“Oh, my aching knees/back!” I know I’ve groaned these words a time or two after a hard day’s work in the garden- you probably have, too.

It’s no secret that gardening involves working in the ground, and bending or kneeling to reach said ground can be a strain on your knees, back and hips. Medical News Today lists repeated bending (which happens a lot with gardening!) as a potential cause for straining your back muscles.

This issue can impact gardeners of any background or age, but if you’re living with a disability or you’re a senior, the physical strain of gardening could be extra challenging.

But in my experience, having a garden stool that helps me sit in an ergonomic position- rather than whatever bending, stooping or stretching I naturally do- makes a big difference. What’s more, several of the best options out there are lightweight or have wheels, making them accessible to any gardener. 

In this article, I’ll cover my favorite gardening seats and stools- and with the variety of styles, prices and functions, there’s a good option out there for everyone. I’ll also take a closer look at a few key features so you can go about your shopping with confidence and answer a few common questions. Let’s get started!

Our 10 Favorite Gardening Stools

1. Boreeman Folding Stool

**Best Overall Gardening Stool

• Dimensions: 9.8 inches long, 9.8 inches wide, height adjusts from 2.4 to 18 inches tall
• Product weight: 2.6 pounds
• Weight capacity: 400 pounds
• Collapsible for storage: Yes

This clever stool from Boreeman uses a telescoping mechanism to offer twelve height settings, ranging all the way from 2.4 to 17.7 inches. In my opinion, it’s the wide adjustability factor that sets this stool apart from the rest. And all it takes is a simple twist and pull combination to set your stool to the exact height you want. 

The only downside to the telescoping mechanism is that the individual height settings can be vulnerable to breaking. In that event, you won’t be able to lock the seat at that particular height anymore. All the other settings should continue to work, though.

When completely collapsed, the stool is only 2.4 inches tall, so it should fit in almost any storage space you have. Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, you won’t have to struggle with lugging a heavy or awkward stool from place to place. What’s more, the handy carrying strap is long enough to sling over your elbow if your hands are full. 

2. Songmics Garden Kneeler and Seat

**Best Convertible Gardening Stool

• Dimensions: 23.6 inches long, 10.63 inches wide, 19.25 inches tall
• Product weight: 2.5 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Collapsible for storage: Yes

The seat has a thick layer of foam padding that provides superior comfort. If your garden task calls for kneeling down, just flip the frame over to cushion your knees while you work. 

When used as a seat, this stool stands 19.25 inches tall, and the generous height can be helpful if you have difficulty standing up from a low position. One downside is that there is no height adjustability, and reaching the ground from such a tall seat might be a challenge for some people. 

When it’s time to store your stool away, release the pins on the side panels to fold them down under the seat. Then tuck your stool away on a shelf or in a corner.

As a bonus, you also get a tool pouch with 2 generously sized pockets. The pouch easily slides over the top lip of the seat, keeping your tools in easy reach at all time.

3. OPILY Camping Stool

**Best Lightweight Gardening Stool

• Dimensions: 13.5 inches long, 13.5 inches wide and 13.5 inches tall
• Product weight: 1.6 pounds
• Weight capacity: 320 pounds
• Collapsible for storage: Yes

Opily offers this stool in two sizes, medium and large. The medium size is ideal for children and youth, and most adults will probably find the large size to be more comfortable. The size difference is fairly significant, so if you choose to go with this stool, be sure to purchase the right one!

All the details in this review pertain to the large size.

This Opily option is essentially a camp chair in stool form. Although you’ll have to do without a high back and cupholder of the standard camp chair, you have the same sturdy fabric seat, lightweight materials and easy-fold frame. 

This gardening stool stands 13.5 inches high when unfolded, making it a middle-of-the-road height option. When it’s time to move to another area of the garden, the stool frame folds inwards, allowing for easy, one-handed transport. 

The upper weight capacity for this gardening stool is 320 pounds, which is pretty surprising given the small, simple design. 

But we do have one gripe: We wish Opily had added a locking mechanism to hold the stool in the unfolded position. 

4. Custom Leathercraft EasySeat

**Best Budget Gardening Stool

• Dimensions: 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, 2.5 inches tall
• Product weight: 1 pound
• Weight capacity: Not stated
• Collapsible for storage: No

This clever seat turns a humble 5-gallon bucket into a true all-in-one garden caddy and seat.

John Thomas, blogger and founder of Backyard Garden Geek, recommends this product for its function and usefulness. “You can put all of your gardening supplies in the paint bucket, fit the lid on top of the bucket, then carry everything out to your garden all at once. This solution saves me from walking back and forth to my garage, and it makes gardening easier on my knees since I can rest every so often.”

This particular seat is made of molded plastic, making it resistant to the elements even if you leave it outside. While the plastic is comfortable, there are also other 5-gallon bucket seats on the market that have padding or a swiveling feature.

I love this product for its simplicity and usefulness. The only downside I have to mention is that the company does not specify a weight capacity, so it may not be able to support as much weight as some other stools. But if you feel that a 5-gallon bucket can hold your weight, this seat should work just fine for you.

One more great aspect to point out- this product is made in America!

5. Vertex Premium Garden Rolling Work Seat

**Best Gardening Stool with Wheels

• Dimensions: 16 inches long, 14.5 inches wide, seat adjusts between 11 and 14 inches tall
• Product weight: 6.89 pounds
• Weight capacity: 220 pounds
• Collapsible for storage: No

This rolling stool from Vertex features a molded nylon frame and polypropylene wheels and seat area. Thanks to these heavy-duty materials, this stool supports up to 220 pounds. This stool weighs just shy of 7 pounds, so you won’t have to battle with excess weight as you move to a different work area. 

With their elongated shape, the rollers have a unique rocking capability that reduces your need to reach or bend at the waist. The goal of this design is less strain on the muscles and joints in your upper body.

Rollers are a smart addition, but they do have one downside. Even though this stool glides effortlessly over flat surfaces like concrete, you’ll have to use a little more effort to roll over grass or uneven terrain.

Choose between one of four height settings at 11, 12, 13 or 14 inches tall. The padded seat cover gives you some additional comfort during those long-haul garden projects. And with the handy attached pockets, you can always keep small tools within easy reach.

With its comfortable design and rollers, this option is tops the list of our favorite gardening stools for seniors or those with disabilities. 

NOTE: There’s also a pared-down version of the this rolling seat at Walmart- the basic design is identical, but you’re not paying extra for the cushion featured in the premium model shown above.

6. Simplay3 Heavy-Duty Work/Garden Seat

• Dimensions: 15 inches long, 12 inches wide, 9 inches tall
• Product weight: 4 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Collapsible for storage: No

Depending on which way you place the block-style stool, you can have a 9-inch, 12-inch or 15-inch seat. If your day’s plans include both weeding the garden and pruning rose bushes, just flip the stool to the proper height for each job. 

Weighing in at 4 pounds, carrying your stool from place to place shouldn’t present too much of a challenge. Also, Simplay3 added deep, molded handles, so you can get a firm grip on your stool even if your hands are wet or muddy.

The plastic may be lightweight, but don’t be fooled: It’s also strong enough to support up to 300 pounds. 

One downside is that the seating area on the 15-inch height option is a little on the small side, potentially making it uncomfortable for some gardeners. 

7. WORX Storage Step Stool

• Dimensions: 14.5 inches long, 10.5 inches wide, 13 inches tall
• Product weight: 6 pounds
• Weight capacity: 324 pounds
• Collapsible for storage: No

This cleverly designed stool from WORX functions as a comfortable garden seat, a step-stool and a tool-carrying case- all in one.

The seat surface is pretty generous, at over 14 inches wide. And even though there’s a carrying handle, it’s fully embedded- so I’ve found that you don’t even feel it. Chunky feet give the stool a good grip on grass, soil and concrete. But since there’s no grippy material on the feet, the stool may slip a bit on surfaces like smooth tile.

Besides being a functional stool, the storage capacity is really what sets this product apart, in my opinion. WORX included a deep, locking storage bin in the stool’s body for keeping your pruners, gloves or a small water bottle handy. There’s also a pull-out drawer underneath the bin for smaller items. I think it’s a really clever way to maximize every inch of space!

8. Vertex Deluxe Garden Rocker

• Dimensions: 14.8 inches long, 14.8 inches wide, seat adjusts from 11 to 15 inches tall
• Product weight: 4.19 pounds
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Collapsible for storage: No

This stool from Vertex features unique rounded lower edges that allow you to tilt your stool towards your work site. The design allows you to keep your upper body straighter and more relaxed while angling you towards your work on plants or the ground.

While you do need to ensure that you sit down firmly initially, the bottom is just flat enough to create a stable base. From there, you can lean forwards or side to side to reach whatever plants or piece of ground you’re working with. But you need to be careful how far backward you lean or you could end up on the ground!

Four height settings from 11 inches to 16 inches let you choose the one that’s most comfortable for you. The foam cushion provides some extra padding, and it also has an attached handle for easy transport. 

On the subject of transport, this stool weighs in at 4.19 pounds, so moving it from place to place is a snap. But don’t be fooled by the lightweight material: this stool can support up to 220 pounds. 

NOTE: Walmart has a version of this stool without padding- so it may be a better fit for tighter budgets than the deluxe version featured above.

9. Utopia Home Folding Stool

• Dimensions: 11.29 inches long, 8.46 inches wide and 8.58 inches tall
• Product weight: 2.2 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Collapsible for storage: Yes

With multiple hinges on the corners, edges and top, this stool folds down almost completely flat, so storage is a breeze. The hinges operate smoothly, so you can open or close the stool with just one hand. Also, the collapsing mechanism transforms the top panels into a convenient carrying handle.

And when you need to move your stool elsewhere, the 2.2-pound weight shouldn’t slow you down too much. 

Thanks to the 8.6-inch height, the ground is within easy reach. 

But if you’re looking for a gardening seat that can do double duty as an outdoor step-stool, look elsewhere. Although this stool’s lightweight plastic is ideal for transport, it may buckle under your weight if you step on it, especially on uneven outdoor ground.  

10. Ultra-Light Wearable Garden Stool

• Dimensions: 9.84 inches long, 9.84 inches wide, 8.66 inches tall
• Product weight: 12.84 ounces
• Weight capacity: None stated
• Collapsible for storage: No

Let’s just state the obvious right off the bat: This one looks a little strange. But there is a creative method to the madness!

Based on the stools that Korean farmers have used for many years, the basic idea is that you fasten this stool around your body and wear it while you work. This allows you to effortlessly move your gardening seat with you from place to place while also keeping your hands free.

The black straps you see in the photo fit around your hips and fasten with Velcro around your waist. This holds the red seat portion snugly against your backside- kind of like a stinger on a bee! When you reach your work site, just sit down on your attached stool. After you finish your task, stand up, walk to the next area and repeat the process. 

When they bill this stool as ultra-lightweight, they’re not kidding. The seat portion has a foam core that weighs less than 1 pound! 

Unusual? Absolutely. Convenient? Once you get the hang of it, yes!

But don’t be surprised if it takes a couple of tries to figure out the right way to position this stool and sit down on it correctly. Practicing indoors may not be a bad idea!

How to Choose a Gardening Stool

Choosing a gardening stool seems to be a pretty straightforward task, right? Just pick one and sit on it!

Not quite. If you choose a stool without doing a bit of research first, you could wind up with a piece of garden equipment that you don’t like, don’t use and just takes up space. 

