NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable Review: The Compact Storage Solution We Put to the Test

Every home with an outdoor space, be it a sprawling patio, a cozy balcony, or a simple front porch, faces the same relentless battle: clutter. For us, it was a chaotic trifecta of muddy gardening gloves and trowels, a stray dog leash, and two brightly colored patio cushions that never seemed to have a permanent home. They were either left out to brave the morning dew and surprise rain showers or lugged back and forth indoors, defeating the purpose of convenient outdoor living. We needed a solution, but not just any solution. We didn’t have space for a massive, cumbersome chest. We needed something compact, weatherproof, stylish enough to not be an eyesore, and sturdy enough to handle daily life. The endless cycle of tidying up was exhausting, and the fear of our favorite cushions succumbing to mildew was very real. This search for a “just right” solution is what led us to the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable, a product promising big utility in a small package.

What to Consider Before Buying a Deck Box

A deck box is more than just a plastic container; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your outdoor living areas. It provides a dedicated, protected space for everything from patio furniture cushions and pool accessories to gardening tools and kids’ toys. The primary benefit is organization, instantly decluttering your space and making it more serene and usable. Furthermore, a quality deck box protects your belongings from the elements—rain, sun, dust, and pests—extending their lifespan and saving you money on replacements. Many models, like the one we’re reviewing today, even pull double or triple duty as extra seating or a convenient side table, adding functionality to their form.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing spatial constraints but still needing to solve an outdoor clutter problem. This includes apartment dwellers with balconies, homeowners with small patios or front porches, or anyone who needs a localized storage spot, like next to the grill or by the back door. It’s for the person who values efficiency, a tidy aesthetic, and multi-functionality. Conversely, a compact 31-gallon box might not be suitable for those who need to store large, bulky items like chaise lounge cushions, a full set of patio furniture covers, or large pool floats. If your storage needs are extensive, you would be better served by considering a much larger alternative, typically in the 100-gallon or greater range.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your intended location carefully. Consider not only the box’s footprint (length and width) but also its height, especially if placing it under a window or railing. You must also account for the space needed to fully open the lid without it hitting a wall or fence. A compact box is useless if it blocks a walkway or can’t be opened properly.
• Capacity/Performance: Capacity is measured in gallons, and it’s crucial to visualize what that means. A 31-gallon box is perfect for a few standard chair cushions, small gardening tools, or as a package delivery drop-box. For larger items, you’ll need to scale up significantly. Performance also includes weight capacity; if you plan to use it as a bench, ensure its maximum weight recommendation (like the 170 lbs for the NUNU LAB) suits your needs.
• Materials & Durability: Most modern deck boxes are made from high-density resin or polypropylene (PP). This material is prized for its weather resistance, UV protection (to prevent fading and cracking), and low maintenance. Unlike wood, it won’t rot or require seasonal sealing, and unlike metal, it won’t rust. Look for features like reinforced frames or internal ribbing, which add structural integrity without significant weight.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly should be straightforward, with many modern designs featuring tool-free, snap-together construction. For daily use, consider features like a hinged lid that opens smoothly and stays open. Maintenance on a resin box is incredibly simple, usually just requiring a wipe-down with soap and water, a major advantage for a product that lives outdoors. You can explore the user-friendly features of the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable to see what modern convenience looks like.

While the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the NUNU LAB Deck Box

Upon arrival, the box containing the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable was surprisingly compact and lightweight, weighing just over 11 pounds. Inside, the six main panels—a base, a lid, and four walls—were neatly packed. The material is a high-density polypropylene resin, molded with a handsome rattan-like texture that, from a few feet away, does a great job of looking more premium than its price point suggests. The “Rattan Black” color is a deep, matte charcoal that blends seamlessly with most modern patio furniture.

The manufacturer boasts a 15-minute, tool-free assembly, and we were keen to put that to the test. The panels are designed to snap together, and for the most part, the process is incredibly intuitive. As some users have noted, the instruction sheet could be clearer, but a quick glance is all you really need. Once we figured out the correct orientation for the bottom panel (“finished” side up) and the best order for the walls (front and back first, then the sides), everything clicked into place with satisfying firmness. In reality, it took us less than 10 minutes from unboxing to a fully assembled, functional storage box. The finished product felt impressively solid and rigid for something so light, a testament to its reinforced internal design. It immediately gave the impression of a well-engineered, practical piece of outdoor equipment.

