Metal vs Plastic Sawhorse: Which One Should You Buy?
Metal and plastic sawhorses compared on capacity, frame material, clamps, storage and extras, with 3 examples from the listings and a verdict on which side fits your garage.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 1
Wall Control Pegboard Organizer 4 ft. Metal Pegboard Standard9.8/10View on Amazon - 2
BORA Workhorse XT Saw Horses 2 Pack Adjustable Folding Heavy9.7/10View on Amazon - 3
BORA Workhorse X Saw Horses 2 Pack Folding Heavy Duty Metal9.7/10View on Amazon - 4
GOFLAME 2-Pack Folding SawhorsesView on Amazon - 5
Toolsempire 2 Pack Folding SawhorsesView on Amazon
Verdict: Choose a metal sawhorse if you want the highest stated capacity and a folding metal beam for heavy carpentry work. Choose a plastic sawhorse if you want a light, rust-proof pair for cutting and temporary surfaces, and the lower stated capacity covers your jobs.
Cutting lumber for a workbench starts with a surface that stays put. A wobbly horse makes cuts harder, and a horse that folds away cleanly makes the garage usable again after the job. The metal vs plastic sawhorse question comes down to capacity, frame material, extras and storage, and this comparison walks through both sides with 3 examples from the listings.
GarageToolHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. See the affiliate disclosure.
| # | Product | Shop Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Klein Tools 66187 Folding Metal Saw Horses | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  WORX Clamping Sawhorses,7 Inch Metal Triangle | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  Ironton Foldable Plastic Sawhorses | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Klein Tools 66187 Folding Metal Saw Horses
A 2-pack of folding metal sawhorses with heavy-duty legs, a no-skid top material, non-marring boots and legs that stow inside the metal beam, rated up to 1300 pounds each or 2600 pounds when paired.
Pros
- 1300 pounds per sawhorse, 2600 pounds when paired
- Folding metal beam with legs that stow inside it
- No-skid top material keeps objects in place
- Non-marring boots help protect the work environment
Cons
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- No safety listing stated on the listing
- No clamps, shelf or ruler stated in the box
- Spec table lists 25.0004205108 pounds with NumberOfItems as 1, against the 2-pack title
WORX Clamping Sawhorses,7 Inch Metal Triangle
A pair of clamping sawhorses with built-in bar clamps giving up to 300 pounds of clamp force, a 1000-pound load figure, a bottom shelf and a 7-inch metal triangle ruler included, with frames of molded ABS and clamps of ABS and steel.
Pros
- Built-in bar clamps with up to 300 pounds of clamp force, detachable for other workspaces
- 1000-pound load figure stated
- Bottom shelf holds a power strip or supplies
- 7-inch metal triangle ruler included for marking lines
Cons
- Frames are molded ABS, not metal, despite sitting on the metal side of this comparison
- Weight reads differently in the bullets and the spec table: 4 pounds each against 15.67 pounds
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- No safety listing stated on the listing
Ironton Foldable Plastic Sawhorses
A pair of foldable plastic sawhorses with a 700-pound total capacity, no-slip rubber feet and heavy-duty plastic construction that will not rust if exposed to the elements, for cutting and temporary work surfaces.
Pros
- 700-pound total capacity for the pair
- Foldable for compact storage
- No-slip rubber feet for stability and safety as you work
- Heavy-duty plastic that will not rust if exposed to the elements
Cons
- Lowest stated capacity of the examples, at 700 pounds total
- No warranty term stated on the listing
- No clamps, shelf or ruler stated in the box
- No safety certification stated on the listing
Other tools worth a look
GOFLAME 2-Pack Folding SawhorsesCheck price on Amazon
Toolsempire 2 Pack Folding SawhorsesCheck price on Amazon
Metal vs plastic sawhorse side by side
| Factor | Klein 66187 2-Pack | WORX WX065.3 Clamping | Ironton Plastic Pair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | Metal | Metal | Plastic |
| Capacity | 1300 pounds each, 2600 pounds paired | 1000 pounds, basis not stated | 700 pounds total |
| Frame | Metal beam, folding legs | Molded ABS frames, ABS and steel clamps | Heavy-duty plastic |
| Top and extras | No-skid top, non-marring boots | Bar clamps, 7-inch metal ruler, bottom shelf | No-slip rubber feet |
| Storage | Legs stow inside the beam | Light frame, corner storage | Folds for compact storage |
| Size | 35.81 x 21.87 x 28.56 inches | 33 x 27 x 2.5 inches (spec table) | 24.0 x 22.0 x 30.5 inches |
| Warranty | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Shop Score | 58 | 55 | 54 |
Example figures are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 2 November 2026.
