The best garden kneelers for comfort and support, tested by a gardener and injury specialist

Telegraph

2 days ago

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It's important to kneel down when rooting around in your garden or pulling up weeds by hand as this minimises your risk of developing back pain (the most common gardening injury). But kneeling can quickly become uncomfortable or cause other injuries without correct protection. Using a long-handled weeding tool can help in some instances, but when you need to get close to the plants you're tending, a good garden kneeler is the way to go.
Garden kneelers may seem similar at first glance, but as with garden hoses and leaf blowers, the differences soon become apparent once you start trying them out. Prices range from £15 to £60 and leading brands such as Burgon and Ball, Sarah Raven and Lakeland Active offer a wide range of designs. You'll even find some that double as seats which have metal frames to help elderly gardeners or those with limited mobility to get up and down.
To help you make the best choice, this article is updated regularly.
Best garden kneelers: At a glance
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How to choose the best garden kneelers
I'm a gardening expert and former soft-tissue injury specialist, so I know first hand how important it is to take care of your body when tending to your flower beds and veg patches. Choosing the best garden kneeler can limit direct injuries like scratches and bruises, and inflammatory conditions that develop from kneeling on hard surfaces, such as prepatellar bursitis.
Start by considering how you usually garden. If you have problems with mobility, look for a kneeler with a metal frame to support you as you lower onto the kneeling pad. They also flip over to become a seat, which great for a quick rest, though they are less portable.
If you tend to move around your garden a lot then use a lightweight kneeling pad which has a carrying handle for easy transport. You can also try knee pads that strap around your legs to leave your hands free to carry secateurs and other tools. Larger but heavier kneelers let you reposition yourself without dislodging the pad while smaller, more portable kneelers are good for quick jobs but offer less padding.
Consider materials, too. Hard-wearing textiles like canvas and leather are more expensive but for rough surfaces like gravel, paving or brick, they are a necessary investment to ensure longevity. If you're only going to use the kneeler on soil or grass, then a softer, cheaper material will suffice.
How we test garden kneelers
I took an armful of kneelers to my garden and allotment to test them out, firstly on a bark chip surface, where I carried out some much-needed weeding and dead heading, then on paving slabs, and finally on gravel. I even scratched the kneelers along the ground to test the durability of the fabric.
Gardening can test the fitness and endurance of even the sprightliest of us, and transporting a wheelbarrow full of tools for every job can get tiring quickly. So, I wanted the kneelers I recommended to strike a good balance between being easy to carry around and comfortable. I judged everything from set-up to handle design (and even seat design if a kneeler was multi purpose).
I was also looking for kneelers that were waterproof and would stay put on muddy ground if needed, useful in all seasons, clean easily and crucially appeared as though they would stand the test of time.
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The best garden kneelers of 2025
1. Best Buy Garden Kneeler: Genus Gardening Kneeler
As one of the more expensive kneeling pads on this list, I was hoping for greatness and happily, I was not disappointed. It's also the thickest pad I tested, offering protection for long days in the garden. It is made from hard-wearing polyester fabric that feels comfortable on bare knees and is tough enough for all garden surfaces. It's also waterproof, so you can use the kneeler in wet conditions without ruining your trousers.
Helpfully, the cover is also removable, which makes it easy to maintain; either sponge clean or brush away small amounts of dirt, or hand wash the cover in soapy water if it is really mucky.
This pad is big enough that you can place your hand onto it too, negating the need for gardening gloves, which you'd want if you put your hand in the soil to balance yourself. This also takes some pressure off your back. It's heavy duty but still light and easy to carry with two handles, so you can grab it and go straight onto the next task.
Key specifications
2. Best Value Garden Kneeler: Burgon and Ball Kneelo Garden Kneeler
Available in 18 different colours and patterns, this Burgon and Ball Kneelo kneeler will add a little fun to your garden shed. A layer of thicker foam is sandwiched between two layers of soft memory foam, a combination that protects your knees when on rough surfaces and feels comfortable for long periods.
