8 Best Saw Horses (for Jobsite or DIY Use)
Sawhorses are an unsung hero in the workplace. These simple devices make it easy to measure and cut wooden planks, boards, and even sometimes serve as legs for makeshift tables.
There are a lot of different models out there, not all of which are up to par, so we’ve narrowed down the field to make choosing one easier. While some may need heavy-duty saw horses that can put up with serious abuse, others may prefer something that’s lightweight and easy to set up.
The following are eight of the best saw horses out there, no matter your project or workshop needs.
Our 8 Favorites
Product | Capacity each | Width | Height | Weight each | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rockwell JawHorse | 600 lbs | 33" | 32" | 43 lbs | |
Bora Speedhorse XT | 1,800 lbs | 45" | 30" to 36" | 22 lbs | |
Bora Workhorse X | 1,350 lbs | 38" | 30" | 13 lbs | |
Worx WX065 | 500 lbs | 27" | 32" | 8 lbs | |
DeWalt DWX725 | 1,000 lbs | 36" | 32" | 15 lbs | |
Metabo HPT | 600 lbs | 27" | 31" | 6 lbs | |
Kreg KWS500 | 1,100 lbs | 34" | 25" to 36" | 23 lbs | |
2x4 Basics 90196 | 1,000 lbs | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Sawhorse Reviews
#1 – Rockwell JawHorse
Our top pick is something of a cheat, as it’s a full-blown material support station. In addition to being a sawhorse, this solid steel MacGuyver can also perform the jobs of a workbench, clamp, bench vise, miter saw stand, and more.
The secret is the one ton clamping capacity jaws, operated by a foot pedal for hands-free convenience. The jaws extend to an impressive 37 inches – large enough to hold a door, and have a maximum load capacity of 600 pounds.
Whether you’re tackling a heavy-duty project or working with delicate materials, the JawHorse has you covered. Best of all, the JawHorse is covered by a five-year limited warranty to ensure there are no factory defects.
This is a very popular product with good reason. Its sturdy construction allows it to put up with heavy abuse and takes only seconds to set up. The sturdy tripod frame folds down and the built-in roller allows you to transport it with minimal fuss.
A few owners have complained that the legs don’t lock properly, causing them to splay out. The sturdy steel construction also means the JawHorse may be heavier than one might expect.
Finally, while there are a wide range of applications available, some require the separate purchase of accessories, leading to extra expenses some may find undesirable.
But for its incredible versatility, the Rockwell JawHorse is arguably the best saw horse on the market today. Worth considering even if you planned on purchasing a traditional saw horse.
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#2 – BORA Speedhorse XT (PM-4550T)
The Speedhorse is famous for its lightning fast setup time, and the new Speedhorse XT still takes only 1.6 seconds. This is thanks to a quick release button in the middle of the frame. The non-sequential leg folding makes breakdown quick and painless.
It’s quite likely the best folding saw horse for contractors due to individual leg height adjustment. It has the ability to raise the height from 30 to 36 inches in one-inch increments using slide and lock technology.
The XT is also one of the strongest horses on the market, with each horse boasting an amazing 1,800 pound weight capacity! Its 45-inch long top and end caps are pre-drilled to make attaching 2x4s a breeze, turning a couple horses into a sturdy portable workbench.
Much like its predecessor, the PM-4500T, weight is the single complaint, coming in at just under 44 pounds for the pair. But this is a small price to pay for something made completely of steel. Durable and efficient, the Speedhorse XT is one sawhorse you’ll want to keep with you for years to come.
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#3 – BORA Workhorse X (PM-3350T)
If the heavy duty Speedhorse XT above isn’t necessary or out of your budget, the Workhorse is the next best thing. The all-steel two-pack has an impressive 1,350 pound weight capacity per horse.
Setup is fast and easy, thanks to the single release latch and gravity assisted deployment. When done, the legs can be folded back into the body with little effort. Once collapsed, the horse is compact and easy to carry or store.
The horses have 2×4 brackets and are pre-drilled to make connecting multiple horses or adding a sacrificial top for the perfect portable workbench. There’s even a built-in bottle opener for when you need a break.
While deployment of the legs is fast, you will still need to manually spread and lock them. Also, it should be noted that this model doesn’t have adjustable legs. The overall quality and durability make these only minor drawbacks, however.
The Workhorse X is fairly light for being all-steel, weighing in just under 27 pounds for the pair. This makes them easy to carry, although the built-in handles are a little uncomfortable (so you may prefer to just curl your hand under instead).
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#4 – Worx Clamping Sawhorses (WX065)
The first thermoplastic polymer saw horse on our list really shows how materials can make all the difference in a job. These saw horses have a paired weight limit of 1,000 pounds and aren’t suited for heavy use.
However, when it comes to light wood projects, they outperform their heavier metal counterparts easily and have an impressive range of features.
Two detachable bar clamps may be aligned horizontally or vertically as needed and can clamp as wide as 18 inches. A built-in shelf and cord hooks make on-site tool storage easy.
In addition, this is an excellent example of how compact a good folding sawhorse gets, with a pair measuring only five inches thick when closed. A two-inch wide indentation on top makes working with plywood and similar materials easier. The 32 inch height also means a more comfortable work height.
As mentioned, the WX065 is an excellent choice for lighter projects and is easier to store and transport than metal sawhorses. However, the plastic construction severely limits its use in major projects. For home use, this is probably the best folding sawhorse you can pick.
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#5 – DeWalt Miter Saw Stand (DWX725)
This DeWalt heavy duty work stand is one of the best folding saw horses that pairs perfectly with your miter saw. Made of lightweight aluminum, it may not seem very durable, but its 1000-pound weight capacity per horse says otherwise.
