If you are thinking that a saw horse can only be used for woodwork jobs then you would be completely wrong! They can be used to help in pretty much any jobs that you are wanting to complete, whether it be decorating, carpentry, renovations, DIY projects or carpentry. A pair of saw horses work together to to provide a balanced space or you to cut through a wide range of materials. There really aren’t any other tools that can be used in this way effectively without damaging a surface underneath. However, if it is a standard workbench that you are looking for, then a saw horse can provide the legs for this too!
As a saw horse is such a popular tool, this means that there are lots out there to choose from. This is a good thing though, as providing you have the right information, it means that you can be sure you purchase the best saw horse with all the features that you need.
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Best Pick – ToughBuilt C550
- Load capacity up to 500 kg (1 tonne in a pair).
- Steel parts powder-coated or galvanised.
- Collapsible with pull-out handle.
- Size: approx. 1 m wide and 73.5 cm high.
- Can be used as a work table and sawhorse.
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Saw horses can be made of plastic, wood, or metal. They act as a steady, secure work surface, particularly useful for when you’re cutting with a saw, supporting the material you’re cutting, making the task that little bit easier.
| Type | Benefits |
| Wood | Traditional Strong & sturdy structure |
| Metal | Robust Able to support up to 1400lbs |
| Plastic | Impressive weight-bearing capacity Lightweight Inexpensive |
Why you need a saw horse
Unless you’re lucky enough to have the use of a workshop, or you’ve converted your garage or outbuilding into your own little DIY haven, it’s likely you’ll be struggling for space to store and use any kind of workbench. A saw horse is designed to support any rigid structure, whether it be wood, plastic or metal, and provide you with a secure place to cut, whilst being relatively compact when not in use. In contrast, once erected, their dimensions are pretty impressive, with the best saw horse models offering you a decent-sized surface area to work on.
Choosing the right saw horse
The most important question to ask yourself before you begin shopping for a saw horse is what am I going to be using a saw horse for and how often? If you’re getting one for simple day-to-day DIY tasks around the house; the occasional garden project; to cut firewood or to use as a workbench, then you should be fine with a plastic model.
Look carefully at the features each model comes with and choose one with extras that are relevant to you – if you don’t use power tools, you don’t need a cord hooks; if you’ve got a place earmarked for where the saw horse is going to live, fully built, then you can afford to go for a model with bigger dimensions and even consider an aluminium or steel model as you won’t be moving it around very often. You want to get the most out of your money but not be paying above the odds for features and gadgets you’re never going to use.
Additional features
- The best saw horse models will fold flat for easy storage, meaning you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to storing them out of sight when they’re not in use – under the bed; propped behind the sofa or slid on top of the wardrobe out of sight
- Adjustable height
- Substantial Weight capacity – the best saw horse models can weight bear up to around 1250lbs (567kg)
- Detachable clamps
- Hands-free clamping
- Built-in shelf/tool storage
- Cord hooks for when you’re using power tools
- Lightweight
- Non-slip feet
- Adjustable telescopic legs, which are ideal for use on uneven or difficult surfaces
Best Budget – Stanley Folding Junior Sawhorse
- Strong and robust design - holds up to 362 kg per pair
- Light weight and foldable for easy carrying, transport and store
- Tray underneath for storage - tray opens up to hold small parts, tools and accessories
- Integral V Grooves on top - fits 2 x 4 inch for worktop supports
- Anti-slip rubber pads - reduces chance of slippage
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Sawhorse sturdiness and strength
Sturdiness and strength – the two most important factors when it comes to choosing the best saw horse, whatever your budget. Sturdiness is how well your saw horse is able to hold up with repeated use – the best saw horse models are built out of good-quality, long-lasting, hard-wearing materials.
A good way to assess the sturdiness of a plastic saw horse is to check if the plastic has been reinforced with metal, usually steel or aluminium, which is common in portable models as it increases the amount of weight the saw horse is capable of bearing; this is where the strength of the saw horse comes in – you’ll need to know what the total weight capacity is that the saw horse is able to take so you know not to overload it. The majority of saw horses are able to hold at least 900 lbs – meaning you don’t have to worry about strength and stability as they’re designed to be able to support some pretty impressive weights!
Choosing the best saw horse size
The majority of saw horse models will stand at between 25 inches (0.6m) and 40 inches (1m) in height, with the average, saw horse measuring around 31 inches (0.8m).
The height of the saw horse you need is determined by own height as, when you’re working, you should avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on your back, neck and arms – be sure you’re able to reach the ‘tabletop’ easily, without any discomfort, and without having to excessively bend over or hunch your shoulders.