The outer layer is made from neoprene, which felt breathable and soft when I had bare knees, and it dried quickly and was easy to clean. Lined neoprene isn't the most hard-wearing fabric though, so this kneeler will have a longer lifespan if only used on softer surfaces such as bare soil or grass, even if it's more than padded enough for use elsewhere.
This kneeler is similar to the Spear and Jackson Kew Gardens Collection Kneeling Pad below, but is slightly wider, softer and lighter. This is unlikely to make a huge difference to your experience, but the Burgon and Ball is better if you like to kneel with the tops of your feet flat on the ground, putting more weight on your shins than knees. It also will need moving less frequently, giving you room to shift your position on the mat to reach different parts of your garden beds.
Key specifications
Design: Kneeling pad
Size: L 52cm, W 30.5cm, D 6cm
Material: Neoprene cover, EVA and memory foam filling
Special features: Wide range of colours and patterns
3. Best Gardening Knee Pads: Burgon and Ball Kneelo Knee Pads
These knee pads are a refreshing alternative to the traditional gardening kneeler. Designed for active gardeners who are constantly on the move, these pads secure comfortably to your leg, letting you go anywhere without concern for potential knee pain or injuries. The Velcro straps mean the fit is adjustable, with one positioned above the knee and one below, leaving the back of your knee clear of any extra fabric.
The pads are thick and contain cushioning memory foam, similar to that of the Kneelo Garden Kneeler, and are covered with neoprene, which is waterproof to protect your skin and trousers from getting wet. Wash them with a sponge and some soapy water; I found they could withstand some scrubbing with a soft brush too.
I will admit to feeling slightly self-conscious wearing these pads at first on my allotment, but I soon started enjoying my newfound freedom. If you're never in the same place for too long, these knee pads are the best choice for you. Available in 10 different colours ranging from bright yellow to a soft grey, there is something to suit every gardener, though be warned they can get hot in warm weather.
Key specifications
3. Best Garden Kneeler for Comfort and Style: Sarah Raven Kneeler
This kneeling pad uses firm but comfortable foam covered in waxed cotton with a leather carrying handle and pouch. The handle is big enough to loop it over your arm, leaving your hands free to carry gardening tools. The pouch also comes in handy if you have a lot to carry as there's extra space for secateurs or gardening gloves.
This kneeler is quite narrow at just 21cm wide, so it would suit if you're someone who puts weight on your knees rather than placing your shins flat. It provides good cushioning while the waxed cotton cover wipes down easily and offers a level of water proofing.
I noticed scratches and scuffs though, and while it doesn't affect overall use it can look unsightly. If this is likely to bother you, the Niwaki, Genus and Sophie Conran kneelers are all made with scratch-proof fabric. This one offers more protection for your knees than the Sophie Conran design, and is softer than the Niwaki and Genus kneelers, so it's a case of prioritising your preferences before you make a purchase.
Otherwise, the quality of the Sarah Raven Kneeler is exceptional, and with its aesthetically pleasing design, it would make an excellent gift too.
Key specifications
4. Best Garden Kneeler for Serious Gardeners: Niwaki Kneeler
This wide, firm garden kneeler is excellent for tough surfaces in the garden. It has five centimetres of relatively hard foam, covered by a thick and durable layer of canvas. It's a no-nonsense design that will protect your knees, but as the foam is quite hard it might not suit some people's taste. It would favour heavier gardeners or anyone who doesn't want soft cushioning.
One benefit is that rather than sinking into the padding, it makes standing up a little easier. The other is that firmer kneelers like this one offer some stability on uneven ground, though you may find you can't spend as long on your knees. I particularly liked its width, too. At 29cm there's ample space for your shins and hands to push yourself up, and it remains lightweight despite its size. The fun, bright red handle is even large enough to carry looped over your arm.
Key specifications
Design: Kneeling pad
Size: L 48.5cm, W 28.9cm, D 5.4cm
Material: 16oz coated canvas cover, spongy inner
Special features: It floats
5. Best Garden Kneeler for Beginners: Sophie Conran Kneeler
This classy little kneeler is easy to carry, lightweight and offers a decent amount of cushioning for a low price. Its thick cotton cover is coated with PVC, making it easy to clean and surprisingly durable. The fabric is waterproof and can be quickly wiped clean after use, too. There's no compromising on looks, protection or comfort here.
