This bench was meant for indoor use, but I ordered it for my covered back porch. I now have a place to sit down and put on my mucking boots. Our yard working shoes and muddy baseball cleats now have a home! The black cushion lifts up and provides the perfect storage place for small garden tools, gloves, outdoor trash bags, umbrellas, and a few other odds and ends. I would only purchase this for outdoor use if you have a dry, shady spot to place it. This is the perfect bench for a mud room, garage, entryway, or even a playroom for kids. Great item, great price!