Review: Is the Lifetime 60012 130-Gallon Deck Box Actually “Heavy Duty”?

Most “heavy-duty” resin boxes I see in the Pacific Northwest last about two seasons before they crack or the lid warps into a birdbath. I’m naturally skeptical of plastic.

But the Lifetime 130 Gallon Outdoor Storage Deck Box (Model 60012) is built differently. Unlike the single-wall resin bins you find at discount stores, this uses High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in a dual-wall “sandwich” construction.

I spent the last few weeks testing this box to see if it can withstand real abuse, from heavy tool storage to rain exposure. Here is the honest breakdown of what works, and the one part of the assembly that will make you want to throw a wrench.

The Stress Test: Durability & Build

1. The Wall Thickness (HDPE vs. Resin) The first thing you notice when you unpack the box is the panels. They aren’t flimsy sheets; they are blow-molded HDPE with air pockets inside. This design acts like a honeycomb; it adds massive rigidity without adding weight.

• The Kick Test: I gave the front panel a solid kick with a work boot. No denting, no white stress marks.
• The Seat Test: Lifetime claims a 900 lb weight capacity. I sat on it with my toolbox (about 280 lbs total), and the lid didn’t bow an inch. You can safely seat two or three adults on this during a BBQ.

2. The Hinge Mechanism This is usually the failure point on cheap boxes. The 60012 uses powder-coated steel hinges with gas springs.

• Safety: The gas springs hold the lid open at a 90-degree angle. It won’t guillotine your fingers while you’re digging for cushions.
• Wind Resistance: Because the springs provide tension, the lid doesn’t flap around in the wind, even if you forget to latch it.

3. Weatherproofing I left this box out through a week of Spokane rain. The lid has a significant overhang (about 1 inch) that prevents water from wicking inside. There is no rubber gasket—which actually is a good thing (gaskets dry rot)—but the lip design kept my gear 100% dry.

The Assembly: Bring a Drill (Seriously)

I cannot stress this enough: Do not try to assemble this with a manual screwdriver. You will get blisters.

• The Issue: The screws are self-tapping and are meant to bite into the dense plastic. The pilot holes are tight.
• Silas’s Tip: Use a power drill/driver, but set the clutch to low (around 3-5). You need the torque to drive the screw, but you don’t want to strip the plastic hole out at the end.
• Time to Build: It took me about 45 minutes solo. With a helper to hold the side panels upright, you could do it in 30.

Real-World Capacity: What Fits?

“130 Gallons” is hard to visualize. Here is what I managed to fit inside comfortably:

• Patio Gear: 8 large seat cushions (20×20) + 2 chaise lounge cushions.
• Garage Gear: It easily swallowed an electric pressure washer, two 5-gallon buckets, and a coiled 100ft hose with room to spare.
• Interior Dimensions: Roughly 4ft 9in Long x 1ft 9in Wide x 2ft Deep.

Comparison: Lifetime vs. The Competition

If you are on the fence, here is how it stacks up against the other big name, Suncast.

About the Lifetime 60012 Deck Box

The Lifetime 60012 won the Consumer’s Digest Best Buy award for its sizable storage capacity. It also comes with a generous warranty. This provides insight into its excellent functionality and performance. Outdoor storage boxes can be a mixed bag, but not this one. It has a versatile design. You can install shelving and dividers for increased functionality. The box offers a generous 130-gallon capacity. It is water-resistant. This is an important consideration for any outdoor storage unit. The lid features a spring hinge. This effectively prevents it from slamming shut. The lid also has a wide opening arc. This makes it easy to put things in and take them out. A limited opening range does not hamper it. For those who need it, the lid is also lockable.