Best Saw Horses for Your Workshop – (Expert Reviewed 2023)

What do you use to support your woodworking pieces? I hope you use a pair of saw horses. If that’s the case, do you have the best saw horses?

Many DIYers and beginners assume there is not much to contemplate when buying a sawhorse. This workshop essential has a simple job, so anyone should do it. I thought so too, and my first pair of saw horses were made from flimsy wood.

Then I had the chance to try a quality sawhorse and man, could I tell the difference. Only then did I realize the importance of investing in quality accessories. Since that time, I’ve tested many, and with this guide, I want to help you find the right sawhorse for you. Check out my top picks and buying tips below.

Why Invest in a Saw Horse?

A sawhorse is a much more versatile tool than it seems. It is typically employed in construction and woodworking, although it may surprise you with its many alternative uses.

Sawhorses are typically used in pairs to support lengths of wood for cutting. But this use also inspired contractors and DIYers to use the stands as legs for workbenches or scaffolding.

Besides these uses already mentioned, some sawhorses also come with clamps and other accessories that can eliminate other workshop tools, including vises.

Some of the sawhorses can even double as a miter saw stands, and a category comes with hooks, toolboxes, and shelves you can use to store all your woodworking necessities.

Apart from this, it is also common to see-saw horses employed in many other activities. For instance, police officers often use saw horses as barriers when crowd control is required.

Types of Saw Horses

As you have seen, a sawhorse serves many purposes. Now, have a look at the most popular models on the market to find the right sawhorse style for you.

Heavy-Duty Metal Saw Horses

These are ideal for contractors who need support for heavy workpieces. These sawhorses can withstand heavy loads and high-volume work and are typically made of all-steel or aluminum.

Both materials come with pros and cons; steel offers more stability, as it is more robust, but it may rust. Aluminum typically doesn’t rust but is flimsier.

Burro Saw Horses

Burro is a brand producing wooden sawhorses that distinguish themselves due to flawless design and impressive capabilities. These sawhorses are easy to assemble and dismantle, a feature that makes them easy to transport and store.

Steel Saw Horses

Just like the heavy-duty metal sawhorses, steel sawhorses are used by contractors for heavy-duty and high-volume jobs. They also appeal to amateurs looking for the best quality, but they are typically expensive.

Adjustable Saw Horses

These sawhorses are the most versatile, as they give you the possibility to improve their stability on uneven terrains or adjust their height for comfortable operation.

Folding Saw Horse

As their name suggests, these saw horses come with folding legs. They typically collapse compactly, and most units have transport handles. Folding sawhorses can be made of any material, from heavy-duty metal to wood, or plastic materials.

Wooden Saw Horses

The work daddy of them all, wooden sawhorses are the traditional models. They might look old-fashioned, but if you’re after unrivaled stability and reliability, a wooden sawhorse is a way to go. They come in different sizes and can typically withstand the heaviest loads.

Saw Horse vs Workbench

There is a never-ending debate over the use of a sawhorse as a workbench, with many enthusiasts claiming that ditching the workbench altogether and using sawhorses and a plank as a workbench could be the best workshop solution.

As highlighted above, you can use a pair of saw horses and a plank to make an ad-hoc workbench or scaffolding.

However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should, at least not in all circumstances. Screwing the plank to the sawhorses would transform all components into a permanent workbench.

Therefore, it makes more sense to invest in the real thing right from the start.

Experience has taught me that the only moment when saw horses make for a reliable workbench is when you are working on a job site and need a quick solution. In a workshop, a workbench offers more stability and safety.

If you’re on a low budget, you could use sawhorses as a workbench at first, but in the long run, your workshop will need both.

How to Determine Saw Horse Height

Saw horses come in a range of heights, and getting this measurement wrong can result in endless back pain from incorrect posture while working.

It is hard to determine the right height, though. It depends on how tall you are and how high you want the saw horse to stand.

These tools come in heights from 24 to 36 inches, and cutting is typically done on 32- or 33-inch saw horses. A shorter saw horse could require you to bend, which could result in back pain or injuries.

However, if you’re short, a shorter saw horse may benefit you more. Likewise, you might need a taller saw horse if you are tall.

To determine the right height, some experts suggest putting your finger in the middle of your lower back and asking a friend to measure the height from the floor to your finger. That should be the height of the sawhorse you need.

