Best Saw Horses 2023 Review. Small saw horses

Make Carpentry Effortless With the Best Saw Horses

No matter what sort of carpentry project you are working on, a saw horse is the handiest and most functional tool of all time! It is not just like any basic wood-cutting equipment. In fact, having the best saw horse in 2023 provides you with a proper, full-fledged workstation to perform your tasks conveniently.

The best saw horse will not only make everything accessible to you but will allow you to adjust the height of your workstation according to your preferences as well. over, you will be able to finish your work faster than other standard and traditional wood cutting tools like axes, hand saws, and blades. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist carpenter, buying the best saw horse would be the best thing you will give yourself!

Best Saw Horse In 2023|| Top 7 Best Saw Horse- Reviews|| Best Saw Horse On Amazon

So, thinking about buying the best saw horse and not sure where to start? We know that there are hundreds of saw horses available in the market, and finding the best one can be a tedious task. Below, we are sharing our top 5 recommendations for the best saw horses to choose from, along with a detailed and comprehensive buying guide for you to make a smooth and convenient purchase, Keep Reading, you won’t regret it!

Best Saw Horses Buying Guide

Now that you have gone through our top recommendations, it is time for some technical and more important stuff. As we said above, the market is currently flooding with numerous saw horse brands, each claiming to be the best. But in reality, not every saw horse will be the suitable one for you. There are a lot of factors you need to consider before finally making the purchase, to save yourself from unnecessary hassle in the future. Want to know about those factors? Keep Reading!

Buying Considerations for Best Saw Horse

Here are a few important factors that you should always consider before buying the best saw horse. Also, all these considerations will be related to your personal preferences and needs.

Weight capacity

The first and foremost thing to consider before buying the best saw horse is its weight capacity. Will it be able to support the weight of the wooden planks you are planning to cut or not? Because some saw horses are made for simple and household uses. While on the other hand, some are designed for heavy-duty and professional job site use, and the weight capacity for each is different. Therefore, identify your use and needs first, and then purchase the saw horse with the required capacity.

Material

The next important thing to consider is the material your saw horse is made of. Saw horses consist of different materials; plastic, wood, or metal. You just need to figure out which material would be more comfortable for you to work with. Also, each of the materials has its pros and cons. For example, plastic ones are lightweight but their weight capacity isn’t sufficient. Similarly, wooden saw horses have an ideal weight capacity, but they are generally very heavy to move around.

Size support

Just like the weight, saw horses can not support every size of wooden planks as well. Every saw horse has its own size, support and capacity. Some can only have a 2 x 4 wooden plank while some can support a 4 x 4 one. So, make sure to properly check the size support of the saw horse you are going to buy, or whether it is going to fulfill your requirements or not.

Design, durability build

Next, make sure to keep a keen eye on the design, build, and durability of the saw horse you are planning to buy. Trust me; a low-quality saw horse would give you nothing but loads of inconvenience and hassle. While on the other hand, a durable saw horse with a high-quality build will give you years and years of satisfaction! You can complete your heavy duty tasks with a tension free mind when you have a reliable tool. So, keep in mind; never compromise on the quality!

Also check for folding sawhorses that makes them highly portable.

Price range

Lastly, it is important to consider your budget before spending your money on the best sawhorse. Most of the units on our list are budget-friendly and would be able to perform most of the basic tasks. Also, we have some high-end options as well for use in professional heavy duty tasks. However, in the end, it is essential to purchase while staying within your budget. over, don’t let the expensive price tags fool you. Sometimes things with lower price tags work better than the higher ones! Also keep an eye for those special offers where you can get more at half the rates.

Features To Consider When Choosing a Saw Horse

Now that we are done with the buying considerations, let us go through some additional and beneficial features you should always look for while buying the best saw horse in 2021. Trust me; these features will work as a cherry on top!

Foldable

Always make sure to look for a saw horse that has a foldable design to ensure maximum convenience and comfort for yourself. This way, it will be easy for you to transport the saw horse from one place to another. Not to forget, storing a foldable saw horse would be relatively easier than the standard designs.

