The Best Saw Horses for 2022
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Best Saw Horses
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These versatile tools are a must-have for doing work around the house, in the garage, or on the job site. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best saw horses currently available.
UPDATED: February 9, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the DEWALT DWX725 because it is constructed from lightweight aluminum, yet can still support up to 1,000 pounds and folds up for easy transport.
What is a Saw Horse?
A saw horse is also known as a saw-buck, trestle, buck, mule, or pony (short version). It consists of a beam that is supported by four legs. As you may have guessed its name is derived from its resemblance to a horse. Traditional boatmakers referred to an inverted boat with a cross beam and hull supports as a “sea horse”.
Uses of a Saw Horse
Typically a pair is used to support long pieces of wood when using tools such as a circular saw or belt sander. It elevates the workpiece to approximately waist height to allow for greater efficiency.
A primary benefit of these tools is their ability to be used for a wide array of construction and woodworking applications. For example, you can use a couple with an old door or a 4x8 sheet of plywood thrown on the top and you have an instant workbench. This can be used to support tools on site such as a portable table saw. In addition, it can provide support for the end of a long piece of wood when using a sliding compound miter saw.
For some tips on how to use saw horses safely and effectively, check out this brief video:
Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a specific model:
Construction Materials
There are several common materials they are made from including steel, aluminum, plastic (polypropylene), and wood. Most manufacturers will use a combination of these materials to take advantage of the beneficial properties of each when needed.
Steel has the advantage of being strong and durable but it can be more expensive and heavier to transport. Look for finishes such as powder-coating and zinc-plating that provide a durable and corrosion-resistant surface for steel.
Aluminum models are both strong and lightweight but will often come in at a higher price point than other materials.
Polypropylene tends to be more affordable and lightweight but usually can’t support as much as steel models.
Wood versions are often DIY kits, so it requires upfront work and materials. These also don’t fold up so can be difficult to store and move, but they are capable of supporting very large loads.
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Folding
Since they need stability to work effectively it requires a relatively wide leg stance. As a result, when they are in use they take up quite a bit of space. This typically isn’t a problem when working, however, when it comes to storage or moving, it can make it inconvenient.
Folding saw horses offer the best of both worlds by providing a stable base while minimizing the required space when not in use. I have included several below that fold up into a compact package making it easy to store and transport.
Load Capacity
Take note of the load capacity rating. It can be confusing because some manufacturers list the capacity per saw horse and others list the combined total load. So, for example, if the rating for each saw horse is 500 pounds it may list the rating as 1,000 pounds for the pair. Keep this in mind if you are going to be supporting heavy loads and/or equipment. I have tried to make this clear in the descriptions below.
Weight
Since you are constantly hauling them around it is important to note the total unit weight. Aluminum and polypropylene are often the lightest materials, all else being equal. Steel and wood construction tends to be on the heavier side but can support greater loads. There will usually be a tradeoff between load capacity and weight, so you will need to decide what is more important for your particular needs.
Support Arms
Some models are equipped with notches at either end of the beam which standard 2x4s can slot into. This provides additional configuration options. For example, it allows you to easily create a plywood table that has support along the length of the surface instead of just at the ends. This reduces the potential sag in the middle and improves stability by creating a rigid base.
Clamps
Clamps are an essential requirement when working with these devices since the workpiece will often need to be held in place. Some models come equipped with built-in removable clamps that make it quick and convenient.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the best saw horses on the market today, from manufacturers including DEWALT and ToughBuilt.
Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy. They have also been broken down according to their essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Saw Horses for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: DEWALT DWX725 Saw Horse
The DEWALT DWX725 features a compact design that allows easy transport and storage.
Provides a total capacity of up to 2,000 pounds (1,000 pounds each).
Constructed from lightweight aluminum so it weighs just 15.4 pounds.
Features a lightweight design that allows for easy transport.
Equipped with legs that fold up for easy storage.
Includes leg lock levers that allow for fast and easy setup.
Features a transport latch that allows a pair of stands to be easily transported together.
Runner-up: ToughBuilt Folding Saw Horse
The ToughBuilt C500 saw horse is constructed from high-grade steel for strength and durability.