Here are 5 points to think about that can help you choose the best gardening stool for your needs. 

1. Height

Think about your garden layout and the primary tasks you work on.

• Do you have an in-ground garden or raised beds?
• Can you bend at the waist easily enough to reach the ground from a high seated position?
• Do you prefer to sit while doing jobs like pruning or cutting bouquets?
• Is it difficult for you to get back into a standing position from a low seat?

Every gardener has a unique background and preference for the height they prefer to sit at. Fortunately, you can find a gardening stool at almost any height you want. Even better, many stools offer a height adjustability feature that lets you tailor the height to the job at hand. 

Here’s a suggestion I’ve used myself- find a box or another item that’s a similar height as the stool you’re considering. Take it out to the garden, sit on it and try working a little bit to see if you’re comfortable with the height.

2. Transportability

If your gardening stool isn’t easy or convenient to use, you probably just won’t use it.

Since outdoor work usually takes you all over the garden or lawn, the ability to move your stool with ease is a key consideration. 

Stools that feature lightweight materials and built-in handles are the simplest to grab to go. A rolling stool might be the ideal choice if you have decreased strength or a disability that makes carrying an object difficult. If you want a little extra maneuverability, a garden scooter may be an even better option. 

3. Storage

Where do you store your gardening supplies between uses? Do you have a dedicated tool shed, or maybe just a corner of the garage? Perhaps you have to keep your gear in the basement or another storage area. 

Especially if you’re working with a tight space, a gardening stool that folds compactly helps you maximize that precious storage real estate. On the other hand, a bulky or block-type stool can take up a fair amount of space or even present a trip hazard. 

4. Weight Capacity

Not all gardening stools are created equal. Some manufactures might choose to forgo sturdy designs or materials in favor of saving money or offering a lightweight product. 

This could open up the possibility of leaving you with a stool that can’t support much weight and ends up broken. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of gardening seats and stools out there that cleverly combine strength and convenience. Pay close attention to the upper weight capacity of the stool you’re considering. Additionally, stools with simple one-piece or block-like shapes will typically be able to support the most weight. 

5. Material

If your garden is a bit of a trek from your house, you may find it easier to simply leave your stool there between uses. Or maybe you just don’t want the worry of damage or rust if you forget to bring your gardening stool in for the night.

If I just described you, you’re probably best off choosing a stool made from plastic, nylon or polypropylene. These materials are easy to care for and hold up well in the elements.

Canvas fabric and metal are also tough materials, but you’ll have to care for them properly for maximum longevity. For example, make sure to store these stools indoors between uses and keep them as dry as possible.

Who It’s Best For

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 39% of adults reported experiencing back pain in the previous three months. Since gardening requires lots of bending and physical activity, it could land you in that group of back-pain sufferers.

Professional landscaper Chad Chapman of Brookfield Lawn Care says he find thats that a gardening stool can help prevent several issues: “Back pain due to prolonged standing or leaning over; arthritis-related joint pain caused by repetitive bending or squatting motions; and fatigue due to long hours of gardening. Postures like squatting can also be uncomfortable after prolonged periods of time.”

The bottom line: Unless you have high raised beds that you can work in while standing upright, a gardening stool can help you work longer and more comfortably.

Final Thoughts

When I think about the times I’ve experienced pain or been uncomfortable while working in the garden, I tend to rush through my tasks or cut my to-do list short for the day. That’s no fun- we want to enjoy our gardens! I’ve found that choosing a comfortable, well-designed gardening stool can make a big difference in how I approach my outdoor tasks. 

You have several options to choose from, so be sure to pay attention to the details like height, weight capacity and product weight. Then, get outdoors and enjoy your outdoor work safely and more comfortably!

Did you find this article helpful? Are there any specific features that you consider must-haves, or any that you ended up not using? Do you have any other questions or suggestions?

Let us know in the comments!