This is our review of the best garage stools, updated for 2024.
I’ve spent a lot of time researching, hoping to find something that works well in my garage, and I’ve found the DeWALT DXSTAH025 to be the best shop stool overall.
This adjustable stool can be assembled with or without casters, swivels a full 360 degrees, and can hold up to 300 lbs.
But how do you choose the best shop stool, and what should you look for when shopping for one?
We’ve analyzed several products and found three of the best garage stools to fit most needs.
Let’s get started.
WORKPRO Black Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydraulic Shop Stool |
Dewalt Adjustable Padded Rolling Shop/Garage Stool |
GEARWRENCH Adjustable Height Shop Stool, 26" To 31" |
Primary Rating:
4.5
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
4.2
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The Best Garage/Shop Stools
These are three of the best garage stools that stood out for having a combination of seat height adjustment, weight capacity, and warranty period.
Let’s review the three in greater depth.
Best Overall\Best Rolling Shop Stool: DeWALT DXSTAH025
DeWALT is one of the most popular tools and accessories brands. They’re known for offering quality products at affordable prices.
Out of the many stool seats we analyzed, this padded, rolling shop stool with a tool tray stood out.
DeWALT took time to design and make this stool. You’ll like this stool’s solid, sturdy frame, making it possible to support up to 300 lbs.
They coated the steel frame with an industrial-grade powder finish to resist rust and corrosion. This should enable this shop stool to retain its shiny yellow color for a long time.
The stool features a pneumatic adjustable seat that adjusts from 22.5 in. to 26.75 in., and a storage shelf that can double as a footrest.
Like any other good garage stool, this padded rolling shop stool has a 360-degree swivel seat to make your day easier. In addition, the comfortable padded seat and lower backrest help support your back for long work sessions.
Pros
- Comes fully assembled
- The stool has a strong, solid steel frame to support over 300 lbs.
- Has a storage rack at the bottom that can double as a footrest
- Has an adjustable height design
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- It has a small storage rack compared to other stools.
What Customers Are Saying About This Seat
Most customers recommend this rolling stool for being well built, checking our box for durability.
Some customers mentioned the casters don’t roll smoothly over rough floors. However, this is only a deal-breaker if you work in a garage with a lot of sawdust and other floor debris.
In addition, some customers claimed the seat tilts forward when fully raised.
But overall, the consensus was that the DeWALT Padded, Rolling Shop/Garage Stool is durable, comfortable, and well worth the money.
- 360-degree swiveling, foam-padded seat with textured vinyl cover that resists rips and tears
- Adjustable height from 22.5 to 26.75 inches high
- Industrial strength wire grid lower shelf to keep necessary tools and supplies close at hand
- Rolling or stationary - both 360-degree casters and protective nylon feet are included
- Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frame construction
- 300-pound capacity
Runner up: WORKPRO W112010A Adjustable Shop Stool
Suppose you don’t need a rolling garage stool, but you want one that’s both durably constructed and looks good, too.
In that case, this heavy-duty adjustable hydraulic shop stool by WORKPRO may be the answer. It’s available in neon green and hot pink, but I think it looks best in gloss black. It’s a great way to spruce up your garage or workshop and make it classy.
This shop stool has a height adjustable from 29 to 33.86 inches, making it the tallest garage stool on this list. Additionally, the padded seat cushion has a 360-degree swivel and a load capacity of 330 pounds.
Unfortunately, the WORKPRO W112010A only comes with a one-year warranty, and you must have your Amazon proof of purchase to start a warranty claim.
Overall, this shop stool is durably constructed, and the reviews emphasized how solid this product is. The padded seat, durable frame, and adjustable height make this seat worth the money.
Pros
- The stool has a 360-degree swiveling design for enhanced flexibility
- Heavy-duty structure to make it durable
- 330lbs load capacity
- Well-padded and soft seating area
- Available in three colors
Cons
- Challenging assembly process
- Only a 1-year warranty
- Slightly smaller seat area
What Customers Are Saying About This Seat
People who own this stool pointed out that it’s pretty challenging to assemble if you fail to follow the instructions in the user manual.