Height adjustment

Height adjustment is one of the most important, beneficial, and versatile features you should always look for in a saw horse. With the help of this feature, you will be able to move the height of the saw horse according to your own. Different types of carpentry projects need different types of height levels to work, and the handiest thing in this scenario is the best saw horse with customized height adjustments.

Built-in storage space

Storage space is not a very important feature and it does not affect the functionality of a saw horse. But still, if you can spend a few extra bucks, it will give you nothing but utmost convenience! Some saw horses have an in built sturdy shelf or table sort of storage space under them. This storage space helps you to put the essential tools and equipment right next to you during the projects. Again, having a saw horse with storage space isn’t essential, but it would not hurt either.

If you are looking for some tips when setting up your saw horses, the video from ‘The Honest Carpenter’ will surely be helpful.

Conclusion

Now that you have gone through the whole, long guide, we hope you are all ready to buy the best saw horse for yourself. We are recommending all the products after thorough research and testing, so you can rest assured about their quality and functionality. Just make sure to consider all your needs and requirements before making the purchase!

So, which one did you choose? Do not forget to share your experience in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below. We would love to hear back from you!

Best Saw Horses [2023 Review]

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If you are an experienced woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, chances are you regularly require a stable platform like a table to work on. Though the tables provide ideal workspaces, you cannot carry them to various job sites as they’re too bulky.

On the other hand, saw horses offer a world of high-performance, safety, ease of use, and convenience. Using them requires less time and effort. They are much better than the wobbly, unsafe, and bulky tables.

• Saw Horse Reviews

• DeWALT DWX725
• ToughBuilt TB-C550
• Stanley 060864R
• 2x4basics 90196

• Height
• Durability and Sturdiness
• Material
• Ease of Use
• Performance
• Size
• Weight
• Folding Saw Horses
• Storage Space
• Portability
• Investment
• Warranty

Saw Horse Reviews

We are going to review the best saw horses on the market to help you choose the right model.

DeWALT DWX725

DeWALT is an industry leader that keeps releasing high-performance, durable, and user-friendly products. The DeWALT DWX725 saw horse​ has a compact and lightweight design. This design does not present any challenges when storing or transporting the product.

With these saw horses at your disposal, those demanding and tough cutting projects can no longer be an issue. Construction of the model is of high-quality.

The aluminum used is rust and corrosion-resistant. This means you can use it in multiple settings comfortably irrespective of the different weather conditions. Its design optimizes it for difficult tasks.

Apart from the miter saw mount, the DWX725 boast of 1000 pounds load-carrying capacity in spite of it being compact and lightweight. These come with folding legs that you can easily lock in position to offer stability when working.

Due to the high-quality construction, the unit won’t break, collapse, or wobble when holding the maximum load weight. The robust legs offer reliable traction that guides against unexpected slippage.

Therefore, you will be safe no matter what surface texture you intend to work on. The design is meant to give you confidence and peace of mind you need while working in any setting with the DeWALT saw horses.

Setting up the unit takes a short time since the entire process is straightforward. To make the process much easier, you can use the lock levers located on the legs to reduce the time.

The same applies to collapsing the saw horses between or after use. The compact design makes folding the unit after use hassle-free. It occupies a small amount of space when fully collapsed. This also allows you to carry it to various job sites with ease.

The 15 pound unit is perfect for DIYers and professionals looking for a user-friendly, inexpensive, well-designed, and durable tool. The unit has a 3-year warranty.

What We Like

• Compact and lightweight design
• Easy to transport and store
• Straightforward and easy setup
• Stable, rigid and easy to fold legs
• Impressive weight capacity

What We Don’t Like

• Compact design of DeWALT miter saw stand allows easy transport and storage
• 1000lb capacity (each) of DeWALT miter saw stand handles the toughest jobs
• Lightweight aluminum construction (15.4 lbs.) allows for easy transport to and from the jobsite
• Legs provide superior support and fold for easy storage

ToughBuilt TB-C550

The ​ToughBuilt TB-C550 saw horses have some of the best convenience features and performance. They offer seamless completion of various cutting projects around the woodshop.

