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A keen gardener knows the unique pain of crouching or kneeling among their plants for hours at a time. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also cause or exacerbate long-term joint conditions such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. (1)(2)
We protect our hands with gloves, so why not our knees, too? Garden kneelers provide much-needed relief for your joints so you can spend longer with your plants.
Protect Your Knees with the Best Garden Kneelers and Seats
Below you’ll find some of our favorite garden kneelers, as well as some tips and tricks for choosing one that works for you.
Best for Portability: Red Home Club Thick Kneeling Pad for Gardening
This RED kneeling pad is an affordable one-piece wonder. Since it’s only one piece, you don’t have to worry about losing any of its parts.
This pad is easy to carry around the house and garden for a variety of tasks as it only weighs 10.4 ounces. This is a particularly great option for campers, mechanics, or tradespeople who need something light and compact to travel with.
The pad is 1.5 inches thick, which provides ample support and comfort for your knees. It’s also a great size to kneel or sit on without taking up too much room in your home or car. Some find the pad to be a bit too firm, but it’s just right for us.
We love the low-absorbent material that keeps it — and you — dry. This makes it ideal for working in wet conditions or on damp floors. It can also be useful if you’re using it while sweating, as it means you won’t slip around like on some other kneelers. The material is easy to clean and dries quickly.
The foam is dense and designed to withstand the outdoors. This means it should last many years without breaking down or changing shape.
Pros
Lightweight and portable
One-year warranty
Comes in a range of colors
Cons
A few find it too hard
Best for Value: NoCry Home and Gardening Knee Pads
These are fitted pads that you strap to your knees, meaning you can move about freely without worrying about making any adjustments. If you’re tired of lugging your kneeler or seat around with you, these pads are a great option.
The pads are made from 0.5-inch foam that cushions your knees and prevents surfaces from being scratched when used indoors. They’re also waterproof, allowing you to stay outdoors for longer when it’s raining.
They provide ample cushioning while remaining lightweight enough that you can move freely without being weighed down.
Securing the pads is easy with an elastic strap that you can adjust easily depending on your size and fit preference. They’re not comfortable with just shorts as the straps tend to dig in, so we recommend wearing them with tights or long trousers.
These knee pads are best used for lighter household tasks such as gardening or cleaning. They’re not designed for heavy-duty tasks or use on rough surfaces like gravel, however.
Pros
Easy to clean
Lightweight
Won’t scratch indoor surfaces
Cons
Straps are uncomfortable on bare skin
Straps may not hold up for some
Best for Comfort: Garten Comfortable Knee Pads
The Garten Knee Pads are super comfortable, with memory foam caps that provide the ultimate support and comfort for your knees. You can use them on soil, concrete, hardwood floors, or tiles and still be comfortable.
The soft design and memory foam mean they mold to your knees, so you don’t have to worry about pinching or rubbing. We love the support it provides and, because it molds to your knee, it’s almost like having a custom knee pad.
At 5.6 ounces, these pads are so lightweight you could almost forget you’re wearing them. They’re compact and easy to store in your home or car. They’re also easy to clean after a long day in the garden.
The adjustable velcro straps allow them to fit almost any knee. We recommend checking the manufacturer’s measuring chart to find the perfect fit, otherwise you’ll struggle using them. If they do start slipping, there’s a built-in handle at the top so you can easily readjust them.
Pros
Compact design
Made from comfortable and supportive memory foam
Velcro straps are long-lasting and secure
Machine washable
Range of colors available
Cons
If they’re not the right fit, they won’t stay in place
Best for Versatility: Abco Tech Garden Kneeler and Seat
The Abso Tech Garden Kneeler and Seat is one of our favorite garden kneelers with handles. It’s easily convertible and can be used as a kneeling pad or a seat. It comes in green or pink, depending on how much you want to blend in with your surroundings!
If you’re using it as a kneeler, the soft foam padding provides great comfort and support for your knees. The metallic frame makes it safe and easy to raise or lower yourself from the ground; you won’t have to put any extra pressure on your wrists or back trying to clamber up.
To use it as a seat, simply flip the frame over so the padding is on top. This is perfect for when you need a rest or a cup of tea after a long day’s work. When you’re not using it, the frame folds down for easy storage. Despite its strength, it’s lightweight enough to carry around with you.
This kneeler comes with a pair of gloves and a tool pouch where you can safely store your spade or fork when you’re not using it. If you’ve ever lost or have forgotten to bring in a tool you put down while working, you’ll know why we love this addition so much.
Because of its light frame, we won’t recommend it for gardeners with a big build as it might not support your weight.
