Best Knee Pad For Gardening

Do your knees ache after spending some time working in the garden? Or maybe you're having a hard time getting back into a standing position after kneeling for a while?

Whatever the case may be, adding a garden kneeler to your outdoor toolkit can help you get back to enjoying your time outside.

Garden kneelers come in 3 main categories:

Kneeling mats
Combination kneeler/seats
Knee pads

So which one is the best garden kneeler? That all depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Today, we'll be looking at the details of our 9 favorite garden kneeler products. After that, we'll go over the specifics of each of the 3 categories so you decide which one is best for you.

Let's jump in!

Kneeling Mats

Pep Step Memory Foam Kneeling Pad

Looking for a garden kneeling mat with a little extra leg room? Or more accurately, knee room?

We love that the kneeling surface is extra-large at 24 inches long and 12.5 inches wide. This generous surface area gives you a little extra reaching room before you need to pick up your mat and move.

But when you do need to move your mat, the lightweight material and carrying handles make it easy to grab and go. A center seam divides the two foam sections, and the clever carrying handles are easy to grasp.

Besides being handy for transport, the folding design is also helpful for keeping your kneeler stashed out of the way between uses.

Two-inch-thick memory foam keeps a squishy but protective layer of cushioning between your knees and the ground.

Especially if you like to wear shorts while you work in the garden, the smooth fabric cover adds a little extra touch of softness. One drawback is that while the fabric has water-resistance, it is not waterproof or washable.

Pros

Large kneeling surface
Thick, soft memory foam
Carrying handles
Folding design

Cons

Fabric is not washable or waterproof

Foam Creations Garden Kneeler

Although this Foam Creations garden kneeler is relatively new to the game, it boasts several smart features that make it worth a look.

First of all, Foam Creations uses foam injection molding and a unique material called XL Extralight, which is free of the following substances:

Phthalates
Latex
Heavy metals

Foam injection molding is a pretty cool process with various applications, and you can learn more about it on the Foam Creations website.

Besides the innovative material, the contoured knee areas help keep the kneeler positioned correctly under your body without slipping away. A deeply ridged underside provides some extra traction and enhances the stay-put factor.

Most foam products are incredibly lightweight, and at just under 15 ounces, this kneeler is no exception. We really like how the curved handle sits a couple of inches off the ground, making it very easy to grab your kneeler and go.

If you prefer to do your garden work early in the morning, you probably encounter dewy-wet ground on a regular basis. Good news: This kneeler has a fully waterproof outer coating that helps you stay dry while you work.

And in the very likely event that your kneeler gets dirty, the waterproof surface is also easy to wipe or spray clean.

The ergonomic shape provides comfy cushioning and also cuts down on excess bulk and weight. However, one downside is that this kneeler is smaller than some of the alternatives, measuring 17.8 inches long and 9.25 inches wide.

Pros

Lightweight and easy-grab handle
Free of several potentially harmless substances
Waterproof and washable
Ergonomic design and textured underside

Cons

The shaped knee area is a little cramped

Gorilla Grip Premium Thick Kneeling Pads

This option from Gorilla Grip has the classic shape you probably envision when you think of a garden kneeler pad.

Made from 1.5 inches of firm foam, these pads have a feel similar to foam carpet tiles. While you may not get the same "squish factor" as some of the other options, the dense foam provides excellent protection for your knees and stands up to the elements.

For water-resistance and easy cleaning, the foam core has a protective vinyl outer coating.

Measuring 17.5 inches long and 11 inches wide, you have a fairly spacious area to place your knees. Transport is a snap thanks to an easy-grip handle and lightweight material.

A textured surface on both sides of this kneeler provides additional traction to keep your pad from slipping during your work.

The only drawback to this design is that the raised texture could dig into your skin with extended use. While this is obviously a transient issue, it could cause a little discomfort for a while.

Pros

Dense, firm foam offers excellent protection
Light and readily transportable
Textured surface provides traction

Cons

May leave imprints on your skin

Convertible Garden Kneeler and Seat

Vertex Garden Kneeler Bench

At first glance, plastic seems as though it wouldn't be as strong as steel, right? In this case, wrong!

This Vertex garden kneeler and seat combo features a frame and contoured seat completely made of heavy-duty plastic. Plastic material eliminates the chance for a few steel-related problems:

Rust damage from moisture exposure
Snapped joints at solder points
Thin frame pieces that may feel wobbly

Legs that double as a stand-assist feature are one of the best assets of the kneeler/seat combo class. Thanks to strong, thick plastic grips and a non-hinged frame, this option offers top-notch stability.

