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. As a result of such statistics and high demand, it’s only important to understand the basic types of scaffolding. So, what are the 3 main types of scaffolding? 

Suspended, aerial, and supported scaffolding are the 3 most common types of scaffolding. The different scaffolding types serve a range of purposes and are suitable for different situations. To ensure that you choose the right scaffolding for your project, you must know about each type of scaffolding.

To find out more about the different types of scaffolding, how many types of scaffolding there are, and more – continue reading. 

What Are The 3 Main Types Of Scaffolding?

Generally, scaffolding falls into 3 categories. Despite the fact there are many types of scaffolding, they all fit into one of these three categories. To get the safest and most reliable scaffolding, it is important to know which type is right for you. The 3 main types of scaffolding include: 

Supported 

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

Suspended

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 perhaps the most common type of suspended scaffold. Suspended scaffolds are mostly used when work needs to be completed at a height and it is not possible to erect scaffolding from the ground. 

Aerial

Aerial scaffolding refers to temporary structures or platforms erected above ground level to facilitate work at height, often used in construction, maintenance, or repair tasks on buildings, bridges, or other structures.

How Many Types Of Scaffolding Are There?

In total, there are 17 different types of scaffolding. Each type of scaffolding is built from different materials, but the most commonly used is wood and steel material. Generally, steel is preferred for scaffolding because of its robustness and safety features, despite its higher cost.

What Is The Most Common Type Of Scaffolding?

The most common type of scaffolding is frame scaffolding. Frame scaffolding is a type of support scaffolding that is cost-efficient, easy to set up/take down, and very versatile. For example, frame scaffolding can be used on construction sites, temporary structures, event setups, industrial applications, and more. 

Frame scaffolding, a type of support scaffold, is the most common type of scaffolding as it is cost-efficient, easy to set up and take down, and also very versatile.

Who Works With Scaffolds?

To ensure they do their job safely, different professionals will require scaffolding for a variety of tasks, including: 

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

What Tasks Can Scaffolds Assist With?

Scaffolding facilitates tasks by offering a secure and stable platform for individuals to accomplish their projects more easily. There are an array of tasks that scaffolding can assist with, including: 

• 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 Sheffield

Looking for a scaffolding hire in Sheffield? At Hi-Point Access, we have developed a reputation and culture as one of the leading scaffolding companies in Sheffield due to our 30 years of experience in the industry. To get a quote, fill in the form or call us on 01142577600 and a member of our team will be happy to assist.