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Gardeners have to balance their passion for growing beautiful flowers and tasty veggies with the physical toll that repetitive bending, lifting, and kneeling can take on their bodies. Adding raised garden beds is one answer, but these elevated planting spaces aren’t suitable for all growing situations. Enter the gardening stool—the portable solution that makes gardening chores a breeze while minimizing back and knee strain.
When it comes to shopping for a gardening stool, quality and comfort are top priorities because the seat has to be able to support a gardener’s weight and allow them to reach and stretch without tipping over. Investing in a well-crafted and durable gardening stool ensures long-lasting performance and comfort. Ahead, learn what features to look for and find out how the following models made our lineup of the best gardening stools for beginning gardeners as well as those with established green thumbs.
- BEST OVERALL: Abco Tech Garden Kneeler and Seat
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Simplay3 Handy Home 3-Level Seat
- BEST SWIVEL SEAT: Sunnydaze Rolling Garden Cart With Swivel Seat
- BEST STORAGE CAPACITY: Suncast Garden Scooter
- BEST SIT OR KNEEL: Gardener’s Supply Company Plastic Kneeler and Seat
- BEST ROCKING: Vertex Garden Rocker
- BEST SCOOTER: Plow & Hearth Green Rolling Scoot-N-Do Garden Seat
- BEST FOLDING: Opliy Folding Camping, Gardening, and Beach Stool
- BEST CONCRETE: Joss & Main Oakley 18.5-Inch Concrete Garden Stool
- ALSO CONSIDER: Gardener’s Supply Company Deep Seat Garden Kneeler
How We Chose the Best Gardening Stools
Creating a definitive list of gardening stools involved thorough and meticulous research. We evaluated more than three dozen highly rated stools and then whittled our list down to the best picks. We considered key criteria such as weight capacity, consumer rating, design, and price to ensure we provided readers with the best choices.
Our goal was to offer a selection of gardening stools made from top-notch, durable materials, ensuring they would withstand the demands of real garden settings. Additionally, we prioritized user comfort, taking into account factors such as ergonomic design and cushioning to enhance the overall experience. By analyzing these factors, we were able to curate a well-rounded list that caters to various budgets and individual needs, empowering our readers to make informed decisions based on their preferences and requirements.
Our Top Picks
Discover the crème de la crème of gardening stools with our carefully curated list. From exceptional durability to superior comfort, these top options represent the best gardening stools on the market. They vary in price and style, but each one is designed to maximize your comfort and gardening enjoyment.
Best Overall
Abco Tech Garden Kneeler and Seat
The Abco Tech garden stool and kneeler is a game changer for avid gardeners seeking comfort and convenience. Its soft ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam padding offers a cushy sitting experience, sparing the gardener’s back from unnecessary strain. But that’s not all—this versatile stool can be flipped over, transforming it into a comfortable kneeling pad for tackling close-to-the-ground chores.
The Abco Tech garden stool is thoughtfully crafted with a sturdy steel frame that features convenient bars for secure gripping, allowing you to lower and rise confidently as you work in the garden. This innovative design provides exceptional support and stability for the hands and back, ensuring painless movements and comfortable transitions. Despite its lightweight construction (it weighs just 6.7 pounds), the Abco Tech stool has an impressive weight capacity of up to 300 pounds for a reliable and practical choice for gardeners of all levels.
The Abco Tech stool and garden kneeler excels in practicality—with its easy fold-flat design, it can be stored in a small space. As a bonus, this garden kneeler comes with a tool pouch to keep gardening essentials close at hand and a pair of digging gloves that allow you to dig through soft soil without needing a hand shovel.
Product Specs
- Style: Combo stool and kneeler
- Seat height: 15 inches
- Weight capacity: Up to 300 pounds
- Material: Steel frame with foam seat and kneeling pad
Pros
- Versatile sitting stool can be flipped over to serve as a padded kneeler
- At just 6.7 pounds, stool is lightweight and easy to carry
- Bonus accessories: Included pouch keeps tools within reach and digging gloves offer added finger protection
- Heavy-duty steel frame is sturdy and durable for long-lasting and safe use
Cons
- Stool height is not adjustable, although 15 inches is a decent height for most
Get the Abco Tech gardening stool at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Simplay3 Handy Home 3-Level Seat
Getting a good gardening stool doesn’t mean paying a lot. The Simplay3 Handy gardening seat is a versatile and durable companion for various tasks. Best of all, it’s affordably priced. With its one-piece, no-assembly construction, it is user-friendly, and its contemporary design is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Built from heavy-duty molded plastic, this seat is pretty much indestructible.
