standing on drywall stilts

The Best Stilts for Drywall, Painting & Construction – Reviews & Guide 2024

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Stilts are an easy way to gain that extra bit of height when you need to work overhead.

Truth is, these come in handy on the job site, DIY projects and repairs around the house.

It’s important to remember that not all drywall stilts are created equal. Here’s a list of ten of the best ones around.


Quick Picks

Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...

Best Pick
SurPro S2.1
You'll pay a bit more for these, but what you're getting is one of the best professional grade drywall stilts. A popular model with many positive reviews from happy customers to back it up.
Best Value
GypTool Pro
The GypTool Pro drywall stilts really give you a lot of bang for your buck. They're reasonably priced and can extend to an impressive 48 inches. Backed by good reviews from customers.
Best Budget
Pentagon Tools 1116
These are a high-quality pair of stilts that will fit any budget. They don't provide the height that some stilts do so they may not be a good fit for professionals but they're perfect for DIY home repairs.

The Best Drywall Stilts with Reviews 2024

Here's a list of the best drywall stilts on the market:

1. SurPro S2.1 Drywall Stilts - Top Pick

  • Quad Lock Technology: Double Wingbolt design for added security
  • Wider and Lighter - construction offers lightweight, better balance, and improved mobility
  • Unique "Dually" design features two side supports that improve balance and stability
  • SurPro Dually Mag Stilts with Interlok offer improved balance and stability at sizes 24-40 inches.
  • 1 Year Limited Warranty

Pros

  • Made with magnesium so they're very lightweight
  • Comes with a full 1-year warranty
  • Height adjustment is simple and tool-less
  • 3 position heel bracket fits a range of different foot sizes

Cons

  • On the high end of the price range
  • Assembly isn't straightforward
  • Can be uncomfortable on shorter height settings
  • Length of foot pad not adjustable

Overview

If you’re looking for a good pair of drywall stilts for taping, why not go to the company that’s an industry leader in drywall supplies and accessories? SurPro Tool knows a lot about how to get the job done which is why their magnesium drywall stilts are out top pick.

One of the great things about these stilts is that they’re lightweight. Not only are they comfortable, they’re also really easy to work in. When you need to make height adjustments, it couldn’t be easier. You can quickly adjust from 24 to 40 inches using the double wing bolts. You don’t even need any tools!

We like that includes a lot of safety features, too. There are side supports for more stability, especially when they’re extended fully. The stilt design is wide and lightweight for better balance. Plus, there’s a wrap-around leg bend and a wide footplate to keep them securely attached to your feet. Finally, the Interlock bracket system keeps the support poles locked firmly to the frame for the ultimate in stability.

Assembly can be a little tricky and these are a little pricey, but they are made by a company who really knows what they’re doing when it comes to all things drywall.

2. GypTool Pro Drywall Stilts - Best Value

  • Suitable for drywall, painting, wiring, & much more
  • Crafted from high-grade, light-weight aluminum
  • No tools required to adjust height
  • Fully adjustable braces accommodate any user
  • Full extension: 36" - 48"
  • Stilt weight: 19.2 pounds per pair
  • Rated load: 225 pounds

Pros

  • One of the tallest pairs of stilts available
  • Affordably priced
  • Everything is adjustable so you can get the perfect fit
  • Tool-less height adjustment

Cons

  • Slightly heavy and may be harder to maneuver than a lighter pair
  • Can feel a little rickety at times
  • Uncomfortable if not adjusted properly
  • Assembly instructions can be confusing

Overview

GypTool makes a pretty impressive pair of drywall stilts. They’re made from high-grade aluminum to give you a lot of durability in a relatively lightweight package. The foot straps have auto-locking buckles that keep them securely in place while you’re working. Additionally, the extra-wide, padded leg cuffs are fully adjustable, too, and comfortably fit any user.

The most impressive thing about these stilts is the height. You can adjust them from 36 t0 48 inches without any tools. That’s significantly higher than a lot of the other stilts on the market.

As far as getting around on these stilts, the dual-spring flex-system helps you move smoothly and easily. Plus, the overlapping industrial strut tubes provide additional stability to prevent excessive rocking.

