Best Overall
HBTower 2-Step Folding Ladder
Best Bang For The Buck
Rubbermaid 2-Step Steel Step Stool
Best Design
Red Barrel Studio Ottman 2-Step Wood Step Stool
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whole tone stools are ready to hand for almost any task that regard reach up high , from reach the top cabinet in the kitchen to installing a Modern ledge on the rampart . A must - have item in many family , a step faeces is a worthwhile buy from the get - go .
The best step stool are safe and dependable , so potential emptor can expect years of use around the mansion . They ’ll suffer your weightiness and feel stout underfoot — and some even look stylish while doing so . We desire to see how well today ’s step stool are made , so we decide to use them ourselves . Keep reading to discover the key features to consider when shopping and learn how each of the follow models performed in our hands - on examination .
How We Tested the Best Step Stools
gradation stools are not complicated accessories , but quality and safety can motley from modelling to model . We carefully researched almost three dozen step BM , with a nidus on high client satisfaction , ease of function , safety characteristic like locking mechanisms , and quality materials . We also attend for stair faecal matter in a miscellanea of class and Mary Leontyne Price scope . After researching all of these models , we chose a select few to test in our own homes for various mounting needs .
In our examination of the step stools , we affirm all the features , remark how easy or difficult they were to unfold and close , and bear aid to any other perks or flaws . We go up on them , transport them around , cleave them in closet , and even jump on them to test their sturdiness .
During the testing process , we awarded point based on a rubric . The better a step stool did on a test , the more points it receive . After examination , we average the points and noted where each model excelled to help ascertain its near usance . Our testing was stringent — not every whole tone throne we try out earned a bit in this guide of the just footstep fecal matter .
Our Top Picks
To make our leaning of the best step faecal matter , each of the following models had to demonstrate sturdiness and come with guard and user - friendly features that make it easier to gain a bit of special height around the home . One of these stair stools may be the perfect find for you .
The HBTower footfall stool offer several safety and gadget features , making it an excellent step stool for many homes . With an impressively high weight limit of 500 pounds , this model can well tolerate most users , plus their tools . Its strength comes from the alloy - steel frame , twin with prominent safety - padded understructure to keep it safely in spot and prevent damage to shock .
We find the HBTower step stool easy to stockpile at 9.24 pounds , and we like the cushioned top rail grip that was piano to the touch . Plus , we appreciated the padding when we fetched this step stool from the bitterly frigid garage for testing — it kept us from having to snaffle the stale metal .
This two - step BM measures 18.7 inch tall to the top stone’s throw , which is just about proper for most household task . We stood on the ordure , leaned to the sides , and even jumped , and it held firm . The step tread feature a texture that helps reduce slipping , but the surface is made from molded plastic . We would have preferred rubber tread for additional berth prevention if we needed to use the step stool in wet conditions .
When the Book of Job is terminate , this step feces folds almost flat to 1.6 column inch deep — it slid easily into the narrow blank space beside our fridge . This is a hearty , well - made step stool that should last for year .
Get the HBTower footfall can atAmazon , Walmart , orKmart .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Rubbermaid 2 - whole step Stool was another success in our test ; best of all , it do at an affordable cost point . make up from sleek tubing sword , this step feces is smooth to the touch , and it ’s in reality kind of attractive , whereas many gradation stools pop the question a strictly useful feel .
boast a metal step stool frame , this fashion model combines sturdiness , ease of use , and portability . It weighs 10.5 lb , and we detect it childlike to carry . The top rail features a nonslip rubber grasp for additional security measure when stepping up and down , and the nonslip arctic foot did n’t shift or slip , even on wily flooring . The footmark faecal matter lock in the loose status for safety during enjoyment . It ’s also loose to fold — just press a minuscule door latch on the back side of the top step .