Heavier individuals highly praised the stool’s ability to handle their weight without wobbling or showing weakness.
Most complaints revolved around assembly issues, and the instructions in the user manual can be challenging to decipher.
- Steel
- Stool rotates 360 degree for maximum flexibility
- Heavy duty structure
- Padded soft Seat, The diameter of Seat is 13. 78 in. (350mm)
- Hydraulic Seat Height adjust from 29 inch to 33. 86 inch (75 to 86 cm)
- Maximum load capacity: 330lbs (150KGS)
Best Budget Shop Stool: GEARWRENCH 86992
A tight budget doesn’t mean you need to settle for a subpar shop stool. The GEARWRENCH 86992 is perfect for someone who needs a simple, durable garage stool and doesn’t want to break the bank.
Even though this is a budget stool, it allows you to turn around freely, thanks to the 360-degree swivel. That makes it easy to grab another tool, even on a different workbench.
It has an adjustable height between 26 and 31 inches, slightly shorter than the WORKPRO stool listed earlier. The weight capacity is also lower at only 225 lbs.
The seating area is padded for comfort and has a vinyl cover to resist rip and tears. In addition, the textured vinyl cover makes cleaning the seat easy.
Its simple, black and orange design blends perfectly with any garage setup.
The assembly process doesn’t call for sophisticated tools or advanced skills. However, with a screwdriver and wrench, you can assemble and ready this fixed shop stool in only a few minutes.
Pros
- Durable padded vinyl seat cover to prevent rips
- Strong steel construction to make it durable
- Padded foam seat for comfort
- Pretty affordable price
Cons
- No rollers
- Lower height than the WorkPro stool
What Customers Are Saying About This Seat
Generally, the GEARWRENCH Shop Stool has received outstanding reviews, with many customers praising it for being sturdy and comfortable. Also, tall and heavier people seem pretty satisfied with the stool’s durability.
How to Choose the Best Garage Stool
Having the proper stool will allow you to work on your projects for longer hours without feeling fatigued and experiencing back pains. The stool’s design should be one of the things you should look out for.
The best shop stool should have a padded seating area and support your back and legs.
The idea is to force your body to assume a proper posture that allows good air circulation. Here are the things to look out for when shopping for a shop stool:
Backrest and Footrest
Stools come in different designs. Whichever design you choose is usually a personal decision.
However, you shouldn’t compromise some things, and the footrest is one of those factors. A footrest helps keep your feet from dangling, alleviating the pressure on your inner thighs.
In addition, you should avoid stools with a complete back design, especially when you’re used to working longer hours. Backless seats force your body to maintain the correct, upright posture.
Comfort
A garage stool doesn’t usually have the backrests and armrests found in most chairs.
Instead, they have a design that forces your body to support itself. The stool design forces you to sit correctly using your back, legs, and abdominal muscles. Oddly enough, this can help strengthen your muscles and boost their endurance.
While many people only look at the cushion’s thickness and whether it has a padded backrest, its ergonomics is the best indicator of a stool’s comfort.
One aspect of this is the seat diameter. Most of the best shop stools have a 14-inch seating area, but it’s better to find one with a larger diameter. If padded, a larger seat will usually be more comfortable than a smaller one.
I’ve never heard anyone say, “This stool would have been better if it was smaller.”
In addition, height adjustability and the ability to rotate 360 degrees also help to promote comfort. The footrest also helps prevent leg fatigue, especially for people who sit for extended periods.
Weight Capacity
Although this may seem obvious, many people underestimate how much weight capacity they need for their garage stool.
A good stool should withstand both your weight and anything you might be holding or carrying.
For example, if you weigh 180 lbs, you can usually use a stool with a carrying capacity of over 200 lb. However, if you regularly hold heavy tools or machinery, opt for a shop stool with a higher weight capacity.
My advice is to go for a stool that can handle over 300 lbs. Luckily, this is becoming the standard weight capacity for garage stools.
Adjustability
Another feature to keep in mind when shopping for a shop stool is the amount of height adjustment.
Most shop stools will allow you to adjust its height will be more comfortable since you can set different height positions depending on the project you’re working on.
If you go for a stool with a fixed height, make sure it fits your height.
