What Is Scaffolding and How Do I Use It?

Scaffolding refers to a ladder-like tool that allows persons, like painters, to access surfaces unreachable from the floor. Scaffolding has four points of contact with the floor, compared to only two, such as with a ladder. This makes scaffolding considerably more stable than a ladder while providing a larger standing surface. Today, we will briefly discuss the common forms of scaffolding and why you might want to use them yourself.

Is Scaffolding Hard to Build?

Scaffolding is relatively straightforward in design, so once you get the hang of it, scaffolding is easy to assemble. There are many different kinds of scaffolding, but today we will discuss the basic differences between outdoor scaffolding and interior scaffolding. Most do-it-yourselfers will likely have the skills to assemble a set of scaffolding, but the project is far easier if you have help.

What Is the Difference Between Outdoor and Indoor Scaffolding?

For residential purposes, most scaffolding can be described as outdoor, or heavy-duty scaffolding, or light-duty, interior scaffolding. Outdoor scaffolding is designed to bear much more weight than interior scaffolding and can be found on large exterior installations, like bricking a home. Interior scaffolding is usually small enough to fit through a door and is usually designed to carry two people at most.

Both forms can be added to for additional width or height, but only if they are designed to do so. Either form of scaffolding can be dangerous when it becomes top-heavy, so always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Generally, outdoor scaffolding will have legs, similar to a chair, while indoor scaffolding is always on castors to avoid damaging interior floors.

Is It Best to Buy Or Rent Scaffolding?

The decision to either rent or purchase scaffolding usually comes down to the frequency of use. Scaffolding is great to have around if you have particularly high walls or ceilings and like to do your own maintenance. If you have a place to store your scaffolding when not in use, it will probably work out better for you to purchase your own set(s).

If you are an occasional DIYer, renting scaffolding may be a better idea. Scaffolding is not complicated, nor expensive to rent, so if you don’t plan to use scaffolding more than a couple of times a year, you’re probably better off renting. This eliminates the hassle of storing the scaffolding and maintaining it, which is the main reason renting is attractive. Just make sure you fully understand how to assemble any scaffolding you rent, because improper installation can cause the scaffolding to fail.

Which Is Better? Ladders Or Scaffolding?

The answer to the question of which is better, ladders or scaffolding, usually comes down to the project. For example, if you are going to be on either a ladder or scaffolding for extended periods, scaffolding is the way to go. Scaffolding has a much larger surface area which greatly reduces fatigue. Scaffolding is also preferred when materials need to be replenished often because there is usually space available.

Ladders, on the other hand, are great when speed is needed and the project can be completed relatively quickly. Ladders are typically lighter and more mobile than scaffolding, so often ladders are preferred as the project becomes taller. Ladders are also generally less expensive than scaffolding, so for the budget-conscious, ladders are often the best choice.