You can rely on its heavy-duty design to provide consistent performance that is necessary for handling demanding jobs. Despite their little weight of 13 pounds each, they can support heavy weights of up to 2200 pounds comfortably.

The pair is a bit expensive. Their high-performance, ease of use, durability, and versatility compensates for it though. If you are concerned about striking features, it is equipped with plenty of them.

When it comes to the quality of design, it is made of steel. This enables it to accommodate most weight loads easily that DIYers and professionals handle frequently.

The durable and rugged design of the ToughBuilt saw horses offers you unmatched value. The design makes the pair perform different tasks without them squeaking or breaking.

The high load capacity is attributed to its robust construction with high-grade steel. The unit is rust and corrosion-resistant to ensure it stands up to the rigorous nature of cutting various materials.

The TB-C 550 saw horses come with a non-slip rubberized material to enhance stability on various surfaces. The legs will prevent wobbling, regardless of the surface you are working on.

The legs fold and open quickly. This makes it easy to store or transport from one project site to another. The pair is equipped with a convenient handle to make carrying the unit a breeze.

The pair also ensures safety and comfort since the edges are rolled and will not tear your clothes or stab you while carrying the unit in your hands. Other remarkable features include the comfortable work surface that safely and securely holds your material in place.

The support arms included convert quickly the two saw horses into a steady and robust job site table. Thus, there is no need to look for other tools to offer support. Also, the feet have pivoting capabilities that further enhance portability.

If you are looking for safe, reliable, and efficient saw horses to use at home and in your workshop, opt for this option. It is also ideal for professionals and DIYers looking for a durable, versatile, and easy to use model.

What We Like

• Rust and corrosion-resistant
• Spacious work surface
• Frame unfolds and folds quickly
• Can support a weight load of up to 2200 pounds
• Easy to transport and store
• Lightweight and compact

What We Don’t Like

• HEAVY DUTY FOLDING SAWHORSE — Constructed from 100 percent high-grade steel, this sawhorse is.
• CREATE A STURDY JOBSITE TABLE — Durable sawhorse has 2 x 4 support arms, when deployed transform.
• FOLDS TO AN EASY CARRY SIZE — Strong steel legs fold into a convenient collapsible size.
• U.S.A QUALITY CONTROL —Designed, engineered, tested, and inspected in the USA to ensure high.

Stanley 060864R

Stanley is a top brand for different construction tools. The Stanley 060864R saw horse is one of their flagship models. It is an exceptional product that is perfect for carrying out a variety of applications both at the commercial and domestic level, including sawing, construction, and remodeling.

Its compact and lightweight design makes transporting this model hassle-free. With its non-slip working surface, you are assured of superior working experience.

The saw horses also come with two integrated v-grooves and a rugged and study tray connection. This holds materials in position securely for cutting. The v-grooves also prevent it from collapsing due to heavy weight.

The frames of the saw horses are constructed with long-lasting, high-quality materials. They are aesthetically appealing and well-balanced.

The rubberized non-slip ends on the feet are for increased traction on various floor surfaces, whether smooth or textured. This ensures stability while you work. The design also means you can use the saw horses on rough and uneven terrains without wobbling, which helps prevent precision problems.

The product’s foldable design, coupled with its compact and lightweight design makes storage and transportation quick. Also, you won’t have to cope with unbearable weight as the saw horses weigh 12.5 pounds.

The 060864R saw horses are prone to corrosion and rust due to the commercial-grade plastic used in their construction. It can support up to 1000 pounds of load capacity. The weight might not seem like much. However, it is more than what most enthusiastic DIYers or professionals will need.

The weight makes them perfect for performing lightweight to heavy-duty tasks comfortably, quickly, and easily. The included onboard multi-purpose side hanger is another remarkable feature worth mentioning to help you make the right choice.

Apart from helping you store compact tools you might misplace easily, the side handles will allow you to secure flexible tools while you work.

Overall, the construction and design of these saw horses are meant to offer you an unmatched experience. Whether you are a professional or DIY growing your tools collection, consider getting this model.

