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The proper setup in your garage or workshop is key to quickly and efficiently completing projects. You need a sturdy workbench, proper lighting, accessible tool storage, and a shop stool suited to the type of task.
This essential seat allows you to work at an angle that won’t strain your neck or shoulders, but it’s not just about comfort. Height adjustability lets you change your position for smooth segues between different tasks, and a set of wheels allows you to move between various areas with ease.
The best shop stool may come with a backrest, a footrest, and a cushioned seat. If you’re ready to increase your DIY enjoyment and decrease unnecessary muscle strain, keep reading to learn what to look for in the best shop stool and why the listed products are among the finest available for your workshop or garage.
- BEST OVERALL: WEN 300-Pound Capacity Pneumatic Rolling Stool
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pro-Lift C-3001 Pneumatic Chair with 300 lbs Capacity
- UPGRADE PICK: MYCHANIC Garage Rolling Toolbox Stool
- BEST BACK SUPPORT: Northern Tool Adjustable Swivel Shop Stool
- BEST ADJUSTABLE: WORKPRO Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydraulic Shop Stool
- BEST MECHANICS SEAT: Powerbuilt Heavy Duty Roller Mechanics Seat and Brake
- BEST WITH STORAGE: OEMTOOLS Black Rolling Workshop Creeper Seat
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shop Stool
A well-outfitted workshop often leads to more work getting done—whether tinkering with engines or crafting cabinets. In shop stools, factor in material, height range, weight capacity, and any features to increase comfort, such as a backrest, footrest, or cushioning.
Material
From the base to the seat to any built-in storage compartments, materials matter if a shop stool is to stand up to rugged use. Ideally, the frame and base will be made of powder-coated steel or stainless steel—durable materials that resist impact, moisture, and corrosion. The seat may be made of nylon or plastic, with padding for extra comfort. Storage compartments are typically plastic, though some models have metal drawers.
Height
Shop stools range in height from 15 inches to 40 inches, but the right height depends on the particulars of each project. Shorter stools are geared toward working on vehicles as an alternative to kneeling while replacing old brake pads, for instance. Taller stools are usually intended for use at a workbench, providing comfort while concentrating on a detailed project.
Most shop stools have pneumatic adjustment systems to control the height. An easily accessible lever releases or pulls in compressed air. Some models, however, may have a physical height adjustment system to change manually with set screws.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a standard stool may refer solely to the maximum weight of the user. Stools with built-in storage compartments will indicate a total weight that the stool can support—user and tools combined.
Comfort
Without the ability to sit comfortably, the body shifts and moves constantly or else settles into a twisted or hunched position, both of which can lead to aching muscles. A cushioned seat on a shop stool helps support body weight without flexing or sagging, making it more pleasurable to focus on tasks. A built-in backrest helps the user take breaks, while a footrest allows repositioning of the feet.
Tool Tray
Some of the best shop stools are designed with convenient storage options, one of which is a tool tray. These come in a range of sizes with various compartments for tools and accessories, such as spray paint, oil, screwdrivers, wrenches, fasteners, and a hammer.
Some models have pull-out drawers built into the side or the back of the stool for larger tools, like a compact circular saw or rotary tool. Other shop stools feature tool holsters to keep small power tools within easy reach.
Portability
For easy portability, a shop stool should weigh less than 20 pounds so it can be lifted without strain. In a heavier model, look for wheels to glide around the floor of the garage or workshop.
Our Top Picks
The top products here were chosen with overall quality and value in mind, in addition to the abovementioned shopping tips and considerations. Check out this list for some of the best shop stools on the market to make workbench and garage tasks more comfortable, efficient, and pleasurable.
Best Overall
WEN 300-Pound Capacity Pneumatic Rolling Stool
These wheeled WEN shop stools have five omnidirectional swivel caster wheels, allowing users to glide quickly between work areas. The stools can be adjusted in height from 15 inches to 20 inches using the pneumatic height adjustment lever.
Constructed of heavy-duty steel, the stools weigh 13 pounds, and each has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. They feature a circular, flat base with a raised lip that can be used to store fasteners and small tools. The pair differ slightly aesthetically: one has a red seat, and the other has a black seat with a yellow WEN logo.