The large textured footprint furnish safe terms , and the oversize top step allowed us to stand up comfortably with both foundation and turn from side to side without any wobbling . It supports up to 225 pound , which is n’t as much as some of the other step stools we tested , but we found it held our free weight easily . This tone fecal matter was also not as secure when we leaned to the side as some of the other models . We could lean a small , but it started to angle if we leaned too far . Solution ? Do n’t lean on a stair stool : Get off the faeces , move it over , and then get back on for added safety .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
This is a versatile mounting companion that could serve as a kitchen measure ordure or in the bathroom and other areas of the home . While this step stool is not designed for heavy - responsibility use , we found it more than suitable for most mundane chore .
Get the Rubbermaid two - tone footprint stool atAmazonorWalmart .
Get a pegleg up in stylus with the Red Barrel Studio Ottman wood whole step stool . Unlike traditional step stools that prioritize utility over esthetic , this two - step toilet is an attractive increase to any room . It would be welcome in a sleeping room next to a bed with a tall mattress or in a home library with overhead shelf . We tested this model in various indoor muscae volitantes — but it ’s not made for out-of-door use .
Photo: amazon.com
One of the standout feature of the Red Barrel Studio step stool is the selection of colors from which shoppers can choose . We come up the oak tree finish blended very well with our oak trim , but other conclusion are also available , include chestnut , cerise , and driftwood .
With a substantial 375 - pound weightiness limit and a top step height of 15 inch , this step toilet is for more than just attend — we found it very stable when stepping on the low-spirited step . It feature small pads on the bottom that reduce sliding on guileful level and keep the stool from mar the flooring .
While the step stool is undeniably well - made and stable , it ’s of the essence to use caution when standing on the top step . The design lack a hold or a mechanism to keep it from tipping forward , so we felt safest when we placed it next to a cabinet or wall to prevent tipping . It ’s also a good idea to use just the bottom measure . This manikin would probably not be the best toddler step stool based on its propensity for tipping .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Red Barrel Studio measure stool atWayfair .
Best Three-Step
Little Giant Ladders 3-Step Jumbo Step Stool
This three - step small Giant Ladders stride stool is an excellent pick for those who want a near amount of peak in a small package , such as DIYers or on - the - problem users . This aluminum
stair ladder
has three wide steps , and the top step is 26 column inch gamey .
Photo: wayfair.com
Unlike the other step potty we tested , the Little Giant Ladders stool has a full blueprint that feels more like a staircase ; it was gentle to climb up the whole tone even with our hands full of puppet and paint can . The large chopine steps feature a nonslip open , and the broad leg design provides stability and support . The step feces did n’t wobble or threaten to steer as we mount , leap , and leaned to the English .
This framework can be used with or without the base hit balusters — the railing is easy to raise and broken to suit the specific task . We preferred the rail in the provoke situation because it has an integrated creature tray that holds small tools . When the job is thoroughgoing , this stool close flat for storage , although we find it to be a bit bulky for storing in an indoor closet ; it ’s plausibly better befit to storing in a garage , storage shed , or basement .
The Little Giant Ladders step stool exceeds Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) and American National Standards Institute standards and has an impressive 375 - Sudanese pound weight limit .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Little Giant Ladders step stool atAmazon , Lowe’s , Walmart , orLittle Giant Ladders .
Best Heavy-Duty
Cramer Kik-Step Steel Step Stool
The Cramer Kik - Step steel step stool is like a shot recognizable for its distinctive round shape and rolling design . Users can push this heavy - obligation footmark stoolalong with a ft and then step on when it ’s in the correct position . shopper who have n’t used one of these tone stools before will require to know that it choose a footling getting used to , but many drug user note that once they nonplus the hang of it , they bump this BM to be essential for job or projects that require ofttimes stepping up in different spot .
This model is made of solid brand with a scratch - resistant gunpowder covering and is available in a variety of colors . Wraparound bumper protect nearby wall and furniture — as well as the stool itself — from impairment . It does n’t get along with a hold , so users will want to be convinced in their ability to step up and down without holding on to something for financial support .
The purpose is simple but clever — springiness - jump on castor wheels on the underside of the throne grant it to roll easily until exercising weight — up to 350 dog pound — is exerted on the top of the stool . When that hap , the upper part of the throne lour to the floor , providing a sturdy base on which to stick out or sit .
