Introduction
Scaffolding serves as a temporary support structure in construction, providing a secure and elevated working platform for laborers and materials. It is primarily made from timber or steel and must be built to withstand the combined load of workers, tools, and building materials. Understanding the various types of scaffolding is essential to ensuring safe and efficient operations on construction sites.
This guide introduces the core concept of scaffolding and outlines the most common types used in construction, along with a brief overview of essential scaffold fittings.
What is Scaffolding?
Scaffolding is a temporary framework made from wood, metal pipes, or composite materials, designed to provide support for both the structure under construction and the personnel working on it. Commonly seen at construction and maintenance sites, scaffolding ensures safe access to elevated or difficult-to-reach areas. A properly designed scaffold is strong, stable, and capable of withstanding heavy loads without compromising safety.
Common Types of Scaffolding
Different construction scenarios call for different scaffolding solutions. Below are the most commonly used scaffolding types:
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Single Scaffolding (Bricklayer’s Scaffolding)
Used primarily for brick masonry, this scaffold includes:
- Standards (vertical support)
- Ledgers (horizontal members)
- Putlogs (horizontal supports inserted into the wall)
It is a simple and effective setup suitable for light-duty construction tasks.
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Double Scaffolding (Mason’s Scaffolding)
Primarily used in stone masonry, where wall penetration is difficult. It features:
- Two rows of standards—one close to the wall and the other further out
- Putlogs supported by both rows
- Additional rakers and cross-bracing for stability
This structure ensures stronger support and improved durability.
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Cantilever Scaffolding
Cantilever scaffolds are built when:
- Ground space is restricted
- Construction is required at upper levels of a wall
Horizontal needles protrude from the building to support vertical standards. This setup requires precise construction due to its inherently higher risk of instability.
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Suspended Scaffolding
In this setup, platforms are suspended from the roof using ropes, chains, or wire cables. Key features:
- Height-adjustable
- Ideal for painting, pointing, window cleaning, and minor repair work
- Enables access to multiple elevations with minimal space occupation
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Trestle Scaffolding
A mobile platform mounted on wheeled ladders or supports, often used indoors. Characteristics:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Commonly used by painters, repair technicians, and warehouse staff
- Suitable for both indoor and limited outdoor work
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Steel Scaffolding
Constructed from steel tubes and connected via couplers, this type of scaffold is:
- Strong, durable, and fire-resistant
- More expensive than timber but offers greater safety
- Ideal for long-term projects and heavy-duty applications
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Kwik stage Scaffolding
A modular scaffold system made of galvanized steel, characterized by:
- Wedge-locking mechanism for quick assembly
- Adjustable heights and configurations
- Used widely in both commercial and residential settings
- High strength and adaptability
Types of Scaffold Fittings
Fittings are essential components that hold the scaffold structure together. Common types include:
