The Best Step Stools for DIY Projects, High Shelves, and Small Spaces

Step stools are handy for almost any task that requires extra height, from grabbing items from the back of a tall kitchen cabinet to installing a new shelf on a wall. Not only are these everyday tools worthwhile buys from the get-go—most also provide years of safe, dependable use. 

To find the best options among the thousands available, we decided to test several ourselves. Based on stability, portability, build quality, and value, the HBTower 2-Step Folding Steel Ladder earned our top award. 

But that isn’t the only model worth considering. While step stools are simple items, choosing the right one requires considering safety as well as convenience. Evaluating where you’ll store your new stool and the specific tasks you’ll use it to tackle will help you find the ideal material, height, and weight capacity. Keep reading to learn more about each of the best step stools on our list.

1. BEST OVERALL: HBTower 2-Step Folding Ladder
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rubbermaid 1-Step Plastic Step Stool
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3. BEST TWO-STEP: Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool
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4. BEST THREE-STEP: Little Giant Ladders 3-Step Jumbo Step Stool
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5. BEST FOR DIYERS: Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro-Grade Steel Project Ladder
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6. BEST WITH TRAY: Rubbermaid 3-Step Aluminum Stool With Project Tray
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7. BEST PLATFORM: MaxWorks Foldable Aluminum Platform Step Stool
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8. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Cramer Kik-Step Steel Step Stool
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9. BEST SLIM STORAGE: AmeriHome 2-Step Aluminum Ultra Slim Step Stool
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10. BEST DESIGN:  Lark Manor Ashvir 2-Step Wood Step Stool
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Best Step Stools Compared

Our Top Picks

To make our list of the best step stools, each model had to balance stability with durability and portability. Whether you’re after a step stool for adults to use at a jobsite or a children’s stepping stool for a kid’s bathroom, one of these options should be the perfect fit. 

The HBTower step stool combines strength, safety, and convenience in a compact design. With an impressively high weight limit of 500 pounds, this sturdy step stool can support most users—plus their tools. Its strength comes from its alloy-steel frame, which is paired with large rubber-padded feet that keep it safely in place.

The HBTower step stool with two steps was easy to carry and tall enough for most household tasks. The padded top rail provided a soft and comfortable grip, even when we pulled it straight from a bitterly cold garage for testing. Though the step treads are textured for slip resistance, we do wish they were rubber instead of molded plastic for extra traction in wet conditions. When not in use, it folds nearly flat to only 1.6 inches deep, making it simple to store in tight spaces.

What our tester says: “The HBTower is rock solid. It didn’t budge when I leaned to the sides or even when I jumped.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the HBTower step stool at Amazon.

The Rubbermaid 1-Step Plastic Step Stool is a budget-friendly choice for anyone who needs a little extra height for everyday tasks. Its simple, no-frills design makes it easy to grab for reaching a bit further into cabinets, closets, or pantry shelves, and its barely over 2-pound weight is convenient to move from room to room. The surface is lightly textured for safety, and there are small skid-resistant pads on each of the legs.

As a parent, I totally envision this as a kids’ step stool for daily tasks like washing hands, brushing teeth, or reaching a counter, but I have to admit I’ve taken to leaving ours in front of set of storage racks in our garage so I can grab paper towels and other supplies off the top shelf. Its no-frills design doesn’t have the height and handrail you’d get with a folding step ladder, but its small size and durable construction make it great for ongoing use. In fact, I still have a similar version my dad gave me when I moved into my first apartment decades ago. 

Get the Rubbermaid 1-step step stool (various colors) at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot (2-pack).

 

In our tests, the Rubbermaid 2-Step Stool proved reliable and easy to use. At 10.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry, and with safety features like a nonslip top rail and stable rubber feet, it doesn’t shift, even on slick floors. It has a locking mechanism that keeps it secure when open, yet it’s easy to fold via a small latch on the back.