The carrying handle is large enough to loop over your arm. And while the padding is relatively thin, it feels comfortable, even on stony ground. My only gripe is that it's quite small. This makes storing it easy but you'll have to move it regularly if you are shifting position.
As an affordable all-rounder, this kneeler would make a lovely gift and is a great choice for new gardeners looking to add some eye candy to their garden shed.
Key specifications
Design: Kneeling pad
Size: L 44cm, W 23cm, D 5cm
Material: PVC coated cotton cover, padded inner
Special features: Leather tag
6. Best Kneeling Pad for Comfort: The Kew Gardens Collection Patterned Cushion Kneeler from Spear and Jackson
Score: 8/10
We like: The soft, deep cushioning and different colours
Like a good pair of gardening gloves, this padded kneeler will help protect your knees from sharp objects on the ground and provide comfort while pruning and tending. The cover is made from lined neoprene, making it waterproof and easy to clean, though I noticed it can snag and catch on sharp objects. I tested a fair few of this type of kneeler and this is one of the deepest, providing excellent cushioning for your knees.
The Spear and Jackson Kneeler has quite a small pad size, which is pinched in the middle, so you'll likely need to adjust it as you move around for optimum support. The trade off is that it is easier to store. It has an ergonomic carrying handle, though the thick padding around it means it's a bit of a challenge to carry additional tools like a gardening fork in the same hand. It's available in eight different colours, so at least you should be able to match it to the rest of your kit.
Key specifications
Design: Kneeling pad
Size: L 47cm, W 28cm, D 5.3cm
Material: Neoprene cover and memory foam filling
Special features: Available in eight different colours
7. Best Garden Kneeler with Handles: Draper 2-in-1 Folding Garden Kneeler
This kneeler offers a solution for gardeners with limited mobility, as its metal frame provides handles to help you lower yourself down and give you support when standing again. And if you flip it over it becomes a seat, too. It's not padded, mind, and at just 32cm high, it's fairly low and likely won't feel that comfortable for long, especially if you are tall. Large sunken holes on the seat pad aren't great in muddy conditions either, as they can be difficult to clean.
With that said, the pad on the Draper kneeler is much wider than the one on the similarly designed VonHaus (below), which is comfortable and gives you more flexibility for its use. While some slightly unappealing plastic buttons adorn the pad, I didn't notice them during testing.
Overall, the kneeling pad feels sturdy and comfortable. It is lighter than other folding garden kneelers I tested, easier to fold away and set up and has a greater weight limit of 19.7 stone. It's just a shame the seat isn't a tad more inviting.
Key specifications
Design: Folding garden kneeler and seat
Size: L 24cm, W 12cm, D 4.8cm, H 40cm
Material: Metal frame and dense foam pad
Special features: Easy to fold
8. Best Garden Kneeler with Seat: VonHaus Garden Kneeler Seat and Tool Set
This clever kneeler is a good choice for any gardeners who struggle to go from standing to kneeling and vice versa. With handles that double as legs for a seat and foam padding on both sides, it is versatile and supportive, and should help you to garden for longer. There's even a nifty tool pouch on the side attached with a Velcro loop making it adjustable for accessibility at all times, whether you're seated or kneeling, and it comes with a set of tools to boot.
The metal frame feels sturdy and easily takes your weight as you lower yourself onto it (although the 15 stone weight limit is lower than the Draper above and it's a heavier frame overall). It is a little clunky to fold down and requires you to pull in a handle while folding in the legs on either side.
With this type of kneeler it can be difficult to work on the ground, however. As it is slightly elevated, it means you have to lean forward more which can put pressure on your lower back. Additionally, the pad itself is quite narrow, at only 15.5cm wide, which can feel a bit uncomfortable if you need room for your shin as well as your knee. If it suits your gardening style, however, it's a sensible buy.
