To help you find the best step stool for your home, we researched step stools based on their sturdiness, portability and storage, design aesthetic and materials, and use and versatility. We consulted with an expert who furnished us with some unexpected insight; for instance: “When you’re shopping for a step stool, remember to check the weight limit, and consider not only the weight of the person, but that of the objects you might be bringing up and down,” says Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, professor of occupational therapy at Boston University. Our best overall pick is the Cosco Signature Step Stool, a straightforward model that comes in either a two- or three-step version and is affordable, foldable, and slip-resistant. Read on to discover the best step stools for your home, backed by our research. The top handle comes up high and has a rubberized grip, so it offers a bit of support if you need to lean forward, though not as much as actual side railings. However, we found the product to be stable, which our expert stressed as important. “We want to make sure that the bottom of the stool is stable with a good base, and if there are feet, they should be covered in rubber or something that can grip,” Jacobs says. The evenly spaced steps have slip-resistant plastic treads that help with stability, although the first step is very narrow, which may be problematic for some. Meanwhile, the feet have rubberized tips that protect floors from scratches and reduce wobble. At 5.5 pounds, the stool is one of the lightest on our list, and it can be easily moved from room to room. If you need to go higher, it’s also available in a three-step version. Unfortunately, it’s not incredibly attractive, but given the fairly low price point and solid construction (it’s made of aluminum), we think it’s a worthy trade-off, especially since it can be easily tucked out of sight when it’s not in use. One downside: The weight limit caps out at 225 pounds, so some buyers may need something with a higher capacity. Price at time of publish: $73 Materials: Aluminum and plastic | Dimensions: 22.05 x 18.31 x 38.19 inches | Weight Capacity: 225 pounds The step stool also has a few nifty safety features, such as a metal buckle that locks into place. To keep the ladder stable, there are horseshoe-style rubber feet, which have flat bottoms to ensure total contact with the floor. Overall, this is a great option to use for retrieving items from a high place, small home improvement projects, and more. However, at 16 pounds, the alloy steel stool is quite heavy, so you may be less likely to want to move it from floor to floor. (For this reason, some people purchase multiple step stools and keep them in different areas.) Price at time of publish: $100 Materials: Alloy steel, foam, rubber | Dimensions: 10.5 x 4.99 x 14.2 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds Weighing in at 18 pounds, this step stool is a bit of a behemoth. However, it’s solidly constructed, thanks to alloy steel reinforcements, and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. The top step has an oversized platform that measures 15 by 12 inches, and all the steps have slip-resistant treads. The entire thing can fold flat using one hand, so you can stash it out of the way when it’s not in use. Price at time of publish: $96 Materials: Steel (frame), poly (steps) | Dimensions: 61.25 x 19.25 x 3 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Both the top and the bottom have anti-slip protection, which helps keep the stool from sliding around. Made from polypropylene (plastic), it’s durable and sturdy, although some may want something more expensive-looking. We also love that it’s incredibly light, weighing in at just 2 pounds in its package, so you can move it wherever you need it. You can even store it at the bottom of your pantry closet when it’s not in use. Price at time of publish: $8 Materials: Polypropylene, synthetic rubber | Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds Some downsides of the Kik-Step are obvious—there are no railings or other supports, and your reach is fairly limited. Measuring 16 by 16 by 19 inches, this is bulky and difficult to store in a closet or another place. But it’s good-looking enough to display anywhere in your home and an ideal everyday step stool for high-traffic spots such as living rooms and home offices. Price at time of publish: $112 Materials: Alloy steel, rubber (treads) | Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 9 inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds Anti-slip dots on the steps help feet stay secure, but we wish the standing platform was a bit larger. Still, at under $20, this is a great pick for those who are shopping on a budget. Price at time of publish: $13 Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 13.8 x 1.7 x 11.4 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds The paints used for the letters are water-based, so parents can rest easy if their baby chews on them (which they will). The weight limit is 175 pounds, so it’s high enough that older children and some adults can share it. We don’t recommend this for bathrooms, since it may not last as long if it has frequent contact with humidity and water. Price at time of publish: $140 Materials: Wood | Dimensions: 9 x 20 inches | Weight Capacity: 175 pounds The weight capacity is quite generous (500 pounds), and a metal safety buckle ensures the stool locks into the proper position. Rubber feet at the bottom provide stability and protect floors from scratches. An anti-slip treads cover all three steps, and the top step is extra-large for additional security. To store step stool, simply fold it flat and tuck it away in a closet or laundry room. Price at time of publish: $80 Materials: Iron, polypropylene | Dimensions: 20.1 x 26.8 x 40.9 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Sturdiness
One of the most important considerations when buying a step stool is its sturdiness. Aluminum is a great option, as it is lightweight yet durable—even better if it is aircraft-grade. Steel is also notably strong but slightly heavier than aluminum. Additionally, rubberized feet, locking latches, and grippy steps can keep a step ladder steady in the unfolded position. When shopping, keep an eye out for the weight capacity (the maximum amount of weight the ladder can hold). This usually ranges from 220 to 350 pounds and indicates the total weight of the user plus anything they carry onto the stool. Make sure the step stool is sturdy enough to safely support anyone who uses it along with their tools and supplies.
Usage
Also think about how the step stool is to be used, as this guides you as to the size and style you need. For instance, smaller stools are ideal for kids who aren’t tall enough to reach sinks and counters. Step ladders go a bit higher and can come in handy for various home improvement tasks such as painting and hanging art. Mid-size, all-purpose step stools are great to have for everything from reaching the top shelf of your pantry to changing light bulbs to hanging large pictures.
Portability/Storage
Last, consider how you store the step stool and whether you need a portable model. Foldable designs are ideal. Most fold flat to about 2 inches thick, making storage easy in narrow closets and cabinets, as well as most cars. Additionally, an integrated handle makes the stool more suitable for transport. And, of course, lighter models generally are easier to carry around.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has been writing about home-related topics like cleaning, organization, and storage for The Spruce since 2019. Thanks to her average height and the high ceilings in her New York City apartment, she currently owns five different step stools, a few of which are on this list. She spent several hours researching dozens of step stool models, evaluating them for stability, portability, value, and additional features like trays, anti-slip tread, and support railings. She also spoke to Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, and professor of occupational therapy at Boston University, for additional insight about safety.