Featuring a metal step stool frame, this model combines sturdiness and portability. The large textured steps provided solid footing, and the oversized top step allowed us to stand comfortably with both feet and turn from side to side without wobbling. While it supports up to 225 pounds, that’s less than several other stools we tested, and it may not be enough for some users. Also, it does tip a bit if you lean too far to the sides, though the solution is simple: Get off, move it over, and then get back on for added safety. 

Get the Rubbermaid two-step step stool at Amazon.

Earning our award for the best three-step step stool, this model from Little Giant Ladders  features a 26-inch top-step height, making it a smart choice for anyone who needs a good amount of height in a compact design. During testing, this pick was incredibly easy to climb, even when our hands were full of tools and paint cans. The steps’ nonslip surface and broad leg design created reliable stability and support, and the stool didn’t wobble at all as we climbed, jumped, and leaned to the sides. 

Since safety features become increasingly essential as you climb higher, this step ladder comes with an adjustable safety handrail that raises and lowers to suit specific tasks as well as an integrated tray that holds small tools. When your work is complete, it folds flat for storage, though it’s rather bulky and may fit better in a garage, storage shed, or basement than an indoor closet.

Get the Little Giant Ladders step stool at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.

Whether you’re talking about adhesives or ladders, Gorilla is known for heavy-duty products that are built to last. And as a hybrid stool and project ladder, this 3-step pro-grade step stool with handle is no different. With its wide, oversized top platform (15 inches long by 12 inches deep), reinforced nonslip steps, and nonmarring feet, it feels remarkably secure whether you’re painting, changing light fixtures, or organizing garage shelves. The steel construction and 300-pound duty rating make it clear it’s built to be more than just a basic household step stool.

While we were impressed with this Gorilla step stool right away—especially the folding project tray, which is the perfect place to put supplies while working overhead—its 18-pound weight makes it feel more like getting out a ladder for real work versus grabbing a quick boost for something simple. That said, it’s still a relatively lightweight step ladder​, and since it folds down to a slim 3-inch profile, we were able to fit it alongside jackets in our front closet for easy indoor storage. In the mere days it’s been there, we’ve already hauled it up the stairs twice to change a lightbulb and silence a beeping smoke alarm, and we’re looking forward to using it to hang holiday lights as opposed to what we were relying on before. 

What our tester says: “If you’re looking for a small and simple step stool, this isn’t it. But if you need something that feels like a half-step-stool, half-ladder hybrid, look no further. Yes, there are times it may feel like a bit much, but anytime you’re DIYing or handling high-up household maintenance, you’ll be glad you have it.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Gorilla step stool at The Home Depot.  

This three-step stool serves as a good middle ground between a smaller stool and a full step ladder. It’s well suited for tasks that require extra height without the bulk of something larger and includes a handy project tray for home renovation or DIY projects.

The top step on this tall step stool sits at 29 inches, and we were able to stand, jump, and turn around on it confidently, which made it especially useful for tasks like painting overhead. It also has rubber nonmarring feet for extra stability, though it tended to tip if we leaned too far to either side. Since leaning is a no-no on most step stools and ladders, though, this isn’t a deal-breaker. This Rubbermaid would be an excellent choice in homes with ceilings higher than the traditional 8 feet.

Get the Rubbermaid three-step step stool at Amazon.

The MaxWorks folding step stool proved to be a sturdy and reliable assistant in our tests. This small step stool was suitable for several just-out-of-reach needs, such as hanging pictures and painting at the top of standard 8-foot walls. Despite its compact size, it didn’t wobble, even when we jumped on it. Its nomarring rubber feet kept it steady on slick floors, and it weighs a mere 3.5 pounds and has folding legs as well as a built-in carry strap that made transport and storage simple. While it lacks a handle, users confident in stepping up will find this step stool ideal for painting, drywall taping, and other home and jobsite tasks.

Get the MaxWorks step stool at Amazon. 

