To find time to DIY is hard, but finding a workspace is even harder. That’s why it’s great to have your own sawhorses that can be repositioned and transported quickly and effortlessly.
But don’t just purchase any sawhorse. You might get something flimsy that isn’t strong enough to hold your projects. If you want the best saw horses, here are our pro woodworkers’ tested staples.
Reviews of the Top Saw Horses
1. WORX WX051 Pegasus Folding Work Table & Sawhorse
The WORX WX051 Pegasus Portable Sawhorse can be converted into a sturdy workbench with the help of its fold-out legs and supports.
In addition, the bench’s top features two integrated clamps for added convenience. Whatever you’re using, they’ll seize upon it with both hands and refuse to let go. The versatility of this item may lead you to believe it is weak.
But this sturdy sawhorse/workbench surprisingly meets all of our heavy-duty woodworking needs. The sawhorse weighs only 30 pounds, making it portable and simple to store. There’s even a built-in shelf in the base for all your extra supplies on the job site!
What We Like
- Versatile
- One of the best foldable sawhorses
- Transportable
- Folds flat so you can easily store it
What We Don't Like
- Non-adjustable legs
- Its surface may not be ideal for some
2. Bora Portamate Speedhorse Sawhorse Pair
The Bora Portamate Speedhorse Sawhorse is one of our top premium choice. The set includes two saw horses that have great weight capacities. The four legs of these saw horses are adjustable and fold up for convenient storage, owed to its quick-release deploy technology.
The set is a little more costly than the rest of the models we recommend, but it is money well spent. It is a saw horse that’s compatible with 2x4s and 4x4s with a construction that’s perfect for professional use.
This pair is more convenient, ergonomic, and pleasant to use than others because it’s easy to set up and fold and is space-saving. There are also slots on the sides for additional wood.
What We Like
- Highest load capacities
- Folding sawhorses
- Can hold up to 1500 pounds per sawhorse
- Professional-grade metal sawhorses
- High-quality material
What We Don't Like
- It may be a bit expensive for casual DIYers
- No adjustable legs
3. ToughBuilt TB-C500 Sawhorse with 2x4 Support Arms
The ToughBuilt TB-C500 is an affordable but well-made saw horse we were impressed with. It’s a heavy-duty workhorse that proved its durability and strength.
We love the top-tier steel used to construct this saw horse because it allows it to support up to 1100 lbs. In addition, its lightweight construction, adaptable features, and numerous applications all work together to ensure your complete satisfaction.
The collapsible construction of this saw horse is one of its best features. When folded, the four sturdy legs provide a compact and convenient way to store the saw horse when unused. The unit’s portability is further improved by the inclusion of a handle that’s comfortable to hold.
What We Like
- Powder coated and zinc plate steel
- Foldable
- Pivoting feet can adapt to uneven ground
- Easily transportable to any job site
- Heavy duty sawhorses
What We Don't Like
- It may not support other wooden plank sizes
- It may not support sideloading
4. Amazon Basics Folding Sawhorse
This pair of saw horses continues Amazon Basics‘ tradition of generating higher-quality tools and equipment. These traditional sawhorses can hold up to 900 pounds and are reasonably priced.
Additionally, because they are fabricated from premium plastic, these saw horses are incredibly lightweight and convenient to move around. They are also highly transportable due to their folding nature.
In addition, they have rubber soles that prevent them from sliding around, so you may walk around in complete safety. The Amazon Basics Folding Sawhorse pair is one of the best saw horses to consider if you’re searching for a high-quality, low-priced unit for your DIY projects.
What We Like
- Best value for the money
- Lightweight for easy storage
- You can easily fold it flat
- Can hold up to 900 pounds per sawhorse
- Cord hooks for hanging tools and shelf included
What We Don't Like
- Weight capacity might not suit other projects
- It might not support upright cutting
5. Rockwell JawHorse Portable Material Support Station
The 600-pound load capacity of this Rockwell JawHorse support station is a testament to its strong steel construction.
Its total length is held together by a single clamp mechanism exerting up to a ton of pressure. Put a plywood sheet on it and fasten it to make a job site table. Or, you can draw it in close and utilize it as a vice to secure your work. Certainly, it won’t lead any place.
