10 Best Saw Horses for Woodworking & DIY Projects


Best Saw Horses

Do you need saw horses for your next woodworking or DIY project?

If so, you’re in luck!

Because in this blog post, we’ll be ranking and reviewing the 10 best saw horses on the market today.

So, whether you are a beginner or a pro, there is sure to be a sawhorse on this list that’s perfect for you!

Plus, we also provide a buyer’s guide at the end to help you choose the best sawhorses for your particular needs.

So let’s get started.

What are the Best Saw Horses?

As a general rule, sawhorses should be sturdy, durable, and easy to set up and take down.

They should also be able to support a lot of weight without tipping over.

With that in mind, here are the best saw horses for woodworking and DIY projects:

  1. Best OverallToughBuilt C500 Sawhorses
  2. Highest Weight CapacityBora Portamate PM-4550 Speedhorse XT Sawhorses
  3. Best Affordable OptionAmazon Basics Folding Sawhorses
  4. Best Heavy-Duty OptionToughBuilt C700 Heavy-Duty Saw Horses
  5. Best Multi-Function DesignBora Portamate PM-4500T Speedhorse Sawhorses
  6. Most UniqueBora Centipede 4×8 15-Strut Work Stand
  7. Most AdjustableWORKPRO Folding Adjustable Sawhorses
  8. CheapestFULTON Corporation Medium Duty 300SHB Steel Sawhorse Brackets
  9. Simplest Design – CRAFTSMAN Metal Folding Sawhorse
  10. Best Plastic OptionMetabo HPT (Hitachi) Folding Sawhorses

1. Best Overall – ToughBuilt C500 Sawhorses

  • Price: $80 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 1,100 lbs (Per Sawhorse)
  • Made From: High-Grade Steel
  • Weight: 27.1 lbs (Pair)
  • Adjustable Legs: No
  • Collapsible: Yes

The ToughBuilt C500 Sawhorses are our top pick for the best overall option.

As they offer excellent build quality and weight capacity, as well as numerous upgrades.

Made from high-grade steel, these sawhorses can support up to 1100 pounds per saw horse or 2200 pounds a pair.

Which is more than enough for most woodworking and DIY projects.

The ToughBuilt C500 sawhorses also have integrated notches on either end that can hold a 2×4 as well.

Allowing you to convert the saw horses into a temporary workbench or job site table.

Plus, they’re developed, tested, and certified right here in the US to assure the greatest quality possible.

ToughBuilt C500 Sawhorses – Product Demonstration and Stress Test Review Video

Pros

  • Made from High-Grade Steel
  • Can Support up to 1100 Pounds Per Sawhorse
  • Offers Side Support Pegs for Upright Cutting
  • Offers Convenient Built-In Carry Handle

Cons

  • Legs Lack Adjustability
  • Fold Out Legs Do Not Lock into Place
  • Legs Have to Fold into the Beam in a Specific Order
  • Carry Handels Made from Plastic

2. Highest Weight Capacity – Bora Portamate PM-4550 Speedhorse XT Sawhorses

  • Price: $180 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 1,500 lbs (Per Sawhorse)
  • Made From: Metal
  • Weight: 44.3 lbs (Pair)
  • Adjustable Legs: Yes
  • Collapsible: Yes

If you’re looking for sawhorses with a high weight capacity, then you’ll want to consider the Bora Portamate PM-4550 Speedhorse XT Sawhorses.

As these sawhorses have a weight capacity of up to 1500 pounds per sawhorse or 3,000 pounds a pair.

Allowing these heavy-duty sawhorses to hold hundreds of pounds of extra weight compared to standard metal sawhorses.

There’s more to these sawhorses though than just a high weight capacity.

As these saw horses offer an instant setup feature, which Bora Portamate states is 30 times faster compared to standard saw horses.

As the legs instantly extend from the beam of the sawhorse and drop into place with just a push of a button.

Also, while we’re talking about the legs on these sawhorses another nice feature is that they don’t have to fold up in any particular order.

Which is surprisingly not a common feature on many saw horses.

