Planting, weeding and seed sowing are all enjoyable jobs, but they can be the cause of sore knees and stiff joints, even after short periods. Thankfully, garden kneelers come to the rescue. With a thick foam core and plenty of padding a kneeler or strap on knee pads allow you to garden in comfort and help keep your knees in good shape and your clothes clean. From simple rubber blocks to carefully shaped pads you wear as you work there are three main types of kneeler to choose from:
Kneeling mats: Simple, cushioned pads you carry around the garden with you and put down before kneeling. Usually oval, rectangular or kidney-shaped to accommodate the knees some fold in half do they’re easier to carry and store.
Knee pads: Great for busy gardeners, these are strapped over each knee and worn around the garden, whether kneeling or not, so manoeuvrability is important. The best designs are easy to get on and off with enough flexibility to move and walk in comfort.
Kneeler stools: Although we didn’t include these in our review this time, these are ideal for gardeners who need support for a wider range of gardening tasks. A padded cushion on a metal frame with legs, they can be used both as a seat for pruning, or planting and weeding in containers, or flipped over and used as a kneeler when the seat legs double up as a handle to help you get up and down. Many also have handy pockets for carrying tools and folding legs for storage.
Our expert testers have reviewed a range of tools and accessories that might come in handy when you’re using your kneeler, so check out our reviews of the best bulb planters, the best garden hand trowels and the best secateurs. Need to tidy up discarded prunings? We also have round ups of our pick of practical garden accessories, including garden waste bags and garden trugs.
Buying a garden kneeler – video
Best kneelers at a glance
- Best kneeler for comfort: Spear and Jackson The Kew Gardens Collection Kneeler
- Best kneeler for size: Burgon & Ball Kneelo Kneeler
- Best kneeler for ease of use: Town and Country Memory Foam Folding Kneeler
- Best kneeler for durability: Senua Garden Kneeling Pad
- Best knee pads: Burgon and Ball Kneelo Knee Pads
Our expertise
We’ve tested a range of kneelers and knee pads, using them throughout the gardening season in different gardens and situations to help you find the right one for your garden. They were used for varying lengths of time, on different surfaces, including gravel, grass, muddy soil, and stony ground. Each kneeler has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to comfort and support, materials, durability and value for money. Every kneeler in our round up below has scored a minimum of three out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
Jump to:
- Best kneelers and knee pads in 2023
- Best of the rest
- How to choose a garden kneeler?
- How we tested garden kneelers
Best kneelers and knee pads in 2023
Spear and Jackson The Kew Gardens Collection Kneeler
RRP: £24.99
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Generously proportioned
Cons:
- Can’t remove cover
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for comfort, this kneeler is made using five layers of memory foam and ordinary foam, which means it’s squishy and moulds to the shape of your knees. It also provides some rigidity to support your body, which is helpful if you have stiff joints. Kidney-shaped, it’s generously proportioned too, measuring 48cm in length, which makes it one of the longest kneelers on test, and its 25cm wide at its narrowest point and 5cm deep. The neoprene cover is water resistant and quick to dry if it gets wet, but it can’t be removed and washed separately, so it needs to be wiped clean with a cloth. There’s also an integrated handle so it’s easy to carry around the garden and hang up to store. Made to last, we like that the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew receive a donation for every kneeler sold.
Burgon & Ball Kneelo
RRP: £17.49
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5
Pros:
- Longest kneeler on test
- Comfortable
- Supportive with shock-absorbing foam centre
- Available in lots of colours
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Can’t remove cover
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for size, this is the latest version of Burgon and Ball Kneelo. With more memory foam than the original, it’s extremely comfortable to use and it also features a shock-absorbing foam centre that provides the necessary rigidity to support your knees, which is helpful if you suffer with stiff joints. As with most kneelers on test, the cover can’t be removed, but as it’s neoprene it’s quick-drying and durable. At a generous 52cm in length, this is the longest kneeler on test, offering plenty of room to kneel comfortably while you work. The integrated handle is nice to hold when you’re moving about the garden, and also means you can hang it up for storage. Unlike many of the kneelers on test, this comes with a one-year warranty. Available in 12 different colours, we think this kneeler makes a super gift for the garden lover in your life.
Town and Country memory foam double-wide folding kneeler
RRP: £24.99
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Buy now from Town and Country (£24.99)
Pros
- Large and spacious
- Thick and durable
- Handles and folds for easy carrying and storage
Cons
- Size can be unwieldy
- Can’t remove cover
Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for ease of use this rectangular, folding kneeler is large and thick and offers excellent support and comfort. With a soft, non slip neoprene cover and a memory foam core that provides extra cushioning, it’s tough and water resistant and great for use on all surfaces. There’s plenty of room to both kneel or sit on the open, double pads and it’s light and easy to carry around the garden. The carry handles stopper together for easy carrying and storage. Only available in green the cover doesn’t come off for cleaning but it is easy to wash and wipe down.
