I think the addition of a Steel Chest would improve the game. It would have more HP, more storage and a different size/shape. It is quite common to carry steel reinforcements, and this plus scrounged wood could be a mini-QOL improvement. When I’m building in PvE or repairing in PvP, there is often the immediate need to craft a chest, and once you’re in Tier 3, steel is king.
Additionally, it would be really nice to have a hardened steel box. Something like a strong-box with fewer slots and a much smaller size. A lot of people religiously log out nude, and keep their armor and weapons in a chest by the bed.