The Ultimate UK Guide to Saw Horses: Where to Buy, How to Choose, and DIY Plans

Why a good pair of saw horses is a game-changer

If you’re doing any sort of woodworking, renovation, or DIY around the house, sawhorses are the unsung heroes that make the job smoother. Think of them as the legs to your temporary workbench — they lift, stabilize, and support whatever you’re working on. A sturdy set of sawhorses can turn a chaotic workspace into a safe, efficient one. Wondering whether they’re worth the investment? If you want cleaner cuts, fewer accidents, and a faster workflow, the answer is a clear yes.

Top UK retailers to buy sawhorses from

The UK market has plenty of options, whether you want a budget set for a weekend job or a rugged, professional pair that feels like part of the team. Below are popular retailers where you’ll find a wide range of sawhorses, from basic wooden models to heavy-duty folding metal versions. I’ve included what each store is known for so you can match a retailer to your needs.

B&Q

B&Q is a go-to for household DIYers. They stock wooden and folding metal sawhorses, often sold in pairs or as part of a kit with clamps. Prices typically range from very affordable for basic wooden models to mid-range for heavy-duty options. If you like browsing in-store or ordering online with local pickup, B&Q is convenient and practical.

Wickes

Wickes appeals to those who want a balance of quality and value. Their sawhorses are generally robust enough for regular DIY and small trade jobs. Look for thicker timber tops and sturdy foldaway legs if you need portability without sacrificing stability. Wickes also runs seasonal deals that can save you a few pounds.

Screwfix

Screwfix targets tradespeople and serious home improvers. Expect heavy-duty metal sawhorses, adjustable models, and high weight capacities. Many of their sawhorses come with quick-release features and integrated clamps. If you’re lugging equipment across sites, Screwfix’s professional-grade options are worth considering.

Toolstation

Toolstation is another trade-focused store with good-value metal and plastic sawhorses. They often stock folding aluminium designs that are both lightweight and strong, ideal if you need to move between job sites. Toolstation’s inventory typically includes sets with carrying bags, which is handy for transport.

Homebase

Homebase provides choices for casual DIYers who want reliable performance without a professional price tag. Their range includes simple wooden sawhorses and some collapsible models for easy storage. If you’re setting up a temporary workspace in a garage or shed, Homebase has sensible, easy-to-use options.

Argos

Argos is great for quick purchases and value packs. You’ll find entry-level wooden and plastic sawhorses, often in pairs, which cover most light domestic needs. They’re perfect when you need something immediately and don’t want to overspend.

Amazon UK

Amazon offers the largest selection and lets you compare user reviews side-by-side. From cheap basic sawhorses to premium aluminium models with 1,000+ lb capacity, Amazon is useful when you want variety and fast delivery. Look for trusted brands and read the reviews to avoid weak builds.

Travis Perkins

Travis Perkins caters to building professionals. Their sawhorses are built to take daily use and high loads. Expect timber and metal options designed for site work, with features like replaceable tops and reinforced braces. If your work is heavy and frequent, these models last longer.

Jewson

Jewson is another supplier that serves both tradespeople and serious DIYers. They offer robust solutions that are ideal for site use and prolonged projects. Their range includes specialist sawhorses for scaffolding and roofing work, so they’re worth checking if you need something specific.

Types of sawhorses and what they’re best for

Not all sawhorses are created equal. Choosing the right type is like picking the right pair of shoes for a hike — the wrong choice makes the job harder and less safe. Below are the common types and the scenarios where they shine.

Wooden sawhorses

Wooden sawhorses are classic, affordable, and easy to repair. They suit light to medium tasks like cutting boards, painting, and simple home repairs. If you’re building from plans, you can customise height and top width. They’re heavy enough to feel stable but sometimes bulky to carry.

Metal sawhorses

Metal sawhorses, often steel or aluminium, are built for durability and higher weight capacity. Steel versions are extremely sturdy but heavier, while aluminium offers a good strength-to-weight ratio. These are ideal for tradespeople and anyone moving sawhorses between sites.

Folding sawhorses

Folding sawhorses fold flat for storage and transport, making them ideal for users with limited space or frequent travel. They can be wooden, metal, or plastic. If your garage doubles as a workspace and storage room, folding models are a space-saving win.

Adjustable-height sawhorses

Adjustable sawhorses let you set the working height in inches, which is a boon for projects that need precision or when you share tools with others of different heights. They’re slightly pricier, but the ergonomic benefits are worth it for long jobs.

