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Choosing the Right Scaffolding for Your Project

Need help choosing the right scaffolding for your job? One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make as you prepare for a construction project is to choose the right scaffolding. In fact, as a fundamental part of any construction, maintenance, or repair job, scaffolding provides a secure platform for workers to perform tasks at height.

As you know, choosing the wrong type of scaffolding could lead to safety risks, inefficiency, or even failed inspections. Learn more about scaffolding safety here. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on choosing scaffolding for your construction project.

Table of Contents


Understanding the Basics of Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. Typically, scaffolding is crafted from materials like steel, aluminum, or wood.

Shop all scaffolding for sale here, check out our scaffold rentals, or contact us with questions!

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Scaffolding

11' Rolling Scaffold Tower

Multi-Function Scaffold

5 Different Considerations When Choosing the Right Scaffolding for Your Job

When selecting the right scaffolding for your project, keep the following factors in mind:

1. The Type of Work

When choosing the right type of scaffold for your project, you should understand fully the type of work that you’ll be performing. This will greatly influence the kind of scaffolding you need. For example, if your project involves working on the exterior of a tall building, you may need to invest in suspended scaffolding.

2. Height & Access

Another consideration when choosing the right scaffolding for your job is its height and access. For example, some scaffolding types are better suited for reaching high levels, while others offer more flexibility in terms of movement and access.

3. Load Capacity

Different scaffolding types have different load capacities. Ensure the scaffolding you choose can safely support the weight of the workers, tools, and materials. Before making your purchase, take a look at the load capacity and other specs before you make the commitment to buying it. As always, make sure the scaffolding type you select complies with local and national safety scaffolding regulations.

4. Surface Conditions

The condition and stability of the surface where the scaffolding will be erected should be considered. Some scaffolds may require stable, flat ground, while others can be used on uneven surfaces.

5. Professional Consultation

Lastly, you should consult with a professional scaffolding company. An expert can provide valuable insights into the right type of scaffolding for your project, considering all safety standards, load requirements, and project-specific needs. Remember, the installation of scaffolding should also be performed by trained professionals to ensure its stability and safety.

Read more information here about the right type of scaffolding for the job from the Occupational Health and Safety Blog.


Different Types of Scaffolding

From single and double scaffolding, to steel scaffolding, there are several different types to know about. Let’s go over the different types of scaffolding so you can get a better idea of which will suit your work best:

1. Single Scaffolding

To start, let’s talk about single scaffolding. Otherwise known as brick layer’s scaffolding, this type of scaffolding is commonly utilized for brick masonry projects. The scaffolding setup will consist of standards, ledgers, and putlogs that are assembled approximately 4 feet away from the wall, in parallel.

The standards, the vertical posts in this arrangement, are set approximately 6.5 to 8.2 feet apart. Ledgers, the horizontal tubes linking the standards, are attached at vertical intervals ranging from 4 to 5 feet. Putlogs are then inserted at one end into the wall and connected to the ledgers at the other end. These are typically spaced about 4 to 5 feet apart.

2. Double Scaffolding

Double scaffolding, or mason’s scaffolding, is most commonly used in stone masonry. It’s challenging to create holes in stone walls to accommodate putlogs, hence the need for a more robust structure. This is achieved by building two rows of scaffolding. The first row is positioned around 8 to 12 inches from the wall, and the second row is approximately 3 feet away from the first.

Putlogs are then set across these two frames, gaining support from both. To enhance the structure’s stability, rakers, and cross braces are included in the setup – a configuration that’s also known as independent scaffolding.

3. Cantilever Scaffolding

Cantilever scaffolding represents a scaffold variety where the uprights or standards are bolstered by a series of “needles” projecting through holes in the wall. This setup is known as single frame scaffolding. In another version, the needles are braced inside the building floors via openings, a setup referred to as independent or double frame scaffolding.

The construction of cantilever scaffolding necessitates careful attention to safety and stability. This type of scaffolding is typically employed under certain conditions: when the ground lacks the capacity to support standards, when the area adjacent to the wall is free from traffic, or when the upper portion of the wall is undergoing construction.

4. Suspended Scaffolding

Another type of scaffolding for your job you may need is suspended scaffolding. With this scaffolding type, the work platform is hung from the roof using mechanisms such as wire ropes or chains, allowing it to be adjusted to the desired height. Suspended scaffolding is ideal for outdoor tasks such as repairs, pointing, and painting.

Questions on suspended scaffolding? Please reach out to the team at Badger Ladder for more information and rental options.

5. Trestle Scaffolding

With trestle scaffolding, the work platform is held up by movable supports, such as tripods or ladders. This type of scaffolding is typically used for indoor tasks like painting or repairs, and is suitable for work up to a height of approximately 16.4 feet.

Trestle scaffolding is perfect for indoor and outdoor work on industrial and commercial buildings, stores, shops, schools, movie theaters, churches, and any other building where you need to perform a painting or repair project.

6. Steel Scaffolding

Steel scaffolding is another scaffolding type that we highly recommend. It is assembled from steel tubes, joined together using steel couplers or fittings. This setup can be quickly constructed or dismantled. Offering superior strength, enhanced durability, and better resistance to fire, steel scaffolding may not be the most cost-effective option but it significantly enhances worker safety.

As a result of these advantages, steel scaffolding is increasingly being used for many modern construction projects.

7. Patented Scaffolding

Patented scaffolding is manufactured from steel and comes equipped with special couplings and frames. This type of scaffolding are pre-made and can be readily purchased from the market. One key feature of patented scaffolding is its working platform, which rests on adjustable brackets.

This allows for the platform to be positioned at any necessary height, offering flexibility for different tasks.


Browse Our Scaffolding Products

Let Badger Ladder be your source for scaffolding products for sale.

For more than 30 years, we have been serving our customers nationwide, providing them yellow, red, and blue types of scaffold frames, scaffold packages, narrow scaffold frames, scaffold pedestals, scaffold rolling and non-rolling towers, and multi-function scaffolding.


Contact Badger Ladder

In conclusion, choosing the right scaffolding for your project plays a vital role in the smooth completion of the work and the safety of all involved. It’s not a decision to take lightly. By taking into account the nature of your work, the height and access required, load capacity, safety regulations, and more, you can make a better, more informed decision. If you are relatively new to scaffolding setups, please read our article on the the basics of scaffolding.

Ready to discuss your scaffolding with an expert at Badger Ladder? To get started with choosing scaffolding, proper installation, recommendations, etc., simply contact our team today at (800) 863-9791.