You may have found yourself needing to reach something on the top shelf of your cabinets. Or maybe you needed to reach further back as you're cleaning. Or maybe you needed to hang something higher up on the wall. Or maybe you needed something to help you get into or out of your vehicle, bathtub or shower. What you needed was a step stool.
However, most store-bought step stools these days are unstable, flimsy, or very small. Luckily, there are many alternatives online that will meet, and even exceed, your wildest expectations.
Why Seniors Need a Dedicated Step Stool
Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over 65, and a surprising number of those falls happen at home — often while reaching for something overhead. Standing on a chair, a stack of books, or the edge of a bathtub might seem harmless, but these improvised solutions lack the stability features that a purpose-built step stool provides. A proper step stool is designed to stay firmly planted while you shift your weight, reach overhead, and step back down safely.
Beyond kitchen cabinets, step stools are useful in places you might not expect. A low, wide stool placed beside your bed makes getting in and out easier if your mattress sits high. A stool with a handrail can serve as a bathtub step, and a portable folding stool slides into the trunk of your car for getting in and out of tall SUVs or trucks.
What Makes a Step Stool Safe for Seniors
Not all step stools are created equal, and a few key features separate a safe stool from a risky one:
- Non-slip surface: The top platform and every step should have a textured, rubberized surface that grips your shoes or bare feet. Smooth metal or plastic is a falling hazard.
- Non-skid feet: Rubber feet on the bottom prevent the stool from sliding on tile, hardwood, or linoleum. This is the single most important safety feature.
- Wide base: A wider base lowers the center of gravity and makes the stool harder to tip. Look for stools that are at least 14 inches wide at the bottom.
- Handrail or grab bar: Some stools include a built-in handrail that gives you something to hold while stepping up. This is especially valuable for anyone with balance concerns.
- Weight capacity: Every stool on our list supports at least 200 lbs, and several are rated to 300 lbs or more. Always choose a stool rated well above your actual weight.
- Locking mechanism: For folding stools, a positive locking latch that clicks into place ensures the stool won't collapse while you're standing on it.
Below, you'll find a list of the best step stools for sale online, with a list of the benefits of each. There's a step stool for every situation you can imagine. None of the stools below support less than 200lbs, they all come highly recommended, and they're all extremely sturdy, durable and reliable.
Our Top Picks
- Safe-T-Stool — The Safest Step Stool #1 Pick
- Cosco 2-Step Household Folding Stool
- AdjustaStep DoubleSafe Deluxe Step Stool
- Delxo Step Stool
- Rubbermaid RM-P2 2-Step Molded Plastic Stool
- High Quality Unibody Plastic Step Stool
- Polyvinyl Stackable Step Stool
- Folding Step Stool (Budget Pick)
- Delxo 2-Step Folding Step Stool
- Ollieroo Standard Step Stool
Safe-T-Stool — The Safest Step Stool
Our top pick. The Safe-T-Stool holds up to 500 lbs and is Made in USA. Its unique rounded design prevents tipping from any angle. Polypropylene construction won't rust or corrode. Non-slip feet grip any floor surface.
Pros
- 500 lb weight capacity
- Made in USA
- Anti-tip design from any angle
Cons
- Single step only — no 2-step option
Cosco 2-Step Household Folding Stool
A classic design that's been trusted for decades. Sturdy steel construction with a 225 lb capacity. Large, non-slip steps and a comfortable grip handle. Folds flat for closet storage.
Pros
- Very affordable — under $25
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- 200 lb capacity
AdjustaStep DoubleSafe Deluxe Step Stool
Heavy-duty steel construction with a 300 lb capacity. The patented non-tip legs prevent the stool from sliding on any surface. Adjustable height. NOT made in China — manufactured to higher quality standards.
Pros
- 300 lb capacity
- Non-tip patented legs
Delxo Step Stool
A lightweight, foldable steel step stool with a 330 lb capacity. Non-slip rubber feet and a textured platform for secure stepping. Folds to 2 inches flat. A solid mid-range option.
Rubbermaid RM-P2 2-Step Molded Plastic Stool
Made in USA by Rubbermaid. 300 lb capacity with slip-resistant steps. Lightweight plastic construction won't scratch floors. Folds for easy storage.
High Quality Unibody Plastic Step Stool
A sturdy single-step stool with double-wall plastic construction. 250 lb capacity, Made in USA. Non-skid feet and a textured stepping surface. Simple and effective.
Polyvinyl Stackable Step Stool
BPA, PVC, and phthalate free — safe for use in the bathroom. 300 lb capacity. Stackable design. Non-slip top and bottom surfaces. A practical, safe option for bathroom use.
Folding Step Stool (Budget Pick)
The most affordable option on our list. Plastic foldable design with a 200 lb capacity. Light enough to carry one-handed. Fine for occasional use in the kitchen or closet.
Delxo 2-Step Folding Step Stool
Aluminum construction makes this one of the lightest 2-step stools available. 225 lb capacity with TUV certification for safety. Non-slip rubber feet and steps. Sturdy despite its light weight.
Ollieroo Standard Step Stool
Steel frame with polypropylene steps. 330 lb capacity, EN14183 safety certified. Wide platform steps provide a secure base. A reliable, affordable option for daily use.
Buying Guide
Final Editorial Verdict
Tips for Buying a Step Stool — Dos and Don'ts
While searching for a safe stool, you should always make sure your purchase is brand new in unopened packaging, as it is the only way to guarantee your product hasn't been tampered with, thus compromising its safety.
Also, price does not necessarily correlate with how safe a product is. The Safe-T-Stool listed above is actually cheaper, if not equally priced, to many others on the same list which are rated to withstand much less weight.
Big, well-known brands are recommended over the newer but cheaper brands; after all, it's your safety at risk and a few more dollars isn't worth the risk. Buying a stool made without rubberized footing is also not recommended, as that is what keeps your stool stable while you're on it. Without those feet, it is almost guaranteed to unsafely move.
If stability is an issue, pick a stool with 4 legs, or 2 legs and a balance bar at the rear. Any less might be too unstable for you, especially under heavy use.
In conclusion, there are many nice stools available on the market, many which are single step and others which are double step. It all just depends on your needs. The best go-to option for seniors is definitely the Safe-T-Stool, if your needs aren't too sporadic, as it is the safest stool without a doubt.
Remember, if and when you choose to purchase a stool on the internet, try to follow the "Dos and Don'ts" of buying. And always keep safety in mind first over any other consideration.