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Protect your back and knees from strain.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Stools also need to be easy to carry.
Its an added bonus if the stool comes with storage.
We evaluated the stools based onsize,weightcapacity,material, andweight.
PHOTO: Amazon
The legs can be difficult to fold and open.
Overall, the best functional garden stool is the KVR Kneeler and Seat.
However, some users had issues closing the legs due to the sturdy tension.
PHOTO: Amazon
This stool has a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds.
Product Details: Dimensions:23.6 x 10.6 x 19.3 in.
|Material:Steel, vinyl, plastic |Weight:6 lbs.
PHOTO: Amazon
When sitting on uneven ground, the stool may be unsteady.
And despite its light weight, it can still hold up to 330 pounds.
Product Details: Dimensions:23.62 x 19.7x10.6 in.
PHOTO: Amazon
|Material:Steel pipe, vinyl |Weight:5.62 lbs.
This is the heaviest stool on our list.
What really sets this stool apart is the seat.
PHOTO: Amazon
As a bonus, Sunnydaze Decor offers a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on this stool.
Product Details: Dimensions:38 x 19.5x17 in.
|Material:Alloy steel |Weight:32 lbs.
PHOTO: Amazon
Assembly can be tricky.
The large storage basket underneath the Flinter stool makes it the best garden stool with storage.
The seating pad is constructed from plush vinyl foam for comfortable sitting.
PHOTO: Amazon
Its also set apart from other stools due to its wide, square seating pad thats 10.2 inches wide.
This stool has the highest weight capacity on the list, at 400 pounds.
Product Details: Dimensions:12.5 x 17 x 17.2 in.
|Material:Metal, vinyl |Weight:15 lbs.
This may not be the best choice if you struggle with getting up and down.
Unlike other stools, you dont need to get up and move the stool when changing positions.
The Vertex comes with a plush foam cushion to make the stool even more comfortable.
Product Details: Dimensions:4 x 16 x 16 in.|Weight Capacity:250 lbs.
|Material:Plastic |Weight:3 lbs.
Made of ceramic, this stool should be handled with care.
While some garden stools are functional pieces, others are decorative stools.
This Jonathan Y ceramic garden stool is the perfect accent piece for your garden.
For a more modern look, the stool is available in solid white.
This stool would be perfect as a side table or plant stand inyour outdoor living space.
This piece is versatile and could also be used inside as a lamp stand or table.
The ceramic material makes this piece easy to wipe off and clean.
However, a ceramic stool could chip or break if it is dropped or pushed over.
Product Details: Dimensions:14 x 16 x 14 in.|Weight Capacity:175 lbs.
|Material:Ceramic |Weight:15.97 lbs.
Its weight capacity is too low for sitting.
This beautiful Christopher Knight piece can be used as a garden stool or side table.
The barrel-shaped stool is sturdy, durable, and comes in a variety of colors and cutout patterns.
The powder-coated iron is durable and more resistant to rust.
Product Details: Dimensions:12.25 x 18 x 12.25 in.|Weight Capacity:15 lbs.
|Material:Powder-coated iron |Weight:6.08 lbs.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the best functional garden stool is theKVR Kneeler and Seat.
This stool is reasonably priced and easily converts to both a seat and a kneeler.
It even has convenient handles to help you rise from a seated or kneeling position.
Most garden stools have metal or plastic frames to ensure you are supported.
However, others, like theVertex Rocker, provide less support but more ease of movement.
Stools give seniors the ability to garden more with less stress on their body, Back adds.
Most garden stools have a seating cushion or pad.
Others, made of metal or plastic, have ergonomically shaped seats to best support you.
Most garden stools that are designed to be carried weigh 6 pounds or less.
If its a decorative stool, consider what youll be placing on it.
Many garden stools, such as theSunnydaze Garden Stool, have a sturdy metal frame.
While metal is great for high weight capacity, it can also be prone to rust.
Another important factor is the seat material.
Metal or plastic seats can be comfortable, especially if they are ergonomically contoured.
However, if you prefer extra comfort, a foam or vinyl seat might be best.
Many stools have seat cushions that are sold separately.
Decorative garden stools also come in a variety of materials, the most common being ceramic and metal.
Metal stools tend to be lighter in weight, making them easier to move around your patio space.
Your Questions, Answered
Can garden stools stay outside?
Those with seat cushions can also be prone to sun-bleaching and mold.
Many functional stools fold flat for easy indoor storage.
Decorative garden stools, especially those made of ceramic, can stay outside without showing environmental damage.
Can you sit on ceramic gardening stools?
How high should a garden seat be?
Back says the best height for a garden stool depends on the height of the individual.
I would recommend a height that is comfortable, but allows you to work effectively.
This can be different for each person.
I personally like a stool that is 2 to 4 inches shorter than a normal chair height.
Since the best stool height varies from person to person, stools with adjustable height seats like theSunnydazeare ideal.
Who We Are
This article was written byBetter Homes & GardenscontributorRachel Ahrnsen.
Back’s job includes educating Kentucky residents about gardening.