The best saw horse models will be height adjustable which is particularly useful if your saw horse is likely to have multiple users or be used for a variety of purposes.
Saw horse cost
If you’re on a budget and looking for a sawhorse for occasional domestic use, a plastic saw horse is likely to be the best saw horse for you, with prices starting at around £20. They tend to be pretty basic and quite compact so they can be stored away easily without taking up too much space. However, don’t be hasty in dismissing a plastic saw horse as not being up to the job as a good-quality, plastic saw horse is still capable of supporting some serious weight!
Top-of-the-range models, which are usually metal or metal/plastic, and which offer additional features such as adjustable heights, foldable legs and tool storage, can set you back anywhere from around £50 to £120.
Metal sawhorses, which are designed and constructed for regular use and more laborious tasks, are subsequently more pricey than plastic due to the strength and durability of both steel and aluminium, which are the two most common metals used in manufacturing metal saw horses.
Useful key features to look out for
If you buy a saw horse today, you’re no longer investing in a simple wooden structure designed for nothing more than cutting wood. How the humble saw horse has changed!
Lightweight material
In today’s market, you’ll find the majority of saw horses available are constructed out of plastic, or a combination of plastic and aluminium; these materials make the design hard-wearing, sturdy, and capable of supporting heavyweights, whilst the sawhorse itself is relatively lightweight, meaning it can be carried and moved around easily compared to the old-style wooden models. This is important if you need your sawhorse to be portable e.g. moving it from its storage place to where you want to use it, or if you have back or neck problems.
Portability
The professional builders and carpenters among us are likely to have the use of a stationary saw horse, however, a portable saw horse is still a savvy investment for when you’re on the go, out on a job or working at home. The best saw horse models also often come with tool storage too, so your tools will be easily accessible when you need them as well as cable hooks which make using your power tools practically stress-free as you’re able to keep wires out of the way, neatly stored under the bench.
Being lightweight and portable just makes setting up your sawhorse and putting it away that little bit easier and hopefully, hassle-free.
Best of the Rest
- SET OF TWO: Allows you to carry out sawing and DIY tasks in your home, garage or other work spaces. Suitable for cutting wood and other similar materials.
- HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE: Ranges between 80cm and 130cm, allowing you to set to a level best for you. Ensures safety and makes work easier and more efficient.
- STEEL FRAME: High-quality composition, each piece is solid and sturdy for reliable use every time. 'A'shaped ends keep the structure balanced and stable.
- FOLDABLE: Quickly shapes into a compact design, allowing you to carry and store each piece easily. DIMENSIONS: 80-130H x 68L x 58Wcm. Folded: 84H x 68L x 11Wcm.
- MAXIMUM LOAD 100KG PER EACH SAW HORSE. ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Sturdy, lightweight, and portable steel log saw horse’s design lets you confidently cut wood with a chainsaw
- Serrated teeth clamp onto the wood, maximizing cutting stability
- Adjustable width of 27 cm log maximum capacity, lightweight at only 7 kg
- Painted steel saw-horse resists rust and corrosion
- Durable boxed steel construction makes assembly easy - instructions included (spanner/wrench not included)
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- ROBUST: Sturdy construction with up to 225kg weight capacity of each sawhorse.
- ANTI-SLIP INSERTS: Adjustable ratchet clip on support bar help keep materials in place for increased stability.
- ADDITIONAL STORAGE: Tray underneath for storing small parts, tools and accessories.
- FOLDABLE DESIGN: Light weight and foldable for easy carrying and transport.
- DIMENSIONS: Single: 69L x 35W x 82Hcm. 69L x 7W x 83Hcm (Folded). Weight Capacity: 1000lbs.(A Pair).
Last update on 2024-09-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Useful Tools
If you are looking for tools to use whilst working with your saw horse then here are some of the ones that we would recommend:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a saw horse used for?
A sawhorse (also known as a ‘trestle’ or ‘mule’) is a tool used for construction. It’s a simple structure – a beam supported by two sets of A-frame legs, which works best when used in a pair. A saw horse provides support for wood or any other rigid material that is being cut, as well as doubling up as the legs of a makeshift workbench.
How do you store a saw horse?
The best plastic sawhorse models will be collapsible and, ideally, foldable, meaning when not in use it can be stored in the shed or garage; under the bed; or on top of a wardrobe.
If you’re going for a metal sawhorse, look for a model with folding legs as, although steel or aluminium can’t be made quite as compact as plastic, being able to tuck the legs away makes it much easier to store flat.
What angle should the saw horse legs be?
Ideally you want an angle of about 65 degrees from the square line if you are wanting your saw horse to be stable and secure when you are working.
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