The rectangular-shaped seat features three heights (9 inches, 12 inches, and 15 inches), which you can select simply by turning the seat on its side or end. The lightweight design (4 pounds) and molded-in carry handles make it portable and easy to move around.
This multiuse gardening seat is practical and adds a touch of style with its sleek design. The rounded corners prevent dents or scratches on walls or floors, while the heavy-duty double-wall resin construction ensures long-lasting performance. Whether you need a handy seat for gardening, home improvement projects, or even sporting events, this portable plastic garden stool from Simplay3 is a reliable accessory for all your work and play needs.
Product Specs
- Style: Box
- Seat height: 9 inches, 12 inches, or 15 inches (turn to suit)
- Weight capacity: Not listed
- Material: Molded plastic
Pros
- Durable—made from heavy-duty molded plastic and designed to be weatherproof
- Turn the box-type stool to access 1 of 3 different sitting levels (9, 12, or 15 inches)
- Lightweight (4 pounds) and comes with molded-in handle for easy carrying
Cons
- Hard seat for gardening—no cushioning and no padding, which might affect comfort
Get the Simplay3 gardening stool at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Swivel Seat
Sunnydaze Rolling Garden Cart With Swivel Seat
Crafted from heavy-duty powder-coated steel, the Sunnydaze garden cart is designed to withstand the test of time. Its solid metal axles and pneumatic wheels ensure smooth maneuverability so that navigating various terrains is easy. The cart features a convenient plastic tray beneath the seat for storing tools and a steel wire basket on the side for additional storage space.
One of the standout features of this gardening stool with wheels is the 360-degree swivel seat, which allows users to rotate effortlessly in any direction while working. This innovative design helps reduce strain on the waist and back, making outdoor projects more comfortable and efficient.
Overall dimensions are 18 inches wide by 31 inches deep with a seat height of up to 22 inches, and the Sunnydaze offers a weight capacity of 300 pounds. When it comes to stool seat height, 22 inches is on the high side—it might be too high for some users to bend over and still comfortably reach the soil. Still, those shopping for gardening stools for seniors should note that 22 inches is a good option because a higher seat is easier to lower oneself on to sit down. Lower seat heights can be challenging for older adults to navigate.
Whether pruning, pulling weeds, or cutting flowers for a bouquet, using the Sunnydaze rolling gardening chair cart is a practical choice. Its durable construction, ample storage options, and adjustable seat height make it a reliable and ergonomic option for all gardening tasks.
Product Specs
- Style: Rolling cart type
- Seat height: 22 inches
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Material: Powder-coated steel
Pros
- Can be used in various locations, including yards, garages, sheds, and more
- Powder-coated steel is designed to last through many gardening seasons
- Seat swivels 360 degrees for easy rotation and the ability to work in any direction
Cons
- Some assembly is necessary and may require the use of a screwdriver or wrench
Get the Sunnydaze gardening stool at Amazon, Northern Tool + Equipment, orSunnydaze.
Best Storage Capacity
Suncast Garden Scooter
Made of durable plastic, the Suncast garden scooter is built to last and is easy to pull through dirt and grass. It features a foam cushion that gardeners can sit on or remove to use as a kneeling pad.
This garden stool is on the compact side, measuring 13 inches high by 12.25 inches wide by 22.5 inches deep, but one of the highlights is that the seat lid opens to reveal 8.5 gallons of storage capacity where you can keep gardening tools and supplies. The scooter has a small accessories bin (inside) for gathering produce or organizing smaller items. Two built-in cupholders add convenience, allowing you to enjoy a favorite beverage while gardening.
Overall, the Suncast garden scooter is a practical solution for gardeners seeking comfort, storage, and portability. Its durable construction, cushioned seat/kneeling pad, ample storage options, and built-in cupholders combine to create a valuable tool for enjoyable and efficient gardening.
Product Specs
- Style: Rolling bin type
- Seat height: 13 inches
- Weight capacity: 225 pounds
- Material: Heavy-duty molded plastic
Pros
- Durable plastic that’s designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and last for years
- Foam seat cushion can be removed and used as a kneeling pad
- Ample storage under the lid for gardening tools and supplies
Cons
- Weight capacity of 225 pounds is less than other models in this lineup
Get the Suncast garden stool at The Home Depot.