What We Like

• 1000 pounds load capacity
• Side hangers for holding cables securely
• Heavy-duty construction
• Convenient trays for storing tools
• V-grooves for securing wood

What We Don’t Like

• The folding sawhorse has 1,000 lbs. weight capacity per pair
• The sawhorse desk has 31-inch height for comfortable working
• The adjustable sawhorse comes with a multi-purpose side hangers for storage of accessories
• Strong tray connection helps prevent sawhorse from collapsing under heavy load

Introduction – Plans – Materials list

Introduction.

A good solid sawhorse. The sawhorse in this project is very similar to a couple that I’ve had around for so long, I can’t really remember when I first made them. One thing is for sure, they’ve had to put up with a lot of punishment and they’ve really stood the test of time.

Even though making of this sawhorse requires the odd compound angle cut (a bevel cut across the width as well as the thickness of a piece of wood), it can be built without the use of any power tools whatsoever

The measurements.

The measurements throughout this project are given in both Standard (inches) and Metric (mm). The standard measurements are best suited to North America and the Metric measurements are best suited to Australasia and other countries.The inch sizes given in this project do not convert exactly to their corresponding metric (mm) equivalents, so use one or the other.

Directly below are the plan drawings.Under the drawings is the materials list.

The instructions, with pictures included, are on successive pages.

Best Saw Horse In 2023. Top 10 Saw Horses Review

You will need…

• For the top – I piece of 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ (140mm x 45mm) wood 44″ (1000mm) long.
• For the legs- 4 pieces of 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ (90mm x 45mm) wood 27″ (675mm) long.
• For the braces – 2 piece of 3/4″ (18mm) thick plywood at least 6″ (150mm) wide x 24″ (600mm) long.
• And – 24 galvanized flat-head nails 2 1/2″ (60mm) long.

The angles and the legs

Step 1. Cut all the pieces to rough length

Acquire or cut all the pieces to the lengths given in the materials list on page one.

The pieces will require further cutting and you will need to work with two angles: 14° and 20°.

Below explains how to find both a 14° and a 20° angle.

Step 2. Finding the angles

Make an angle template by marking the required angles on a work tabletop or square panel.

To find a 20° angle, measure 1 unit across and 2 3/4 units down (as per diagram).

Note: A unit can be any measurement. For example: if you make each unit 4 inches, then measure four inches (1 unit) across and 11 inches (2 3/4 units) down to make a 20° angle.

To find a 14° angle, measure 1 unit across and 4 units down (as per diagram).

Note: Once again a unit can be anything. If your unit is four inches, it would be 4 inches (1 unit) across and 16 inches (4 units) down to make a 14° angle.

You have now made a template for a 14° angle and a 20° angle.Set the bevel gauge to the required angle when needed.

Step 3. Mark and cut the tops of the legs

Clamp one of the legs on its edge to a sawhorse and commence to mark the angle cut at the top of the leg.

Measure 1″ (25mm) across and 2 3/4″ (68mm) down. (See diagram.)

Square down off each end of the line to complete the cutting line. (See picture.)

Cut along the cutting line with a handsaw.

Step 4. Mark and cut the bottoms of the legs

Lay a pair of legs back to back on a sawhorse, i.e. in mirror fashion. (See picture.)

Measure 25 1/2″ (637mm) along the top of the legs from point a and make a mark which will be point b. See the drawing below.

From point b, use a bevel gauge to mark a 20° cut line inwards across the edge of both pieces and to mark a 14° cut line inwards across the face of both pieces.

Then clamp one of the pieces to a sawhorse and cut along the lines with a handsaw. See picture.

The cut is a ‘compound bevel cut’ which means that you are cutting a bevel cut across the width as well as the thickness of the wood.

The sawhorse top

Step 5. Mark the sawhorse top for rebating

You will need to make four rebates (check-outs, notches) in the sawhorse top to house the tops of the legs.

Refer the pictures on the right to help clarify the instructions.

Measure 5″(125mm) in from each end a to point b and then mark a 14° bevel line across the edge. See fig.1.

Do the same to both ends of both sides (four in all).

Next mark the width of the ‘cut-out’ area which will be the same width as a leg.