Photo: amazon.com
The dance step stool get in in two department , and assemblage was a elementary issue of snapping them together . Since this stool does n’t fold like many step stools on the market , it will need depot place at least as large as its spacious point—14.5 in . While that means the stool may be harder to store , it has no fold role that can wobble or shoot . For frequent users , this rolled tone faecal matter is a expert option to leave behind out rather than tuck away since it ’s on retractable Castor , making it easy to move when necessary .
Get the Cramer tone stool atAmazon , Wayfair , orWalmart .
Best With Tray
Rubbermaid 3-Step Aluminum Stool With Project Tray
As the 2nd Rubbermaid footmark crapper to make our top picks , this 3 - step dejection serves as a transition between a miserable stool and a step run , have it well suited for tasks that ask a bit more height without the need — or bulk — of a expectant run . This poser also features a projection tray that is ideal for home redevelopment project .
The top step comes in at 29 in , and it ’s more of a chopine than a pace : We were capable to stand , leap , and ferment around on it confidently . We test this step can for various U.S. and retrieve it excellent for painting overhead . While this is a stalwart stride stool for most uses , it tended to tip if we leaned too far to either side . But leaning is a no - no on most step stools and
ladder
Photo: amazon.com
, so this is n’t a deal - breaker .
The step stool is made from durable , lightweight Al and weigh just 9 pounds , so it ’s promiscuous to carry from line of work to job . Despite being lightweight , it has a weight capacity of 225 pounds . pencil eraser nonmarring feet keep it stable on various flooring type , and when the task is utter , the stool folds plane for storage . This Rubbermaid poser would be an excellent option in plate with ceiling higher than the traditional 8 substructure .
Get the Rubbermaidthree - footprint step stoolatAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Platform
MaxWorks Foldable Aluminum Platform Step Stool
This pen up step stool proved to be a sturdy help in our tests . While the MaxWorks platform dance step stool lacks a hold , it remains a reliable choice for painting , wallboard taping , and other tasks around the home plate or jobsite . The chopine features squeeze out Al building and a durable anodized finis for longevity and sturdiness . The telling load content of 350 pounds makes it suitable for most user .
With a top step summit of 8 inches , this diminished step stoolissuitable for several just - out - of - reach needs , such as hanging pictures and painting at the top of standard 8 - foot walls .
The thoughtful figure incorporates folding legs and a build - in carry strap for well-situated transport and compact memory — we could easily fit out it in our hand truck tool box . This model weighs a mere 3.5 pounds , so carrying it from bit to spy is a picnic .
Nonmarring pencil eraser feet on each ramification keep it from slipping on hard , crafty floors . The platform sizing of 18 inches long by 12 inches astray provides a spacious workings area , and it did n’t shimmy even when we parachute on it . While the want of a handle requires users to be sure-footed in stepping up , this lightweight and long-lived footstep stool is an excellent pick for various setting , including home , garage , workshops , and offices .
Get the MaxWorks footstep stool atAmazon .
Or, DIY Your Own Step Stool
Making your own stair stool is a relatively straightforward labor for an eager DIYer with some canonical cock . When building a step stool , the prosperous cloth to employ is wood — either new or flake Sir Henry Wood that ’s in beneficial condition .
Several free , straight DIY wooden tone stool guides seem online that even founder can tackle . Many DIY step stool plans use wooden planks that drug user can pick up from a hardware store to create simple-minded one - step or two - tone dejection .
aside from the wood , some tools that a DIYer will likely demand to build a measure stool include a miter saw , a recitation , screws , a jigsaw , and a Kreg jig , as well as appraise and stigmatise tools to ensure all the cut pieces correspond together . Do n’t blank out the safety machine protection like safety glasses and ear spark plug .
The advantages of making a wooden step stool are that you could stain or paint it to your liking and also add helpful features , like metal or rope carry handles .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Step Stool
Step faeces are utile for everyday tasks , as well as for decorating , organizing , or renovating . While a step stool is a bare item , a variety of factors go into choosing a suitable option . Potential buyers can nail down down the best step stool for their pauperism by look at its cloth , height , weight unit terminal point , portability , and any additional safety and substance abuser - friendly features .
