
Scaffolding represents a temporary yet crucial framework in construction designed to support workers during various tasks such as building, maintaining, or repairing structures. This elevated system is fundamental in facilitating access to high or difficult-to-reach areas.
Dating back to the origins of construction, scaffolding has been evolving to meet the needs of each new project. Its primary function is to provide safe and stable access, essential for completing construction tasks competently.
Explore this blog to discover the various scaffolding types, understand their benefits, and how they enhance safety and productivity in construction endeavours.
Why Scaffolding Remains Essential: The Key Benefits
Scaffolding has stood the test of time, proving its value for centuries. Let’s look at why it remains indispensable in construction:
Unrestricted Access
It offers unparalleled access to various building parts and provides a stable means to reach almost any location, ensuring workers can perform tasks efficiently.
Enhanced Stability
By providing a solid and even platform, scaffolding helps workers maintain balance while performing their duties. This steadiness is vital for tasks that need accuracy and safety at elevated heights.
Quick Setup and Takedown
The structure can be erected and dismantled swiftly, particularly beneficial for projects with tight schedules or frequent changes.
Durability
Scaffolding systems constructed from timber or steel are designed for longevity. Properly maintained, they can remain functional over long periods.
Safety Assurance
Safety is paramount in any construction project, and scaffolding provides a secure platform that minimises the risks associated with working at heights.
Efficient Navigation
Crossing long distances to access different areas can be time-consuming in many construction scenarios. Scaffolding can include bridging elements that reduce workers’ time moving around the job site.


Various Types of Scaffolding
Scaffolding offers different configurations to suit various needs. In the following section, we’ve mentioned a comprehensive overview of the primary types of scaffolding:
Cantilever Scaffolding
Cantilever scaffolding involves standards supported by needles or cantilevers that extend from the building’s wall. The platform is then supported by these projections anchored inside the structure.
- Ideal for sites where the ground cannot support traditional scaffolding.
- Useful for construction where space around the base of the building is restricted.
- Allows access to higher levels without obstructing lower areas.
Single Scaffolding
Single scaffolding, or bricklayer scaffolding, is mainly utilised for brick masonry. This type of scaffolding features a single row of vertical supports positioned parallel to the building’s wall. Horizontal ledgers connect these standards at intervals of about 1.2 to 1.5 meters.
- Simple to assemble and dismantle.
- Economical for projects involving brickwork.
- Provides stable access for masonry work at a manageable height.
Double Scaffolding
Double scaffolding, or mason’s scaffolding, is designed for use with stone masonry where drilling into the wall for putlog supports is impractical. This type involves two rows of scaffolding: one positioned close to the wall and the other set further away.
- Allows for safer access to high stone walls.
- Delivers extra stability for working with heavy stone materials.
- Reduces the need for wall penetration, preserving the structure.
Kwikstage Scaffolding
Kwikstage scaffolding is a sectional system made of galvanised steel. This scaffolding features interlocking components that provide a stable and secure platform. It is typically employed in commercial and residential projects for its reliability and safety features.
- Quick to assemble with a modular interlocking system.
- Offers a secure and stable platform with safety features.
- Multipurpose and flexible to different project needs and heights.
Trestle Scaffolding
Trestle scaffolding features a platform supported by ladders or tripods and is generally used for tasks of lower height. It is often utilised for indoor maintenance, repair work, or painting up to approximately 5 meters.
- Lightweight and easily transportable.
- Quick to set up for short-term tasks.
- Runs stable support for low-height work.


Catenary Scaffolding
Catenary scaffolding supports a platform with ropes or wires hung from a higher structure. The platform rests on horizontal wires or ropes, creating a suspended work area.
- Useful for projects where traditional supports are not feasible.
- Allows for access in areas with restricted ground space.
- Can be adapted for specific applications requiring suspended platforms.
Suspended Scaffolding
Suspended scaffolding consists of a platform suspended from the roof or higher structure using ropes or chains. This type of scaffolding can be adjusted vertically for tasks like painting, window cleaning, or exterior building maintenance.
- Easily adjustable to reach different heights.
- Minimises ground-level obstruction, ideal for urban environments.
- Suitable for tasks requiring extensive vertical access.
Frame Scaffolding
Fabricated scaffolding uses modular frames that are connected to create a stable platform. It is extensively used for its minimalism and compliance for various construction and maintenance tasks.
- Economical and easy to assemble.
- Versatile for different construction needs.
- Offers a stable and reliable work platform
Swing Stage Scaffolding
Also known as two-point scaffolding, it features a platform suspended from two ropes or wires. It can be lowered or raised to different heights for work on tall buildings.
- Permits vertical adjustment for varying work heights.
- Commonly used for facade work on high-rise buildings.
- Provides flexibility in reaching different sections of the structure.
Multilevel Scaffolding
Multilevel scaffolding involves multiple platforms suspended from ladders or vertical supports, simultaneously allowing access to several levels of a structure.
- Gives access to multiple heights at once.
- Ideal for complex projects requiring extensive vertical access.
- Increases productivity by permitting immediate work on different levels.
Single-Point Adjustable Scaffolding
It is also known as a boatswain’s chair and is suspended from a solo wire or rope. This type is commonly used by window washers and other workers who need to access high areas from a single support point.
- Allows precise control of height and positioning.
- Ideal for tasks requiring access from a single point.
- Commonly used for maintenance and inspection work.
Scaffolding Materials: Their Key Attributes
Wood
Wood, primarily fir or pine, remains used for scaffolding boards due to its lightweight and cost-effective nature. However, wood lacks the strength of metals and is susceptible to environmental changes.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a modern addition to scaffolding materials, prized for its lightweight and low maintenance. It excels in applications requiring frequent movement, such as suspended scaffolding and pump jacks.
Steel
Steel remains the cornerstone of scaffolding due to its unmatched adaptability and durability. Capable of supporting heavy loads, it is ideal for high and demanding structures. Although heavier than aluminium, steel provides essential stability and withstands strong winds.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass, a type of reinforced plastic, is a newer and less common scaffolding material. Utilised primarily for scaffolding tubes in environments with potential electrical hazards, it offers excellent electrical insulation and fire resistance.