Best Saw Horses Review

1. DEWALT DWX725 Heavy Duty Saw Horse

One of my favorite work stands, and the top sawhorse in its class, is the DeWalt DWX725, a workshop accessory built with the serious woodworker in mind. With a capacity of 1,000 pounds, this workhorse can handle even the toughest professional job.

Coming at a reasonable price, the DWX725 boasts a lightweight construction that allows for hassle-free transport. Despite weighing only 15.4 pounds, this support comes with sturdy, stable legs.

This DeWalt folding sawhorse is easy to store away when not in use thanks to the foldable legs, while the lock levers ensure fast setup and dismantling.

Another great feature is the transport latch, which can hold a pair of stands for easier transporting to the job site, and the stand can even support a miter saw, doubling as a miter saw stand whenever needed.

Two-in-one capability and superb features appeal to most woodworkers and amateurs, and the only drawback of this stand is that it doesn’t come in a pair. The heavier-duty tasks and job site applications will require you to have at least two of these.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Toughest Jobs
• Capacity: 1000 pounds
• Material: Lightweight Aluminum
• Item Weight: 15.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 11 x 36 x 32 inches

What We Like:

• High capacity of 1,000 pounds
• Compact design
• Fold-able and lockable legs
• Aluminum construction
• Converts to a tool stand

What We Didn’t Like:

• It doesn’t come in a pair
• The legs are not adjustable

2. Rockwell JawHorse Portable Saw Horse

If you’re after outstanding workpiece support, the JawHorse by Rockwell could be the right work stand for you. This saw horse is built for unrivaled material support and provides hands-free operation for most DIY projects. It’s perfect for an amateur’s workshop.

The product puts out up to 2,200 pounds of clamping force for a maximum load capacity of 600 pounds.

Ideal for multiple projects, the best portable saw horses has a tripod base designed to increase stability and supports longer pieces of material on its own. However, some tasks may still require the use of two stands at a time.

Nevertheless, this great accessory can easily replace your traditional workbench and the bench vise.

Stable and durable, the JawHorse weighs only 43 pounds and is easy to transport. Moreover, its all-steel construction provides excellent durability. I also like its space-saving foldable legs designed for easier transport and storage.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Woodworking Projects
• Capacity: 600 pounds
• Material: Solid steel
• Weight: 46.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 33.1 x 15 x 15.4 inches

What We Like:

• Tripod design for enhanced stability
• Foot pedal lever
• All-steel construction
• 600-pound workload
• 2,200 pounds of clamping force

What We Didn’t Like:

• Hard to adjust the leg

3. All steel 33“ Pair Bora Portamate Folding SAWHORSE

The PM-3300T is another great saw horse for DIYers or a professional workshop. The stand is ready to use right out of the box and, more importantly, it comes in a pair. This adds value for money and lets you use the product for heavierduty jobs.

Measuring 36 inches in length and 3.5 inches wide, each sawhorse boasts a load capacity of 500 pounds, for a total workload of 1,000 pounds.

Another nice hack is the stable stance given by the sturdy, foldable feet. Pre-drilled tops accept two different cutting surfaces, they are not included.

Lightweight and portable, this sawhorse set is also great to use on the job site for multiple applications.

Regarding user-friendliness, the stand is easy to install and comes fully assembled. It provides a comfortable work height of 33 inches and boasts a rust-resistant finish realized with high-quality powder coating.

Folding for carefree storage and coming in a pair, this is no doubt one of the best work stands for the money.

Additional Specification

• Best For: DIY or Professional Projects
• Capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 15.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 41 x 10 x 6 inches

What We Like:

• Wide stance of 19 x 48 inches
• Set of two saw horses
• Pre-drilled tops
• 1,000-pound total load capacity
• Durable construction

What We Didn’t Like:

• It is hard to level the legs

4. WORX Clamping Sawhorse Pair

The WORX clamping sawhorse is ideal for the occasional woodworker as well as for the pro looking to get a very transportable work stand, although the thermoplastic polymer construction is not as resistant as aluminum or steel.

However, it’s hard to call this a drawback. The saw horse comes in a pair, and the two elements have a total load capacity of 1,000 pounds when used together. Moreover, they come with attractive extra features compared to the traditional saw horses.

Suitable to use as saw horses or miter saw stands, both stands come with tool and power cord storage options. They can clamp workpieces and material, eliminating the need for investing in a bench vise.