Use a leg as a template. Hold a leg against one of the bevel lines at point b and with a pencil, mark along the opposite edge of the leg. See fig.2.

Mark the ‘cut-out’ depth which will be 3/4″ (20mm). See fig.3.

Step 6. Rebate the top to house the legs

Make multiple saw cuts across the ‘cut-out’ area down to the marked cutting depth which is 3/4″ (20mm).

Three or four cuts across each cutting area should be enough for straight grain wood, but if the wood is a bit knotty then make more cuts.

The more cuts you do, the easier it will be to chisel out the rebate.

Next lay the sawhorse top on its flat end and commence chiseling along the depth line.Do not go too deep initially.Chisel in a little bit one side, then turn the sawhorse top over and chisel in a little bit on the other side. Turn the top over again and chisel a bit deeper and so on and so on, until the chips of wood fall out and the ‘cut-out’ area is clean.

Final assembly and braces

Step 7. Fix the legs to the sawhorse top

Place the top of a leg into the rebate in the sawhorse top.(See far left picture above.)

Align the top of the leg so that its innermost point is flush with the sawhorse top.

Then nail it in place with three galvanized flat-head nails 2 1/2″ (60mm) long.

Step 8. Brace the legs and trim the jut-outs.

Cut two braces from (18mm) thick plywood.

Make the tops of the two braces 7 3/8″ (190mm) long.

Mark the sides running out 20° off square, then cut. See top-right picture.

Fit each brace at the top of the legs hard up to the underside of the sawhorse top.

Fix the braces to the legs with three galvanized flat-head nails 2 1/2″ (60mm) long each side.

Finally, lay the sawhorse on its side and cut off the tops of the legs protruding past the sawhorse top.

Les Kenny

Buildeazy.com started as a hobby for Les Kenny over eight years ago when he decided he would share his successful DIY projects with the wider world, putting them up online for anyone to access.

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Hello. I made a pair of these saw horses last summer. using your plans.I used tanalised timber – 95 x 45 for the legs, 145 x 45 for the tops and 18mm ply for the ends. 75mm ring nails to attach the legs. 50mm ring nails for the ends and lots of P/U glue.They are very sturdy. you can stand right on the ends and they will not tip.I made a pair of saw horses years ago but did’nt splay the legs in both directions (probably put off by the compound mitres) – Don’t go down this route, these are a lot sturdier and more stable.( Traditional designs always work the best).Very easy to make if you own a compound mitre saw. (for the leg cuts and the cutouts).I glued and nailed the legs on a flat bit of concrete, then put a concrete block on top while the glue set overnight, (in case the legs were a bit out) ,trimmed and cleaned them up the next day. Turned out alright.Edmund

Attached is a photo of sawhorses made according to your plans. I used screws for extra care.cheers.Andrew Legun

Hi, after looking around for a simple, easy to follow plan for a saw horse, I was really happy to finally find your plans online. This was a fun and easy weekend project. The saw horses will be used while painting my sailing dinghy this summer.I used off-cuts from scrap timber so the only cost was the hard ware. So thanks! Ps they came out 100% level with no last minute adjustments! Legend! Cheers.Alistair Walling, Auck. NZ

Hello I followed your plans but for the top laminated to 90×45 and stood them upright and made it 1200mm long they were level when finished no tweaking needed very heavy duty and will last a lifetime thank you so much from Australia

Thank you for putting this out there. Simple, clear instructions. Everything worked perfectly. I made two in an afternoon and used up some offcuts from our house extension.

Hello from N.Z.I use tanalized timber as per the list of “ you will need “ required to build these saw horses.My mitre saw was set up ( using clamps to position the leg) to cut the 20 deg cuts at the top of the legs and Also for the compound cuts at the bottom of the legs.I followed the instructions throughout the build …. with two additions:1. I attached the legs with 70 mm Square drive wood screws.2. Attached 3 legs and ensured all was level before Screwing / attaching the 4 th leg.The end result is A strong solid set of saw horses. Now making a second set.Thank you for making the instructions available to all.Cheers Ken

Nice design. People need to know, though, that this is not a project for novices. It takes a pretty high level of manual skill in the use of hand tools. If you don’t have a chop saw or a compound mitre saw, you are in for a lot of sawing. Especially so given that you generally need two sawhorses. So you’re going to be cutting eight legs multiple times.