These drywall stilts are great for just about anyone and can help you reach tall spaces. If you’ve found that most stilts don’t give you the leverage that you need to do the job properly, take a closer look at the GypTool Pro.

3. Pentagon Tools 1116 Drywall Stilts - Cheap Pick

  • Aluminum for strength and light weight
  • Adjustable height from 18 to 30"
  • 228-lb. load capacity
  • Dual spring action allows flexibility and prevents legs from sliding

Pros

  • Price that will fit any budget,
  • Made of lightweight and durable aluminum alloy,
  • Covered by 1-year warranty,
  • Tool-less height adjustment.

Cons

  • Limited height
  • Not a good choice for contractors or professionals who require more extension
  • Thigh straps can loosen with wear
  • Foot platform not big enough for people with very large feet

Overview

Pentagon Tools 1116 Drywall Stilts are a great choice for anyone on a budget. The heel plates and foot straps are adjustable and will fit just about anyone’s foot. For added security, the self-locking metal buckles help keep them snug against your foot without causing discomfort. To get an even better fit, use the improved nylon leg sleeves to get a good fit for less wobble and more stability.

Because these stilts are made from aluminum alloy, they’re surprisingly lightweight at only 12.5 pounds. Plus, they’re really durable, too. In fact, they even come with a 1-year warranty.

The elevation is easily adjusted using the wing bolt design so you don’t need to worry about having any tools handy. These are slightly shorter than other stilts on our list. They expand from 18 to 30 inches but, if that’s all you need to do a job like taping, they’re definitely worth a try.

These stilts are high enough quality for professionals but the extending legs can be somewhat limiting. At this price point, though, they’re a great choice for any hobbyist or DIY enthusiast.

4. Goplus Drywall & Painting Stilts

  • Durable and Lightweight Material - Made of high density aluminum
  • Heavy duty enough to hold 227lbs weight, but also only 16lbs light weight, very convenient to carry and storage.
  • Body Bionics Principle Design - This product is based on the principle of human bionics, emulates the characteristics of the body movement of lower limb body.
  • Easy to Wear and Learn to Walk - Includes adjustable heel plates, foot straps and self-locking metal buckles, this drywall stilts allow quick finish wearing in few minutes.
  • Height Adjustable & Non-slip Design - Adjustable from 24 inches to 40 inches.
  • Suitable for wide Applications - ideal tool for drywall painting, electrical, drop ceilings, stage performance and many other applications.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Lightweight and exceptionally durable
  • Body Bionics design makes walking in them easier
  • No tools needed for height adjustment

Cons

  • Highest adjustment is only 30 inches
  • Newer product with minimal feedback
  • Calf straps are a little thin and could become uncomfortable

Overview

This pair of GoPlus Drywall Stilts is made from aluminum and only weight about 14 pounds so they’re really easy to transport and comfortable to move around in. The heel plates adjust to different foot sizes and the foot straps and self-locking mechanism make sure you’re strapped in, safe and secure. There are also rubber soles as an additional safety measure to make sure have the traction that you need.

The special thing about these stilts is the Body Bionics Principle Design. That’s a fancy way of saying that these stilts were designed to move as your legs do naturally to help you feel more comfortable and move more freely – ideal for when moving around taping. You’ll get used to them very quickly and be walking around like a pro in no time.

Everything about these drywall stilts looks great. They’ve only recently entered the market so there’s limited feedback available at this time.

Whether you’re going to do a simple job at home or want something that can handle professional work day in and day out, GoPlus Drywall Stilts are a perfect choice. That is, as long as you only need 30 inches of elevation.

5. STKUSA Drywall & Painting Stilts

  • Up to 228lbs load capacity
  • Adjustable from 24" to 40"
  • Strong construction for more stable support
  • Drywall stilts with adjustable heel plates and foot straps and self-locking metal buckles
  • Dual spring action allows flexibility and prevents legs from sliding

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Dual spring action makes it easier to walk
  • Expands all to way to 40 inches
  • Everything is adjustable for a safe fit
  • Rubber feet for additional traction

Cons

  • Assembly can be difficult
  • Heavier than some of the competition
  • Can get uncomfortable after an extended period of time

Overview

STKUSA Drywall Stilts are a pretty basic pair. The height adjusts from 24 to 40 inches and you don’t even have to use any tools to make any changes. Just turn the wing bolts, make the necessary adjustments, and tighten them again.