Pros
Can be folded flat for easy storage and portability
Lightweight
Includes a tool pouch and gardening gloves
Cons
Not for heavy folks
Best Budget Kneeler: Best Choice Products Foldable Garden Kneeler
This is one of our favorite folding garden kneelers that combines as a seat. Use it as a kneeler for those jobs that require you to get up close and personal with your garden. Or, flip it over and use it as a seat if you’re working with plants at waist level — such as those in a raised flower bed.
Also, you can use the steel side rails to help push yourself up from the ground when using it as a kneeler. This is ideal for anyone with mobility issues as you don’t have to put any unnecessary pressure on your wrists or back.
The durable steel frame can hold up to 225 pounds, which will suit most gardeners. The frame folds up compactly, making it easy to store and travel with. It’s incredibly easy to fold down and lightweight enough that you can carry it with you wherever you go.
It comes with a foam-padded cushion that’s firm enough to provide support and reduce strain on your knees. Although it’s not waterproof, it does a great job of protecting clothing from dirt or grass stains.
The removable tool pouch is a handy addition. However, storing too many or heavy tools will cause the pouch to flip over.
Pros
Multifunctional design
Easily folds away
Easy to clean
Cons
Tool bag isn’t suitable for heavy tools
Why Should I Use Garden Kneelers?
Kneeling for long periods, particularly on hard surfaces, can lead to health problems. The Bone and Joint Initiative estimates that around half of adult Americans live with a musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. (3)
For people already living with these conditions — or those who have recently had surgery — it may seem like you have to give up gardening altogether. But, using something as simple as garden pads kneelers can alleviate the pressure on your joints and allow you to enjoy time in your garden once more.
You don’t have to stop at gardening, either.
You can use garden kneelers for any activity where you’ll be kneeling on hard surfaces or for a long time. Use them for scrubbing floors, putting together furniture, playing with the kids or grandkids, yoga, or meditation. The possibilities are endless!
What to Consider When Choosing a Garden Kneeler
You’re going to be spending a lot of time on your garden pads kneelers, so make sure you choose one that works for your lifestyle and body type. Here are some things to consider when choosing a garden kneeler.
Knee Pads vs. Kneelers
Knee Pads
Some class knee pads as the best garden kneelers since they allow you to get as close to the ground as possible, while still protecting your knees.
They can fit snugly around your knees with straps while offering some soft padding on the inside with a hard — usually plastic — shell on the outside.
Some knee pads operate as a cushion rather than individual items that you strap securely around your knees. Think of them as a soft and comfortable cushion while gardening.
They’re also incredibly lightweight for storage and transportation, but they don’t offer anything else apart from protection, which is where traditional kneelers shine.
Kneelers
Kneelers offer a similar level of protection, but you won’t be as close to the ground. This is countered by them still offering comfort and being less likely to lose! Sure, they weigh more and are bulkier, but you’ll find they do come with storage options, too.
We particularly enjoy how kneelers double-up as a seat, though.
Seat Option
Some of the best garden kneelers give you the variety of using them as a seat, too. Not only is this ideal for gardening in a raised bed or attending to higher plants, flowers or trees, but it enables you some chill time. After all, gardening is supposed to be relaxing! (4)
Portability
You’ll be carrying your kneeler to, from, and around the house, so make sure it’s not too big or heavy. If it has a frame, make sure it folds down securely, so it’s not awkward to carry. Remember: you’ll probably be carrying it one-handed if you have a lot of tools or equipment to bring with you as well.
Compact designs are also easier to store, either in your home or your vehicle, if you’re using it for work or taking it on holiday.
Cushioning
This largely comes down to personal preference, so we recommend testing products out in person before making a choice. If you can’t do this, opt for high-quality materials such as memory foam.
Memory foam is a popular choice for sleeping due to its balance of comfort and support, so it’s only natural that it works for kneeling pads, too. (5) On the down side, memory foam has a tendency to be heavy.
Sturdiness
It’s important that you feel secure and comfortable when using your garden kneeler. Make sure it’s suitable for uneven surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping if you’re using it outside.
If your kneeler has a frame, it should feel secure and well-constructed. If it feels shaky or you can hear audible creaking when you use it, try another one. The last thing you want is for it to come apart while you’re using it — your joints certainly won’t thank you if that happens!
The Bottom Line
The best garden kneelers will ease discomfort and provide relief for your joints. Whether you’re using them for gardening, cleaning, or trade work, they allow you to go about your day without putting unnecessary strain on your knees.
If you’re going to be using your kneeler for work or camping, opt for something lightweight and compact so you can transport it easily. If you’ve recently had surgery or have a condition such as arthritis, look for materials that provide comfort and support in equal measures.
Overall, our top pick is the RED Home Club Thick Kneeling Pad for Gardening. It’s lightweight, portable, and made from ultra-durable materials. If it’s comfort you’re after, however, the Garten Comfortable Knee Pads are a great option.
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