Key specifications
Design: Folding garden kneeler and seat
Size: L 59.5cm, W 27cm, H 49cm
Material: Metal frame and dense foam pad
Special features: Comes with tool pouch and three tools
9. Best for Seniors: Crocus Folding Garden Kneeler
This garden kneeler is rather similar to the VonHaus folding design, though I found its smooth coated metal handles slightly easier to clean. There's no tools holder, but it feels sturdy and well-built; to set it up, simply pull the legs out until they click and turn it upside down to turn it into to a seat. The overall height and padding on both sides makes this device comfortable to use whether as a kneeler or a seat. The weight limit is 15 stone, which will accommodate most gardeners.
Disassembly felt a bit awkward, as you have to pull in a bar next to the seat while folding in one leg and then repeat on the other side. Again it's the same mechanism featured on the VonHaus, but this one seems a tad smoother.
It is not as easy to carry as a kneeling pad; the handles add weight and bulk, so I'd only opt for this design if you want to benefit from the additional support and the seat. I'd recommend using a wheelbarrow to transport tools and the kneeler around the garden.
Key specifications
10. Best Kneeler for Small Gardens: Lakeland Active Thistlewood Memory Foam Garden Kneeler
This small and pretty garden kneeler offers excellent comfort over long periods. It should tidy away neatly and is available in six different colours and patterns, adding a little pop to your potting shed. As a relatively firm kneeling pad, this will give you good protection from uneven and hard surfaces, helping to absorb the feel of stones and other bits on the ground.
This kneeler would suit working in tight spaces but bear in mind you will need to continually shift it underneath you as you move. This is not uncommon, but the smaller the pad, the more you will need to adjust. A comfortable carrying handle makes it particularly portable. In all, this kneeler would be a good choice if you have a small garden and limited storage space.
Key specifications
Design: Kneeling pad
Size: L 49cm, W 30cm, D 5cm
Material: Neoprene cover and memory foam pad
Special features: Available in six different colours and patterns
11. Best Garden Kneeler for Muddy Gardens: Senua Kneeling Pad
£11.99
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This heavy duty no-frills garden kneeler is both budget and knee friendly. Made from foam, it is tough, durable and waterproof with a lightweight feel and carry handle that make it suitably portable. You can choose between black and blue colourways, too.
It has nearly four centimetres of padding and it is particularly firm, so will easily cushion your knees against rocks and other hard and uneven areas in your garden. The support is such that it shouldn't flatten underneath you, even if you're a heavier build. I even found it comfortable to sit on when I needed to give my knees some respite.
However, as the hardest kneeler on this list, it certainly won't feel as comfortable if you are using it for longer periods of time. It's not the one to choose for sink-in comfort, but if you want a hard-wearing kneeler that you can hose down once you're done, look no further. It's an excellent alternative to the often trickier-to-maintain fabric covered designs.
Key specifications
Design: Kneeling pad
Size: L 45cm, W 28cm, D 4cm
Material: Dense foam
Special features: Easy to clean
Garden kneeler FAQs
What is the best type of garden kneeler for comfort and support?
The best type of garden kneeler for you depends on your levels of mobility, writes gardener and former injury specialist, Becky Searle. With handled kneelers, they are always a few inches above the ground, and this can make reaching towards it more uncomfortable. If you just want to protect your knees while gardening, choose a cushioned kneeling pad or knee pads.
Are all garden kneelers waterproof and easy to clean?
No, not all garden kneelers are waterproof, but most are easy to clean. Garden kneelers with handles have more parts to clean, and textured fabric is more difficult to wipe than smooth fabrics; coated fabrics are easier to maintain than uncoated ones.
Many garden kneelers are covered in neoprene, which is easy to clean but can snag on sharp objects such as thorns, unlike coated or waxed cotton, leather or canvas.
Are garden kneelers with handles easy to use for getting up?
Getting up from a kneeling position can be a challenge even for younger gardeners after a prolonged period, so having handles to push yourself up is extremely useful. The handles either side on this type of kneeler help you to distribute your weight evenly across both sides of your body, helping you to stand.