two products (seating and storage boxes) into one.

Incorporating deck storage also offers organizational benefits by keeping your deck clutter-free (which increases aesthetic appeal) and giving a convenient place to store outdoor items when not in use. Storage solutions are generally sealed as well, providing protection from the elements for the items you store. By adding locks to storage boxes, sheds, or the like, you additionally create a secure location to store valuable outdoor items, reducing the risk of theft or damage. Incorporating deck storage solutions could even enhance your property value as these organizational features are appealing to homeowners.

Whether you’re looking to declutter your yard, protect your belongings, or simply make better use of your outdoor space, deck storage can be a practical and valuable addition to your home.

On Deck Storage Ideas

A deck with small steps and furniture
TruNorth Composite Decking in Brazilian Cherry and Tigerwood

1. Storage Benches

Adding storage benches is one of the easiest deck storage ideas to implement. What’s great about a deck storage bench is that it’s dual-purpose. Not only can you store whatever you need, but you also add seating to your deck design, making it more functional and welcoming. Simply add some cushions on top of the deck storage benches (which can be stored in the benches when not in use), plus a central table or side tables, and you have a cozy and convenient outdoor living room. 

The dual-purpose benefits of this deck storage idea notably make it an excellent solution for those who want to maximize a small outdoor space. When adding storage benches, ensure they use a weather-resistant material. You can even build storage benches out of composite or PVC decking in the same finish and colours as your deck. 

2. Deck Boxes

If you have seating on your deck already, adding deck boxes instead of storage benches is an excellent deck storage solution. You can purchase deck storage boxes in various sizes, making them ideal for all sizes of deck. They also come in a variety of finishes and, as with deck storage benches, could be made from composite or PVC decking. 

3. Planters With Built-In Storage

Another great dual-purpose deck storage idea is building or purchasing planters with built-in storage. This practical and aesthetically pleasing storage solution allows you to plant a range of things to add colour to your deck. Whether you opt for vibrant blooms, add tall greenery for privacy, or grow an edible garden on your deck, these planters help to provide storage while using greenery and flowers to improve the aesthetic appeal of storage boxes.

4. Multi-Functional Furniture

Deck storage benches aren’t the only type of multi-functional furniture you can opt for, although they are one of the most popular. You may also be able to find tables or seats, including ottomans, instead of benches with storage in them. As with storage benches, these deck storage solutions help to create a usable outdoor lounge area on your deck while also offering a hidden place for you to store things, keeping your deck clutter-free.

5. Storage Sheds

Storage sheds can be a great on-deck storage solution or can be added elsewhere in your yard, including next to your deck, to store things you use on your deck. You can also get many different sizes of sheds, from small ones for gardening tools to large sheds to keep things like bikes or lawnmowers. No matter the placement, matching the style of your storage shed to your deck is a good idea to maintain cohesion throughout your backyard.

6. Outdoor Cabinets

One of the lesser-known, but visually appealing deck storage solutions, is outdoor cabinets. These pieces of storage furniture come in a variety of sizes and styles, many of which mimic cabinets you would use for storage inside the home. Being made for outdoor usage, they are weather-resistant, durable, and long-lasting. You can also have them hand-made to match the design of your deck. 

If you’re planning an outdoor living room deck design, outdoor cabinets are a top deck storage solution as they resemble indoor furniture. They also provide a surface space to add accessories, such as plants and outdoor ornaments, or glassware for outdoor drinks. Outdoor cabinets with usable surfaces also work great next to grills or as a general food prep area for those who enjoy al fresco dining.

Alternatively, opt for taller outdoor cabinets that can seamlessly sit on the corner of your deck, adding height as well as storage space. You could also opt for stackable corner storage units if you can’t find, or don’t like, the style of taller cabinets or if you want additional storage space from stacking multiple storage units.

7. Shelving Units

Shelving units are a deck storage solution and are similar to outdoor cabinets but with open shelving instead of a cabinet door. Adding shelving units is an excellent deck storage idea if you want to incorporate decorative elements into your yard. You can add visually appealing storage boxes along with plants and other decor accents. 

As with storage cabinets, the surface of these units is also very functional and can be used for many things, from potting plants to preparing dishes for outdoor dining. Keep in mind that due to the open nature of the shelves, you will only be able to store weather-resistant things on them unless you decide to add doors. 