Another thing: I think the legs need to be longer. 27” makes for a very low sawhorse unless you are not tall. I’m only 5’11” and I will have backache if I work on these for any length of time. I will probably make another longer set of legs, which is why I haven’t glued the first set.

Tips: I used a cordless Sawzall with a fine-tooth blade (hacksaw blade works fine) to cut the angles on the tops of the legs (a radial arm saw won’t make angles that fine) and to make the first angled edge cuts for the rebating.

Also, I didn’t use the multiple cut and chisel method for cleaning out the rebates. I just used a router to clear a portion wide enough for the Sawzall to get in, then used it to make a horizontal cut to left and right to clean out the entire rebate. It made a clean job and saved a lot of time.

Hi, I like the design of your sawhorse, my only concern is that it is too low. If I make the height 30 in, will the bevel and compound cuts remains the same? Thanks

It’d be great if someone could answer this, and give updated measurements and angles for a taller unit.come on guys… who can do this??

thanks! looks like easy to follow plans, except for one thing – I don’t have a sawhorse to work on!Looks like a chicken or the egg thing, but I do have a bench so it shouldn’t be a problem.

For those with thoughts of gluing and screwing: Don’t. A sawhorse is meant to be used in various locations, including uneven surfaces. This implies movement, which must be allowed for. A sawhorse is not a table. By simply nailing it together there will be enough ‘give’ to allow the sawhorse to ‘settle’ on uneven ground.

Start with a length of timber sufficient to cut all four legs. Then each top cut will become the bottom cut for the next leg. This reduces the number of cuts by 50%.

With regard the dimensions of the legs and top: I find 4 x 2 good for tops and 2 x 2 good for legs. Those sizes are easier to get and cheaper. Legs can be longer if desired but not above 30″ (75cms)

Plastic Folding Sawhorse

Although our plastic folding sawhorse is inexpensive and light, it supports an amazing amount of weight. The support ribs were designed with the latest CAD software for maximum strength. It holds twice the weight of most other brands of plastic sawhorses.

This pair of plastic sawhorses is rated to hold up to 1000 pounds. But one of our vendors tested them and found out they could hold almost 1500 lbs. of steel before they failed! (We do not recommend you try this).

A total of 776 user reviews from one vendor rated our plastic folding saw horses at 4.5 stars out of 5, and 94% of the reviewers said they would recommend this product. Perfect for most jobs, these sturdy plastic sawhorses are lightweight and easy to carry.

Plastic Folding Sawhorse Benefits:

Not sold individually. The minimum order is one pallet containing 72 sawhorses (36 pairs). Please contact us for pricing.

Features

The handy cord hooks molded into both sides of each plastic sawhorse provide an easy way to hang your electrical cords. This stops a potential trip hazard by keeping them off the floor and out of the way.

The top rails on our plastic folding saw horses have anti-skid rubber pads on them. This helps to stop sheets of wood from sliding around when sawing or working on them.

One more helpful feature is the tool shelf that unfolds when opening the saw horse. The shelf thus makes a handy place to put your tools.

The legs on our plastic folding sawhorses have wide rubber feet on the bottom. When the saw horses are placed on a smooth floor, the rubber pads grip the floor and stops the sawhorse from sliding.

Another advantage of our plastic folding sawhorses is the slots in the top rails. When two 2 x 4 studs are placed on edge into the slots on both sawhorses, you can cut plywood without damaging the saw horses. The slots also provide a way to convert the folding saw horses into a workbench.

When our plastic folding sawhorse is folded flat, it measures only two inches thick and can be hung on a wall for easy storage.

Dealer inquiries are welcome. View the product details in the plastic folding sawhorses brochure.

We put a stable of store-bought sawhorses through their paces to learn which ones work best on the job site.