Bora Portamate PM-4550 Speedhorse XT Sawhorses – Product Demonstration and Review Video

Pros

  • Best-in-Class Weight Capacity
  • Instant Setup Feature
  • Offer Material Slots on Either End
  • Adjustable Legs
  • Convenient Built-In Handle

Cons

  • Lacks Side Support Legs for Upright Cutting
  • On the Heavier Side
  • Fold Out Legs Do Not Lock into Place

3. Best Affordable Option – Amazon Basics Folding Sawhorses

  • Price: $50 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 450 lbs (Per Sawhorse)
  • Made From: Plastic
  • Weight: 10.55 lbs (Pair)
  • Adjustable Legs: No
  • Collapsible: Yes (Fold Flat)

If you’re looking for an inexpensive set of sawhorses that will still get the job done, then you’ll want to consider the Amazon Basics Folding Sawhorses.

As these foldable sawhorses are made from plastic and have a weight capacity of up to 450 pounds per sawhorse or 900 pounds a pair.

And while they don’t have as high of a weight capacity as some of the other options on our list, they’re still perfectly capable of handling most woodworking and DIY projects.

These sawhorses also offer a unique fold-flat design that allows you to easily store them away when not in use.

Which is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of storage space.

Pros

  • Best Affordable Option
  • Lightweight and Easy to Move Around
  • Fold-Flat Design for Easy Storage
  • Built-In Shelf and Cord Hooks

Cons

  • Lacks Side Support Legs for Upright Cutting
  • Lower Weight Capacity Compared to Other Sawhorses
  • Not Adjustable in Height

4. Best Heavy-Duty Option – ToughBuilt C700 Heavy Duty Sawhorses

  • Price: $120 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 1,300 lbs (Per Sawhorse)
  • Made From: High-Grade Steel
  • Weight: 47.9 lbs (Pair)
  • Adjustable Legs: Yes
  • Collapsible: Yes

The professional-grade ToughBuilt C700 Heavy Duty Sawhorses are our top pick for durability and overall strength.

As they use heavy-duty steel construction and can support up to 1300 pounds per sawhorse.

They also have an adjustable height and are constructed from powder-coated and zinc-plated steel, which eliminates corrosion issues.

Plus they’re developed, tested, and certified in the United States to assure the greatest quality possible.

These saw horses from Toughbuilt can also quickly and easily convert into a job site table, thanks to their support arms that fit both 2x4s and 4x4s.

They also have height-adjustable legs that can quickly be adjusted to fit your particular needs or height.

As well as pivoting feet, which makes the table very stable even on uneven ground.

ToughBuilt C500 Sawhorses – Product Demonstration and Stress Test Review Video

Pros

  • Made from High-Grade Steel
  • Can Support up to 1300 Pounds Per Sawhorse
  • Height Adjustable
  • Offers Side Support Pegs for Upright Cutting
  • Pivoting Feet for Stability on Uneven Ground

Cons

  • Heavier Weight
  • Fold Out Legs Do Not Lock into Place
  • Legs Have to Fold into the Beam in a Specific Order
  • Carry Handels Made from Plastic

5. Best Multi-Function Design – Bora Portamate PM-4500T Speedhorse Sawhorses

  • Price: $160 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 1,500 lbs (Per Sawhorse)
  • Made From: Metal
  • Weight: 36.8 lbs (Pair)
  • Adjustable Legs: No
  • Collapsible: Yes

The professional-grade Bora Portamate PM-4500T Speedhorse Sawhorses is our top pick for the best multi-function design.

As they can quickly and easily be converted into a workbench or material support stand.

Thanks to numerous built-in features, including support rails that can accommodate a standard 2×4 horizontally or a one-by vertically, a pre-drilled metal top, and flip-down side support legs.

These sawhorses also offer Bora Portamate’s unique instant setup design with quick-release levers that allow you to set up the saw horses in as little as 1.6 seconds.

In addition, they’re also made from heavy gauge metal that can support up to 1500 pounds, which is powder-coated to resist corrosion and rust.