These stilts are made from aluminum, which is known for being lightweight and exceptionally durable. They provide solid, stable support to users who weight up to 228 pounds

In order to get the right fit, just about everything is adjustable. The heel plates accommodate a variety of sizes and the self-locking metal buckle on the adjustable foot straps helps keep you strapped in while you’re hard at work.

This is a really nice choice for a serious DIYer. It’s built tough and gives you a little more extension than some of the comparable pairs available. If you need something that extends your reach a bit, give these ones a go.

6. Pentagon Tools 1151 Drywall Stilts

  • Adjustable heel plates and foot straps - include self-locking metal buckles
  • Magnesium is strong but light (6 lbs 3 oz ea.) - a full 1/2 lighter than non-magnesium stilts!
  • Dual spring action allows flexibility and prevents legs from sliding
  • Adjustable from 18" to 30"
  • 228 lbs load capacity

Pros

  • Made of magnesium and are ultra-lightweight
  • Tough enough for professional contractors
  • Simple enough to use that home DIYers won't have any problems

Cons

  • Only expands to 30 inches
  • Assembly can be a little difficult
  • Leg straps can be difficult to adjust

Overview

While most drywall stilts are made of aluminum, this set from Pentagon Tools uses magnesium. They’re an even lightweight metal that is just as strong. They’re one of the lightest pairs available which will come in handy for big jobs because your legs won’t tire quite as quickly. The nylon leg adjustment sleeves and dual spring action prevent any sliding and reduce wobble.

The fit is impressive. The heel plates and foot straps are both adjustable and can fit just about anyone. You can also adjust the leg bands so they work best for you, plus they’re padded for extra comfort.

The height adjusts without tools using an exclusive wing bolt design. You can quickly and easily make changes on the job so you can reach the areas you need to. Premium grade rubber soles provide a non-slip grip for added control and safety.

Pentagon Tools 1151 are professional grade and a reasonably priced option. They’re also easy to adjust and even have padded leg bands to keep you moving.

7. SurPro Interlok Magnesium Drywall Stilts

  • Newest Model Quad Lock Technology: Double Wingbolt design for added security
  • Wider and Lighter - construction offers lightweight, better balance, and improved mobility
  • 3-position oversized heel bracket and foot plate with inter-looping straps provide better safety
  • Interlok side pole bracket: A must have safety feature that locks pole securely to frame
  • 1 Year Limited Warranty

Pros

  • Big height extension of 40"
  • Made of magnesium which provides the same strength as aluminum in a lighter package
  • Adjustable fit
  • Comes with a lot of safety features
  • Ideal for contractors

Cons

  • On the higher end of price
  • May not be suitable for casual users

Overview

This is another great option from SurPro that’s great for professional contractors.

One of the best things about it is that it comes with some nice safety features so it’s a good choice for someone who has never used a pair of drywall stilts before.

These stilts are made of magnesium and are lightweight and balanced for improved stability. It’s easier to get around which means you’ll be able to work comfortably for longer periods of time. There’s also an interlocking pole that locks right to the frame for additional support.

An adjustable heel bracket and foot plate ensure that these stilts will fit most feet. The foot plate is wider than what you find on some other models and might be a good choice for someone with wide feet. To make sure they stay in place, the inter-looping straps give a firm but comfortable hold. You can easily adjust the height without tools by using the simple wing bolts.

 

8. Yescom Drywall & Painting Stilts

  • 227 lbs load capacity
  • Dual action springs for flexibility
  • Skid resistant with premium rubber soles
  • 3-position heel bracket accommodating different foot sizes & preventing slippage in every direction
  • Adjustable from 24" to 40"to accommodate different working heights

Pros

  • Adjustable heel bracket for a better fit
  • Dual action springs give more natural movement
  • Extends up to 40 inches
  • Individual parts are replaceable

Cons

  • Can feel unstable at times
  • May need to replace parts over time
  • Assembly can be difficult
  • Hardware occasionally missing

Overview

These drywall stilts from Yescom are really adjustable so you can get a perfect fit. The heel bracket has 3 positions and provides anti-slip protection in all directions, no matter what size your foot is. They have dual action springs for maneuverability and a lightweight, aluminum frame that’s tough and won’t lead to easy fatigue.