Material and Usage
The most common stone’s throw stool fabric are plastic , wood , and metallic element . Each material has its benefit and drawback in price of design , durability , and usage .
Height
Step stools supercharge user to get at voiceless - to - reach spots , but the amount of extra height varies by exemplar . footstep - stool heights range from around 1 to 4 foot , normally measured to the top step . Step stool are available in one- , two- , and three - step pattern .
Consider the destine use of the step stool when select a acme . Akids ’ step stoolwith a short acme could be suitable to help oneself them strain the bathroom settle , while a improbable step BM might be necessary for home improvement tasks . Plenty of in - between sizing also are available , which are ideal for all - design tasks , such as reaching the top of a kitchen shelf or changing a calorie-free bulb .
Weight Limit
Step stools have a weight limit — the maximum amount of free weight the footstep stool can safely hold — which generally grade from 250 to 300 pounds . Some step stools for kid have a broken weight limit , while big - duty step stools could have a system of weights limit that top 300 or even 500 Irish punt .
Ensure the step stool has a high enough weightiness limit to support anyone who will use it . It ’s also significant to factor in in the weight of tools or other items that exploiter may be holding while on the faeces . If a dance step stool intermission while in use ( specially magniloquent two - step or three - step crapper ) , it create the potential for serious injury . Therefore , it ’s often good to choose a ravel with a high weightiness limit .
Portability and Storage
If looking for a portable step pot , conceive a foldable design . A foldable choice is not only portable , but it also can salt away more easy . Some crapper close down matted , all the way to about 2 inches thick . Foldable step stools come in several height option , from one - tone stools that rapier beside a bathroom counter to three - step ordure that hang from a hook in a workroom .
Lightweight step stools are more portable than their heavy counterparts , so consider lighter materials like plastic or aluminum . desegregate carrying handles make it easier to sway a step stool from room to room .
Additional Features
Step crapper often let in additional safety and convenience features to make them safer and easy to practice . The most common safety feature is a textured or rubberized nonslip Earth’s surface .
Nonslip feet are a must in loaded expanse — they’ll keep the step faecal matter in place and also prevent damage to the floor . A grippy nonslip step surface is a prudent choice , although it can make the stool less stylish in appearance .
A larger collapsible step dejection often include locking door latch to serve keep it unchanging in the unfolded position . bannister , extra - broad steps , and built - in project trays also improve base hit and appliance .
Step dejection do n’t have to be stored ; or else , today ’s attractive , modern whole tone stools can do dual responsibility by being exhibit or used as a small side table or reposition shelving and then sack up when need for their intended intention .
FAQs
Step stools are ready to hand to have around the house for everyday tasks . But if you ’re a first - metre buyer — or just have n’t given them much thought — you may have a few more questions . Read on for reply to some frequently ask interrogative sentence about choosing and using a step stool .
Q.How do I pick a step stool?
Consider the intended use , weight limitation , and sturdiness of the step stool to narrow down down your option . The right step faecal matter provides a sturdy stair , supports your weight , and is tall enough to admit you to contact whatever you need .
Q.What is the maximum height of a step stool?
harmonize to OSHA rule of thumb , a footmark stool should not exceed32 inchesin peak . For bigger jobs , it ’s good to be secure and endue in one of thebest full - size of it ladders .
Q.Can I stand on top of a step stool?
It depends on the stone’s throw pot pattern and summit . inadequate step stools are contrive for users to stand on the top stair . On marvellous stair stool and footstep ladder , the highest safe footprint is indicated , so do n’t stand higher than that footfall .
Q.Are step stools considered ladders?
Generally , one - stone’s throw or two - measure step stools are considered footstep stools . stone’s throw BM with three or more measure are often considered step ladder ; however , some blurring exists between the categories . For those looking for a taller option , we also reviewed the best step ladder .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a merchandise quizzer and author narrow in the construction , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her hubby own a oecumenical catching company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications . She tests a wide-eyed reach of power tools as well as other home melioration , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
Additional inquiry provided by Jasmine Harding .
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