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Invaluable in the workshop or on the job site, a good set of sawhorses gets construction, woodworking, and DIY projects across the finish line. Simply a crossbeam supported by A-frame legs and used in pairs, sawhorses keep boards, planks, logs, or panels steady and at a convenient height for cutting with a manual or power saw.
Sawhorses also pinch-hit when you want to set up a makeshift worktable just about anywhere. Plus, some go beyond the basics with designs that simplify cutting firewood, painting, or clamping large objects securely. Read on to familiarize yourself with the best sawhorse features before you buy. Then check out our selection of top-rated models below.
- BEST OVERALL: TOUGHBUILT Adjustable Steel Sawhorse Jobsite Table
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Stanley 31 in. Folding Sawhorse (2-Pack)
- UPGRADE PICK: Rockwell JawHorse Sheetmaster Portable Workstation
- BEST LIGHT-DUTY: WORX WX065 Clamping Sawhorses with Bar Clamps
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: DEWALT 33 in. Folding Sawhorse with Adjustable Legs
- BEST SET: ToughBuilt Sawhorse 1100 LB Capacity 2-Pack
- BEST WORKSTATION: WORX WX051 Pegasus Work Table & Sawhorse
- MOST PORTABLE: Metabo HPT Sawhorses Folding 1200 Lb. Capacity 2-Pack
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Sawhorse
Keep in mind the following features, as well as the types of projects you’ll be working on, when scoping out sawhorses.
Material
Sawhorses come in three materials: wood, metal, and plastic.
- Wood: The traditional sawhorse material, wood comes with some advantages, such as its durability and high capacity to bear weight. It’s unlikely to damage your saw if you accidentally strike the sawhorse with it. On the other hand, less popular than it once was for a sawhorse, wood packs a lot of pounds. Rarely do manufacturers make wooden sawhorses with adjustable or foldable legs for easy storage.
- Plastic: It makes an excellent choice for those who only need a sawhorse for occasional lightweight projects, such as cutting plywood, painting, or to support a temporary worktable. Typically lightweight, most plastic sawhorses fold for easy storage. Many come with clamps or small shelves to keep supplies in place and at hand while you work.
- Metal: These heavy-duty, durable sawhorses rank as a top choice among DIYers and professionals who rely on them extensively. Many feature adjustable legs and fold for storage. Some include clamps, vises, shelves, or drop-down sides for extra work space. On the downside, you may damage your saw if you accidentally strike a metal sawhorse with it. Left outdoors, metal sawhorses may succumb to rust.
Height and Leg Angle
Most sawhorses have a preset single height between 26 and 32 inches, which is perfect for an average-height user. Those that combine a worktop with sawhorse functions tend to reach a few inches taller. If you stand much taller or shorter than the average person, look for a sawhorse with adjustable legs that let you tailor the height to your comfort level.
Many projects that involve sawhorses use a lot of human energy that may rock the sawhorse back and forth and risk accidents. For that reason, leg angle figures in as a key consideration. At the least, legs should sit at 15 degrees from the vertical. While this keeps the sawhorse relatively compact, more heavy-duty work may call for a wider angle. You could go with a sawhorse that offers an angle of anywhere up to 25 degrees.
Weight Capacity and Clamping Pressure
You’ll find sawhorses with weight capacities from 250 pounds all the way up to over 1,000. The average DIYer who enjoys woodworking or painting probably doesn’t require the maximum weight capacity. On the other hand, if you plan to cut large logs or other very heavy wooden pieces, consider a high-capacity sawhorse.
A built-in clamp on a sawhorse frees a hand that would otherwise have to steady the workpiece. Clamp designs and capabilities vary. Lightweight models with bar clamps exert a few hundred pounds of force. At the other end of the spectrum, vice-type clamps and heavy-duty foot-operated models apply in excess of 2,000 pounds of force.
Portability
If you want a sawhorse that easily travels where you need it, whether to the driveway, the backyard, or a work site, choose one with folding legs. Foldable legs also make a great choice for DIYers who only break out the sawhorse on rare occasions and keep it stored out of the way most of the time. If you only need a pair of sawhorses to support a small worktable in your garage, however, folding legs don’t make such a difference.
Weight makes a major impact on portability, and sawhorse material plays a big part in that. ABS or plastic sawhorses might only weigh 4 or 5 pounds each. A steel folding sawhorse, on the other hand, probably hits the 10- to 15-pound range. Heavy-duty models with high-capacity clamps can top 50 pounds. Not particularly heavy, a 50-pound sawhorse could prove difficult to move around compared to lighter ones, however.
Additional Features
Finally, some sawhorses come with extra bells and whistles, too. Depending on your projects, you may want to consider sawhorses with:
- A small shelf to hold power tools, paint, and other accessories.
- Cord hooks to keep cords neat and out of the way.
- Steps built into the frame to serve as a stepladder.
- Small, built-in tabletops that combine workbench and sawhorse in one handy tool.
Our Top Picks
Let’s take a look at real-world examples. The following selection of the best sawhorses currently available should offer something to satisfy most any demand.