Best Sit or Kneel
Gardener's Supply Company Plastic Kneeler and Seat
The Gardener’s Supply Company kneeler and seat is a versatile and convenient gardening tool that offers a seat and a kneeler in one. Deep side pockets allow you to keep essential tools within easy reach. Whether working indoors or out in the garden, this bench can provide a comfortable sit space and alleviate back stress.
At just 2 pounds, this lightweight bench is portable and easy to carry wherever it’s needed. It features a thick pad underneath the seat—just flipping it over reveals a comfortable kneeling pad when it’s necessary to work closer to the ground. The bench is made from durable materials like polypropylene and EVA, ensuring its longevity and ability to withstand regular use.
With dimensions of 12 inches high by 23.25 inches wide by 8 inches deep, the seat provides ample space for sitting. The bench has a weight capacity of up to 225 pounds to accommodate various users’ needs.
The Gardener’s Supply Company kneeler and seat is a practical and handy gardening accessory that enhances the gardening experience by providing a convenient seat, kneeler, and handy side pockets for tool storage.
Product Specs
- Style: Solid bench
- Seat height: 12 inches
- Weight capacity: 225 pounds
- Material: Polypropylene
Pros
- Dual purpose—functions as both a gardening stool and a kneeler
- Weighing just 2 pounds, this gardening stool is easy to carry around to wherever it’s needed
- Deep molded-in-place side pockets hold tools and accessories when in the sit position
Cons
- Cushion for kneeling but no cushion for sitting, so some might find it hard
Get the Gardener’s Supply Company plastic gardening stool at Gardener’s Supply Company or Target.
Best Rocking
Vertex Garden Rocker
Gardeners can get ready to rock and roll with the Vertex garden rocker. This innovative gardening stool can help banish those pesky aches and pains. The secret behind the Vertex stool magic lies in its patented contoured rocking base. It moves and grooves with the body, ensuring a sitter can reach and bend while weeding, planting, and tackling other ground-level tasks.
The Vertex is all about comfort. Its height-adjustable contoured comfort seat cushion provides support for the body while twisting and turning. Plus, it’s not just for gardeners—it’s a versatile multitool for all your low-level projects. Think auto detailing, painting, crafts, and more. It’s a true multitalent accessory.
Not only is the Vertex garden rocker lightweight and easy to carry, but it’s also sturdy. It can handle up to 250 pounds easily.
Product Specs
- Style: Rocking stool
- Seat height: 11 to 14 inches
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Material: Plastic
Pros
- Compact and lightweight (3 pounds), so it’s easy to carry and store
- Versatile—can be used for multiple tasks, including auto work and DIY projects
- Rocking base design moves with user as they lean and twist
Cons
- Unlike some garden stools, this model lacks handles for stability when sitting or standing
Get the Vertex gardening stool atAmazonor The Home Depot.
Best Scooter
Plow u0026 Hearth Green Rolling Scoot-N-Do Garden Seat
Say goodbye to the aches and pains of gardening with the Green Rolling Scoot-N-Do garden seat. This innovative garden seat takes the hassle out of tasks like planting and weeding, so spots are more accessible and the tasks are more enjoyable.
One of the standout features of this garden seat is its pneumatic tires that offer some cushioning, providing a smooth and comfortable ride over unlevel or bumpy terrain. The adjustable-height swiveling tractor seat is a game changer. You can customize the seat height to find the perfect fit for comfort and gardening needs. The seat’s swiveling feature allows for easy movement and maneuverability to reach different areas of the garden without straining.
The Scoot-N-Do also offers storage space for tools, gloves, a phone, a water bottle, and more. The undercarriage features a solid plastic tray, ensuring that even smaller items are well contained. A gardener can have everything needed within reach, saving time and effort.
Constructed with a rugged steel frame and a rust-resistant powder-coat finish, this garden seat is built to last. It’s sturdy, durable, and can hold up to 400 pounds.
While assembly is required, the benefits of the Green Rolling Scoot-N-Do garden seat outweigh the minor effort needed to set it up. Once assembled, it’s a reliable and comfortable companion for gardening adventures.
Product Specs
- Style: Sit and roll
- Seat height: Adjusts 15 to 19 inches
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Material: Powder-coated steel; rubber tires
Pros
- Pneumatic (air-filled) tires offer a smooth ride over rough terrain
- Ample undercarriage storage tray for stowing tools, gloves, and other small items
- Steering handle makes it easy to pull and control the rolling stool
- The swivel seat adjusts from 15 to 19 inches to suit various users and tasks
Cons
- Some assembly is required to put the Scoot-N-Do together
- At 39 pounds, the rolling stool may be too heavy or bulky for some
Get the Scoot-N-Do garden stool at Amazon, Target, orPlow & Hearth.