Senua Garden Kneeling Pad
RRP: £12.50
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Generously proportioned
- Hard-wearing
Cons:
- Might be too firm for some users
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for durability, this kneeler is a simple design made from a single piece of rectangular foam. However, it has several features that make it a good choice if you’re looking for a basic, hard-wearing, easy to clean kneeler. Generously proportioned, it’s 4cm deep, however, it’s much more rigid, without the softness of the memory foam kneelers. Though it’s still comfortable to use, some gardeners might find it too firm for their knees. As it isn’t covered with fabric, there aren’t any rough seams that can cause discomfort, and the coating on the front and back means it’s water resistant and very durable – it didn’t tear or catch on jagged stones. It also has an integrated handle so it’s easy to carry around the garden and hang up to store.
Burgon and Ball Kneelo knee pads
RRP: £17.49
Our rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Buy now from Amazon and Burgon and Ball
Pros
- Comfortable and flexible
- Easy to put on
- Integrated handle
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Can’t remove cover
Winners of a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award these comfy knee pads fit easily over the knees with plenty of room to suit most knee sizes and simple adjustable straps that make it easy to get them on and off. They don’t dig in or slip and the pads have plenty of room to keep your knees protected and supported. Each pad has a shock absorbing EVA and memory foam core with a soft neoprene and nylon cover and they’re water resistant rather than waterproof. Although the cover doesn’t come off they’re easy to clean and quick to dry. Integrated handles are roomy for easy carrying and hanging up in storage and they’re available as one-size fits all, with a maximum leg circumference of 45cm. There’s a choice of 13 colours. and they come with a one year warranty.
Best of the rest
Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test:
Niwaki Garden Kneeler
RRP: £32
Our rating: 4.25 out of 5
Pros:
- Thickest kneeler on test
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Removable cover
Cons:
- Expensive
Simple but stylish, this rectangular foam kneeler from Niwaki, makers of Japanese-inspired garden products is generously-proportioned measuring 49cm long and 29cm wide. It features a 5.5cm thick foam inner – the thickest on test – and feels sturdy and comfortable. Most notably, it also features a hard-wearing, waterproof canvas cover, which is the only one on test that can be removed and machine washed after muddy days in the garden or allotment. It comes with a woven fabric handle, so it’s easy to carry it around the garden, and hang it up to store. One of the most expensive kneelers on test, we feel the removable cover goes some way to justify the price, but if you won’t be doing much dirty work, others on test offer better value.
Treadstone ClipGlove Folding Garden Kneeler
RRP: £15.75
Our rating: 4.25 out of 5
- Buy now from Just Gardening
Pros
- Large kneeling surface
- Light and compact
- Handles and folds for carrying and storage
Cons
- Feels a little flimsy
- Excessive handles
- Can’t remove cover
This folding kneeler has an oval shape with carry handles and the handy ClipGlove carabiner. It has a multi-layer and memory foam core and a wipe clean, water-resistant polyester cover and it’s light and easy to carry and use. It offers good support obn most surfaces but does feel a little flimsy compared to some of the other kneelers in our test. It comes in a choice of two colour schemes.
Agriframes luxury garden kneeler
RRP: £19.99
Our rating: 4.25 out of 5
- Buy now from Agriframes
Pros
- Roomy
- Comfortable but firm
- Handle for carrying and storage
Cons
- Flattens over time
- Can’t remove cover
A kidney shaped kneeler pad with a simple integrated handle, this has a memory foam core covered with waterproof canvas on the bottom and neoprene on the top side that you kneel on. It’s a good size with plenty of room to kneel on and feels comfortable but firm, but after a while the foam becomes flatter and the kneeler quite thin. However, on most surfaces it’s still soft and able to protect the knees from the mud and wet. The canvas cover is water resistant and easy to wipe down and doesn’t take long to dry. The kneelers come in a choice of three bright colours.