One of the things we like most about this kneeler/seat is the spacious kneeling area. The seat portion measures a generous 26 inches long, beating many other models by several inches. The kneeling pad is just slightly smaller, so you should have plenty of room to work comfortably.

As an added bonus, all Vertex products are made in the USA.

Unfortunately, with the premium design and materials also comes a premium price tag, and it is, by far, the most expensive kneeler. On the bright side, it also has the potential to deliver the most years of use.

Pros

Exceptional frame strength with no rust vulnerability
Sturdy stand-assist handles
Generous kneeling area
Made in the USA

Luckymore Folding Garden Kneeler and Seat

If you like the idea of a 2-in-1 garden kneeler and seat but storage space is at a premium, this foldable option may be the answer.

Two hinge mechanisms are located on either side of the seat/kneeler pad. These hinges allow the side panels to fold inwards, and the kneeler stands a mere 5 inches tall when collapsed.

To fold, squeeze the bars on either end of the seat to compress a set of four springs and release the side hinges. Then, fold the legs flat. This two-step mechanism provides a reliable safeguard against the kneeler accidentally folding up during use.

Although the folding safety system lends some extra peace of mind, it can be a little tricky to master the technique. This can be especially true if you're a senior or have decreased grip strength.

When unfolded, you have an 18.5-inch tall seat. The EVA foam seat/kneeling pad measures 16 inches, and the total weight is 5.7 pounds.

Pros

Folding hinges for easy storage
Safety mechanism prevents accidental collapse
Lightweight

Cons

Challenging to fold down at first

Rofio Heavy-Duty Garden Kneeler Seat

Even though steel frames aren't uncommon for garden kneeler/seat combos, some of the key components are often made of plastic.

Needless to say, this could lead to problems, especially if you need a kneeler that can accommodate a high weight capacity.

One of our favorite aspects of this kneeler from Rofio is the all-steel construction in the frame, seat, hinges and springs. Thanks to the solid design, this kneeler can support up to 330 pounds and stand up to frequent use.

However, even though you get heavy-duty construction, this kneeler still weighs in at a surprisingly light 6 pounds.

The EVA foam pad measures just over 16 inches long, 6 inches wide and 2 inches tall. Thick foam provides a comfortable cushion for your knees (or your bottom!)

This kneeler also comes with two handy storage pouches. One nice thing about these pouches is that they have an upper pocket instead of the more-common Velcro closure.

This construction makes it beyond easy to simply slip your pouches over the frame whether you are using the kneeler or the seat option.

Unfortunately, this same easy-on feature can also make it easy to knock your pouch(es) off while you're working.

Pros

High weight capacity
All-steel frame
Two included storage pouches

Cons

It's easy to accidentally knock the pouches loose

Garden Knee Pads

NoCry Professional Knee Pads

If you think these garden knee pads look like something a professional athlete might wear, you're not far off!

NoCry used a dual-cushioning combination of EVA foam and shock-absorbing gel to provide top-of-the-line knee protection. You're likely to appreciate this generous cushioning if your outdoor tasks include the following:

Pulling numerous weeds in large gardens
Sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings
Laying stone pathways or borders
Kneeling on concrete or cement
Working with rocky or rough ground

The hard plastic outer shell provides an additional layer of protection. You probably wouldn't even notice if you knelt down directly on a rock!

To secure the knee pads, stretch the strap around your knee and hook the ends onto the 2 rivet closures. This design keeps your knee pads firmly in place while you're hard at work, but also allows for a quick release at the end of the day.

The neoprene straps have a good bit of stretch, so they can comfortably fit almost any size legs.

The only downside to the straps is that they may chafe or feel uncomfortable on bare skin. Fortunately, wearing long pants under your knee pads rectifies the problem.

Pros

Exceptional protection against rocks and hard surfaces
Dual cushioning materials
Stretchy, quick-release straps
Washable hard plastic shell

Cons

May not be comfortable on bare skin

Bee's Knees Foam Knee Pads

What could be more appropriate for a gardener than a happy, bright bee print? But besides just their cheeriness and garden vibe, these knee pads have several great features to offer.

Especially if you're on the petite side, you may find that some gardening knee pads are too bulky, don't fit tightly enough or reduce your range of motion.

At a more compact size, these pads are perfect for small adults, teenagers or older kids. The dual Velcro straps sit above and below your knee joint, making it easy to get a comfortable, custom fit.

On the flip side, though, these knee pads have a limited amount of adjustability, and they may be too small for some people.

Memory foam pads protect your knees while you're hard at work, and the slightly stretchy fabric helps maintain a snug fit throughout the day.

