If you spend a lot of time working on your car and on other projects in your garage, a stool can make life easier. It provides a more comfortable position compared to sitting on the floor, and it keeps your knees from being bent into painful positions. A stool puts your body in a more natural position and minimizes strenuous movements as you complete the task at hand. However, not all garage stools are created equally, so it’s a good idea to do some research before buying the first one you find in an auto store or online. Our buying guide lists some of the best garage stools available and highlights their top features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Best Overall
WEN 73012 300-Pound Capacity Pneumatic Rolling Mechanic Stool
Best Value
Torin TR6300 Red Rolling Creeper Garage/Shop Seat
Honorable Mention
Traxion 2-700 ProGear Mobile Rolling Gear Seat
Our Methodology
We took several factors into consideration when compiling our list of the best garage stools. First, we made sure to choose products from reputable brands that are known for producing high-quality items, as well as stools that are made from tough and durable materials, such as steel, so they last a long time. We focused on garage stools with comfortable seats and seat heights to minimize body aches and pains, and chose different types of stools to accommodate different garage and workshop needs and picked stools in a wide range of prices to accommodate a variety of budgets. We also checked user feedback to see how these units operate in real-world conditions and avoided cheaply made stools with short lifespans that cause more problems than they’re worth. To learn more about our methodology, go here for more information.
Best Garage Stool Reviews & Recommendations
Most Adjustable
CAT Adjustable Pneumatic Shop Creeper Seat with Stool
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Best Back Support
JEGS Heavy Duty Swivel Shop Stool
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Most Versatile
DEWALT Adjustable Shop Stool with Casters
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Our Verdict on Garage Stools
Our pick for the best garage stool is the WEN 73012 300-Pound Capacity Pneumatic Rolling Mechanic Stool. It has a 300-pound weight capacity and is made of sturdy steel, so it’s designed to last. The multi-layered padding makes it quite comfortable, while the tool storage tray adds convenience. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Torin TR6300 Red Rolling Creeper Garage/Shop Seat.
What to Consider When Buying a Garage Stool
The type of garage stool you require will depend on the type of work you are doing. If you are sitting at a workbench, you need a stool that stands solidly in place and is comfortable to use for a prolonged period of time. If you need to maneuver around and under your vehicle while it’s off the ground, you need a stool that has wheels/casters that provide good mobility. We also looked at several features when choosing the best garage stools, such as material construction, height adjustment, and weight capacity.
Types of Garage Stools
Rolling Garage Stool
Many garage stools feature swiveling casters, which allow you to move around your garage or workshop while you’re seated. Some stools have more casters than others, and some casters move along the ground more easily. Check out the size of the casters as well as their construction. Some are made of plastic, while others are made of more durable rubber. Smaller, cheaper wheels won’t last very long and can more easily get stuck in cracks in the ground, which can be irritating and can even cause you to tip over.
Non-Wheeled Stool
If you plan on sitting at a workbench or accommodating customers or other people in your garage or shop, you need a stool that stands solidly in place. Stools without wheels tend to be a little bit taller, so you can sit and work more comfortably at a bench, table, or desk without fear of accidentally moving across the floor. Some of these options have adjustable seat heights, so you can also use them to work on a car. However, they’re not as maneuverable as rolling stools.
Garage Stool Key Features
Height
The best garage stools feature an adjustable height, so you can move the seat up and down depending on what you need to reach on your vehicle or other project. Some stools are more adjustable than others, so check the height to see if it can be set correctly to provide better reach for the project you’re working on. Also, consider your height as if you’re particularly tall, you don’t want a seat that sits so low that your knees get in the way. Many seats without wheels are not height adjustable and are designed for work benches and the like.
Weight Capacity
Some garage stools can accommodate heavier occupants than others. Most stools have a weight capacity of at least 250 pounds, but some can accommodate individuals that are 300 pounds or larger. If you are toward the top range of the weight capacity of a particular product, the stool may wear down more quickly. It’s a good idea to pick a seat with a bit of wiggle room when it comes to how many pounds it can tolerate because it will last much longer.
Comfort
While most garage stools have padded seats, some are more comfortable than others. Look for seats with foam padding and those with multilayers of padding are even better. Also, check the size of the seat. Smaller seats are less comfortable than larger ones, particularly if you have a bigger rear end. Also, look to see if the stool has a backrest, which can provide relief during prolonged use. In addition, check to see how smoothly the casters roll. Better quality casters are able to more easily roll over cracks and other obstacles. Otherwise, they may get stuck, and the seat could potentially tip over, which is not only uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous.
Tool Tray
In general, most rolling garage stools have built-in tool trays on the bottom on top of the casters that can hold a variety of hand tools. Some of these tool trays are fixed, while others can rotate for easier access to your screwdriver, hammer, bolts, etc. For the most part, garage stools that are designed to stay solidly in place without the use of wheels do not include tool trays.
Garage Stool Benefits
Minimize Pain
If you spend a lot of time in your garage working on your car or truck, it can be uncomfortable and tiring, particularly if you lay on the ground or manipulate your body to access hard-to-reach spots. A stool allows you to sit while performing tasks, which is easier on the body. Depending on the height of the stool, it can relieve back pain that you would otherwise experience without the use of a stool.
Maneuverability
Rolling stools allow you to move around as you work as this can be much more efficient than sitting on the floor, getting up, and walking towards your tool box every time you need a different tool. You can also roll around your vehicle, which is particularly helpful if you’re detailing it. Simply put, a rolling garage stool helps you get the job done quicker and more easily.
Garage Stool Pricing
Garage stools are available in a wide range of prices depending on the features they provide. You can find a decent, affordable stool for less than $50. However, these stools may not have an adjustable height, which limits their use. They may also have lower weight capacities. Slightly more expensive garage stools can cost upwards of $100 and they can be either wheeled or non-wheeled stools with adjustable heights and heavy-duty construction for a longer lifespan. They also tend to be a bit more robust and durable than their cheaper counterparts. Premium stools can cost up to $150 or more and can include hydraulic seat adjustments, accommodate large weight capacities, feature industrial-grade coatings, and come with better quality castors and other components.
Tips and Tricks
As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and garage stools. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
- A swivel seat is a good feature because it lets you more easily move around. Instead of pushing the stool away from a workbench, for example, you can simply swivel the seat to stand up.
- Some stools feature footrests, which keep your feet from dangling uncomfortably. This alleviates pressure on your legs and makes it more comfortable to sit for prolonged periods of time.
- For a durable, long-lasting stool, choose one made of steel and/or aluminum. Check to see if the metal is rust- and corrosion-resistant. Avoid stools with plastic frames because they won’t be very durable.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: Are stools with backrests better than those without?
The benefit of a stool with a backrest is that it can hold you in place if you lean over a bit while you’re working. It can also provide a small bit of back support.
Q: What is the best garage stool for a standard workbench?
That depends on the size of the workbench, but many are around 34 to 36 inches tall. You need a stool that is shorter than that so you can comfortably sit below the bench.
Q: What is a creeper seat?
A creeper seat, also known as a mechanic seat, is a low-profile stool with castors or wheels that lets you roll around your garage and access points underneath your vehicle.