The only thing these top-quality saw horses don’t have are adjustable legs, as the saw horses have a fixed working height of 30 inches.

Bora Portamate PM-4500T Speedhorse Sawhorses – Product Demonstration Video

Pros

  • Can Be Converted into a Workbench or Material Support Stand
  • Quick and Easy Setup with Instant Release Levers
  • Made from Heavy Gauge Metal
  • Powder-Coated to Resist Corrosion and Rust
  • Sturdy Buil-in Handle
  • Non-Sequential Folding Legs

Cons

  • Non Adjustable Legs
  • Closing Action on Legs Gets Stuck Occasionally
  • Fold-Out Legs Have Sharp Metal Edges

6. Most Unique – Bora Centipede CK15S 4×8 15-Strut Work Stand

  • Price: $200
  • Weight Capacity: 6,000 lbs (Evenly Distributed)
  • Made From: Steel / Plastic
  • Weight: 31 lbs
  • Adjustable: No
  • Collapsible: Yes

The Bora Centipede CK15S Work Stand is the most unique sawhorse on our list.

As it’s specifically designed to support large sheets of material such as plywood, drywall, and even doors.

Available in four different models/sizes, including the CK6S, the CK9S, the CK12S, and the CK15S.

The CK15S featured here is the largest option, with a width of four feet and a length of eight feet.

Allowing plenty of space for even the largest of jobs.

In fact, the collapsible work stand is so large that it can actually accommodate two different jobs at once or allow for two separate workstations.

And thanks to its 15 individual strut design, which is made from heavy-duty steel, this work stand can hold a whopping 6,000 pounds, if evenly distributed.

The stand also comes with several accessories, which makes the temporary work stand more user-friendly as well as practical, including four quick clamps to keep your materials firmly in place and four X-shaped brackets that will hold 2×4 boards.

Bora Centipede CK15S Work Stand – Product Demonstration Video

Also, if your looking at this complex contraption and worried that you’re going to have to spend hours on end assembling it.

Not to worry, as the Bora Centipede CK15S 4×8 15-Strut Work Stand comes fully assembled.

Allowing you to simply unfold the Bora Work Stand and get right to work.

And when the job is done, the work stand quickly and easily collapses in on itself and stores neatly in its included storage bag.

The only downside to this work stand is that the height is not adjustable out of the box.

As the work stand has a fixed work height of 30 inches.

Unless you purchase Bora’s Centipede Riser Set that allows you to raise the working height of the workstation.

Pros

  • Provides a Large Work Area
  • Max Weight Capacity of 6,000 Pounds
  • Made from Heavy-Duty Steel
  • Collapsible Design Allows for Easy Transport

Cons

  • Height is Not Adjustable
  • Bulkier Compared to more Traditional Saw Horses
  • Expensive Price
  • Some Plastic Used in the Construction

7. Most Adjustable – WORKPRO Folding Adjustable Sawhorses

  • Price: $140 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 1,500 lbs (Per Sawhorse)
  • Made From: Carbon Steel
  • Adjustable Legs: Yes
  • Collapsible: Yes

The WORKPRO Folding Adjustable Sawhorses are one of the most adjustable sawhorses on the market today.

As the durable all-steel legs on the sawhorses offer an impressive 9-position quick-release height adjustment, as well as pivoting feet.

Allowing the height of these saw horses to be adjusted from a 24-inch work height, all the way up to a 32-inch work height.

Ensuring that you always have the ideal working height for your project.

Beyond their excellent adjustability though, these WORKPRO saw horses also have one of the highest load capacities as well.

As these saw horses can hold up to 1,500 pounds per saw horse or 3,000 pounds combined.

In addition, these well-made sawhorses also feature a fully collapsible design that allows them to be easily transported and stored away when not in use.

