What Are The 3 Main Types Of Scaffolds?

According to a study published in 2022, scaffolding is worth £2.86 billion to the UK economy. At the time, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasted that 200 scaffolding professionals would be needed every year to meet construction demands; this number has significantly increased since then.

With Sheffield’s growing construction industry, the demand for high-quality scaffolding solutions has never been greater. As a result, it’s important to understand the basic types of scaffolding to ensure the right structure is used for every project.

So, what are the 3 main types of scaffolding?

What Are The 3 Main Types Of Scaffolding?

Scaffolding generally falls into three categories. Despite the fact that there are many types of scaffolding, they all fit into one of these three main classifications.

Choosing the correct type of scaffolding is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency in your project. The three main types of scaffolding include:

Supported Scaffolding 

When people think of scaffolding, they usually picture supported scaffolding. This type is constructed vertically from the ground towards the side of the building, using materials such as metal tubes and couplers. It is securely anchored by both the ground and the building’s structure. Supported scaffolding is widely regarded as the safest and most stable method for gaining elevation. It is commonly used in Sheffield construction projects, particularly where ground space accessibility is not an issue.

Suspended Scaffolding

Suspended scaffolds are platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure. Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds, known as swing-stage scaffolds, are the most common type. Suspended scaffolds are mostly used when work needs to be completed at a height where it is not feasible to erect scaffolding from the ground. This type is ideal for high-rise maintenance projects in Sheffield, including window cleaning and exterior refurbishments.

Aerial Scaffolding

Aerial scaffolding refers to temporary structures or platforms erected above ground level to facilitate work at height. These are often used in bridge construction, large-scale infrastructure projects, and industrial applications in Sheffield.

How Many Types Of Scaffolding Are There?

In total, there are 17 different types of scaffolding. Each type is constructed using different materials, with wood and steel being the most commonly used. Steel is generally preferred for scaffolding due to its durability and enhanced safety features, despite its higher cost.

What Is The Most Common Type Of Scaffolding?

The most common type of scaffolding is frame scaffolding, a subset of supported scaffolding. Frame scaffolding is widely used due to its cost-efficiency, ease of assembly, and versatility. It is frequently employed on Sheffield construction sites, temporary structures, event setups, industrial applications, and more.

Who Works With Scaffolds?

Various professionals rely on scaffolding to perform their jobs safely and efficiently. These include: 

• Construction workers
• Builders
• Roofers
• Painters
• Window cleaners
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Maintenance workers
• Renovation contractors

What Tasks Can Scaffolds Assist With?

Scaffolding provides a secure and stable platform, allowing workers to complete projects safely. Common tasks that scaffolding assists with include:

• Construction facilitation
• Safety support
• Material handling
• Maintenance work
• Temporary structures
• Facade access
• Event setups
• Film and stage production
• Industrial applications
• Bridge construction and maintenance

Scaffolding Hire in Sheffield

Looking for scaffolding hire in Sheffield? At Hi-Point Access, we have built a strong reputation as one of the leading scaffolding companies in Sheffield. With over 30 years of experience, we provide reliable, professional, and safe scaffolding solutions for domestic, commercial, and industrial projects.

To get a free quote, fill in the contact form on our website or call us on 0114 257 7600. Our team is happy to assist with all your scaffolding needs in Sheffield.