Key takeaways
- Always open sawhorses fully and confirm the locks are engaged before loading.
- Place on firm, level ground.
- Do not stand or sit on horses unless the maker says it is allowed.
- Center the load and clamp material that might shift.
- Support cut-off pieces so they do not pinch the blade.
- Inspect for cracks, bent legs or loose rivets before each use, and retire damaged units.
For most homeowners and DIYers, a pair of folding sawhorses from a recognized tool brand such as DeWalt, Stanley, Toughbuilt or Milwaukee gives the best balance of capacity, portability and price; contractors who lift heavy stock should look at steel or heavy-duty plastic models with high stated capacities, while light-duty users can choose budget plastic folding horses. Always check the load rating per pair and per horse, because makers state those differently.
Our top picks
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At a Glance
| Type | Makers | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy-duty folding steel horse | DeWalt, Milwaukee, Toughbuilt | Jobsites, framing, heavy stock | Heavier to carry |
| Molded plastic folding horse | Stanley, Rubbermaid-style, others | Home use, light projects | Lower capacity; UV and cold can degrade plastic |
| Adjustable-height horse | Bora Portamate, Toughbuilt | Uneven ground, varying work heights | More parts, higher tier |
| Sawhorse bracket kit with lumber | Various | Custom-height, low cost | Requires cutting your own legs |
| Folding sawhorse with work table top | Bora, Kreg and others | Assembly, clamping, small bench work | Less stable for heavy loads |
Makers state capacities in different ways, such as per horse, per pair, or per set. Read the specification sheet, and note whether the number applies when the load is centered. Models are updated regularly, so use the current maker page for the exact product.
What to Look For
Load capacity
Heavy-duty steel sawhorses often list capacities in the high hundreds or thousands of pounds per pair, according to the makers, while plastic models are commonly rated lower. Choose a rating comfortably above your heaviest typical load, and do not exceed it. Capacity is lower with off-center loads or when legs are not fully locked.
Folding mechanism
A good folding sawhorse locks securely open and closes with a simple motion. Look for positive locking legs, not friction-only joints. Pinch points can injure fingers, so keep hands clear when folding.
Weight and storage
Folded thickness and weight matter if you carry them in a truck or store them on a wall. Plastic models are lighter. Steel models are heavier but stiffer.
Top surface
A wide, notched, or slotted top holds lumber from sliding. Rubber or textured surfaces add grip. Some horses accept 2×4 beams to create a wide work platform.
Height and stability
Standard heights are usually in the mid-twenties to low-thirties of inches. Adjustable models help on slopes. Wide stances improve stability when sawing.
Types Explained
Steel folding sawhorses
Brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee make steel or metal-reinforced folding horses aimed at contractors. Reviewers commonly report that they feel sturdy, and makers state high capacities. They are heavier and cost more.
Plastic folding sawhorses
Stanley and similar brands sell molded plastic folding horses that are light and affordable. They suit painting, small cuts and general chores. Cold weather and prolonged sun can make plastic brittle, so inspect them for cracks.
Adjustable and hybrid designs
Toughbuilt and Bora models include extending legs and sometimes clamping tops. They fit uneven ground and many types of work, at a higher tier and with more moving parts to maintain.
Bracket and DIY systems
Metal brackets let you build sawhorses from standard lumber. This approach lets you set exact height and strength, but requires cutting and fastening.
Safety
- Always open sawhorses fully and confirm the locks are engaged before loading.
- Place on firm, level ground.
- Do not stand or sit on horses unless the maker says it is allowed.
- Center the load and clamp material that might shift.
- Support cut-off pieces so they do not pinch the blade.
- Inspect for cracks, bent legs or loose rivets before each use, and retire damaged units.
Budget Tiers
| Tier | Typical choice | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Light plastic folding pair | Lower capacity, shorter life outdoors |
| Mid-range | Brand-name folding horse, metal-reinforced | Heavier than plastic |
| Premium | Heavy-duty steel or adjustable systems | Higher cost and weight |
Pick One If… Decision Table
| Your situation | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Occasional home projects | Plastic folding pair |
| Framing, plywood, heavy stock | Heavy-duty steel folding horses |
| Uneven ground | Adjustable-height horses |
| Small shop with limited space | Folding horses stored on a wall |
| Want custom height | Bracket kit with lumber |
Alternatives
- Folding workbench: a bench with a work surface, such as a Black and Decker Workmate-style table, for clamping and small projects.
- Rolling miter saw or table saw stand: when your main need is cutting.
- Heavy-duty trestle systems: used by carpenters for long runs of material.
- Plank on sawhorses: a two-horse arrangement with a board on top gives a wide work platform.
Real-World Uses and Buying Tips
Sawhorses do far more than hold lumber for cutting. Pairs are used as temporary workbenches for painting trim, as supports for doors during finishing, as scaffolding bases with planks, and as table stands for craft work. Pick a style that suits your most common job, not an occasional extreme. If most of your tasks are light, a pair of plastic horses is plenty. If you handle plywood sheets and framing lumber, spend more on steel.
Buy in pairs at least, and consider a set of four if you work with sheet goods or long beams. Check that the horses stack or fold flat so that storage is realistic in your garage. Look for a top that accepts a 2×4 or 2×6 crossbeam, because this multiplies the usefulness of the horses and lets you build a wider platform.
Matching capacity to the job
Think about the total weight placed on a pair. A stack of wet lumber, a heavy door, or a bench-top tool can add up quickly. Remember that capacity ratings assume a centered load and fully locked legs. When in doubt, step up a tier or use more horses to spread the load.
Care and inspection
Wipe off paint, glue and sawdust, which can hide cracks. Keep steel horses dry or lightly oil pivot points as the maker advises. Look at the folding hinges and locks every time you set the horses up, and take a damaged one out of service. Cheap hardware can fatigue with repeated folding, so a slightly better build often pays off in longevity.
Cutting tips
When cutting, support both sides of the cut line so the board does not pinch the blade or drop at the end. Clamp the work to the horses where you can. Cut from the good side or the bad side depending on your saw type, following the saw’s manual.
Common Buying Mistakes
- Trusting a single big number: a pair capacity does not mean each horse carries that amount.
- Buying one: a single horse is rarely useful, so plan on pairs.
- Ignoring folded size: bulky horses end up left in the garage rather than used.
- Leaving plastic horses in sunlight: UV can weaken the material over time.
- Using them as ladders or steps: they are not designed for that.
Compare the locking style, top width and warranty before buying, and look at owner reports about whether legs stay locked during use. A well-built pair can last many years, so the better-built tier often pays back over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can folding sawhorses hold?
It depends on the model. Plastic horses usually carry less than steel ones, and makers state the figure per horse or per pair. Always read the label and stay below it.
Are plastic sawhorses good enough?
For light chores and home projects, yes. For heavy loads or rough jobsite use, steel models are more suitable. Inspect plastic regularly for cracks.
How many sawhorses do I need?
Most people use two to support a board or sheet. Longer pieces may need a third or additional supports.
What height should a sawhorse be?
Many stand roughly at the height of a person’s hips or a little lower. Pick a height that lets you cut without bending uncomfortably.
Can I use sawhorses outdoors?
Yes, but store plastic models out of prolonged sun and cold, and keep steel models dry to prevent rust.
Can I stand on a sawhorse?
Only if the maker explicitly says so. Most are designed for supporting materials, not for people, and standing on one can cause falls.