Plastic sawhorses

Plastic sawhorses are lightweight and weather-resistant, suitable for casual outdoor projects like gardening or light demolition. They usually have lower weight limits but pack easily into a car boot for quick jobs away from home.

How to choose the right sawhorse for your project

Choosing the right pair is about matching capacity, height, and portability to your typical tasks. Ask yourself: how heavy will my workpieces be? Will I need to move the sawhorses often? Do I need a wide top for stability? Here’s a short checklist to guide you.

Weight capacity

Check the maximum load rating — common ranges are from a few hundred pounds up to 1,500 lb or more for heavy-duty models. If you plan to use power tools or support long lengths of timber, err on the side of higher capacity to avoid wobble or failure.

Working height

Comfort affects accuracy. A typical comfortable work height is around 30 in to 36 in for many people, but adjustable models let you tweak that to your preference. If you’re tall, add a few inches to avoid hunching over; if you’re shorter, aim lower to reduce strain.

Top width and stability

A wider top gives more support for large panels and keeps smaller pieces from tipping. Look for bracing between legs and anti-slip feet if you’ll be using sawhorses on smooth surfaces. Stability is non-negotiable for accurate cuts and safety.

Portability and storage

If you move around a lot, lightweight aluminium or plastic options with folding legs are best. For a permanent garage setup, heavier wooden or steel models offer more rigidity. Consider carrying handles or a dedicated bag for transport.

DIY sawhorse plans — quick builds in imperial units

Want to build your own? It’s satisfying, cost-effective, and you can tailor dimensions to your needs. Below are two simple plans: a basic wooden sawhorse and a heavy-duty folding model. All measurements are in inches and feet.

Basic wooden sawhorse (simple and reliable)

Materials: two 2x4 boards for the top (32 in long total), four 2x4 legs cut to 30 in, screws, wood glue, and a brace. Build the top by fastening two 2x4s together to form a 4 in thick top that’s 32 in long. Attach legs at a slight outward angle for stability — aim for about a 12° outward splay. Add a 24 in cross brace between each pair of legs 6 in from the floor. That gives you a comfortable 30 in working height and a stable platform for light to medium work.

Heavy-duty folding sawhorse (portable and tough)

Materials: 1 1/2 in thick hardwood or laminated beam for the top 36 in long, folding steel hinges, 2x4 legs cut to 32 in, heavy-duty screws, and a pair of steel braces. Fasten heavy-duty hinges that lock flat when open. Ensure the top is at least 4 in wide to spread the load; add a locking pin to secure the legs. This design balances site portability with a high load capacity — suitable for heavier boards and power tools.

Smart accessories to boost sawhorse performance

A few accessories can turn a pair of sawhorses into a full workbench. Consider buying bench clamps or quick-release hold-downs to secure workpieces, a plywood worktop that spans two horses for a larger bench, and rubber feet to protect floors and increase grip. Accessories are small investments that pay off in speed and finish quality.

Maintenance and safety tips

Safety first: always check your sawhorses before use for loose screws, cracked tops, or bent legs. Never exceed the rated weight, and distribute heavy loads evenly across the top. In wet or damp environments, keep wooden sawhorses off the ground on pallets or treat them with water-resistant sealant to prevent rot. For metal models, wipe down and oil hinges and folding joints to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Where to find the best deals and seasonal bargains

Timing can save you money. Look out for bank holiday sales, Black Friday offers, and end-of-season clearances at big DIY chains. Trade stores sometimes run promotions for account holders, while online marketplaces have daily deals. If you’re price-sensitive, compare above retailers and watch for bundled offers that include clamps or carrying cases.

Final thoughts on choosing the perfect saw horses

Choosing the right sawhorses is about matching your workflow to features: capacity, height, portability, and durability. For occasional jobs, a basic wooden pair will do. For regular or heavy work, invest in metal or reinforced folding models. And if budget allows, buy a set with accessories — it’s like giving your workspace a power-up. Treat sawhorses as an essential tool, not just an afterthought, and you’ll notice the difference in every cut and project.

Conclusion: Whether you buy from a national chain, a trade supplier, or build your own, a good pair of sawhorses pays dividends in safety, speed, and finish quality. Choose wisely, maintain them, and they’ll be the reliable backbone of many projects to come.