Working requires a lot of manual labor, so your hands are naturally occupied much of the time. But the JawHorse has a foot pedal lever to regulate the clamping. Unlike other sawhorses, you can use it while keeping both hands on the job.
What We Like
- The foot pedal lever can clamp materials
- 600 pounds weight capacity
- It can become a temporary workbench and bench vice
- 10 times more clamping force
What We Don't Like
- A bit expensive
- A heavier model
6. Stanley Storage 060864R
Stanley is well-known for producing high-quality tools at affordable prices. This sawhorse features rubberized plastic construction making it lightweight and easy to transport, and it also makes it resilient to accidental drops.
The pair have a combined weight capacity of up to 1,000 pounds, however, you shouldn’t attempt to push them to their limit.
These Stanley 060864R Sawhorses come with various convenient additions, such as notches for 2x4s, a connecting hinge, and hooks on the side for securing cables. Although it’s not a particularly robust device, Stanley’s sawhorse is surprisingly versatile and a great buy for the do-it-yourselfer.
What We Like
- Side hangers are useful for various DIY projects
- Can hold up to 500 pounds per sawhorse
- Fold flat design
- Easily transportable
What We Don't Like
- Non-adjustable legs
- Non-adjustable height
7. Metabo HPT Sawhorses
This set of saw horses from Metabo that can be used in various settings and are equipped with various useful functions. You’ll get a pair of saw horses and four sawbucks to help you cut the sheets and panels you need.
These saw horses are perfect for heavy lifting and they can support up to 1200 pounds. In addition, they have convenient features like built-in storage shelves and hooks that make it easy to get your work done.
The great thing about this top-notch Metabo HPT saw horse is that it requires zero assemblies on your part. The pricing is great, but users complained about the design not having folding legs.
What We Like
- 1200 pounds weight capacity
- Fully assembled model
- 4 sawbucks included
What We Don't Like
- No foldable legs
- Non-adjustable height
Saw Horses Buyer’s Guide
Design and Size
Before you plan to create a DIY saw horse or buy a new one, look for flaws in the saw horse’s design, construction, and durability. The only thing a cheap saw horse will offer you is trouble. But you will appreciate a well-made, long-lasting, heavy-duty tool for decades.
Not all sizes of timber planks can be supported equally by a pair of sawhorses. Saw horses range in height, width, and weight-bearing capabilities.
So, when you buy a saw horse, ensure you know exactly how much weight it can hold. You should also take note of the sawhorse height and high weight capacity.
Build and Material Durability
Wood
Wood, being the classic sawhorse material, offers various advantages, such as durability and a high weight-bearing capacity. Even if you accidentally hit the sawhorse with your saw, it is unlikely to sustain significant damage.
Although it is no longer a common material of choice for sawhorses, wood is very heavy. Wooden sawhorses with folding or adjustable legs are rare to find among manufacturers.
Plastic and Polymer
Plastic and polymer are great options if you only require a sawhorse occasionally for light-duty chores like painting, sawing plywood, or supporting a makeshift worktable. Most heavy-duty plastic sawhorses are foldable, lightweight, and easy to store.
There are many options, many of which have quick clamps, or one sawhorse may have little shelves to hold your materials in place and close at hand.
Metal
These commercial-grade sawhorses are the industry standard and a favorite among do-it-yourselfers and pros. Most can be squished down or flipped up for easy storage. Clamps, vises, shelves, and fold-down sides are just a few ways that some of these units provide more room for work.
The drawback is that if you hit a steel sawhorse, it could get bent or broken. If left outside, metal sawhorses can rust and become useless.
Load Capacity and Clamping Pressure
Aside from the different materials they’re made from, sawhorses range in weight capacity from 250 to over 1,000 pounds. The typical do-it-yourselfer probably doesn’t need the highest weight capacity, whether dealing with wood or paint.
However, a high-capacity sawhorse should be considered if you intend to cut huge logs or other particularly heavy hardwood pieces.
Sawhorses with an integrated clamp eliminate the need for one worker to hold the workpiece steady. There’s a wide range of clamp types and their powers. Miniature versions with bar clamps can generate up to a thousand pounds of pressure.
Heavy-duty foot-operated versions and vice-type clamps can exert forces greater than 2,000 pounds.