For those who don't favor the bee print, you have another option. These pads have an inner layer of gray fabric and are fully reversible.

Pros

Fun, cute bee print
Ideal for kids, teens and small adults
The straps are comfortable and easy to adjust
Reversible design

Cons

May be too small for some people

NoCry Lightweight Foam Knee Pads

If lightweight foam, comfortable straps and an affordable price are on your gardening knee pads wishlist, this option fills the bill!

The first NoCry option we covered earlier is perfect for gardeners looking for a heavy-duty knee pad. On the other hand, this option is ideal for everyday gardening or other light outdoor jobs.

These pads use a single securing strap that combines a Velcro closure with elastic sections. This construction makes it a breeze to adjust the pads to your comfort, and the thin strap won't impede your range of motion.

Weighing in at less than 2 ounces, you may even forget you have knee pads on!

Thanks to the dense EVA foam, your knees stay comfortably cushioned, even if you're working on bumpy or gravely soil.

Gardening obviously means getting at least a little dirt on you, and your knee pads are especially susceptible to looking grungy. These pads have a waterproof surface that you can quickly clean off with the hose and a little gentle rubbing.

Pros

Extremely lightweight
Washable surface
Affordable price point
Comfortable straps and cushioning

Cons

Not ideal for frequent heavy-duty use

How to Choose the Best Garden Kneeler

Now that you've had a closer look at some of the options, which garden kneeler is right for you?

Here's an overview of the 3 types, and some points to help you decide which category best meets your needs.

Kneeling Mats

These are the classic lightweight, portable garden kneelers that have been around for decades. You may have grown up using them, or perhaps you've seen them in your parents' or grandparents' gardens.

Typically made of foam, kneeling mats are a small, flat surface that provides a layer of cushion between your knees and the ground. They usually weigh next to nothing and have handles that let you grab your mat and quickly move on to the next work site.

Since they're such a simple item, kneeling mats tend to be fairly inexpensive. However, there are some premium models on the market that cost a little more.

Kneeling mats often have a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer. These can help you stay dry on damp ground, and they're also easy to clean.

You might prefer a kneeling mat if:

You want a compact product that doesn't take up a lot of storage space
You want something that's easy to move around the garden
You're looking for an inexpensive option
You want to protect your knees from wet ground

Combination Garden Kneeler and Seat

These products do double duty as both a sturdy, elevated kneeling surface and, when flipped over, a garden seat.

Do you have trouble getting back into an upright position after kneeling for a while? If so, the legs on a kneeler/seat also function as stabilizing handles to help you stand up.

This feature alone makes a kneeler/seat a perfect choice for seniors!

Not every garden job requires kneeling, and having the option to use your combo kneeler/seat as a gardening stool can come in very handy. Whether it's for jobs like harvesting tomatoes or just taking a break, it's nice to be able to sit down!

When it comes to cost, garden kneeler/seats are usually at the top of the price scale. But keep in mind that you're getting two products in one, and a kneeler/seat typically has the longest lifespan.

You might prefer a garden kneeler and seat combo if:

You like having a 2-in-1 product
You need help standing up after kneeling
You like the idea of your knees staying a couple of inches off the ground
You have a little more storage space to work with
You're willing to pay a little more

Knee Pads

The ultimate in convenient knee protection, garden knee pads are perfect for people who prefer to keep their hands free.

Since many construction workers, contractors and other skilled tradespeople need reliable knee protection, it's not hard to find heavy-duty knee pads for gardening.

Do your projects include tasks like transplanting a large number of seedlings or intensive landscaping? If so, professional-grade knee pads can be a lifesaver.

Even if your garden jobs are on the lighter side, thin knee pads still make it easy to go about your work in comfort and convenience.

The cost of garden knee pads depends greatly on the specific model you choose to go with. Lighter pads are quite reasonably priced, but heavy-duty options may set you back a fair amount.

You might prefer to use gardening knee pads if:

You like the idea of effortless portability
You do frequent labor-intensive outdoor projects
You spend a great deal of time kneeling
You like the option of light and professional-grade models

Final Thoughts

Gardening is a rewarding hobby, and using a well-chosen garden kneeler is a fantastic way to keep enjoying your time outdoors with less pain.

Whether you prefer a mat, a kneeler/seat or knee pads, there's no shortage of options to pick from. Use your garden's size and your regular tasks as a guide to choosing the best garden kneeler for you, and get to work in comfort!

We want to hear from you! What kind of garden kneeler is your favorite? Have you tried more than one kind, and what were some of the differences you noticed?

Share your thoughts in the comments!