Best Overall
TOUGHBUILT Adjustable Steel Sawhorse Jobsite Table
Pros
- Durable, all-steel construction
- Built-in support arms for 2×4 or 4×4 cuts of lumber
- Adaptable to uneven surfaces
Cons
- Folding/unfolding could be easier
- Premium price
In a very competitive market, Toughbuilt’s sawhorse stands out for a number of reasons. Powder-coated, zinc-plated steel resists corrosion and supports up to 1,300 pounds. Independently adjustable, each leg has pivoting feet to help provide a solid platform on precarious terrain. A nonslip top surface provides extra stability.
Each end of the sawhorse slides out to support 2×4 or 4×4 cuts of lumber. Fold-out pegs on each leg also offer additional material support. A second sawhorse and a plywood sheet allow for quick conversion to a sturdy worktable. Toughbuilt’s sawhorse folds for easy transport and storage and includes a carry handle.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1,300 pounds (2,600 per pair)
- Height: Adjustable, 25 to 32 inches
- Weight: 23 pounds
Best Bang for the Buck
Stanley 31 in. Folding Sawhorse (2-Pack)
Pros
- Great value for light-duty use
- Fold flat for easy transportation and storage
- Useful side hangers
Cons
- Occasional hinge failures
- Not height adjustable
Well-known for offering quality tools at competitive prices, Stanley usually gears its products toward DIY users. This pair of sawhorses is a good example. Lightweight and easy to carry, the sawhorses with their rubberized plastic construction can also stand up to a few knocks. As a pair, they may support up to 1,000 pounds, but workers shouldn’t push them to that limit.
Stanley’s sawhorses include several useful features, such as built-in grooves for 2x4s, side hooks for cables or hanging tools, and a connecting hinge that doubles as a tray. Not necessarily a heavy-duty tool, Stanley’s sawhorse provides great value for multipurpose DIY use.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1,000 pounds (per pair)
- Height: 31 inches
- Weight: 6.2 pounds each
Upgrade Pick
Rockwell JawHorse Sheetmaster Portable Workstation
Pros
- Can support full 48-inch sheet material
- Tripod base offers excellent support on uneven ground
- Easy folding/unfolding mechanism
Cons
- Heavier than most, though it does have wheels
- Expensive
Rockwell’s JawHorse Sheetmaster Portable Workstation takes traditional sawhorses to the next level. A beast capable of clamping a full 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of plywood securely in place, it also holds onto unwieldy, oddly shaped objects like bicycles or furniture.
With 10 times the clamping power of a regular vise, a 34-inch-high work surface, and a 600-pound weight capacity, the steel-construction JawHorse makes for a brawny, capable, and reliable assistant—an extra pair of hands, but better.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 600 pounds
- Height: 34 inches
- Weight: 53 pounds
Best Light-Duty
WORX WX065 Clamping Sawhorses with Bar Clamps
Pros
- Easy to transport or store
- Clamps can be used horizontally or vertically
- Built-in cable hooks and shelf
Cons
- Plastic lacks impact resistance
- Clamps add considerable cost
Worx sawhorses come as a pair and together may support up to 1,000 pounds. Detachable bar clamps work independently or slot into the sawhorse in either horizontal or vertical position to provide an impressive 300 pounds of clamping pressure.
Targeted at light-duty use, Worx sawhorses make a great DIY choice, and the clamps add versatility; they also add to the cost. Another consideration: While not necessarily fragile, the somewhat-thin plastic might be susceptible to damage from heavy impact.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1,000 pounds (per pair)
- Height: 33 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds each
Best Heavy-Duty
DEWALT 33 in. Folding Sawhorse with Adjustable Legs
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Independently adjustable legs
- V-groove for pipe handling
Cons
- Plastic hinge is a potential weak point
- A pair is somewhat expensive
Heavier duty than other models on the list, DeWalt’s sawhorses support a load capacity of up to 2,500 pounds per pair. Plastic and steel join forces in the construction of these sawhorses. Steel adds strength, and rubberized feet provide a secure grip.
The plastic top of each sawhorse features slots for 2x4s and a V-groove for improved handling of pipe and tube. Independently adjustable legs compensate for uneven ground and provide a work height of 32 inches to 39 inches. DeWalt’s relatively lightweight 14-pound sawhorse folds flat for easy carry and storage.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 2,500 pounds (per pair)
- Height: Adjustable, 32 inches to 39 inches
- Weight: 14 pounds each
Best Set
ToughBuilt Sawhorse 1100 LB Capacity 2-Pack
Pros
- Durable build quality
- Compact and easy to carry when folded
- Very competitive price
Cons
- Low working height
- No height adjustment
ToughBuilt’s pair of TB-C500 sawhorses shares many of the impressive features of the brand’s adjustable steel sawhorse job-site table in a slightly more compact form. Coated high-quality steel resists corrosion and supports up to 2,200 pounds.