Foldability
To get the most out of your saw horse, you should seek one that folds up. As a result, moving the saw horse around won’t be a problem at all. Not to mention, a folding sawhorse is much simpler to store than a non-foldable one.
Additionally, one of the most useful and flexible properties a saw horse can have is its height-adjustable legs. Height-adjustable sawhorses must have support legs that can fold flat so as not to hog valuable space.
Stability and Size Support
It’s not just the weight of the timber that saw horses can’t handle but also the dimensions of the boards. Saw horses range in height, width, and weight-bearing capabilities.
Some may only sustain a 24 board, while others can hold a 44. So, when you buy a saw horse, make sure you know exactly how much weight a single sawhorse can hold and if it will meet your needs.
You shouldn’t put your faith in sawhorses that seem like they could fall apart at any moment. Using them with knives or other sharp things is extremely risky, thus, ensure the sawhorse you use is completely stable.
Brand and Price
When looking for the best saw horses, keeping your budget in mind is crucial. It’s wise to shop carefully to avoid going overboard on costs. And don’t be fooled by the high prices. In some cases, it’s wiser to go for a cheaper option. Watch out for deals that provide twice as much for half the price.
Storage Space
Having a place to put things on a saw horse isn’t all that significant and doesn’t change its usefulness. However, if you can shell out a little more cash, you will be rewarded with unparalleled ease of use.
The space under some saw horses can be used as a solid shelf or table. To have your most used tools and supplies within easy reach is a huge time saver when working on a project, and this storage space is perfect for that. A sawhorse, including a shelf, is not required but is helpful.
Extra Features and Accessories
There are more characteristics of a good sawhorse to keep in mind:
- Clamps and vices so that they're always within easy reach.
- Storage hooks for power tool cords, allowing you to keep them out of the way and out of sight.
- A sawhorse equipped with arms for handling 2x4s and 4x4s.
What is a Sawhorse Used For?
A sawhorse is a four-legged beam used for various purposes in the woodworking industry. This versatile woodworker platform can be used alone or in tandem with another sawhorse, requiring little assembly or training.
Tips and Tricks for Using a Sawhorse
- You can use sawhorses to effectively block off access to a work area.
- Cut wood and other materials carefully, as hiding sawhorses behind material could cause injury to either the saw blade or the sawhorse build quality.
- Ensure that the ground is level and that the sawhorses are placed far apart to provide proper support.
- Sawhorses can be easily rocked by applying even slight lateral pressure [1]. To prevent this, move the materials supporting the sawhorses. The same goes if the fabric is sagging; locate the optimal tension.
- To keep the cords of your power tools off the floor, you may want to drill a hole large enough to accommodate cord hooks or a carabiner.
FAQ
How high should sawhorses be? What is their maximum height?
Saw horses can range in height from short to tall variety. Typically, they begin at around 26 inches and extend to around 32 inches. Some versions also have a range of height adjustments and customizations.
Should I always use two sawhorses?
Two simple sawhorses are preferable to one because they provide a more stable level of support for the workpiece.
It eases the strain on the body and can free up both hands. In some cases, especially with heavy-duty models that have a clamp to hold the workpiece, a single model will suffice.
What are the alternatives for a saw horse?
Boxes, sturdy seats, or wood tables could also work if you want to build sawhorses on your own. It’s crucial that they stay there and don’t bend or move for security and precision in the workplace. However, buying sawhorses made with high-grade steel is ideal.
Are saw horses worth it?
Yes, saw horses are worth it. You can utilize them for anything from chopping lumber to constructing makeshift tables and benches. Any homeowner or woodworker who enjoys working with their hands will find a sawhorse to be an invaluable tool.
How much weight can a saw horse support?
A saw horse can support 250 to 1,000 pounds. Most woodworkers and painters won’t need the full load capacity, nor will most DIYers.
What is the best angle for sawhorse legs?
An angle around 15 and 25 degrees off vertical is solid and secure. Most sawhorses take up more room but are more stable with wider angles.
Our Top Pick For a Saw Horse:
WORX WX051 Pegasus
The Worx WX051 is our team’s best saw horse from all the ones we tried and used.
Worx WX051 can support up to 1200 lbs when used as a saw horse or 300 lbs when used as a worktable. It is quite adaptable and the whole thing folds up like a suitcase you can take wherever you go.
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