Synopsis: Senior editor Patrick McCombe ordered 13 of the best-selling sawhorses from popular online retailers. He ended up with two setups—fold-flat and fold-up—and tested both groups by loading them with PT lumber, setting them up on uneven ground, and cutting both sawn lumber and panel products. Patrick lists the pros and cons of each sawhorse—noting that the ability to add a sacrificial top and height-adjustable legs are two of his personal preferences—and names two noteworthy products “Best Overall” in each category.

Like every carpenter who’s been at it long enough, I own or have tried several sets of commercially made sawhorses. I’ve also used homemade wooden horses quite a bit. The problem with site-built horses is that they’re heavy and big. I just don’t have the room in my truck or shop for a set of nonfolding horses, so when former editorial director Justin Fink asked me about my interest in testing commercially made sawhorses, I was intrigued.

When I started digging into what’s available, I found a surprising number of different designs, weight ratings, and degrees of compactness. The lockdown in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 brought a unique challenge to my test—since I couldn’t go out shopping, I ordered the best-selling folding sawhorses on the Lowes, Home Depot, and Amazon websites. I ended up with 13 sawhorses, in two types of setups—fold-flat and fold-up. Both have their pros and cons, and which to use depends on what you’re doing and your budget. In more than 20 years of testing tools, I can’t think of a tool category with a greater diversity of products with such different features and attributes.

I was a little hesitant about this particular tool test because sawhorses are such a personal choice. Different users value different attributes. I routinely use sawhorses for rips on panel products, so I need the ability to add sacrificial lumber to the top of the horse. I also prefer adjustable-leg models because they can be made taller than fixed-leg versions (which are usually around 32 in. tall). I tested each of the various setups the same way: I loaded them with PT lumber, set them up on soggy, uneven ground, and cut both sawn lumber and panel products. and weight ratings are based on a pair of sawhorses, and all measurements are my own.

Fold-flat sawhorses

Fold-flat sawhorses are light, reasonably compact, and great for light-duty tasks like painting or trimming a door. They fold up easily and slim down to about 2 in., so you can tuck them into small spaces. The DeWALT and Ridgid models have adjustable steel legs, greatly increasing their utility and load rating. All the flat-fold horses I tested have plastic feet, so they won’t mar wood or laminate floors or leave rust stains on concrete. Only Ridgid’s Lumberjack has provisions for a sacrificial top.

Best overall: Ridgid Lumberjack

This is the best fold-flat sawhorse I tested. My favorite feature is the replaceable 2×4 top rail that makes it easy to rip panel products and fasten jigs. I also like that you can clamp along its entire length and you can make the top larger by screwing another board on top. This horse also has the best shelf. It’s sturdy, and small parts don’t fall through. Another great feature is the leg adjustment—you don’t have to pull a release to raise the legs; just step on the feet and pull the horse up and they extend. Lowering the horse is simple: The orange handles under the tray act as a release on each side. Combine these features and the weight capacity, and the Ridgid is an easy choice for Best Overall.

DeWALT DWST11031

This was my second favorite fold-flat sawhorse. It has adjustable steel legs and a sturdy shelf with only a pair of holes, so stuff is less likely to fall through. Like nearly all the other fold-flat sawhorses, you can’t mount a sacrificial board to its top. And unfortunately, you have to squeeze the release and adjust each leg individually. I’ve had a set of these for several years. They work fine and have held up well.

Kobalt 514691

The Kobalt and Stanley fold-flat sawhorses are nearly identical. The slope-sided design limits where you can use quickadjusting bar clamps to the part of the top that overhangs the legs. Without adjustable legs, they are also too short for me to work at a comfortable height. Unfortunately, the two halves on one of the Kobalt horses were misaligned, so I couldn’t get a 2x in the slots that are supposed to be made for them.

Stanley 060864R

Like the Kobalt sawhorse, Stanley’s fold-flat horses are made entirely of plastic. I worried both would be flimsy, but each set held a large stack of wet pressure-treated lumber with no ill effects. Each horse has six hooks—four for hanging tools and two down-facing hooks for wrapping cords—but none are big enough to be of much use. My worm drive’s handle doesn’t fit over the tool hooks, for example.

