6 Best Coop Benches For Storing Chicken Nesting Materials That Stop Waste
Keep nesting materials clean and dry with a coop bench. Our guide reviews the 6 best options for smart storage that reduces waste and saves you money.
You leave a fresh bale of pine shavings next to the coop, planning to top off the nesting boxes tomorrow. A surprise rainstorm blows in overnight, and by morning, you have a soggy, useless brick of bedding. Smart storage for nesting materials isn’t just about being tidy; it’s a critical part of a low-waste, high-efficiency homestead. It saves money, protects your flock’s health, and makes your daily chores smoother.
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Why Smart Nesting Material Storage Matters
Waste is the most obvious reason to get your storage sorted. A ripped bag of straw or hemp bedding quickly becomes contaminated by moisture, droppings, and pests. Every bit that gets wet or soiled is money thrown away, and the cost of quality bedding adds up fast.
Beyond the financial hit, poor storage impacts flock health. Damp bedding is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory issues in chickens. A secure, dry container ensures the material you add to the nesting boxes is clean and safe, not a source of potential illness.
Finally, think about your workflow. Hauling a heavy bag of shavings from the barn every time a nesting box needs refreshing is inefficient. A dedicated storage bench inside or right next to the coop puts your materials exactly where you need them. It simplifies the process, turning a tedious chore into a quick, easy task.
Homestead Essentials All-Weather Storage Bench
This is your workhorse option. Typically made of durable, UV-resistant resin or plastic, these benches are designed to live outdoors. They are completely waterproof, meaning that bale of pine shavings stays bone dry through the most torrential downpour.
The biggest advantage here is zero maintenance. Unlike wood, it will never rot, warp, or need sealing. A quick hose-down is all it takes to clean it. It’s also highly resistant to insects and casual pests, though a determined rodent could eventually chew through it.
The tradeoff is aesthetics. A plastic deck box doesn’t exactly scream "rustic charm" and can look out of place next to a beautifully crafted wooden coop. But if your primary goals are durability, weatherproofing, and ease of use, this is an unbeatable choice. It prioritizes function over form, and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed.
Cozy Coop Cedar Roosting & Storage Bench
For those who want storage that integrates seamlessly into the coop, a cedar bench is the answer. Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture and, more importantly, its aromatic oils are a well-known deterrent for mites and other pests. It looks and smells fantastic, adding to the coop environment instead of just sitting in it.
This design is brilliant because it serves two purposes. The flat, wide top acts as a perfect low roost for heavier breeds or birds on the lower end of the pecking order. Inside, the lidded compartment keeps a good supply of straw or shavings clean, dry, and ready for use. It makes efficient use of vertical and horizontal space.
Of course, wood comes with responsibilities. While cedar is rot-resistant, it’s not rot-proof and will benefit from a non-toxic sealant every few years. It’s also not going to stop a determined rat. This bench is for the homesteader who values natural materials and multi-functionality and is willing to accept a little extra upkeep.
Tuff-Bilt Galvanized Steel Rodent-Proof Chest
If you’ve ever lost a whole bag of bedding to a family of mice, this is your solution. Galvanized steel is the final word in pest control. Nothing is chewing through this. It’s the perfect choice if your coop is in a barn or area with high rodent pressure.
These chests are built for security and longevity. They are weatherproof, fire-resistant, and can be locked to keep out more than just mice—think raccoons or curious farm dogs. You can store bedding, bags of grit, and oyster shell supplements with absolute peace of mind.
The downsides are practical. Steel is heavy and difficult to move. It can also get scorching hot in direct summer sun, so placement is key. Aesthetically, it’s purely industrial. This isn’t a charming coop accessory; it’s a piece of security equipment for protecting your investment from pests.
Little Acre Compact Storage Seat for Small Coops
In a small coop housing a trio of hens, a full-size bench is overkill and a space-hog. That’s where a compact storage seat shines. It’s small enough to tuck into a corner without obstructing movement, yet large enough to hold a compressed block of shavings or half a bale of straw.
This isn’t just about storage; it’s about observation. The seat provides a convenient place to sit for a few minutes while you watch your flock, check for health issues, or just enjoy their antics. It turns a simple storage box into a functional piece of coop furniture.
The key is managing expectations. You won’t be storing bulk materials in this. It’s designed for holding just enough bedding for a week or two of spot-cleaning and box refreshing for a small flock. For backyard chicken keepers with limited space, it’s the most logical and efficient option.
The Farmer’s Friend Multi-Use Tool Bench
This is less a simple container and more a complete coop management station. It’s designed for the homesteader who likes to keep everything in one place. It typically features a closed storage compartment for bedding, an open lower shelf for things like waterers or bags of scratch grains, and a solid top that serves as a workspace.
Imagine having a dedicated surface for mixing supplements into feed or inspecting an egg, with all your supplies right at your fingertips. This bench centralizes your chicken chores, saving you trips back and forth to the garage or shed. It’s about creating a highly efficient workflow right where the work happens.
The main consideration is space. This type of bench is best suited for a large, walk-in coop or a spacious, covered run where it won’t feel cramped. It’s an investment in organization that pays dividends in saved time, but only if you have the square footage to accommodate it.
Grit & Grain DIY Plywood Storage Bench Plan
Sometimes the best solution is the one you build yourself. A simple DIY storage bench made from plywood can be customized to fit the exact dimensions of that awkward nook in your coop. You control the size, the height, and the features.
The beauty of a DIY plan is its flexibility. You can build a simple box with a hinged lid or get more complex.
- Add a partition inside to store both pine shavings and straw separately.
- Incorporate a lower shelf for storing your coop scraper and dustpan.
- Paint it with a non-toxic, coop-safe paint to match your aesthetic perfectly.
Building your own requires basic tools, a bit of time, and some confidence with a saw. The result is a custom solution that costs a fraction of a pre-made bench, especially if you use scrap wood. It’s the ultimate choice for achieving a perfect fit for your unique setup.
Choosing the Right Bench for Your Coop Size
The "best" bench is the one that solves your biggest problem within the constraints of your space. Don’t buy a massive tool bench for a 4×4 tractor coop. Conversely, a tiny storage seat won’t be much help if you’re managing a flock of thirty.
A simple framework can guide your decision:
- Small Coops (2-6 hens): Focus on space efficiency. The Little Acre Compact Seat or a small DIY Plywood Bench is ideal. They provide enough storage without crowding your birds.
- Medium Coops (6-15 hens): You have more flexibility. The Homestead Essentials All-Weather Bench offers no-fuss durability, while the Cozy Coop Cedar Bench adds multi-functionality and natural pest deterrence.
- Large Coops & High Pest Pressure (15+ hens): Your needs are about volume and security. The Tuff-Bilt Steel Chest is the best defense against rodents, while The Farmer’s Friend Tool Bench is unmatched for organizing a larger-scale operation.
Before you buy, ask yourself: Is my main problem moisture, pests, or disorganization? Let the answer to that question dictate your choice. A solution tailored to your specific challenge will always be the most effective one.
Ultimately, a good storage bench is a small piece of infrastructure that professionalizes your coop management. It stops the slow leak of money from wasted materials and protects your flock from the health risks of contaminated bedding. It’s a simple upgrade that makes you a more effective and efficient chicken keeper.