Best Bang For The Buck
Pro-Lift C-3001 Pneumatic Chair with 300 lbs Capacity
The Pro-Lift Pneumatic Chair weighs just under 12 pounds and has five swivel caster wheels for portability. It has a cushioned seat made with reinforced vinyl.
The rolling shop stool has a pneumatic height control lever that makes it east to adjust the seat height between 15 to 20 inches. The main support and base of the stool are made of durable steel, allowing for a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. The base is a flat, circular tray with a lip around the edge, so it can also serve as convenient storage for small tools and fasteners.
Upgrade Pick
MYCHANIC Garage Rolling Toolbox Stool
This MYCHANIC model boasts two side bins for easy access to fasteners, a plastic holster for a cordless drill, and a portable tool caddy with a tablet stand built into the handle.
Designed with comfort and durability in mind, the stool’s soft cushioned seat can be adjusted in height from 17.5 inches to 20.5 inches using screws on each of the four legs.
The powder-coated steel frame resists water and corrosion and can support 500 pounds. The shop stool sits on four swivel caster wheels for easy portability.
Best Back Support
Northern Tool Adjustable Swivel Shop Stool
The Northern Tool shop stool has a backrest that lets users relax between tasks. The padded vinyl backrest can be adjusted in height to suit individual needs and even removed if desired. While it’s a stationary stool without wheels, the padded vinyl seat can rotate 360 degrees for easy access to an entire project.
This shop stool, which weighs 20 pounds, has a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds and a steel frame. A matte black powder coating protects the frame from rust and corrosion, and a pneumatic adjustment lever lets the user change the height from 29 inches to 33 inches.
Best Adjustable
WORKPRO Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydraulic Shop Stool
This WORKPRO model has a hydraulic height adjustment system that can smoothly change the seat height from 29 to 34 inches via a lever under the lip of the seat. The seat also can rotate 360 degrees in any direction for easy access to tools or parts. The shop stool doesn’t have wheels, but at 18 pounds, it’s fairly easy to lift and carry if necessary.
The heavy-duty stationary shop stool has a durable steel frame that can support up to 330 pounds. Its four sturdy legs end in padded feet to help prevent sliding and protect the flooring. It features a padded seat that measures about 14 inches in diameter, and it comes in three color options: black, green, and pink.
Best Mechanics Seat
Powerbuilt Heavy Duty Roller Mechanics Seat and Brake
The Powerbuilt rolling shop stool has a trapezoidal steel frame with a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. The stool weighs 14 pounds and sits on four swivel caster wheels that can be locked in place.
Two removable storage trays on both ends of the stool feature compartments for cans, fasteners, and small tools. A pull-out drawer is built into the side for additional storage. The broad plastic seat isn’t padded; it’s more about durability than cushiness. And while the height is not adjustable, this mechanic’s seat is a good height for working on vehicles.
Best With Storage
OEMTOOLS Black Rolling Workshop Creeper Seat
This cube-shaped stool from OEMTOOLS boasts several built-in storage features for easy access to common tools. Just below the cushioned vinyl seat, find two storage drawers for fasteners, screwdrivers, hammers, and other common tools.
A solid shelf at the base of the stool keeps other tools in easy reach. The stool also has three can holders for sprays canisters that double as a place to safely stow a beverage while working.
The shop stool weighs 19 pounds and sits on four swivel caster wheels, allowing the user to move around freely. It has a maximum weight capacity of 280 pounds and a high-quality steel design. It’s almost 17 inches high, and it doesn’t adjust.
FAQs About Shop Stools
For additional information about choosing and using the best shop stool for your garage or workshop, check out the answers to some commonly asked questions about these products.
Q. How do pneumatic stools work?
Pneumatic height adjustment shop stools use pressurized air to lift and lower the seat. The more pressurized air in the pneumatic tube, the higher the seat sits. Lowering the stool pushes out air.
Q. How tall should a shop stool be?
The ideal height of the shop stool depends on both the height of the user and the height of the workbench or project. A stool shouldn’t cause you to bend over the top of projects or stretch upward just to properly see your project. For the best results, consider a shop stool with an adjustable height setting.
Q. What’s the best place to store my shop stool?
Consider your shop setup to find a location where you can store the stool safely out of the way, but within easy reach. A few good places include a free corner of the workshop or garage, tucked under a raised workbench, or right next to the workbench.