Tool Tray
A tool tray feature will help keep your tools handy. Luckily, most stools come with a tool tray, often doubling as a footrest.
For professionals, a magnetic tool tray will be more convenient for you and make your work easier.
Wheels vs. Rubber Feet
Choosing between a stool with wheels or rubber feet is more of a personal preference.
A shop stool with rubber feet suits people who prefer maximum stability and don’t move around much. However, a rolling shop stool will be helpful if you value mobility.
Remember that stools with wheels are a bit pricier than those with rubberized feet. In addition, the wheels may need replacement depending on the surface of your garage floor.
Pay attention to the size of the casters. Interlocking tiles require larger caster wheels than smooth epoxy garage floors.
Should you go for rolling shop stools, try to choose models with lockable or removable wheels. Then, when you need to work on a stationary project, they can help you stay in position.
Stool Material
Shop stool frames made from steel and aluminum are the most popular materials because they’re sturdy and long-lasting. However, check to make sure they have a protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion.
No matter how sturdy they are, plastic stools are not a good option in the garage.
The best garage stool should have a durable material such as polyvinyl chloride (vinyl) or polyurethane covering the seating area.
Budget
Lastly, consider the cost of a stool. Try to have a flexible budget for your new shop stool. Sometimes, a few extra dollars can get you a significantly higher-quality product.
The good news is that, even if you’re on a tight budget, you can get budget-friendly, durable shop stools.
Frequently Asked Questions
We cover some of the most commonly asked questions about shopping for the best garage stools:
What Are the Best Brands for Making Garage Shop Stools?
Often, well-known brands have built a reputation for making high-quality stools. However, that doesn’t mean all their products are right for everyone. Picking a garage shop stool is a matter of personal preference as there’s no one-stool-fits-everyone option.
The three garage stools on this list are from trustworthy brands that value durability, functionality, and aesthetics.
If money is no object, I recommend Vyper garage stools. They’re extremely expensive, but they’ll last you a lifetime.
How Tall Should a Garage Shop Stool Be?
There is no perfect height for a stool. Instead, it depends on your size and workbench.
The best shop stool for you should be tall enough for your knees to comfortably fit underneath your workbench while your elbows rest on the surface.
If you go for a fixed garage shop stool, make sure it fits your working space and height.
Do I Need a Garage Shop Stool With a 360-Degree Swivel?
A stool with a 360-degree rotation enables you to work in any direction. Also, it gives you flexibility, so you don’t have to scoot your stool back from the counter whenever you want to stand.
This is even more critical when you have limited space in your garage.
Are Garage Stools With Backrests Better?
A garage stool with lower back support will naturally force you to sit properly, aligning your correct posture. Likewise, using your back and core to support the lumbar region aligns your spine to its standard S-curve.
Again, this depends on your needs. Both types of stools are great. However, seats with a backrest will come in handy for people who prefer leaning over when working or relaxing.
How Can I Assemble Garage Stools At Home?
In most cases, manufacturers include instruction manuals. However, if the user manual is missing or unclear, you can find tutorials on YouTube for your specific stool brand.
Wrapping It Up
We chose the best shop stools above based on quality, features, and value. However, if it’s still challenging to choose a suitable shop stool among the three, here are our recommendations:
If you’re on a tight budget, we’ve listed a budget-friendly option on this list – GEARWRENCH Adjustable Height Work Shop Stool. Although this stool is shorter than others on our list, it has all the necessary features, including a sturdy frame, a large seating area, ample weight load capacity, and a padded seat.
If quality is your priority, you should go for WORKPRO Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydraulic Shop Stool, as it’s made of premium materials, thus serving you for a long time.
For people looking for the best overall garage stool for their money, the DeWALT Padded, Rolling Shop/Garage Stool is the perfect option as it provides all the necessary features a standard garage stool should have.
WORKPRO Black Heavy Duty Adjustable Hydraulic Shop Stool |
Dewalt Adjustable Padded Rolling Shop/Garage Stool |
GEARWRENCH Adjustable Height Shop Stool, 26" To 31" |
Primary Rating:
4.5
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
Primary Rating:
4.2
|