The best saw horse is an indispensable part of the workshop, a quality one provides a stable workstation.
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The 4 Best Saw Horses for Woodworking and DIY Projects
Updated on Jan. 14, 2025
Every shop needs a set of saw horses. Often thought of as just a crossbeam supported by four A-frame legs, saw horses are typically used to saw boards. But with a little creativity and innovation, the best saw horse can be so much more. Some other uses include laying out and assembling projects, sanding and finishing, positioning parts for glue-ups and they can even be used as a quick, sturdy base for a work table.
“It used to be that only contractors used to have saw horses. Big heavy hand-made wood sawhorses used to set up their power tools and store construction materials off the ground,” says Vince Christofora owner of Woodstock Hardware. “Now we have lightweight plastic and metal folding saw horses that are easily stored and can be used for a wide variety of projects around the home.”
A quality saw horse provides a stable workstation and should have a sturdy frame, support the weight of your project and, depending on your needs, be portable for worksites or fold up in compact places.
“These lightweight folding saw horses that can hold 1,000+ pounds are one of the best innovations to come along,” says Christofora. “With a scrap piece of plywood, an old door, or a custom top and two saw horses you can have a table or work surface in a matter of minutes. And these versatile parts take up very little storage space.”
There are so many options on the market, that you’ll be sure to find one that is going to make your project run smoothly. Hold your (saw) horses, and have a look at the best saw horses for a range of uses.
Best Overall Saw Horse
ToughBuilt C700 Folding Saw Horse
Pros:
- Individually adjustable legs
- Slide supports pop out for extra material support
- All-steel construction
- Holds up to 1,300 pounds
- Built-in support arms for 2x4 or 4x4 lumber
Cons:
- Heavier (but sturdy) at 25 pounds per saw horse
Known for it’s rugged design, portability and versatility, the ToughBuilt saw horse supports a whopping 1,300 pounds. It’s beefy and features 100% powder-coated, zinc-plated steel construction that resists corrosion. A favorite feature is the versatility of its individually adjustable legs. You can choose your work height and work on uneven terrain by adjusting each leg separately.
The saw horse folds easily for compact storage and portability with a grip handle, and comes with fold-out pegs that lay flat when not needed. Unfold them to support and cut PVC pipe or hang tools. The slide-out end supports can be used to easily form a job site table using 2x4s or 4x4s in the supports at the end of each saw horse. The top of the ToughBuilt features sandpaper surface and comes with pre-drilled holes for securing boards.
Best Saw Horse with Adjustable Height
Kreg KWS500 Track Horse
Pros:
- Has six height positions
- Can be used as a clamping station
- Holds up to 1,100 pounds
- All-steel construction
Cons:
- On the pricier side
The Kreg track horse is no one-trick pony. It’s versatile, sturdy, space-saving and height adjustable, and it can be used as a clamping station. Its folding legs can be adjusted to six different height options and is simple to maneuver. Just press the leg extension lock and move the leg to one of the six positions to set the optimal height. Plus, it can hold up to 1,100 pounds, thanks to its all-steel construction.
The track horse can also be used for clamping a workpiece in place. It includes a Kreg bench clamp that slides into aluminum track on top of, or in the ends of, the leg brackets for vise-style clamping. Place 2x4s in the included brackets and you can create support for cutting large sheet goods and boards. Or you can change the position of the 2x4s and add a piece of 0.75-inch material to create a large workbench with built-in clamping at both ends.
On Sale
Best DIY-Build Saw Horse
Powertec Saw Horse Brackets
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
- Sturdy and solid framework
- Can build in different sizes
Cons:
- Only holds up to 500 pounds
- Wood can shrink, making a looser connection
If you’re a diehard DIYer, these heavy-duty plastic brackets from Powertec save you time in building a stout pair of saw horses. All you need are 2×4 lumber for the legs and a top piece (measuring 2×4 up to 2×12) to make a sturdy, portable assembly table or job site work table. Assembly is a breeze with pre-drilled holes and no additional hardware. When it’s all done, the Powertec brackets hold up to 500 pounds.
On Sale
Best Portable Saw Horse
Bora Portamate Speedhorse
Pros:
- Unfolds in 1.6 seconds
- Nonsequential leg folding
- Holds up to 600 pounds
- Flip-down supports to hold sheet goods
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Interior edges of legs have sharp edges
With the press of a button, this saw horse is off to the races, unfolding in 1.6 seconds! The one-hand rapid opening is ideal when you’re in a hurry, and it’s just about as quick to close it as well. Not only does it have a quick setup, but it has a convenient handle and folding legs for portability. But don’t let the slender profile fool you—this sturdy hunk of steel supports 600 pounds of weight as a pair.
A unique feature is the folding action. Have you ever folded a saw horse only to realize the legs had to be folded in a certain order? The Speedhorse has nonsequential leg folding, meaning you just pull the lever on each end and fold the legs up. It doesn’t matter which leg is folded first.
There are other premium features as well, including a non-slip pad on the top and pre-drilled holes to mount a sacrificial board. There are flip-down supports for holding sheet goods and slots on the sides to fit 2x4s for creating a quick work surface.
What to Consider When Buying a Saw Horse
Saw horses can vary from 250 pounds all the way up to 1,500 pounds of support, so consider your desired weight capacity. Will you be cutting large wood planks and logs, or do you enjoy smaller projects and painting? For lightweight saw horses (which are usually made of plastic), you can expect a weight capacity of around 300 to 500 pounds per pair. Saw horses made of steel or heavy-duty plastic typically have weight capacities ranging from 800 to 1,000 pounds. For industrial-grade saw horses, the weight capacity can go even higher, reaching 1,500 pounds per pair or more.
You can find saw horses made of plastic, metal or wood, and each come with their own pros and cons. Plastic saw horses are lightweight and portable, but have limited weight-bearing capacity. Similarly, wooden saw horses have greater weight capacity and are better for sawing, as it’s unlikely to damage your circular saw if you accidentally strike the saw horse with it (versus sawing through metal). However, it’s rare to find wooden saw horses that come with adjustable or foldable legs.
Another feature to keep in mind is a foldable design for compactness and portability. Consider whether you need a portable saw horse that you can easily carry to different job sites, or if you mainly work in a garage and need a model that folds down compactly for storage. Some saw horses offer adjustable legs, which are beneficial if you need to work on uneven surfaces or want to customize the height to your preference. If you frequently use clamps or other accessories in your work, make sure the saw horse design allows for easy attachment and usage.
How We Found the Best Saw Horses
Saw horses are invaluable workshop helpers, and choosing the best was no small task. First, I drew on years of experience as a professional woodworker and DIYer to determine the best features and the most trusted brands. I narrowed down the selection based on high customer ratings and feedback from both satisfied and critical buyers. I also considered reviews by independent testers and woodworking/home improvement experts.
To finalize my selections, I chose the best model for each category based on a variety of budgets and projects. I also took into consideration factors, such as weight capacity, height adjustment, foldability and the ability to add a work surface. Material is also important, as each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Wood can handle heavy loads but is not as foldable, metal can be durable and foldable but heavier and plastic is stackable and lightweight but not ideal for some heavy-duty projects.
