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We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Use the Best Sawhorses to Make Carpentry a Breeze
In the world of digital and high-tech tools and gear, nothing can beat the functionality and convenience of a sawhorse. Having a power tool that can hold workpieces as you are cutting or scraping is critical for bringing neatness and exactitude to your projects. Holding pieces of wood can be cumbersome, especially if you aren’t working in your workshop or don’t have access to a workbench. All in all, the top sawhorses in 2023 aren’t like basic work equipment, they provide you with a stable workstation for performing intricate tasks without zero hassle.
The greatest feature of sawhorses is they provide a sufficient work area for cutting or trimming wood logs without taking up much space. And, you can alter your workstation’s height for a better posture, minimizing the pressure on your neck and shoulders. Plus, you’ll be able to complete projects faster than with other cutting tools like hand saws or axes. Buying one of these premiere sawhorses is a great choice for treating yourself and further indulging in your hobby or profession.
We understand that finding high-quality sawhorses can be time-consuming and tedious, with the hundreds of choices available. So, we have compared and reviewed the top sawhorses, allowing you to be confident in your next purchase.
Show contentsDetailing the Great Sawhorse of 2023A Buying Guide for Sawhorses
Now that you’ve seen the reviews of our favorite products, the next step is to talk about some important aspects and features. Since the market is flooded with various sawhorses, each claiming to be the best choice, deciding on one of them can be tedious and frustrating. You should bear in mind that all sawhorses are made equal, and there are a great many factors every woodworker should consider before making a final purchase. We understand professional woodworkers don’t always have time for this. So, we’ve jotted down all necessary aspects, saving you from unnecessary hassle and wasted time.
Critical Considerations for Buying Sawhorses
Weight capacity
The first and most important aspect is the weight-bearing capacity of a product. Will the sawhorse be able to support the weight of hefty logs and wooden planks you plan to cut? Not all sawhorses are made for professionals, some work better for household use. So, with the weight carrying capacity of each sawhorse differing greatly, it becomes extremely important to consider your needs before buying a product.
Material
The next critical consideration is the material used to make your sawhorse. You can find sawhorses made of plastic, metal, or wood suitable for different uses. All you need to figure out which material best satisfies your needs and will feel comfortable working with.
Additionally, bear in mind that these materials come with their own pros and cons. For instance, plastic units are lightweight but have a limited weight-bearing capacity, so you can’t work on hefty logs with these products. Similarly, wooden models have great weight capacity, usually ideal for heavy-duty projects, but these models are not as portable.Size support
As with weight, not every sawhorse can support every size of plywood sheet or wood log. Size and support capacity also vary widely, some products are only suitable for 2 x 4 wooden planks, while others can support both 2 x 4 and 4 x 4 wooden planks. So, it’s important to check the size capacity of a sawhorse to know if it complies with your needs or not.
Durability
Since design and build quality are synonymous with durability, you should keep an eye on these things, ensuring you are investing in the right product. A low-quality sawhorse can give you nothing except loads of hassle and inconvenience. On the other hand, a durable and well-made product, with a thoughtfully curated design, will offer years of service.
Price
Not everyone can afford high-end sawhorses, but there’s nothing to worry about as we have reviewed some budget options as well. It’s critical to consider the amount you are willing to spend on a sawhorse, filtering your choices accordingly. If you are a professional carpenter, it’s always a good idea to invest in high-quality products because they will provide years of satisfaction. And, not every high-priced sawhorse is durable, so don’t let an expensive price tag fool you. Find the product that fits your budget and offers great value for money in the long run.
Features to Consider When Purchasing Sawhorses
Foldable design
Nothing can beat the convenience of moving your sawhorse around without needing extra hands, or being able to store it in compact places. So, always ensure that the product you are considering offers a folding design for maximum comfort. Such items are easy to transport, letting you take your ideal workstation with you anywhere.
Height adjustment
Another beneficial and critical feature is height adjustment, it allows you to work for an extended period of time without putting much pressure on your shoulders or back. Since you can move the height according to your needs, this feature allows you to work on different projects safely and efficiently.
Detailing the Great Sawhorse of 2023
1ToughBuilt Sawhorse
– Best OverallThe first product on our list is this durable and heavy-duty option from ToughBuilt. This product is so great, in fact, it managed to snag our coveted “best overall” award, owing to its rugged design as well as the incredible portability it offers customers. This tool is made of high-quality, professional-grade steel, offering a whopping weight-bearing capacity of 1100 lbs. The user-friendly, versatile, and extremely functional design minimizes cutting time while providing you with the utmost comfort.
The feature that we love the most is the collapsible design, the durable and strong legs of this sawhorse fold beautifully for convenient storage. And, this product also comes with an easy-grip handle, making it a great choice for portability as well as ergonomics. This sawhorse should be among your top candidates if you want to purchase a durable and highly functional product.
