8 Different Types of Scaffolding & Their Uses

If you’re planning a construction or renovation project, you’ll need to understand the different types of scaffolding available to you. As expert scaffolding erectors we can provide various customised solutions to suit even the most complex construction and renovation projects. If you’re curious, here are eight popular types of scaffolding and what they’re used for.

1.    Access Scaffolding

This is exactly what it sounds like – access scaffolding helps workers gain access to hard-to-reach areas of a building, such as the roof. This type is usually constructed for maintenance and repair work.

2.    Suspended Scaffolding

This type is a working platform suspended from the ceiling or roof using wire rope or chains. It can be lifted and lowered when needed and is ideal for painting, repair work, and window cleaning.

Suspended scaffolding can be used both outside and inside a building, but it will require heavy-duty anchors, which can cause damage to interiors.

3.    Trestle Scaffolding

This type of scaffolding is usually used inside buildings for repairs, maintenance, and decorating. It’s a working platform you can move around the room as needed and is most commonly used by plasterers, painters, and bricklayers.

Trestle scaffolding gives a height of up to five metres; anything over that will require a permanent platform that doesn’t move for safety reasons.

4.    Cantilever Scaffolding

When there are obstacles preventing a scaffolding tower from being erected, we use cantilever scaffolding. For example, if the ground can’t support traditional scaffolding or the ground near the wall need to be clear, we can use supporting needles to construct the scaffolding up off the ground.

5.    Single Scaffolding

Also known as putlog scaffolding, single scaffolding consists of a single row of standards that runs parallel to the face of the building. The standards are connected by a ledger, which putlogs are fixed to using couplers.

This is a convenient solution for bricklayers, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as bricklayer’s scaffolding.

6.    Double Scaffolding

Unlike single scaffolding, double scaffolding is commonly used for stone masonry since it’s hard to drill holes in stone walls to support putlogs. Two rows of scaffolding are required for this rig, the first fixed close to the wall and the second some distance away.

This is the most common type of scaffolding you’ll see used on commercial buildings and homes.

7.    Steel Scaffolding

Although not as economical as aluminium, steel scaffolding is more durable and fire-resistant, which makes it a safer option for construction sites. It’s becoming the most popular choice for scaffolding companies and provides a safe, solid structure for workers.

8.    Specialist Scaffolding

If you have a project with complex construction needs, you’ll require a specialist scaffolding solution that is custom-made for your property. At Jarvis Scaffolding, our scaffolding erectors are known for their specialist platform solutions that are commonly used on heritage buildings, large industrial properties, and unique projects.

What Kind of Scaffolding Do You Need?

If you’re unsure what kind of scaffolding is right for your project, our team at Jarvis Scaffolding can help. We have decades of experience in the industry and provide all kinds of scaffolding solutions for a range of industries. Call our team today to arrange a free site visit, and we’ll walk you through your options: 01743 442204