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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 studied horticulture at the University of Reading and RHS Wisley. She edits Which? Gardening magazine and our online gardening content.
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.
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Kneeler mats
| Product | Price | Overall score | Pressure resistance | Protection from cold, wet, hard and uneven ground | Portability | How easy to maintain | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosmere BosNeeleze Luxury Garden Neoprene Kneeler | £19 | ||||||
| Burgon & Ball Kneelo Garden Kneeler | £17 | ||||||
| Draper EVA Foam Garden Kneeler | £19 | ||||||
| Draper General Purpose Kneeler | £9 | ||||||
| Garland Extra Large Kneeling Mat | £8 | ||||||
| Garland Jumbo Kneeling Mat | £15 | ||||||
| Livivo Garden Kneeler Memory Foam | £13 |
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%
Knee pads
| Product | Overall score | Pressure resistance | Protection from cold, wet, hard and uneven ground | Wearer Comfort | Portability | How easy to maintain | Durability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actiasgear Heavy Duty Gel Knee Pads | £18 | |||||||
| Bosmere Neeleze Knee Pads | £12 | |||||||
| Burgon & Ball Kneelo Knee Pads | £17 | |||||||
| Draper Expert Foam Knee Pads | £19 | |||||||
| Draper Foam Knee Pads | £4 | |||||||
| Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens Collection Cushion Knee Pads | £13 |
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 score | Pressure resistance | Protection from cold, wet, hard and uneven ground | How easy to get up and down using handles | Comfort of kneeler / seat working height | Portability | How easy to maintain | Durability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draper Folding Garden Kneeler & Seat | £26 | ||||||||
| Draper Folding Kneeler & Seat | £22 | ||||||||
| Draper Kneeler & Seat | £22 | ||||||||
| Gardman Foldaway Garden Kneeler | £18 | ||||||||
| St Helens Home & Garden Folding Multi-use Garden Kneeler & Bench | £29 | ||||||||
| Town & Country 2-in-1 Kneeler & Stool | £25 | ||||||||
| Ward Strata Garden Kneeler | £12 |
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%.
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
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.