8. Hanging Storage

Another more unusual and lesser-known deck storage idea is adding hanging storage. This type of storage incorporates wall-mounted hooks which you can hang things from, like garden tools. You can also add small baskets to the hanging storage unit to store additional items, from grilling tools to outdoor toys for kids or pets. 

9. Rail Planters With Storage

Another deck storage idea that’s similar to adding hanging storage is incorporating rail planters with storage. These mounted storage options are added to the railing of your deck. While generally made to hang plant pots, you can also add hanging storage boxes with small items you need to store. Opting for this storage solution also gives you very easy access to whatever you’re storing.

Adding some planters with colourful plants or even edible plants like herbs can also be a great idea. Not only will you add colour to your overall deck design, but the plants can also somewhat disguise the storage baskets if you integrate the storage between the plant pots. 

10. Storage Accessories

While not an all-weather deck storage solution, you can add accessories that double as storage for use while the weather is good and you are using your deck. This includes baskets for blankets and decorative boxes. While most of these items will need to be stored when it rains or snows and during the seasons you don’t use your deck, they give easy access to items you’ll use frequently and double as decor pieces to improve the aesthetic appeal and livability of your deck. 

Under Deck Storage Ideas

A deck with storage underneath
TruNorth Decking in Amazon Grey

11. Enclosed Storage Room

If you have a decent amount of space under your deck, you could build a fully enclosed storage room. When using storage containers, your items can be stored outside without issue and you can simply place things under the deck. 

If you want some additional protection, adding some type of flooring is a good idea. Using concrete or gravel are two good options. You may additionally want to add weather-resistant panels or sliding doors to minimize the chance of rain or pests getting into your enclosed under-deck storage space. 

12. Sliding Storage Drawers

Sliding drawers are another useful underdeck storage solution. You can easily construct sliding storage drawers or purchase them, with custom-built options available. These drawers are highly convenient to access and they can store a range of items, depending on the amount of space under your deck, including gardening tools, outdoor cushions, and kids’ toys. 

When installing sliding storage drawers, ensure the material they’re made from is waterproof and durable for outdoor usage. You can also add a front to the drawers that mimics your deck material or the material around them to camouflage them and allow the drawers to blend seamlessly with the rest of the deck.

13. Roll-Out Trays

Roll-out trays are similar to underdeck sliding drawers, but generally leave the storage solution open, instead of having a drawer front, and are larger than sliding drawers. Due to their larger size, roll-out trays are an excellent underdeck storage solution if you need to store large and heavy items. As with sliding drawers, roll-out trays can be built to size to fit perfectly under your deck.

14. Weatherproof Containers

One of the simplest under-deck storage ideas is using waterproof containers. These come in a range of sizes and can be easily purchased. They can be used to store things like gardening tools and deck cleaning supplies as well as accessories and soft furnishings used on your deck. 

Not only can these waterproof containers be easily stored under your deck, but they also keep items dry and protected for long periods of time. This is especially useful if storing things throughout the fall and winter for use in the spring and summer. Labeling the containers is also recommended for easy identification when you need something stored in them. Stackable containers can be used to make the most of the space under your deck. 

15. Deck Stair Storage

Deck designs that feature stairs can have storage incorporated into them. This may not be possible if your deck and stairs are already constructed. However, if you’re building a brand new deck, you can add stair storage into your design by simply adding a door to the side of the stairs and adding flooring inside, if needed. 

Add an Under Deck Drainage System

When adding under-deck storage solutions, it’s also a good idea to incorporate an under-deck drainage system. This will help create a dry and usable space under your deck to protect your storage solutions and the things stored inside them. If you’re using Clubhouse PVC Decking, you can install Dexerdry to create a dry zone underneath your deck and protect the items you have stored from rain, spills, and other debris.

If building a new deck or renovating the area under your deck, you’ll also want to consider flooring material like pavers or gravel instead of something like mulch, sand, or soil when deciding what material to put under your deck.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are many excellent on-deck and under-deck storage solutions. If you’ve been searching for deck storage ideas, this list should feature at least a few that work for your needs, allowing you to store outdoor items in the most practical and aesthetically pleasing way. 

When selecting storage solutions, don’t forget to also factor in your local climate, the type of items you need to store, and how the storage fits your deck’s overall aesthetic. This comprehensive approach ensures a functional and visually pleasing outdoor space.

For even more deck design ideas, visit our deck inspiration page, which can help you plan your dream deck design.