At 15.4 pounds, the stand is highly portable. The folding legs are designed to provide excellent support and feature leg lock levers to ensure it opens quick and won’t fold on the job. A transport latch allows you to link two stands together for easy storage or during transport.
Oddly enough, most of the things people love are also the things they hate with this stand. This is because the DWX725 has many optional features that require separate purchases.
For example, you can convert these into tool stands if you order miter saw mounting brackets. You can also add rollers to turn it into an outfeed, but you need to order the roller brackets separately.
Despite these minor points, the stand is quite durable and the 36″ width makes it a great choice for larger projects. Just be warned that the feet are made of hard plastic instead of rubber and thus may slide on a slick surface. All things considered, this Dewalt model is one of the best saw horses for the money.
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#6 – Metabo HPT Sawhorses (115445M)
This pair of sawhorses is a great choice for those who want a lightweight, convenient workbench. Each pair has a combined weight capacity of 1,200 pounds and weighs only 11 pounds.
The 31 inch width is perfect for setting up a sacrificial surface, while each horse collapses flat to a mere five inches thick. A built-in lower shelf and cord hooks make tool storage easy. The benches also include four sawbucks capable of holding 2x4s or 4x4s.
These sawhorses owe their light weight to plastic construction. As such, they’re best suited for light to medium duty and might not last very long in a commercial setting. Another common problem is that the sawbucks are meant to hang under the shelf when not in use, but the connection isn’t strong and it’s easy to knock them off.
While they may not be great on a major construction site, this set of horses is perfect for a garage or small workshop. They’re also relatively inexpensive, making them a great choice for those just starting out.
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#7 – Kreg Track Horse (KWS500)
Built of steel and aluminum, this heavy-duty saw horse is popular with professional contractors. It has the ability to fill the role of work support, clamping center, saw horse, cutting platform, or work table.
It comes equipped with Kreg’s three-inch Automaxx bench clamp to hold materials to the top or function as a vise using the keyhole brackets on the ends.
Even more impressive are the adjustable legs, which allow for a maximum working height of 35.5 inches all the way down to ground-level (with 5 height settings in between) when the legs are completely folded, making it incredibly compact for storage.
This is one of those rare workshop items that leaves you scratching your head as to why you didn’t get a couple sooner. You can easily mount sacrificial 2x4s, setup is a breeze, and you won’t risk any pinched fingers when using the adjustable legs.
What makes some prospective buyers hesitate is the lack of onboard storage and the high cost per horse. It can also get a little wobbly laterally when doing some rough hand planing. However, these are issues which can be solved with a little ingenuity.
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#8 – 2×4 Basics Custom Pro Brackets (DIY Sawhorse)
With a paired weight limit of 2,000 pounds, these brackets make for an excellent saw horse set when you pair them with some 2x4s. This DIY kit has parts for two sets of sawhorse legs (4 brackets and 8 stabilizing feet) and is made of a heavy-gauge structural polymer resin. They can be used to create a work surface up to eight feet long and four feet tall.
Easy to assemble with just a screwdriver, the key selling point of the 90196 is its ability to be fitted with a wooden crossbeam to create a working width far larger than other models. It also gives you complete control over how wide the surface is per project, making it a pleasure to work with.
The biggest downside to this kit is the need to supply your own 2x4s which may or may not fit the brackets perfectly. Treated wood especially needs to be sanded down to fit.
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Saw Horses 101
You’ve probably used a wooden sawhorse at some point in your life, but there’s a good chance you’ve never had to buy one for yourself. Here are some tips on picking out the best saw horse for your needs.
Metal, Plastic, and Weight Limits
Our list contains both metal and plastic saw horses, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending upon the type of work you’ll be needing it for, either works fine. Here’s a quick breakdown of these two common materials and where they work best.
Metal sawhorses usually work best for heavy-duty projects and harsher work environments. Aluminum horses are at the lower end of the weight spectrum, rating as low as 500 pounds per horse. Steel horses can handle much higher weights, going as high as 1100 pounds per horse.
They tend to be heavier and bulkier, making them a little harder to transport than plastic models. For this reason, you’ll usually use them for construction and other major projects where durability is paramount.
Plastic and polymer sawhorses are at the opposite end of the spectrum, with an average weight limit of 500 pounds per horse. They’re not as durable as their metal counterparts, but make up for it in a lighter weight and cheaper price. They’re best suited for home DIY projects and working with lightweight materials.
Choosing the Best Height and Leg Angle
Sawhorses are designed to handle both weight and movement, but that doesn’t mean all sawhorses are equal. The height is an important factor when considering comfort and visibility.
Most saw horses average around 32 inches in height, which is ideal if your own height is average. However, shorter individuals will benefit from a shorter height and taller from a higher height.
A few models, such as the Kreg sawhorse above, come with adjustable legs so you can work at the ideal height for the project.
Your working techniques will also play a role, as many DIYers use tools closer to chest height for better control, while those using traditional saws may find a lower height gives them more range of movement.
As for the legs, the general consensus is a total angle of 20 degrees, with each side splaying 10 degrees from the plumb line. This doesn’t sound like much, but when you consider the length of the legs, you end up with a fair amount of spacing at floor level.
Saw Horse Storage
A major advantage to using modern sawhorses over the traditional wood ones is their ability to fold for storage. The legs of some will collapse under the top, creating a compact unit that’s easy to store. Others simply close vertically and need to be stored against a wall to avoid potential damage.