The sawhorse ends accept 2x4s, so DIYers can quickly and easily create a worktable. Flip-out braces on the legs mount sheet material for upright cutting if preferred. It all folds into a relatively lightweight and easy-to-carry structure with a convenient handle. However, at 28½ inches, these sawhorses might be a little low for some, and they don’t offer height adjustment.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 2,200 pounds (per pair)
- Height: 28½ inches
- Weight: 13½ pounds each
Best Workstation
WORX WX051 Pegasus Work Table & Sawhorse
Pros
- Outstanding versatility
- Built-in clamps
- Slot for power strip
Cons
- Insufficient support for 4×8 sheet material (would need two)
- Cost may be a factor
Talk about a workhorse! WORX’s ingenious design makes for the best sawhorse workbench combination we found. It supports up to 1,000 pounds with a worktable top that supports up to 300 pounds. Just flip the 32-inch-high tabletop up for use and fold it down when you want to use the sawhorse.
Made of heavy-duty plastic with a lightweight aluminum frame, this sturdy, durable tool provides everything needed for a simple garage workbench. It includes four clamp dogs and two quick clamps and has a handy little shelf for small tools. The whole thing folds up for easy storage or transport.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 300 pounds as a worktable; 1,000 pounds as a sawhorse
- Height: 32 inches
- Weight: 28 pounds
Most Portable
Metabo HPT Sawhorses Folding 1200 Lb. Capacity 2-Pack
Pros
- Light and easy to carry or store
- Sawbucks increase versatility
- Competitive price
Cons
- Stability could be improved
- No height adjustment
Metabo sawhorses provide another variation on a popular and effective design. They combine a class-leading load-bearing capacity of 1,200 pounds with a fold-flat mechanism for portability and storage.
A top rail has slots for 2x4s and for easier handling of pipe. Two pairs of sawbucks, which slide into the top rail, add versatility to this common slot feature. These come in particularly handy for cross-cutting dimensioned lumber.
A cable tidy is molded into the legs to keep cords out of the way. Full-width hinges double as small tables. Our only criticism is the narrow leg spread; a wider stance would improve stability.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 1,200 pounds (per pair)
- Height: 31 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds each
Our Verdict
ToughBuilt delivers a robust, versatile piece of equipment with its TB-C700 sawhorse. An impressive piece of equipment, its price tag reflects that, too. Stanley’s sawhorses, at a lower price point, will suit most DIY users.
How We Chose the Best Sawhorses
We carried out considerable research to ensure we were aware of all the latest developments in sawhorses. We used the following criteria to make our selections.
- Fit for purpose: The capacity, or amount of weight a sawhorse supports, often headlines the product specs. While few people ever need to support 1,000 pounds plus, it does give an idea of the structural integrity and often indicates good durability. However, it’s more important that the sawhorse is appropriate for the task expected of it. Low cost, lightweight models are just as valid for some users as heavy-duty monsters. We’ve tried to ensure that there are choices for everyone among our selections.
- Portability: Sawhorses get moved around frequently—often from home to the job site. Whether fixed or folding, this was a key feature in our decision-making.
- Brand and value: Big name brands have often built a reputation for quality that makes them hard to ignore. However, they frequently come at premium prices. We looked at models across the price range in order to find reliable equipment for all budgets.
Tips for Using a Sawhorse
Stability ranks as the most important feature of a sawhorse, particularly with long material or large sheets. Unsteady sawhorses are a safety risk.
- Always make sure the ground is firm and the sawhorses are spaced to provide adequate support.
- If you put a little sideways pressure on the material that is resting on the sawhorses and they rock, reposition them so that doesn’t happen. Same if the material is sagging; find a good balance point.
- Material may hide the sawhorses, so make sure you know where you are cutting or you could damage the sawhorses or the saw blade. Some people fix sacrificial 2×4 or 2×6 wooden strips to the top of the sawhorses depending on what the sawhorses are made of. These may be thrown away if damaged.
- Using a couple of 2x4s fixed along the edges of a sheet of plywood turns sawhorses into a temporary workbench. It may also be possible to make a shelf to fit between the legs (if not already provided), which gives workers somewhere handy to rest tools while working.
- Consider drilling a hole big enough for a carabiner or cord hooks to keep your power tool cords off the ground.
- Sawhorses also make effective barriers to keep people away from a work area.
FAQs
Sawhorses are often a lot more complex than just somewhere to rest a piece of lumber for cutting, sanding, or drilling. We hope the comprehensive explanation of available features has answered many of your questions. If not, below we respond to the most common queries.
Q: How tall should sawhorses be?
A height between 26 inches and 32 inches suits most average people, but those taller than 6 feet might want something taller.
Q: What angle should sawhorse legs sit at?
Anywhere between 15 and 25 degrees from the vertical provides a good, stable angle. The wider the angle, the more space the sawhorse takes up, but the more stability it provides.
Q: Should you always use two sawhorses?
With basic sawhorses, yes. Two sawhorses give better workpiece support, which helps keep material stable and level. It makes working more comfortable and often frees up both hands. Heavy-duty models with a clamp to hold the workpiece may work on their own, though for large sheet material two are still better than one.
Q: What can I use instead of a sawhorse?
Any kind of stable surface may work: a pair of solid boxes, strong wooden chairs, or tables. It’s important both for safety and working accuracy that they don’t move around or flex. However, it really is best to use sawhorses whenever possible. If budget is an issue, it is relatively easy to make your own.