Moreover, the foldable stands are lightweight and easy to transport or store. Two detachable bar clamps can be used either horizontally or vertically, meeting any project’s needs, and the stands come fully assembled for no-frills, out of the package use.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Homeowners or DIY Enthusiasts
• Capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Material: Rugged, ABS Plastic.
• Weight: 8.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 33 x 27 x 2.5 inches

What We Like:

• Built-in shelf and cord hooks for tool storage
• Foldable design
• Lightweight thermoplastic polymer construction
• Shipped fully assembled
• Clamping capabilities

What We Didn’t Like:

• Poor durability

5. Goplus 2-Pack Sawhorse Pair Heavy Duty Folding Legs

Perfect for occasional amateur use, the Goplus 2-pack saw horse is an affordable option to consider. This folding saw horse comes in a pack of two and boasts a heavy-duty metal construction.

Each sawhorse in the pack has a load capacity of 275 pounds, for a total capacity of 550 pounds. Despite this, the manufacturer claims the two sawhorses can hold up to 600 pounds, although I wouldn’t recommend exceeding the 550-pound threshold for safer operation.

Apart from this slightly untrue advertisement, the sawhorses in this pack boast a quality build and are convenient to have in a workshop. The cross-brace design adds sturdiness to the foundation and ensures long-term durability.

I also like the convenient folding legs, which pack compactly for easy transport and storage. Furthermore, a grip handle makes transport even simpler. Each sawhorse weighs 8.7 pounds.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Single-Use
• Capacity: 600 pounds
• Material: Metal
• Weight: 17.56 pounds
• Dimensions: 39 x 19 x 31 inches

What We Like:

• Convenient two-pack
• 550 pounds total load capacity
• Foldable design
• Easy to store and transport

What We Didn’t Like:

• Thin legs

6. ToughBuilt Folding Sawhorse

The ToughBuilt folding sawhorse is designed for heavy-duty use and is perfect for the professional woodworker searching for a dependable stand for the workshop. This saw horse comes in a pair and is constructed of 100% high-grade steel.

The quality of the materials employed shows up in the load capacity. Each stand can hold up to 1,300 pounds, for a total work capacity of 2,600 pounds per pair.

This folding saw horse comes in multiple retail versions too, so if you need a lower capacity and aim for a better deal, you can still benefit from ToughBuilt’s quality at a lower price. That said, there is slight confusion regarding how many saw horses are included in the package.

While I had no issues and received a pair, like I was expecting, some users complained about getting just one workhorse. The manufacturer’s description is also slightly confusing when it comes to the exact contents of the package.

Nevertheless, I found the price more than justified, even for one piece. This work stand comes with adjustable legs, material cutting and support pegs, and steady stance for safer applications. No doubt, this is a great saw horse to have in your arsenal.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Safety and Comfort
• Capacity: 2200 lbs per pair
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 13.09 pounds
• Dimensions: 46.75 x 22.5 x 29.5 inches

What We Like:

• Sturdy construction
• Telescopic legs
• 1,300-pound load capacity per saw horse
• Powder-coated surfaces
• Material cutting pegs

What We Didn’t Like:

• Inconsistent shipping; you may get either one or two saw horses

7. Target Precision RB-H1034 34-Inch Folding Sawhorse

If you’re the kind of DIYer who loves to build everything, from crafts to workshop equipment, these heavy-duty folding saw horse legs from Target Precision could be the best for you.

These rugged, customized legs will allow you to build the saw horse of your dreams, and any heavy-duty wood board with a width of 2 inches will do.

Thanks to the quality of the materials involved, the legs can support up to 1,000 pounds. Combined with the quality of the top you intend to use, you can build a light- or heavy-duty support, depending on your precise needs.

Weighing only 12 pounds and foldable, the legs are also easy to transport or store when not in use. Furthermore, their height of 34 inches is ideal in most circumstances.

The sawhorse legs come in a pair, just what you need to build one work stand. They are overpriced considering this is not a complete stand, but thanks to the great price and durability, they are no doubt a great investment.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Crafts to Workshop Equipment
• Capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Material: Metal
• Weight: 12.07 pounds
• Dimensions: 34.5 x 25 x 3 inches

What We Like:

• Rugged pair of legs
• Ideal for bespoke saw horses
• Lightweight
• Foldable
• Sturdy construction

What We Didn’t Like:

• Hard to level

8. Stanley 011031S FatMax Sawhorse with Adjustable Legs

A combination of polypropylene and steel make this mid-duty saw horse ideal for a beginner’s workshop and beneficial for a DIYer at a price that won’t break the bank.