Features a 2,200 pound capacity per pair (1,100-pound individual capacity)
Features 2x4 support arms that transform two sawhorses into a solid jobsite table.
Equipped with fast-open legs so the setup is quick and easy.
Includes powder-coated and zinc-plated steel that prevents corrosion and withstands rigorous environments.
Includes an easy carry handle for effortless transport and rolled edges for safety and comfort.
Best Compact Design: PortaMate All Steel Saw Horse
The PortaMate saw horses feature all-steel construction for strength and long-lasting durability.
Provides a load capacity of up to 1,000 pounds combined (500 pounds each).
Features a stable design that easily folds for storage and transport.
Offers an easy-to-use design that simply requires unfolding the legs locking them into place with a pin.
Features legs constructed from one-inch heavy gauge tubular steel legs.
Equipped with a powder-coated finish that is durable and rust-resistant.
Features a pre-drilled top to offer the ability to attach a 2x4 or 2x6 wood top.
Best for Clamping: WORX Saw Horse
The WORX clamping saw horses come with two detachable bar clamps to conveniently hold materials.
Features a combined support weight of up to 1,000 pounds (500 pounds each).
Features removable clamps to support pieces up to 18 inches wide.
Offer the ability to position the clamps either vertically or horizontally for a range of options.
Equipped with a built-in lower shelf for storage.
Includes cord hooks to keep tool cords and extension cords organized.
Offers the ability to flat for compact storage.
Best for Uneven Surfaces: Stanley 011031S FatMax Saw Horse
The Stanley Consumer Storage 011031S FatMax allows for the legs to be adjusted separately, allowing the sawhorse to stand on uneven surfaces.
Supports up to 2,500 pounds per pair (1,250 pounds each)
Equipped with rubber inserts for added stability.
Constructed from sturdy polypropylene and steel for long-lasting durability.
Features a slide mechanism that provides easy and smooth adjustments.
Best DIY Kit: 2x4basics 90196 Saw Horse
The Pro Brackets kit makes it easy to create custom saw horses from 2x4’s.
Offers the ability to hold up to 2,000 pounds (1,000 each) depending on the final design.
Features a simple design that just requires 2x4’s to make a saw horse of any size.
Provides a simple assembly system that only requires a screwdriver and saw.
Features a lower shelf design for convenient storage.
Offers the ability to make custom lengths for unique projects or applications.
Best Lightweight Option: Hitachi 115445 Saw Horse
The Hitachi heavy-duty sawhorses feature a 1,200 pound capacity per pair (600 pounds each).
Features a lightweight design that makes it easy to move around.
Offers the ability to support a 2x4 on the flat side.
Supports 4x8 sheets when the work surface is extended through the use of 2x4 struts.
Includes a built-in shelf and cord hooks on each side for convenience.
Best for Heavy Loads: Bora Portamate Speedhorse Saw Horse
The Bora Portamate Speedhorse features a load capacity of 1,500 pounds each for a total of 3,000 pounds per pair.
Offers a compact design that is great for a home workshop or transporting to a job site.
Features a quick-release system to deploy the legs, so it sets up in seconds.
Equipped with a pre-drilled metal top allows for the addition of a 2x4 to use as a cutting or support surface.
Features two slots on each end of the beam to connect the two saw horses and create a work table.
Best Budget Option: AmazonBasics Folding Saw Horse
The AmazonBasics Folding saw horses feature a load-bearing capacity of up to 900 pounds per pair (450 pounds each).
Lightweight and foldable for easy transport and storage.
Includes non-slip feet and locking braces.
Equipped with legs that open to 32-1/2” wide.
Comes with fold-out stoppers on the sides of the top to prevent material from sliding off.
Features a combined weight of only 10 pounds for easy portability.
Includes two sawhorses, no assembly required.
Best Value: Metabo HPT Folding Saw Horse
The Metabo HPT Folding saw horses can support up to 1,200 pounds per pair (600 pounds each).
Features a lightweight design that is easy to transport.
Includes four sawbucks that support the flat side of a 2x4 to extend the usability of the top for larger material.
Includes a built-in lower shelf for storage while working.
Equipped with cord hooks to hold extension cords or cables.
I hope this list of the best saw horses was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
