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Get Your DIY Projects Done With the Best Foldable Step Stool

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 28 Feb 2023

No one can deny the effectiveness of foldable step stools for home renovation, decoration, and organization activities. The stools enable you to do various office and home maintenance activities swiftly and safely. Not only are they collapsible to save space, but they also enable you to reach heights to change light bulbs, access files, move goods off shelves, and much more. Other common uses include helping the physically disabled enter and exit automobiles, painting ceilings or walls, assisting children with bathroom use, and brushing. Their widespread use has led to their classification into various types and qualities. They are available in various sizes, but it isn’t easy to pick the perfect one. We reviewed and created a list of the top foldable step stools of 2023 to assist you in completing your DIY projects.

Best Overall
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HBTower Foldable Step Stool
Buy on Amazon Check Price On Walmart
Most Safe
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Handy Laundry Foldable Step Stool
Buy on Amazon
Ideal Folding
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Utopia Home Foldable Step Stool
Buy on Amazon
Easiest to Carry
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Totally Living Foldable Step Stool
Buy on Amazon
Lightweight Construction
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Greenco Foldable Step Stool
Buy on Amazon

Finding a Quality Foldable Step Stool: A Buyer's Guide

A step stool needs to be lightweight and durable and should feature nonslip surfaces to ensure optimal security and facilitate access to hard-to-reach areas in the home or workplace. These stools are also excellent for assisting your children in doing things their height prevents them from performing. There are several sturdy, nonslip, and useful folding step stools on the market. Numerous types and brands make it difficult to select a suitable product. Selecting a useful foldable step stool demands that you pay attention to the factors detailed below. Keep reading to learn more. 

How to Choose the Right Foldable Step Stool Material

Folding step stools come in various materials, including aluminum, plastic, and wood. Your choice of material will depend on how you want your stool to look and whether you plan to use it outside, inside, or in a wet room like the bathroom, mudroom, laundry room, or kitchen. When choosing a step stool that you will put away and take out often, it’s important to consider the weight of the different materials.

Durability

Durability is one of the most crucial factors when purchasing a folding step stool. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it is both lightweight and sturdy, especially if it is aircraft-grade. Steel is also notable for its strength but is slightly heavier than aluminum. Also, locking latches, rubberized feet, and sticky steps can stabilize a foldable step ladder.

Safety 

It is crucial to ensure the safety of the folding step stool you purchase. Non-skid surfaces and rubber padding for traction make all the difference in terms of the safety it provides. Choose a step stool that provides optimal safety while stepping up.

Weight capacity

It is also essential to consider the product’s weight limit based on who will be using it before buying a step stool. When shopping for a family-friendly step stool, you must pick a higher-weight capacity step tool. Some step stools feature weight limits of 200 or 300 pounds, allowing parents and caregivers to use them frequently. There are various step stools with a lower weight limit for younger children who require assistance reaching the bathroom sink, kitchen counter, or other areas.

Product weight

It’s important to consider the product’s weight before buying. “Who is going to use it?” is the question you need to ask yourself. Choosing a lightweight stool for your child to pick up and carry around safely is helpful. It’s important to ensure that your kid standing on a step stool can easily get down before trying to move it. A heavier item that will remain in place while your youngster climbs up and down is preferable for a learning tower.

Some Safety Tips for Using a Foldable Step Stool

  • You must ensure that the folding step stool is in fine condition before using it. Check for cracks, missing pieces, and a secure, nonslip surface on any climbing equipment. Do not continue using the product and look for a suitable alternative if you have doubts about its safety.
  • Evaluate the condition of the anti-slip feet at the bottom of the step stool. Ensure you have the proper footwear to prevent slipping. Also, avoid installing the step stool on wet or unstable surfaces. 
  • If the step stool isn’t properly leveled with all four feet firmly planted on the ground, you shouldn’t use it. Avoid placing it on unstable objects, such as crates or other objects, to acquire height.
  • Ensure that the foldable step stool extension is open and locked securely. Never use it in a partially opened position without the locking mechanism active.