Best Folding
Opliy Folding Camping, Gardening, and Beach Stool
The Opliy folding stool is a convenient companion for gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether weeding, planting, camping, or simply enjoying a day at the beach, you can find a comfortable sitting space with this folding garden stool.
Portability is key with this stool. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to fold and carry by hand. Its compact size when folded ensures that it won’t take up much space at home or in a vehicle.
Despite its small size, this camping stool doesn’t compromise on durability. It is made with 600D double-oxford cloth and high-quality steel legs for sturdy and stable seating. With a maximum weight capacity of 320 pounds, it can accommodate users of different sizes. The seat is 13.5 inches high on the large-size model. A smaller medium-size model with a slightly lower seat height is also available.
Comfort is a priority with this small garden stool. The four legs provide support and stability to resist wobbling, while the canvas seat conforms to a sitter’s backside. The seat also comes with a mesh pocket, which can be handy for storing gloves, water bottles, or other small accessories within easy reach.
Product Specs
- Style: Folding canvas
- Seat height: 13.5 inches
- Weight capacity: 320 pounds
- Material: Steel frame; oxford canvas seat
Pros
- Lightweight and portable; perfect for gardening or just sitting around
- High-quality steel poles for stability and double-oxford canvas for seat strength
- Compact, space-saving design to fold and transport the stool easily
Cons
- Steel bar legs might sink unevenly into soft or wet soil
Get the Opliy gardening stool at Amazon.
Best Concrete
Joss u0026 Main Oakley 18.5-Inch Concrete Garden Stool
The Joss & Main Oakley garden stool is a delightful addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces. With its classical drum-style design, terra-cotta clay appearance, and antique cream finish, this stool exudes vintage charm but is also functional.
This pick is more of a garden stool (for sitting on) than a gardening stool, although it can be used when tending flowers and other plants. Still, its design and style lend themselves to being placed in a favorite spot in the yard, perhaps near a trickling fountain where you can rest a moment and enjoy the result of your landscaping efforts.
The stool’s construction is sturdy and durable, with a reinforced concrete frame and seat, but it only weighs 15.4 pounds, so it can be moved if desired. The concrete material is water-resistant, and the stool can support a weight capacity of up to 220 pounds.
Versatility is another notable aspect of this garden stool. With its multipurpose design, a gardener can sit on it or use it to display favorite planters, flowers, or decorative items. It can also serve as a convenient surface for holding food and drinks during outdoor gatherings or as an accent table to add character to an outdoor living space.
The stool arrives fully assembled and ready to use. This saves time and effort, allowing you to incorporate it into the garden or yard decor immediately.
Product Specs
- Style: Cylindrical concrete stool
- Seat height: 18.5 inches
- Weight capacity: 220 pounds
- Material: Reinforced concrete
Pros
- Multiuse; suitable for indoor or outdoor use as a stool or table
- Water-resistant and fire-resistant properties ensure durability in outdoor use
- Arrives fully assembled, making it convenient for immediate use
Cons
- Concrete is very hard, and this stool might not be comfortable for an extended sitting period
Get the Joss & Main gardening stool at Wayfair or Joss & Main.
Also Consider
Gardener's Supply Company Deep Seat Garden Kneeler
Designed to offer superior functionality, the Deep Seat garden kneeler/bench combination is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking back or knee strain relief.
This stool/kneeler combo from Gardener’s Supply Company comes with an extra-thick kneeling pad for maximum comfort while kneeling. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals who spend extended periods tending to their garden or those who participate in beautifying vacant lots via guerrilla gardening.
Compared to standard kneelers, the Deep Seat offers a 30 percent broader base, which enhances stability. The steel sides of the kneeler lock in place, further contributing to stability and providing handles for users to raise and lower themselves confidently.
The Deep Seat stool flips from a kneeler to a padded bench. This dual-purpose functionality allows you to comfortably kneel while gardening and conveniently sit when taking a break or performing tasks that require a seated position.
The heavy-duty powder-coated steel frame provides durability and rust resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use. Despite its sturdy construction, the kneeler is relatively light, weighing just 9 pounds, so it is easy to carry, transport, and store when not in use.
