Olsen & Smith 170L Lockable Outdoor Garden Plastic Storage Box (Small) – Weather Resistant, Wood Panel Effect (Black)
Product description
What it is and why people buy it
If your garden, balcony, or patio storage is a bit of a mess, a lockable outdoor chest is often the simplest fix. The Olsen & Smith 170L Lockable Outdoor Garden Plastic Storage Box is a compact-style plastic storage container designed to hold everyday outdoor items without letting them look cluttered. It’s pitched at the “store it and forget it” end of the spectrum: tools, toys, games, blankets and similar bits that tend to end up scattered around.
On paper, it stands out for two reasons: it’s built for outdoor use with polypropylene construction, and it comes with a lock and a 3-digit combination padlock for added security. That combination matters if you’re storing things that you’d rather not have wandering hands over winter, or if your outdoor space is shared or overlooked.
The essentials at a glance
This is an outdoor storage box in a rectangular format, supplied flat-packed and designed to be assembled by clipping the panels together with instructions provided. The external assembled dimensions are 78 x 43 x 56 cm (L x W x H), with a listed capacity of 170L and a weight of 4.8kg.
A “wood panel effect” finish is included, which is mainly about how it looks in a garden setting. It won’t turn into timber (it’s plastic), but the styling is aimed at feeling less like a plain bin and more like a piece that belongs outdoors.
Where it shines in day-to-day use
There are a few practical details that make this kind of box easier to live with:
- Weatherproof polypropylene construction helps protect contents from the elements, which is the whole point of choosing an outdoor-rated container.
- Vacuum-moulded handles are there so you can move the box around when you need to reposition it.
- It’s lockable, and the included 3-digit combination padlock removes the need to manage spare keys.
- The shape is straightforward and space-efficient for smaller areas, so it’s not as fussy about where it can sit.
A simple example: imagine you want somewhere to keep balcony cushions and a couple of gardening essentials. With a box like this, you can load it, close it, and lock it, rather than leaving everything half-covered under a tarp.
Things to consider before you buy
A lockable storage box is useful, but it’s not the same as a proper secure outbuilding. You’ll still want to think about where you place it (visibility, shelter, and how easy it is for someone to access). The included padlock helps, but security is only as good as the location.
Also, because it’s a plastic chest, it’s aimed more at practical storage than “premium joinery” vibes. If you’re after a high-end, traditional look that feels like real furniture, the wood panel effect may not fully scratch that itch.
Finally, it’s supplied flat-packed. That’s normal for this category, but if you’d rather avoid assembly entirely, it’s worth factoring that time in.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
It makes sense if you want outdoor storage that’s easy to position in a smaller footprint, and you prefer weather-resistant plastic for everyday use. It’s also a good match if your key concerns are:
- keeping items tidy and contained
- protecting contents from outdoor conditions
- having a lockable option for added security
You may want to skip it if you need heavy-duty storage for very large or bulky items, or if your storage requirement is more about secure, long-term retention than a portable chest in an outdoor living space.
Tech specs
- Type: Outdoor garden storage box / container chest
- Capacity: 170L
- Assembled external dimensions: 78 x 43 x 56 cm (L x W x H)
- Weight: 4.8kg
- Material: Polypropylene (weatherproof)
- Locking: Supplied with a 3-digit combination padlock
Is it worth it?
This Olsen & Smith 170L lockable outdoor storage box is worth considering if you’re dealing with everyday garden or balcony clutter and want a weather-resistant, lockable way to contain it. The 170L capacity, compact assembled footprint, and included combination padlock make it a practical choice for tools, toys, games, blankets and similar items.
However, it may not be the best fit if you’re expecting it to feel like real outdoor furniture or you need top-tier security comparable to a dedicated shed. In other words: for convenient, outdoor-ready storage, it ticks the right boxes, for something more demanding, you may need to look at sturdier or more purpose-built alternatives.