Compare Our Favorite Foldable Step Stools in 2023

1

HBTower Foldable Step Stool

– Best Overall
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Buy on AmazonCheck Price On Walmart

The HBTower Foldable Step Stool features a steel frame and extra-wide, three-step ladder pedals. It’s easy to get on and off this step stool because the width of the steps accommodates an average-sized foot while stepping up. It also provides heel-to-toe foot support and is ideal for accessing difficult-to-reach areas. It features a metal buckle that automatically locks as you step onto the stool and the rubber feet that entirely grip the floor to keep the stool firmly in position. This ensures you stay safe from slipping and falling and keeps your floors safe and tidy. This product is the best on our list due to its firm floor grip, wide pedals, and durable construction.

Pros
  • Wide steps provide a perfect support
  • Steel frame construction enhances its durability
  • Nonslip grip makes it easy to climb
Cons
  • May slide on hard floors or tiles
2

Handy Laundry Foldable Step Stool

– Most Safe
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Buy on Amazon

The Handy Laundry Foldable Step Stool features a slip-resistant surface and skid-resistant feet. It also has an incorporated handle that makes it easy to carry. The stool has a solid plastic that enhances its longevity and exceptional weight capability of 300 pounds. It is remarkably lightweight and maneuverable but also robust enough to use because it easily opens with one hand flip. When opened, it allows for a nine-inch height increase, and folding it back allows for simple storage. Also, the stool is highly flexible and comfortable, making it ideal for the bathroom, kitchen, closets, and other hard-to-reach spaces.

Pros
  • Features an integrated handle to carry easily
  • Simple to fold and store
  • Lightweight and durable
Cons
  • Some may find it small
3

Utopia Home Foldable Step Stool

– Ideal Folding
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Buy on Amazon

The Foldable Step Stool from Utopia Home is simple and stylish, but its features don’t end here. It also is a sturdy, foldable stool designed for children and can easily support up to 300 pounds. It contains a safety feature to protect children’s fingers from being crushed during the opening process. The compact design helps conserve space after it’s folded up, and you can easily move it around using the highly-durable handle. The stool gives your child a rapid boost and extra height when needed. Besides, it has specific rubber dots on the surface and underneath each foot to prevent slipping while standing on the stool.

Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around
  • Anti-skid foot pad prevents slipping
  • Folds effortlessly and saves space after usage
Cons
  • Too small for some kids
4

Totally Living Foldable Step Stool

– Easiest to Carry
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Buy on Amazon

The Totally Living Folding Step Stool comes with durable plastic and is safe to be used by the entire family. The stool has non-slip rubber pads and a textured platform, which helps you prevent sliding or slipping while you use it. The foldable design collapses to provide a sturdy handle for easy transport and storage. It is light enough for children to lift and transport. Also, the curved corner creates a soft edge that aids in injury prevention. You can easily open and lock it into place. It provides nine inches of extra height and helps you access those hard-to-reach cabinets without worry. 

Pros
  • Anti-skid pads help prevent slipping
  • Easy to carry and store after use
  • Can easily support 300 pounds
Cons
  • Plastic may shatter after excessive use
5

Greenco Foldable Step Stool

– Lightweight Construction
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Buy on Amazon

The Greenco Foldable Step Stool is a sturdy, lightweight, and effortlessly-collapsible step stool. It provides you and your children up to 11 inches of extra height in the restroom, kitchen, closet, dining area, and on the go. This sturdy, foldable step stool can easily support up to 300 pounds and features a sturdy carrying handle that helps easily fold and carry it. You can lift the handle and press the sides to finish the assembling. The rubber polka dots on the surface of the step stool assists you prevent slip-related injuries. The stool is designed to ensure your children’s safety while standing at the correct height. Also, the stool features a larger footprint and has a safe, non-toxic finish.

Pros
  • Easy and simple to carry 
  • Lightweight and sturdy construction
  • A nonslip surface ensures the safety 
Cons
  • Not suitable for heavy kids or adults

People Also Asked

Q: Is using a foldable step stool worthwhile?

A: A foldable step stool is a compact, portable, self-supporting stool easily foldable for storage. Step stools are handy and effective when additional height you require to reach or perform overhead tasks safely, but a full-size ladder is unnecessary.

Q: Is there an appropriate step stool height that I should keep in mind?

A: Step stools differ in terms of the number of steps and height. The optimal step stool height depends on the users' height and ages.

Q: Where can I store a step stool?

A: Depending on your house's layout, you can easily store a step stool in a kitchen pantry, a utility closet, or folded and placed between freestanding appliances. Always try to keep your step stool after use at the intended location. Many stools are attractive enough that you can display or hang on the wall.

Garage Tools
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. All questions regarding articles or product testing can be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com
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