Capacity: read the basis
Capacity figures only compare when the basis matches, and these listings state different bases. The Klein pair states up to 1300 pounds individually or 2600 pounds when paired, the clearest figures here. The Ironton pair states a 700-pound total capacity for the pair. The WORX pair states a 1000-pound load figure without stating whether that figure is per horse or per pair, so the comparison cannot rank it against the others on capacity: the listing leaves the basis unclear, which is not a win for either side.
Frames and build
Frame material is where the sides genuinely differ, with a wrinkle. The Klein pair uses a folding metal beam with heavy-duty legs and a no-skid top. The Ironton pair uses heavy-duty plastic that will not rust if exposed to the elements, with no-slip rubber feet. The WORX pair sits oddly on the metal side: its frames are molded ABS, while its clamps are ABS and steel and its included ruler is metal. So the metal side here holds a true metal frame and a mixed-material pair, and the plastic side holds a plain plastic pair.
Clamps, tops and extras
Extras differ sharply between the examples. The WORX pair carries integrated bar clamps with up to 300 pounds of pressure, working in vertical and horizontal positions and detaching for another workspace, plus a bottom shelf and a 7-inch metal triangle ruler. The Klein pair carries a no-skid top and non-marring boots, but no clamps, shelf or ruler stated. The Ironton pair carries no-slip rubber feet and nothing else stated beyond the folding frame. If clamping matters, only the WORX pair states it.
Folding and storage
Two of the examples state folding, and they store differently. The Klein legs stow inside the metal beam, and the Ironton pair folds for compact storage and easy transport. The WORX listing states no folding; it describes corner storage between projects, and its weight reads differently in the bullets and the spec table: 4 pounds each against 15.67 pounds. No folded dimensions are stated for any pair, so the listings do not rank the pairs on stored size.
Choose metal if
- You want the highest stated capacity for heavy jobs
- You want a folding metal beam with a no-skid top
- You want clamps, a shelf and a ruler built in
Choose plastic if
- You want a light pair that will not rust
- You want compact folded storage and easy transport
- Your jobs sit within a 700-pound total capacity
Example sawhorses
For more choices, see the best metal sawhorse and the best portable sawhorse.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Garage Fit Check
- A heavy carpentry job suits the Klein pair, with up to 1300 pounds per horse stated.
- A job needing clamping suits the WORX pair, with bar clamps giving up to 300 pounds of pressure.
- A damp or outdoor spot suits the Ironton pair, with plastic that will not rust if exposed to the elements.
- Check the capacity basis before the first job: the WORX listing states a 1000-pound load figure without stating whether it is per horse or per pair.
FAQ: garage tools
How much weight can a sawhorse pair hold?
It depends on the listing and its basis. The Klein pair states up to 1300 pounds per horse or 2600 pounds when paired. The Ironton pair states a 700-pound total capacity. The WORX pair states a 1000-pound load figure without stating its basis.
Are plastic sawhorses strong enough for garage work?
The plastic example here states cutting and temporary work surfaces, and within its stated 700-pound total capacity it covers those jobs, with heavy-duty plastic construction. For heavier stated capacities, the Klein pair states up to 1300 pounds per horse.
Do any of these sawhorses include clamps?
Only the WORX pair states built-in bar clamps, with up to 300 pounds of pressure in vertical and horizontal positions. The Klein pair and the Ironton pair state no clamps.
Which pair stores smallest?
The listings do not state folded dimensions, so smallest cannot be ranked from them. The Klein pair states legs that stow inside the metal beam, the Ironton pair states compact folded storage, and the WORX listing describes corner storage between projects, with no folding stated.
Will a plastic sawhorse rust?
The Ironton listing states heavy-duty plastic construction that will not rust if exposed to the elements. The metal examples state no rust figure, so the comparison cannot rank them on rust.
Related: the best metal sawhorse, the best sawhorse heavy duty, the best portable sawhorse and our tool storage hub.
