better homes & gardens 19 bisbee metal garden stool

The 7 Best Garden Stools

Rest easy when you tend to your garden

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Garden stools have been around for more than a thousand years. They were shaped like barrels and made of stone or ceramic to withstand the elements. Intricately decorated, garden stools had as much an ornamental as a practical purpose.

Garden stools still perform that double function today. They are landscape ornaments that provide extra seating for outdoor or indoor gatherings without taking up too much space, or they serve as side tables for wine glasses or coffee cups. Ceramic has remained the preferred material for ornamental garden stools.

But with gardening becoming a popular hobby, a different type of gardening stool has emerged, one that has primarily a practical function. Modern garden stools are meant to be lugged around to wherever they are needed. They provide a seat to take a break from garden chores or let people with limited mobility perform light gardening tasks such as watering and pruning.

Whether you are looking to add a classic Chinese-style garden stool or a garden stool for outdoor work to your yard, here are the best garden stools on the market.

Our Top Picks

Complete with two pouches for holding gardening tools and supplies.

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A little extra comfort while you work through your yard plans.

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Convenient handle means moving it around your backyard couldn't be easier.

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Includes a pair of work gloves, a pair of pruning shears, and a five-piece set of tools.

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Can be used inside or out completing your garden decor or providing a great spot to sit.

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Designed after ancient Feng Shui Chinese knotted ring patterns.

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Can very easily be transported to different spots, no matter the size of your garden.

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Ohuhu Kneeler and Seat with 2 Bonus Tool Pouches

This Amazon top choice is a super versatile option which switches from a kneeler to a seat with just one easy flip. The dependable construction holds up to a weight of 330 pounds. It folds down flat for easy storage when not in use or during the winter and the strong steel handles also help to give you a little boost and stability when standing from a kneeling position. It comes complete with two pouches for holding gardening tools and supplies and at just under six pounds, it's a lightweight and easy to carry garden helper.

Step2 Garden Kneeler Seat

This simple and sturdy garden stool can be helpful to give you a little extra comfort while you work through your yard plans, it can be used as a kneeler or a stool. The molded-in handles make this option easy to hold and transport even if you have trouble gripping. The double wall construction makes this a dependable seat that you can feel comfortable sitting on as you prune, fertilize or water your plants. In an attractive and bright green and tan color combination, this is a garden accessory that looks great and works well.

zimmer-folding-stool

At just over 4lbs, this stool is really lightweight and portable. The convenient handle means moving it around your backyard couldn't be easier and you can even hang it up in the garage to keep it neat and tidy. You get two identical stools in the set giving you flexibility to use them as extra seating, a small table or as a regular stool, besides in the garden. The strong polyethylene material will last for years, and makes clean up from dirt and weeds a breeze.

The 10-piece set that comes with this garden stool includes a pair of work gloves, a pair of pruning shears, and a five-piece set of tools with beautiful beech wood handles. Those gloves are also nitrile coated and latex free for total comfort. The extensive 18 side pockets provide plenty of space to stow all your essentials for a day of gardening and as it's detachable you can bring it inside to check classifications for plants or seeds or to keep it dry in the event of rain. The heavy duty canvas seat on this foldable stool has a strap to ensure you are sitting safely.

cinco-garden-stoll

At 12lbs it's a solidly built design that has a durable weight capacity of 250lbs. The sturdy four legs make it a comfortable spot to perch, place a drink or prop up your feet as you take a well-earned rest. The waterproof design means that this stool can be used inside or out completing your garden decor or providing a great spot to sit while you weed or take care of planting jobs around the yard. Made with western red cedar this stool only needs to be wiped down with a dry cloth to look its best. This charming mountain cabin stool comes complete with a 5-year warranty making it a worry free investment for your home.

Safavieh Blue Ceramic Double Coin Stool

If you are looking for a decorative garden stool, ceramic lattice designs are fashionable, attractive and can also provide an extra seat to rest and enjoy the beauty of your garden. This model designed after ancient Feng Shui Chinese knotted ring patterns can also be used as a footrest or a side table and brings glamor to any outdoor space. At a height of 17-inches it's the perfect perch for unexpected guests, kids or when you are hosting a big event and need an extra seat. At 16 pounds the sturdy design won't be knocked over by a little wind or inclement weather and it is available in six different colors to coordinate with many different furniture schemes.

Suncast GDS200D Garden Scooter

With four chunky wheels, this garden scooter can very easily be transported to different spots, no matter the size of your garden. A handy pull strap attaches to the side of the cart to allow it to be pulled around with ease and with an 8.5-gallon storage capacity you'll be able to fit in all your supplies and tools. Once closed it doubles as a comfortable seat, and the cushions can be removed and used as knee supports. It even comes with two drink holders so you can take a seat and enjoy a cool drink in between sprucing up your yard. The removable accessory basket allows you to tote your tools inside for cleaning and storage.

Purpose

Choosing the right garden stool for you depends very much on what you intend to use it for. Do you need it for extra seating or a small table during a garden party? Or are you primarily looking for a decorative addition to your landscape that can serve as a seat when needed? Or will you use it only when you are working in the yard?

Movability

Ornamental garden stools often have a permanent location whereas garden stools with a more practical purpose can be moved to where you need them. They are lightweight and thus easy to carry. For added convenience, look for one that is foldable or has wheels.

Add-ons

For a garden stool that you use when working in the yard, additional features such as a place to for garden tools and storage capacity for other garden supplies can come in handy. Some models double as a kneeler.

FAQ

Can you sit on a garden stool?

Classic Chinese-style garden stools are made of ceramic so they might give the impression that you cannot sit on them. But unless it is a fragile and valuable antique, garden stools are meant to be for sitting.
Why do garden stools have holes?

The holes are for drainage. As garden stools are usually in outdoor locations (though they also made decorative interior objects), the hole prevents rainwater from pooling on the seat and soaking it.
How high should a garden stool be?

Garden stools range anywhere from 14 to 19 inches tall, it depends on your personal preference what is the most comfortable for you. The American with Disabilities Act recommends that top of the seat shall be between 17 to 19 inches above the ground.