Spear and Jackson The Kew Gardens Collection Knee Pads
RRP: £16.99
Our rating: 4 out of 5
Pros:
- Comfortable and flexible
- Water-resistant
- Adjustable strap
Cons:
- Slip off the knee
- Flatten over time
- Can’t remove covers
At 4cm thick, these garden knee pads are very comfortable. With three layers of EVA memory foam, they swell back to shape as you move around the garden, so you’re always comfortable when you next kneel down. While Spear and Jackson say this is water-resistant and not waterproof, we found that no water goes through these kneelers even after working on wet surfaces. The straps are tough and secure comfortably around your leg. However, a big drawback with these pads is that no matter how tightly you attach them they gradually start to slip to the outside of the knee when you move from kneeling to standing, and it can be a little frustrating to keep adjusting this. They also aren’t fantastic if you’re kneeling in one place for a while. Though always very comfortable when you first sit down, the foam flattens after a while, so they slowly become less comfortable. That said, these are hard to beat if you’ll be up and down a lot. They’re available in green and navy, and like the kneeler above, every sale gives a donation to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.
Garden Trading Kneeler
RRP: £25
Our rating: 3.75 out of 5
- Buy now from Garden Trading (£25)
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Supportive
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can’t remove cover
While the combination of canvas and faux suede is the last word in style, this kneeler is smaller than others on test, measuring just 40cm in length and 26cm wide but at 4.5cm deep it’s one of the thicker kneelers in our review. Unlike the equally-chic, but slightly more expensive, version from Niwaki, the cover on this kneeler can’t be removed and must be wiped clean with a cloth but it comes with a faux suede handle so it’s easy to carry when you’re in the garden and hang up to store. There are other accessories in this range, like a garden apron and bag, which makes it a lovely idea for a gift, too.
Buy the Garden Trading Kneeler from Garden Trading
Bosmere Gardening Kneeling Mat
RRP: £5.99
Our rating: 3.5 out of 5
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Cheap
Cons:
- Small
- Tears and marks easily
This lightweight, kidney-shaped kneeler is made from expanded polyethylene and surprisingly comfortable, despite measuring just 2.5cm thick. However, at slightly less than 40cm in length and 28cm at its narrowest point, it’s one of the smallest on test. The foam isn’t coated, and it tears and marks very easily, so this won’t last long if used on sharp stones, but it doesn’t compress, even after a few months of use. It features an integrated hole to make carrying and storage a breeze. Though a few pounds cheaper than the Senua kneeler, it isn’t as big and doesn’t offer the same durability. If you’re after something compact that won’t get too much wear and tear on grass or paving, this is a good, inexpensive option. It’s available in four colours, green, pink, purple and blue.
How to choose a garden kneeler?
All types of garden kneeler offer some form of protection and cushioning but depending on your mobility, budget, and taste, you may prefer one style over another. Read on to find out which garden kneeler best matches your needs:
- Is it comfortable? Check the length and width of kneeler to ensure it’s got enough room for you to work comfortably. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and constricted, which can lead to stiff, aching knee. Knee pads must be generous enough to cover your knee, so it’s often a good idea to try them on before buying. The best designs are also easy to put on, as well as providing enough flexibility to move and walk in comfort. Avoid narrow seats on kneeler stools, which can be uncomfortable, as well as hard edges near the cushion padding, which can rub or cause bruises. Folding legs are a great feature and helpful if storage is an issue.
- Is it thick enough? Kneelers come in a range of thicknesses and some padding compresses, particularly over time so you can feel the ground beneath you. If you’re working on gravel or stony ground a thick rigid core will protect your knees the best and prevent you feeling sharp stones through the kneeler. Memory foam provides an extra, soft squishy layer so you can still garden in comfort.
• Is it waterproof? If you’re often working on wet grass or in muddy beds you’ll need a kneeler that can at least repel water but if you tend to garden for long periods, a waterproof cover will stop the damp seeping through to your knees and will be easier to wash and keep clean. A canvas underside will not only help keep out the damp but help the kneeler grip and prevent slipping if you’re gardening on a slope.
• Will it last? Although neoprene is soft, warm and quick drying it’s also thin and could catch on sharp stones and tear. Polyester and canvas are tough fabrics but check seams are secure and that they can be wiped clean or, removed and washed, to help keep your kneeler in good condition for longer.
How we tested garden kneelers
- Comfort and support. Looked at how comfortable they were. Were they supportive? Did they use memory foam or have a shock-absorbent layer of foam? Was their a handle for carrying and storage?
- Materials. Focused on quality of inner foam and the material used to cover the kneeler. Was it water resistant?
- Durability. Assessed how sturdy and strong the kneelers were, and if they would cope on gravel or muddy ground. Could they get wet or be washed?
- Value for money. Considered all of the above as well as plus any special features, overall design, quality and style, and the RRP.
For more information on our testing process see How we Review
This review was last updated in Septenber 2023 and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
from BBC Gardeners World Magazine https://ift.tt/AOMZLQy