The design was made to give more natural movement. That helps give you better balance and control. Plus, the rubber soles are skid resistant, making it easier to move around. These stilts are also adjustable from 24 to 40 inches to accommodate a range of different working heights. That means you can use them for almost any job.

You can replace individual parts with this set so they can last you a really long time if you’re willing to do some repairs along the way.

Whether you’re doing some projects around the house or looking for something to use in a professional setting, the Yescom Drywall Stilts give you the height and stability you need.

9. Warner 10771 Aluminum Drywall Stilts

  • No slip ankle strap securely straps foot in place
  • Lightweight, adjustable heel cup for added support and security
  • Wider foot plate supports foot while reducing user fatigue and greatly improves stability and balance
  • Accommodates up to 230-pound with tools

Pros

  • Dual spring action helps you walk more naturally
  • Adjustable fit
  • Wider footplate for more stability
  • Can hold up to 230 pounds plus tools
  • Can extend to 40 inches

Cons

  • Heavy at around 19 pounds
  • On the higher end of price
  • M
  • ore suited to professionals rather than DIYers

Overview

Warner 10771 stilts are made of lightweight, aircraft grade aluminum and are exceptionally durable. While they’re a little on the heavy side, they’re equipped with dual spring action that makes them pretty easy to get used to. You can walk more naturally and will adjust to using them quickly.

They give you a lot of ways to make sure you get the right fit. First of all, the heel cup is adjustable and the no-slip ankle straps actually ratchet into place so you feel nice and secure. The footplate is also wider so it feels like you’re standing on something a little more substantial.

The height is pretty impressive, too, and can be adjusted without having to use tools. It extends all the way to 40 inches, so if you need some extension, this is a great choice.

If you need stilts that can extend up to 40 inches and want something that feels a little more secure on your feet, the Warner 10771 stilts can’t be beaten.

Buying Guide

Here are some common things that come up when it comes to buying drywall stilts.

Are they safe to use?

A better question is, can you walk in drywall stilts? Have you ever used them before? As long as you know what you’re doing, yes, they’re safe. If you’ve never used them before, it’s a good idea to start with a low pair that is around 12 inches or so off the ground. Once you get used to them, you can expand them their full height.

Some drywall stilts can be as high as 40 inches. This is obviously not a good choice for a first timer but seasoned contractors can use them without a problem. It just takes practice, patience, and a little bit of caution.

How much should you expect to pay?

Top of the line models can run upwards of $200. Middle models go for about $150 while cheaper models sell for between $80 and $100.

What are some buying considerations?

As we already mentioned, height is important. Don’t go for a set that are too high unless you’ve had some practice. That said, professionals often need stilts that are taller to complete overhead jobs more efficiently than using a ladder.

Getting a pair of stilts with adjustable heel brackets and self-locking straps is a good idea. This will make sure you get a good fit and your feet won’t be sliding around while you’re using the stilts.

Wide foot plates are a little more comfortable to use, as are padded leg straps. They’re not necessary but they will make your work a lot more enjoyable.

If you’re considering a pair of drywall stilts because you have a big job coming up, take a look at our picks for best drywall sander . Drywall sanders are an essential tool if you want to work as efficiently as possible

About Jacob Hanson

Jacob is the Editor at Toolsfirst.com. He used to be the owner of a local construction company with over 20 years experience in the trade. He now enjoys thoroughly researching DIY tools as well as publishing guides to help readers.

Comments

  1. Paul says

    I walked on DuraStilts for 36 years doing Drop ceilings and they lasted longer than any other brand on the market. In the seventies they were one of the only brands available in Texas others came on long later but did not compare.

  2. Fred says

    I agree with Paul! As a business owner myself I been a drywall contractor for 20+ years and to see dura-stilts not even making the list is unbelievable. Guy really needs to do his home work here lol Dura-stilts are by far the best on the market and have been period! Yes they may cost more than other brands but you get what you pay for! 10 years and counting on pair of dura-stilts! Beat that! ????

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