Building a bench with waterproof storage on a patio

boardtc

We are putting in a patio and looking at constructing an L-shape stone bench in front of which a table will go. We want to have storage under the bench, to able to store cushions etc. If we use blocks at the front and back and say composite decking on the top the storage area will not be waterproof. Does anyone have ideas on what has worked for ye to have homemade watertight storage?

All thoughts appreciated.

housetypeb

i suppose you could fit a plastic waterproof bin between the stone work, build it to suit the bin size, it would be a matter of lifting the seat and the bin lid to store the cushions.

Lumen

The tricky bit is dealing with rainwater runoff, which is why building it around a purpose designed outdoor storage bin with a slightly curved lid will work.

A flat top to a DIY storage bin (e.g. ply) will pool and then maybe slowly go concave unless well treated. I guess you could pitch it a few degrees to shed better.

Maybe sure it's well ventilated or you'll get terrible mould. I have a very expensive BBQ cover which creates the perfect conditions for a mouldy BBQ.

boardtc

I found https://outdoorfurniture.ie/empire-cushion-box-400l-anthracite.html which is waterproof and has dimensions: Length: 130cm, Width: 61cm, Height: 62cm. I think the bench to contain this would then be too deep and high to be comfortable. What do ye think?

Lumen

Yeah, 60+cm is way too high unless you're making a prop for the next Avatar movie.

housetypeb

Works if you then raise the rest of the area to compensate for it. Ie raise the table and the foot area in front of the seat to a comfortable height.

Deep would allow extra cushions for your back.

boardtc

I am thinking of composite decking for the seating, any recommendations are appreciated!