The Cramer Kik-Step heavy-duty step stool is instantly recognizable for its distinctive round shape and rolling design. The design is simple but ingenious—spring-mounted castor wheels on the underside of the stool allow it to roll easily until weight—up to 350 pounds—is exerted on the top. When that happens, the upper part of this nonslip step stool lowers to the floor, providing a sturdy base on which to stand or sit. Though getting comfortable with this rolling step stool took a bit of practice during testing, we ended up loving this model for tasks needing frequent repositioning.

It has wraparound bumpers that protect nearby walls, furniture, and the stool itself. But since it doesn’t have a handrail, you’ll want to be confident in your ability to step up and down without holding on to something for support. It also doesn’t fold, so you’ll need storage space at least as large as its widest point—14.5 inches.

Get the Cramer step stool (various colors) at Amazon, Wayfair, or Walmart.

If you need a two-step stool that practically disappears when you aren’t using it, this ultra-slim folding model from AmeriHome is tough to beat. At just 1.75 inches deep when closed, it slips into places most ladders could never dream of—beside the fridge, behind a laundry room door, or tucked into a narrow hall closet. Despite its lightweight aluminum frame, its 330-pound weight capacity, wide footprint, and textured metal steps feel remarkably sturdy.

As much as I’ve loved using the AmeriHome as a kitchen step stool during testing, the 18-inch-high top step combined with the lack of a handrail may not be the right combination for some. However, our 90s kitchen is very small compared to what you’d find in more modern houses, and having this collapsible step stool on hand to reach the back of our corner cabinet has solved a problem I’ve had for years. The slim metal frame even looks clean enough that I can’t say I always bother putting it totally away.

Get the AmeriHome step stool at The Home Depot, Walmart, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Unlike traditional step stools that prioritize utility over aesthetics, this two-step wooden step stool makes an attractive addition to any room. We tested it in the oak finish, which blended very well with our oak trim, but it also comes in chestnut, cherry, and driftwood.

With a 375-pound weight limit and a 15-inch top step height, this pick is sturdy as well as stylish. Pads on the base reduce sliding and protect floors from scratches, and we found the lower step very stable—though it’s essential to use caution when standing on the top step. There’s no handle or mechanism to keep it from tipping forward, so we felt safest when it was up against a cabinet or wall. 

Get the Lark Manor step stool at Wayfair. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Step Stools 

Step stools are not complicated accessories, but quality and safety can vary from model to model. To choose options for testing, we carefully researched almost three dozen step stools, focusing on high customer satisfaction, ease of use, safety features like locking mechanisms, and quality materials. We also looked for step stools in a variety of categories and price ranges. 

After choosing 10 step stools for testing, we set each one up and got to work. We began by noting how easy or difficult they were to open and close before climbing on them, carrying them around, sticking them in closets, and even jumping on them to test their sturdiness. If they had extras like nonmarring feet, project trays, or safety handrails, we evaluated those as well.

Once our work was complete, we awarded points based on a rubric. The better a step stool did on a test, the more points it received. We then averaged the points and noted where each model excelled to help determine its best use. 

Our Testing Scores

FAQs

Step stools are handy to have around the house for everyday tasks. But if you’re a first-time buyer—or just haven’t given them much thought—you may have a few more questions, including whether a step stool is even the right type of ladder for a specific task. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions about choosing and using a step stool. 

Q. What is the maximum height of a step stool?

According to OSHA guidelines, a step stool should not exceed 32 inches in height. For bigger jobs, it’s best to be safe and invest in one of the best full-size ladders.

Q. Can I stand on top of a step stool?

Whether you can stand on top of a step stool depends on its design and height. While short step stools are typically made to support standing on the top step, that’s not always the case for taller models. As with standard and telescoping ladders, the highest safe step will be marked, and you shouldn’t stand higher than that step.

Q. How do you keep a step stool from sliding?

To keep a step stool from sliding, use one with nonslip rubber feet. Be sure to place it on a flat, dry surface, and avoid leaning over. 

Meet the Testers

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last. 

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Jasmine Harding.

 

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