Understanding what scaffolding type you need for your exact project is highly important for two reasons. First, because it determines the access flexibility. Second, because it affects the safety of your workmen.

Here, we discuss the most common types of scaffolding designed for exterior works in the UK.

Bespoke scaffolding

Brief description: Bespoke scaffolding is a structure of the custom design. Typically, it is made of aluminium or galvanized steel tubes and fittings. Depending on your project, you may need one of the following types of scaffolding:

• Single of double scaffolding for masonry works
• Cantilever scaffolding, which doesn’t have a ground base but is supported on needles specially attached to the walls
• Tubular scaffolding, which consists of custom-designed modules and can be of any shape and height
• System scaffolding, which consists of pre-designed modules but still can be quite flexible to provide access to various buildings and structures
• Temporary roof, which covers the worksite creating a protected environment for the space that is under it
• Shoring, which supports other temporary structures such as, for example, bridges or floor frames.

Best to use for: These scaffolds are perfect for buildings and structures of unordinary and complex shapes. Perfect for any construction or reconstruction works. Besides, tubular or system scaffolds are appropriate demolition works.

If you need bespoke scaffolding, we can be your approved scaffold contractor and design a structure that is the best for your project.

Patented (out of the box) scaffolding

Brief description: This is a readymade staging structure that consists of standard modules. It is a scaffolding kit we are speaking about. Typically, this kit has a specific height (usually up to 30 feet) and a standard shape. So, you couldn’t make it higher or lower as well as reshape it to adjust to your needs. Still, such structures are easy to assemble and disassemble. Therefore, its erection requires the minimum knowledge, training, and experience.

Best to use for: Typically, this type will suit your needs if you have a reconstruction project for the building of a simple shape. And if the works are performed at a height of 30 feet and lower.

Suspended/swinging scaffolding

Brief description: Very often you may see a platform suspended by rope and cable system to the desired height from the top of the building. This is what suspended (or else swinging) scaffolding is. One of its most common names is a suspended platform. The platform can easily move vertically up and down but needs to relocate its roof set-ups to move aside.

Best to use for: Typically, this type is the best for some regular building maintenance duties without heavy loads. For example, for window cleaning works where works can be performed in a vertical manner. Also, such platforms are good for minor repainting works.