Pros

  • Fully Collapsible for Easy Transport
  • Quick-Release Height Adjustment from 24 to 32 Inches
  • Pivoting Feet for Added Stability
  • High Weight Capacity of 1500 Pounds per Sawhorse
  • Anit-Slip Work Surface on Beam
  • Flip-Down Material Support Pegs

Cons

  • Carry Handle Made from Plastic
  • Less Popular Saw Horse Brand

8. Cheapest – FULTON Corporation Medium Duty 300SHB Sawhorse Brackets

  • Price: $20 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
  • Made From: Steel
  • Weight: 2.88 lbs (Pair)

The FULTON Corporation Medium Duty 300SHB Sawhorse Brackets let you build your own sawhorse from standard 2x4s.

Allowing you to hold and accommodate a wide range of work projects.

And because you supply the legs for these sawhorses you can create whatever work height you prefer.

By simply cutting the 2x4s to the desired height.

Made using tough steel and riveted construction, these saw horse brackets can withstand heavy use and support medium-sized loads.

Also, as an added convenience, Fulton sawhorse brackets offer pre-drilled nail holes that make assembly quick and easy.

Pros

  • Cheapest Option
  • Allows You to Build Your Own Saw-Horse to Any Height
  • Pre-Drilled Nail Holes for Easy Assembly
  • Made from Tough Steel

Cons

  • Requires Additional Resources (2×4, Nails or Screws)
  • Simplistic Design Might Not Be Suitable for All Jobs
  • Lower Weight Capacity

9. Simplest Design – CRAFTSMAN Metal Folding Sawhorse

  • Price: $40 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 500 lbs (Per Sawhorse)
  • Made From: Metal
  • Weight: 10.48 lbs (Pair)
  • Adjustable Legs: No
  • Collapsible: Yes

The CRAFTSMAN Metal Folding Sawhorse has a very simplistic design that is easy to use and set up.

As these sawhorses do not have any adjustable parts.

Made with tough metal construction, these sawhorses are built to last and can support large loads.

As each sawhorse is capable of holding up to 500 pounds and up to 1,000 pounds a pair.

And while these best sawhorses don’t have adjustable legs (29-inch fixed height).

They make up for it by being completely collapsible, allowing for easy storage and transport.

Weighing in at just over 10 pounds for a set of two, these sawhorses are also some of the lightest on the market.

CRAFTSMAN Metal Folding Sawhorse – Product Demonstration and Review Video

Pros

  • Simplistic and Easy to Use Design
  • Made from Metal for Durability
  • Fold Flat for Easy Storage and Transport
  • Very Lightweight
  • Anti-Slip Rubber Pad on Top Beam
  • Sawhorses Lock Together for Easier Transport

Cons

  • Non Adjustable Legs and Feet
  • Less Load Capacity Compared to Larger Sawhorses

10. Best Plastic Option – Metabo HPT (Hitachi) Folding Sawhorses

  • Price: $50 (Pair)
  • Weight Capacity: 600 lbs (Per Sawhorse)
  • Made From: Plastic
  • Weight: 11 lbs (Pair)
  • Adjustable Legs: No
  • Collapsible: Yes (Fold Flat)

The Metabo HPT (Hitachi) Folding Sawhorses are made from tough and durable plastic that can support a lot of weight without being compromised.

As each foldable sawhorse is capable of holding up to 600 pounds, and when used as a pair 1,200 pounds.

And like the Amazon Basics Sawhorses from above, these sawhorses can also fold completely flat for easy storage and transport.

Weighing in at just over 11 pounds, these sawhorses are also one of the lightest options as well.

Also, for those confused about the name of these sawhorses.

Hitachi rebranded their tools and power tools to Metabo HTP in North America in October of 2018.

Pros

  • Made from Tough Plastic
  • Built-In Shelf and Cord Hooks
  • Comes with Four Sawbucks that Hold a 2×4 Flat or On its Side
  • Fold Flat for Easy Storage and Transport
  • Very Lightweight Design

Cons

  • Non Adjustable Legs
  • Lower Weight Capacity Compared to Other Sawhorses
  • Some Users Complained that the Raised Outdents on the Beam Caused Indentations on Softer Woods and Materials

What to Look for When Buying Saw Horses

Now that we’ve gone over some of the best saw horses on the market, it’s time to talk about what to look for when buying a set of saw horses.