A Deep Dive into the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Deck Box’s Performance

A deck box lives and dies by its ability to perform its core functions reliably day in and day out. After assembling the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable, we integrated it into our daily routine on the patio, subjecting it to weather, weight, and constant use to see if it truly delivered on its promises. We analyzed it across three key areas: its assembly process, its resilience against the elements, and its real-world capacity and versatility.

The Assembly Experience: A Ten-Minute Task (With a Catch)

NUNU LAB’s claim of a tool-free, quick setup is, for the most part, spot on. This is perhaps one of the product’s most significant advantages. In a world of frustrating flat-pack furniture, the ability to have a functional piece of equipment ready in minutes is a huge win. The panels are clearly marked with letters and “up” arrows, which helps orient them correctly. The snap-lock mechanism is robust; the pieces slide into their tracks and click into place with a reassuring sound, creating tight, secure seams.

However, our experience, mirrored by several other users, revealed a small but crucial flaw in the provided instructions. The diagram suggests attaching the side panels to the base first, which we found to be an unstable and clumsy process. The tall, thin side panels simply refuse to stand upright on their own, falling over as you try to connect the next piece. One frustrated user noted, “Do not follow the directions! Put the front and back on before the sides.” We can wholeheartedly confirm this advice. By attaching the larger front and back panels to the base first, you create a stable, U-shaped structure that makes snapping the final two side panels into place a breeze. Another point of confusion was the bottom panel; as another user discovered after some initial frustration, it must be placed with the more “finished” looking side facing up into the box. Once we adopted this user-recommended assembly order, the entire process was completed in under ten minutes, single-handedly. It’s a brilliantly simple design, let down only by a slightly suboptimal instruction sheet. Once built, however, the construction feels surprisingly strong, and you can see the quality of its interlocking design upon close inspection.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Built to Endure the Elements

The primary job of an outdoor storage box is to keep its contents safe and dry. The NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable excels in this department. It’s constructed from a high-density PP resin, a material renowned for its durability and imperviousness to weather. We left the box out during a week of unpredictable spring weather, which included one torrential downpour and several days of intense sunshine. After the storm, we opened the lid with bated breath and were delighted to find the contents—a stack of towels and some paper gardening bags—were perfectly bone-dry. The overlapping lid design and tight seams do an excellent job of shedding water away from the interior.

The material is also UV-stabilized, which is critical for preventing the plastic from becoming brittle and faded over time. While our testing period was short, this feature promises long-term resilience. Structurally, the box is stronger than its 11.2-pound weight would suggest. Internal ribbing reinforces the walls, and the lid has a sturdy, hinged design. The manufacturer lists a maximum weight recommendation of 170 pounds for seating. We tested this cautiously, and as one user who weighs 175 pounds noted, it holds an adult’s weight “without any flexing or concern.” While we wouldn’t use it as a primary bench for a large gathering, it’s more than capable of serving as a quick, convenient seat or a sturdy side table for drinks and plates. The overall build quality inspires confidence that it will easily withstand the rigors of daily outdoor life.

Design, Capacity, and Everyday Versatility

With a 31-gallon capacity and a footprint of roughly 22 by 22 inches, the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable strikes a fantastic balance between storage space and physical size. It’s compact enough to tuck into a corner without dominating the space, yet capacious enough to be genuinely useful. We were able to comfortably fit our two thick patio chair cushions, a small watering can, and a bag of potting soil inside with room to spare. It’s the perfect size for tidying up those common clutter items that accumulate around a home’s exterior.

Its versatility is its standout feature. Many users have found it to be the ideal package delivery box. Placed on a front porch, it provides a secure and weatherproof spot for couriers to leave parcels, protecting them from rain and opportunistic thieves. This is where the lockable lid becomes a critical feature; the integrated hasp allows you to add a small padlock for complete peace of mind. Beyond package delivery, its flat, sturdy lid makes it an excellent side table next to a patio chair or a small bench for putting on gardening shoes. The subtle, modern rattan pattern helps it blend in with other outdoor furniture, looking less like a utility bin and more like a deliberate piece of decor. Hidden side handles make it easy to reposition, even when full. This multi-functional capability is what elevates it from a simple box to an indispensable outdoor accessory.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from a wide range of buyers, a clear and consistent picture of the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable emerges. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users frequently praising its perfect size and value. One happy customer noted it was “exactly what I needed” for their front porch, using it for package delivery and highlighting that it took “longer to unpack than to assemble.” Another was “honestly shocked at how quick and easy this storage box was to put together,” doing it in under ten minutes even with toddlers underfoot.