Pros- Foldable design for portability and storage
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Compliant with USA quality controls
Cons- Not an ideal choice for wood logs or plywood sheets bigger than 2 x 4 inches
2Bora Portamate Sawhorse
– Foldable DesignThe next option on our list is this sturdy and heavy-duty tool, coming in a pair and offering you great value for your money. These sawhorses are extremely easy to set up, and the collapsible design is ready to work in a snap. And, the adjustable legs and foldable design make these sawhorses a great choice for a customized experience. You can carry these along with you on a job site for an amazing experience, folding and unfolding them is a breeze.
This set of sawhorses has a higher price tag than other options on the list, but the sturdy construction and long-lasting design are worth every penny. Plus, you can use both 2 x 4 and 4 x 4 plywood sheets or panels without any inconvenience. And, these bad boys can withstand weights of up to 3000 lbs, making them a great option for professional woodworkers. Also, the adjustable blade system makes these products more comfortable to work through an ergonomic design.
Pros- Set up time is only 1.6 seconds
- Quick collapsing legs for portability
- Longer, pre-drilled metal top
Cons- Novices might struggle with unfolding or folding the legs
3AmazonBasics Sawhorse
– High-QualityAmazonBasics is synonymous with durability and quality. This pair of sawhorses is a featured-pack product, boasting an affordable price tag and an amazing weight-bearing capacity of 900 lbs. These tools are made of professional-grade, heavy-duty plastic, making them incredibly lightweight and convenient for moving around or carrying from one place to another. And, these sawhorses come fully assembled, so you can start using them right out of the box. The thoughtfully crafted design and features work well for both professional and home-based woodworkers.
Just like other options on our list, these sawhorses have a collapsible design for easy transportation and storage. Also, non-slip rubber feet make it extremely stable and safe. Plus, to ensure that you’re working in a safe environment, the manufacturer has also added locking braces and fold-out stoppers so that these sawhorses won’t snap during a project. All in all, this pair is an excellent choice for carpenters on a budget.
Pros- High-grade construction
- Multiple safety features
- Lightweight and sturdy
Cons- Not an ideal choice for professional use
4Metabo Sawhorse
– Honorable MentionThe next product on our list is a lightweight, extremely functional, and versatile pair of sawhorses by Metabo. The biggest appeal of this option is getting 4 sawbucks along with the sawhorses, for cutting sheets and logs without hassle. Isn’t it amazing? The weight capacity of this pair is up to 1200 lbs, making them an ideal choice for professionals as well as for DIY projects.
The feature that we love the most is that these sawhorses have built-in storage shelves, letting you store essential tools and gear at arm’s length. And, the cord hooks add to its stability, offering you an effortless experience. Plus, you don’t have to spend hours figuring out how to set them up as they come fully assembled, saving you a lot of time and effort.
Pros- Comes with sawbucks for fine cutting
- No assembly required
- Weighs only 11 lbs
Cons- These don’t have a foldable design, but their affordability makes up for it
5WORX Sawhorses
– Great ValueThis sawhorse pair has integrated bar claps, allowing you to work securely by fastening wooden logs or sheets, of any size, vertically and horizontally. Though these products are durable and sturdy, this option weighs only 4 lbs, so you can toss them into the back of your car and carry them along with you to a job site. And, you don’t have to worry about the sawhorses collapsing or parting away, the clamps have a pressure capacity of 300 lbs, perfect for holding and securing heavy workpieces.
Additionally, you get built-in storage shelves at the bottom of these products for holding power strips as well as other tools and supplies. The cutting-edge technology of these sawhorses, and contemporary efficiency standards, allow you to build your toolkit without breaking the bank. These products are made from rugged and molded ABS plastic, the clamps are a combination of ABS and steel, offering you the finest results and reliability. Since these products are made to go through years of use, you might think you have to pay a fortune for them, but this isn’t the case. These sawhorses come with an affordable price tag with lots of useful features.
Pros- Comes with custom-made clamps
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Foldable for easy storage and transport
Cons- The hinged base holding the triangle base could be better quality
People Also Asked
Q: What are some common uses of a sawhorse?A: Sawhorses act as a saw, giving you precise cuts for your carpentry projects. But you should know these are more than typical saws, they are easier to handle, more versatile, functional, and provide you with an ideal workstation.
Q: How can I store a sawhorse?A: Since sawhorses are also a workstation, you don’t need to store them often. However, if you purchase a foldable design, storing it will be a breeze, most models fold flat for portability and storage. You can store them in your garage, workshop, or even under a bed (if you don’t have a designated workshop).
Q: How high should my sawhorse be?A: Height levels differ from model to model, but common heights range from 26 inches to around 32 inches. The unit’s height should match your height, working style, workpieces, and other factors. Choose the height you feel most comfortable working on or go for sawhorses featuring adjustable height.
