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Best garden kneelers

We've tested different types of garden kneelers to find the ones that make gardening more comfortable
Ceri ThomasEditor, Which? Gardening

Ceri studied horticulture at university and has spent her career editing gardening content. You shouldn't have favourites but she loves sweet peas!

Using a garden kneeler

A decent kneeler is an invaluable aid to make tiring garden tasks, such as weeding and planting, more bearable, particularly for people who find bending or squatting difficult. It will protect you from ache-inducing cold and damp ground, mud-caked knees, and bruises or injuries from uneven surfaces, stones and prickles.

Kneeler seats can even provide a bit of support to help make kneeling or standing that little bit easier on weary knees. 

Most kneelers are fairly simple and don’t cost a great deal, but it’s still worth spending your money wisely on one that will keep you warm and dry while its durable padding takes some of the pressure off your knees. 

How our tests find you the best

We've tested 26 garden kneelers

13 gardeners tried them out for at least 10 days each

Comfort

How comfortable are wearable kneeler pads or the working height of kneeler stools

Protection

From cold, wet, hard or uneven surfaces

Ease of getting up and down

How easy is this when using the handles of a kneeler stool

Which? members can log in now to see the full results and which are our Best Buy varieties. If you’re not a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Kneeler mats

ProductPriceOverall scorePressure resistanceProtection from cold, wet, hard and uneven groundPortabilityHow easy to maintainDurability
Bosmere BosNeeleze Luxury Garden Neoprene KneelerSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020791
Burgon & Ball Kneelo Garden KneelerSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020789
Draper EVA Foam Garden KneelerSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020790
Draper General Purpose KneelerSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020793
Garland Extra Large Kneeling MatSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020776
Garland Jumbo Kneeling MatSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020776
Livivo Garden Kneeler Memory FoamLivio: £13
Niwaki KneelerSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020787
Senua Thick Kneeling PadSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020772
Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection Cushion KneelerSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020792
St Helens Home & Garden Memory Foam Folding Kneeler CushionSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020794
Town & Country Memory Foam Double-wide Folding KneelerSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020788

The more stars the better. SCORE Ignores price and is based on: pressure resistance 25%; protection 25%; portability 20%; ease of maintenance 15%; durability 15% 

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Knee pads

Product
Overall scorePressure resistanceProtection from cold, wet, hard and uneven groundWearer ComfortPortabilityHow easy to maintainDurability
Actiasgear Heavy Duty Gel Knee PadsActiasgear: £18
Bosmere Neeleze Knee Pads SQUIRREL_TEXT_50020795
Burgon & Ball Kneelo Knee PadsSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020797
Draper Expert Foam Knee PadsSQUIRREL_TEXT_50017170
Draper Foam Knee PadsSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020796
Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection Cushion Knee PadsSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020778

The more stars the better. SCORE Ignores price and is based on: pressure resistance 20%; protection 25%; wearer comfort 30%; portability 5%; ease of maintenance 10%; durability 10%. 

Kneeler stools

Product
Overall scorePressure resistanceProtection from cold, wet, hard and uneven groundHow easy to get up and down using handlesComfort of kneeler / seat working heightPortabilityHow easy to maintainDurability
Draper Folding Garden Kneeler & SeatSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020799
Draper Folding Kneeler & SeatSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020779
Draper Kneeler & SeatSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020804
Gardman Foldaway Garden KneelerSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020802
St Helens Home & Garden Folding Multi-use Garden Kneeler & BenchSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020780
Town & Country 2-in-1 Kneeler & StoolSQUIRREL_TEXT_50020803
Ward Garden Kneeler stoolSQUIRREL_TEXT_50024018

The more stars the better. SCORE Ignores price and is based on: pressure resistance 10%; protection 20%; ease of getting up and down using handles 20%; comfort of working height when seated 20%; portability 15%; ease of maintenance 10%; durability 5%. 

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What to look for in a kneeler

  • Check that the width and depth fits both your knees comfortably, giving you room to move. 
  • Ensure that hand holds leave enough space to be used with gardening gloves on. 
  • Remember that knee pads and kneeler seats may sink more into soft ground than mats. 

Kneeler mats 

  • Look for a waterproof surface that keeps damp out and is easy to wipe clean. 
  • Be aware that smooth fabrics can slide on sloping ground. 
  • Bigger mats are harder to use in small spaces and to carry around in breezy weather.

Kneeler seats 

  • Watch out for a raised edge or lip that holds the kneeler cushion in place– it could dig into your legs. 
  • Avoid narrow seats and kneeler ledges that put all of the pressure on a small area. 
  • Check that the working height of the seat and kneeler ledge suits you. 
  • Look for sturdy legs with handles that you can use to support your weight when rising and give you space to work in when kneeling.

Knee pads 

  • Check that the padding covers your kneecaps adequately. 
  • Watch out for padding that compresses too much – you’ll be able to feel the ground beneath you.
  • Choose pads that are easy to put on and check how well they’ll fit with and without trousers. 
  • Walk around to see if they move or restrict your movement.

Protect your hands with the best gardening gloves

How we test garden kneelers

Using knee pads in the garden

For eight weeks in October and November, 13 gardeners tested 26 garden kneelers in the grounds of Capel Manor College, on grass, soil, gravel and paving, in both wet and dry conditions. Testers representing a range of ages, sizes and genders, trialled kneelers on each surface for at least 10 days, and in a variety of planted areas. Each tester tried out two types of kneeler for comparison.

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