The sturdiness-to-weight ratio is another common point of praise, with comments like “surprisingly solid for its size” and “the plastic may feel on the thin side but it’s solid and reinforced with ribs” appearing often. Its waterproof nature is consistently confirmed, with one user simply stating, “it doesn’t get wet inside.”

On the critical side, the most frequent complaint, as we also discovered, revolves around the assembly instructions. One user gave it an initial 1-star review because it was “impossible to assemble” before realizing the bottom piece needed to be flipped. The other minor critique relates to color accuracy, with a buyer mentioning the “Grey” they ordered was “close to a brownish taupe shade.” A single user reported that their latches broke, but this appears to be an isolated incident rather than a widespread design flaw. Overall, the user consensus aligns with our findings: it’s a fantastic, durable, and practical storage solution, especially once you ignore the instruction sheet’s suggested order. The vast majority of owners find it to be an excellent value and are very happy with their purchase.

How Does the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Box Compare to the Alternatives?

The NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable excels in the compact category, but for those with different needs, it’s important to see how it stacks up against larger competitors. We’ve compared it to three popular alternatives to help you find the perfect fit for your space and storage requirements.

1. Greesum 82 Gallon Outdoor Storage Deck Box

The Greesum 82 Gallon Deck Box is a significant step up in capacity. If you find the NUNU LAB’s 31 gallons too restrictive, this is the logical next step. With nearly three times the storage space, it can accommodate larger items like cushions from loveseats or multiple chaise lounges, along with a wider array of garden tools or pool supplies. It maintains the popular features of resin construction, weather resistance, and a lockable lid. Choose the Greesum if your primary challenge isn’t a small footprint but rather the need to store a greater volume of items without committing to a massive 100+ gallon chest. It’s the ideal mid-range solution for average-sized patios.

2. Keter Springwood 80 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box

Keter is a household name in resin storage, and the Springwood model offers a capacity similar to the Greesum but with Keter’s signature wood-grain texture and design language. It’s an excellent choice for someone who prioritizes brand recognition and a specific aesthetic. The 80-gallon capacity is ample for most families’ needs, easily holding patio cushions, pool toys, and more. Like the NUNU LAB box, it also doubles as a bench, offering seating for two adults. If you’re looking for a proven performer from a leading brand and need significantly more space than 31 gallons, the Keter Springwood is a reliable and stylish choice.

3. Keter Borneo 110 Gallon Resin Deck Box

The Keter Borneo represents the heavy-duty, maximum-capacity option in this comparison. With a cavernous 110-gallon interior, this box is built for those with serious storage needs. It can swallow whole sets of large furniture cushions, bulky pool equipment, and extensive gardening supplies. A standout feature of the Borneo is its piston-assisted lid, which opens and closes smoothly and safely, preventing it from slamming shut. This is the deck box for someone with a large yard, a pool, and no desire to compromise on storage space. It’s a premium choice for users whose storage needs far exceed what a compact model like the NUNU LAB can offer.

Our Final Verdict: Is the NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Worth It?

After extensive testing and hands-on use, our conclusion is a resounding yes. The NUNU LAB 31 Gallon Outdoor Storage Box Waterproof Lockable is an exceptional product for its intended audience. It masterfully solves the problem of outdoor clutter in small spaces. Its combination of tool-free assembly, robust weatherproofing, and surprising sturdiness makes it a standout in the compact storage category. While the assembly instructions could be improved, this is a minor, easily overcome hurdle.

We highly recommend this deck box for anyone with a balcony, a small patio, or a front porch in need of organization. It’s the perfect size for keeping cushions dry, gardening tools tidy, or, most notably, serving as a secure and discreet package delivery bin. It offers tremendous functionality and a clean aesthetic at a price point that represents fantastic value. If you’re looking for a compact, reliable, and versatile storage solution that just works, this is the one to get. You can check the current price and get yours right here.