Weight Capacity of the Sawhorses

The weight capacity of the sawhorses is one of the most important factors to consider when buying sawhorses.

Because you want to make sure that the sawhorses can support the weight of whatever you’ll be using them for.

In general, though it’s best to look for saw horses with at least a 500-pound weight capacity per saw horse or a combined 1,000-pound weight capacity combined.

To ensure that you have enough load capacity for the majority of woodworking and DIY projects.

Height of the Sawhorses

The height of the sawhorses is also important.

As you want to make sure that the sawhorses are tall enough for you to use comfortably. 

Because if the sawhorses are too short, you’ll have to stoop over, which can be uncomfortable and lead to back pain. 

Ideally, it’s best to choose saw horses that are at least 28-inches in height, however, taller people may want to choose saw horses that are at least 30 or 32 inches high.

(For reference, kitchen countertops are usually 36 inches tall.)

Sawhorse Adjustability

Some of the best sawhorses are adjustable, as they allow you to set them to the height that best suits you, which prevents you from having to bend over or stand on your tiptoes to use them.

Which not only makes the job at hand more comfortable but also safer.

As it lets you dial in the height of the sawhorse to your optimal work height.

Sawhorse Materials

Sawhorses are made from a variety of different materials.

However, the best sawhorses are made from durable materials that can support a lot of weight without being compromised.

In general, the best saw horses are made from either wood, metal, or plastic.

As these materials are very durable and can support a lot of weight.

If you’re looking for the most durability though, metal is usually the best choice.

Collapsibility of the Sawhorses

Saw horses that can collapse are typically best because they’re easy to take with you wherever you go and don’t require a lot of storage space.

There are two main designs when it comes to collapsible saw horses, including the fold-up design and the fully collapsible design, and which one is best for you depends largely on how you plan to use the sawhorses.

However, in general, most people tend to prefer a fully collapsible saw horse, as these tend to be the easiest to transport and store.

Weight of the Sawhorses

When it comes to the portability of saw horses, another important factor to consider is the weight of the sawhorses.

As larger and more heavy-duty sawhorses can weigh as much as 50 pounds a pair.

Which can make them much more difficult to transport and move around the job site.

So if you’re looking for portable saw horses, it’s best to choose a pair that’s under 30 pounds.

Or plastic saw horses, as they tend to be lightest.

Additional Sawhorse Features

Saw horses can also come with a variety of built-in features and upgrades, such as material slots, handles, hooks, and even shelves.

So when shopping for the best saw horses, be sure to be on the lookout for upgrades or bonus features.

As they can add a lot of convenience to the sawhorses and help to keep your work area more organized.

FAQs

Are saw horses worth it?

Saw horses are a great investment for anyone who loves woodworking or doing DIY projects around the house.
They are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting lumber to making temporary work benches or tables.

What is the ideal height for sawhorses?

The ideal height for sawhorses is between 28 and 32 inches, as this will allow you to work comfortably while standing
If you’re looking for a more custom fit though, you can purchase adjustable saw horses that allow you to adjust the height to your specific needs.

How many sawhorses are needed?

How many sawhorses you need really depends on the project you’re working on.
If you’re just using them for occasional projects around the house, then two should be sufficient.
However, if you’re using them for more intensive woodworking projects, then you may want to consider investing in a set of four.

What are the best saw horses for woodworking?

The best saw horses for woodworking are going to be ones that are durable, stable, and adjustable.
You want to make sure that the saw horses can support the weight of the lumber you will be cutting, as well as any other tools or equipment you will be using, such as a chop saw or a miter saw.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, our list of the best saw horses on the market, along with what to look for when buying a set of saw horses.

We hope that this list was helpful and that it helped you narrow down your choices.

So that you were able to find the best possible set of saw horses for your woodworking and DIY project needs.

Thanks for reading!

Additional Resource

Top 8 Cordless Drills with Built-In Light (With Pricing)

Jason Kidd

Jason is a full-time real estate agent and house flipper who has been a licensed Realtor since 2007 and to date has completed 16 flips. He is also a writer and the current editor for Flipping Prosperity.

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