Worx WX065

Weight per horse: 8 lb. (with clamp)

Sometimes things look better online than they do in person. The big selling point with these horses is the quick-adjusting bar clamp on the top rail. The two halves of the horse lock the clamps in place when you fully open the horse—which means they also fall off when you fold the horse. The clamps are flimsy and the mechanism gets bound when they’re attached. Except for the clamps, these are similar to the Kobalt and Stanley horses, but cost 30 more per pair.

Fold-up sawhorses

With one exception, fold-up sawhorses have legs that fold into or under the body of the horse. When folded, it makes for a very portable package. Unlike the fold-flat variety, which are mostly plastic, these horses are made of steel, so generally they’re bigger, heavier, and have higher weight ratings than the fold-flat variety. Some have telescopic legs, and most can be used with clamps if you add a 2×6 or wider piece of sacrificial stock. The Trojan horses don’t fit in their own housings—they don’t have them—but they’re practical, tough, and equally compact.

Best overall: Trojan TS-35

Length: determined by 2x top

Folded dimensions: 5 in. by 5 in. by 36 in.

I’ve seen these horses on job sites for 25 years. Everyone I’ve met who’s owned a set talks about their commonsense design, unsurpassed capacity, and durability measured in decades. They’re also extremely portable when folded and their length is only limited by the length of 2x stock for the top. They’re likely overkill for a hobbyist, but they’re perfect for pros who want tough everyday horses that work without drama. Just make sure to work the spreaders with your foot or risk losing a finger. Even with the caveats, this is the sawhorse you won’t break or outgrow.

Bora Portamate Speedhorse

Folded dimensions: 3x6x45 in.

The Speedhorse has “quickdeploy” technology—you pull a side-mounted catch with a couple fingers and the legs drop out of the body, which is pretty cool. The top is predrilled for a sacrificial board, and it has notches on both ends to receive 2x stock. The legs conveniently fold into the body in any order, but they’re not height adjustable.

DeWALT DWST11155

Folded dimensions: 5x5x44 in.

This is the sawhorse reinvented. Light and strong, the top is made from rectangular tubing. The design allows you to clamp almost anywhere along its length and a “V” on both ends allow you to hold pipe, tubing, and round stock. There are even latches on the ends for connecting the horses when folded, so you can carry a pair one-handed.

Ebco SS-29

Folded dimensions: 7x6x31 in.

Made from galvanized sheet steel, the Ebco has edges sharp enough to warrant a warning sticker in two locations on every horse. It’s a design I first used over 25 years ago and am happy to have abandoned. On the plus side, the top is predrilled for a sacrificial top, but the legs aren’t height adjustable and the whole package is rickety.

FORUP

Folded dimensions: 3x4x39 in.

I was intrigued by these horses because of their super-small size when folded and their low price. Stay away—that’s all they’ve got. If you try to slide them when they’re open, the spreaders holding the legs are jostled out of place and the legs fold up as you’re dragging. To add to the disappointment, some of the bolts were left loose at the factory.

Kobalt 81330

Folded dimensions: 3x6x36 in.

Remodeler Andrew Grace wrote about these horses in FHB #280. They have a predrilled top and height-adjustable legs, and notches on the ends receive 2x stock. They get smaller when folded than similarly designed horses in the test, but you have to fold the fully collapsed legs in the right order or they won’t fit inside the housing.

Stanley STST11154

Folded dimensions: 4x4x31 in.

If I were a carpenter traveling by mass transit, these are the sawhorses I would carry. They weigh less than any other in the test and have a minimalist design Krenov would approve of. The top is not pre-drilled and the short legs are not height-adjustable, but you can lock a pair together and carry them one-handed. But stay away if you’re tough on gear.

ToughBuilt C650

Folded dimensions: 4x6x43 in.

These are biggest and heaviest horses in the test. The top has notches on the ends that receive 2x stock and is predrilled for a sacrificial top. The telescopic legs adjust independently. You have to fold them into the housing in the right order, and two of the legs must be lowered, but the other two can be kept locked in at your preferred height.

Show us your stallions

From FineHomebuilding #294

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