Product Specs
- Style: Combo stool and kneeler
- Seat height: About 17 inches (stool frame is 19.5 inches high)
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Material: Steel frame; foam pad
Pros
- Flips over to quickly convert from a gardening stool to a kneeler
- Heavy-duty rust-resistant steel frame for long-lasting durability
- A 30 percent wider base than standard kneeler combos offers extra stability
Cons
- Seat height is not adjustable, so it might be too high or too low for some users
Get the Gardener’s Supply Company deep-seat gardening stool at Amazonor Gardener’s Supply Company.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Gardening Stool
Gardening stools and green thumbs go together; these handy sitters provide a portable and comfortable solution for planting, weeding, pruning, or simply enjoying the garden’s beauty. Look for features such as adjustable-height options, which help to customize the stool to preferred comfort level and ensure ergonomic support.
Additionally, consider a garden stool with storage compartments or pockets to keep gardening tools and accessories within reach. By choosing a quality gardening stool, you’re investing in the gardening experience, helping to better enjoy time outdoors with optimal comfort and functionality. While gardening stools are straightforward, a few features can make one better suited to a gardener’s needs than another.
Height and Weight Capacity
Seat height is important when gardening as it determines the positioning of the body while working. A stool with adjustable seat height allows you to customize the seating position according to your preference and the nature of the gardening task. This helps prevent strain on the back, knees, and joints, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.
Equally important is the weight capacity of the stool. Selecting a stool that can adequately support your weight is vital to ensure stability and prevent accidents. Considering weight capacity is crucial for heavier individuals or when carrying additional tools or supplies while gardening. A stool with a higher weight capacity offers peace of mind and confidence, knowing it can handle weight and any additional load without compromising safety or structural integrity.
Materials
The durability and longevity of a gardening stool depend on the materials used in its construction. Opting for high-quality materials ensures that the stool can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including exposure to varying weather conditions, moisture, and frequent movement.
Sturdy materials such as powder-coated steel, durable plastics, or weather-resistant fabrics provide stability, strength, and resistance to wear and tear. It also helps to think ahead—not to skip the little things like foam seat pads that add comfort plus insulation when using the stool in cold temps for sowing winter crops or getting the soil ready for overwintering.
A stool built with premium materials lasts longer, offering reliable support and safety throughout its lifespan.
Portability and Storage
If a gardening stool will need to be moved often or there is little space to store it, shoppers might opt for a lightweight, compact seat that’s easy to carry and transport. Folding capabilities are nice, allowing the stool to collapse into a smaller size for convenient storage in tight spaces or during travel. Look for models with integrated handles or carrying straps for effortless portability.
Additionally, shoppers will want to consider stools with detachable or retractable components, such as removable tool pouches or foldable legs, further enhancing compactness and ease of storage. Stools with nesting or stacking capabilities are also beneficial for efficient organization.
Additional Features
For the most part, gardening stools are straightforward and don’t come with many bells and whistles, but a few added features can be helpful. One crucial aspect to look for is tool storage, which allows you to keep essential gardening tools within easy reach while working. In addition, shoppers might look for stools with built-in pockets, compartments, or hooks that can accommodate various tools and keep them organized and readily accessible.
One of the biggest gardening mistakes is failing to tend to the garden, so if gardening chores are more comfortable, it’s more likely they won’t be neglected. Opt for a stool with a comfortable and thickly cushioned seat or kneeling pad, which supports and alleviates strain during long gardening sessions. And there’s no rule against getting a stylish gardening stool that complements a person’s taste and garden aesthetic, since it can add a touch of visual appeal to an outdoor space.
FAQs
While gardening stools might seem like simple products, buyers often find themselves with more questions than expected. With various designs, features, and materials available, seeking further guidance is natural to ensure the perfect stool gets chosen for each individual’s gardening needs. Let’s delve deeper into the world of gardening stools to answer any lingering questions and to help make an informed decision.
Q. How long do gardening stools last on average?
The longevity of gardening stools can vary depending on the quality of materials and usage, but on average, a well-maintained gardening stool can last several years or more.
Q. Can I use a regular seat as a garden stool?
A regular seat can be used as a garden stool if it provides the necessary comfort and stability for gardening activities. The seat height might not be low enough for bending and working at ground level, but for other gardening issues, such as pruning, it could be beneficial.
Q. Are gardening stools water-resistant?
Many gardening stools are designed to be water-resistant, but it’s important to check the specific product’s features and materials to ensure water-resistance.
Q. How high should a garden stool be?
The height of a garden stool can vary depending on personal preference, but it is usually best to choose a stool that is around 12 to 19 inches tall to tackle most gardening practices.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series, including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Throughout his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, sustainable garden trends, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.