4 alternative uses for garden kneelers – a secretly multifunctional yard staple

Garden kneelers truly are your best friend when it comes to enjoying time spent gardening. They come in handy for so many reasons, preventing your knees from giving you trouble after hours of digging, keeping dirt off of your clothing - the list goes on.

I admit to using my garden kneeler to sit on sometimes when taking a much needed break. It isn’t a bench, I know, but it’s a makeshift seat that has never failed me.

It got me thinking not only about the benefits of garden kneelers generally, but also about other potential alternative uses for garden kneelers, so I decided to talk to a lawn expert and former landscaper about it. Here’s what they came up with.

1: Adding comfort to house chores

In the words of Andrew Hoover, a former landscaper and currently operations intern at Lawnhiro, 'The utility of a garden kneeler does not have to be limited to outdoors. Think of any uncomfortable chore that you are putting off. Scrubbing the floor, cleaning the baseboards, scouring the oven, even filling up your tires in your garage. Any of these tasks would be much more comfortable and easier to complete with a kneeler.'

It’s recommended to purchase a different kneeler for indoor and outdoor use so you don’t run the risk of bringing dirt into your home (especially if it’s a super muddy time of year). The Colwelt Garden Kneeling Pad is a beautiful piece that comes with matching gloves and a trowel, making it ideal for outdoor use. Whereas this extra thick kneeling pad from Amazon is simple but effective. It’s large, thick and comfy, boasting durability for all those indoor chores (unfortunately) yet to come.

In case mud has made its way indoors and onto the chore list, here we share some tips about how to clean a mudroom and leave dirt at the door.

Andrew Hoover

Andrew works for Lawnhiro, a lawncare startup, where he wears many hats and uses his past three years of experience as a landscaper at Forest Green Landscaping to deliver the best service possible.

2: A make-shift drink float

Imagine enjoying the cool water of a pool this summer and having your drink within arms reach (if not next to you). Hoover shared an idea with me that I never would have thought of – that you can use your garden kneeler as a makeshift drink float.

‘I was at a pool party recently, and the host brought out a DIY drink floatation device made out of a garden kneeler. They had a standard foam kneeler, and they cut six cup holders into the foam. It was a great way to keep our drinks around us and still swim freely,’ says Hoover.

Of course, this isn’t the best alternative use if you wish to keep your kneeler intact for future gardening, but if you happen to have a spare one or an old one looking a bit worse for wear, this could be the perfect summer life hack.

Since you’re looking after yourself well in the pool with this little trick, why not look after your pool, too? Learning how to look after a backyard swimming pool was never easier than with our step-by-step guide.

3: A portable pillow

If you’re packing for a lovely picnic at the park or currently enjoying one in the yard, using a garden kneeler to lay on can bring that extra bit of comfort. Whenever I go for a picnic I almost always end up laying down with my eyes shut, taking in the sounds of nature around me. However, I never remember to bring something to lay on and end up in the same debate of wondering whether laying on the bag I brought with me as a make-shift pillow will crush anything important.

Hoover says, ‘When it comes to planning a trip, it does not make sense to lug around a big pillow from home. But it does make sense to carry a gardening kneeler - as they’re far more versatile in their potential use than people would first think.’

A more padded garden kneeler, such as this beautiful blue memory foam kneeling pad from Amazon, would be ideal to cushion your head. But a sturdier foam kneeler could work as a great mini picnic table!

4: A comfortable seat

It appears I’m not the only one who has thought of using the humble garden kneeler as a make-shift chair. However, it didn’t cross my mind just how handy it could be for the job.

Hoover uses the example of bringing a garden kneeler along for a camping trip. ‘While camping, you can use a gardening kneeler as a pillow at night, or even as a comfortable seat amidst rocky terrain. Maybe you could even use a kneeler as a splint if you get injured. It is rigid enough to provide support, but also plush enough to not cause further injury,’ he adds.

As someone who has never been camping, I’ll be sticking to using my kneeler as a seat from the comfort of my own yard. And maybe when I finally invest in some lawn chairs, my garden kneeler will be promoted from make-shift seat to a clever way to stop lawn chairs from leaving dents in my grass, or perhaps just a chair cushion.

Shop Garden Kneelers

We gardeners are pretty good at reusing and upcycling household items in the yard or shed. It feels like a natural progression to come up with more ways for using this vital piece of gardening kit. If you enjoyed learning about these out-of-the-box alternative uses for garden kneelers, why not look into these alternative uses for coasters around your home? They may pleasantly surprise and inspire you.