The 011031S FatMax sawhorse is incredibly resistant, despite the flimsy look, and is foldable for easy storage and transport. Lightweight and easy to erect, the saw horse is made to survive years of dependable use.

A slight drawback is that the pack only includes one workhorse. A pair will cost you double, which adds up to the price and cuts off convenience. To counterbalance this fact, the manufacturer equipped the sawhorse with a tool storage shelf, and you can even use this work stand to hold your miter saw.

I also liked the built-in pad lock eye, which lets you secure your stand with a small padlock, should you need it.

Another great feature is the soft-grip rubber-coated handle, which allows for ergonomic transportation. The legs can be adjusted to increase stability on uneven surfaces, while the rubber inserts also add stability.

All in all, this is a great tool to consider if you don’t mind the flimsier plastic covering and the fact that you’ll have to pay double to get two.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Beginner’s Workshop
• Capacity: 2500 pounds
• Material: Plastic
• Weight: 11.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 32 x 3 x 28 inches

What We Like:

• Convenient tool shelf
• Foldable design
• Adjustable legs
• Unique slide mechanism

What We Didn’t Like:

• Poor stability

9. AmazonBasics 900lb Folding Sawhorse

Amazon is not a tool company, but it is renowned for innovation; therefore when I had the chance to test the AmazonBasics 900lb Folding Sawhorse, I couldn’t miss it. What I found was a pair of amateur-grade saw horses able to hold up to 900 pounds.

Great for light-duty jobs, these sawhorses come fully assembled and ready to use, and they fold flat for easy transportation.

Although advertised as professional, this product won’t withstand job site applications. Nevertheless, they come with great features that add real value for the money, as well as reliability.

Perhaps the most praised feature is the rubberized feet, which hold the saw horses firm on the ground, improving stability. Locking braces and foldout stoppers also enhance the value of this unit.

Strong and stable, lightweight, and easy to store, these sawhorses by AmazonBasics are undoubtedly excellent if you need them for amateur work.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Professional or Home
• Capacity: 900 pounds
• Material: Heavy Plastic
• Weight: 10.55 pounds
• Dimensions: 31.05 x 23.4 x 3.94 inches

What We Like:

• Ideal for home-based projects
• Foldable
• Locking braces
• Comes fully assembled
• Durable construction

What We Didn’t Like:

• Narrow construction

10. 2x4basics 90196 Black ProBrackets Sawhorse

Another solution for the avid DIYer is this set of 2x4basics 90196 Black ProBrackets Sawhorse designed to help you build the strongest lumber saw horse on the market. The lumber is not included in the purchase, but the brackets alone come at an attractive price point.

These brackets are strong and durable, built to withstand lumber up to 8 feet long and perfect for building any-size sawhorse.

The four pieces included in the pack are perfect for constructing two sawhorses with a total load capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the two levels ensure suitability for supporting double capacity.

Another thing I like is how easy these brackets are to install. You’ll only need a screwdriver, as all necessary hardware is already included. Besides quality brackets and accessories, you’ll also get a convenient 2-year warranty for labor and material defects.

Additional Specification

• Best For: DIY Projects
• Capacity: 2000 pounds
• Material: Heavy Duty Plastic
• Weight: 8.5 OZ
• Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2 inches

What We Like:

• DIY kit
• Easy to assemble
• All hardware included
• 2,000-pound load capacity
• Two levels

What We Didn’t Like:

• Brackets are too tight
• Less stable than expected

Saw Horses Comparison Chart

Frequently Asked Questions and Answered

Final Verdict

A sawhorse is no doubt one of the most versatile tools to have, regardless of the type of work conducted in your workshop. Whether it’s cutting some materials or building an ad hoc workbench on a job site, these stands come in handy in many circumstances.

The market is full of options, and picking the right one is not always simple. At least now you are aware of some best saw horses you can choose.

Regardless of the product you like, however, remember to assess the saw horse’s suitability for the purpose, its construction, and overall resistance before investing in one.

Plastic polymers could be a great choice for light-duty work if you want to save some money, but wood, aluminum, or heavy-duty stainless steel could be a more appropriate choice if you’re looking for utmost quality and resistance.