What Is Scaffolding Made Of?
If you’re doing construction work and need to choose a scaffolding material and scaffold system for your project, you may be wondering what options you have. There are many types of scaffolding that are commonly used in building construction.
Not sure if you need metal scaffolding? What types of materials are used to create cantilever scaffolding, suspended scaffolds, and other scaffold structures? Find out now and see what type of scaffolding is right for building scaffold structures and a working platform for your next job.
What Materials Are Used for Common Types of Scaffolding?
The material used for each type of scaffold depends on several different factors, like what structure to support, the requirements of the job, and more. Let’s look at the most common types of scaffolding and materials now.
Trestle scaffolding
Aluminium is commonly used for trestle scaffolding. A trestle scaffold consists of a pre-built H-frame or A-frame, which supports one working platform using a transom. This type of scaffolding is extremely easy to put together and assemble, making it ideal for working on single-story projects.
House painters and other handymen usually prefer to use trestle scaffolding. Aluminium is useful for trestle scaffolding because it’s lightweight, and it can easily support a single story of scaffolding without any structural problems. Due to this fact, it’s easy to transport and set up.
Independent scaffolding
Steel scaffolding is usually used to build independent scaffolding. Independent scaffolding uses a double row of standards, with the rows parallel to the building. Putlogs and right-angle couplers are used to attach it to the building through a hole in the wall, and it’s also supported by cross braces. Transoms are then supported by fixing them to the ledgers.
Independent scaffolding usually attaches to the ground using timber plates or steel sole plates, particularly in areas with softer earth and soil. Steel is ideal for this application because multiple layers of scaffolding may be used, extending hundreds of meters into the air. Aluminium usually cannot support such heavy loads, and because mobility is not important for independent scaffolding as it’s used for more long term projects. Weight is not a big factor.
Bamboo scaffolding
As you may gather from the name, bamboo scaffolding uses bamboo – which is not, as some may think, a type of wood. Bamboo is actually a type of cellulose-rich grass – and because of its abundance in Asian countries, bamboo scaffolding is commonly used for projects in China and surrounding countries. Bamboo has a remarkably high strength-to-weight ratio when it’s assembled properly. It’s typically used only for buildings that reach about four stories in height. Higher scaffolds are unstable, so steel or cast-iron scaffolding is typically used instead.
Cantilever scaffolding
Cantilever scaffolding can be made from structural steel, cast iron, or aluminium. It’s used when there is no way to attach the scaffolding to the ground. Instead, putlogs and holes in the wall are used to attach the scaffolding directly to a building.
Patented scaffolding
Patented scaffolding refers to scaffolding systems, usually built out of steel, which use specialized couplings and frames, and proprietary designs – rather than the standard “tube-and-coupler” systems used by other types of scaffolding. In most cases, this type of scaffolding is made of steel.
Suspended scaffolding
Weight is often a concern for suspended scaffolding platforms, so aluminium is commonly used to build these platforms and their support structures. Heavier materials like iron and steel can be used, but only if there is a strong structure to which the scaffolding can be anchored.
To determine what type of scaffolding is right for your project – and to choose the right material – we highly recommend working with a professional scaffolder. If you are not experienced in the field of scaffolding purchasing, setup, and installation, you could choose the wrong material or type of scaffolding, which could lead to project delays, or a dangerous, unsafe workplace.
Related Topics
- Which scaffolding system is best?
- Which scaffolding holds more weight?
- When does scaffolding need to be inspected?
Australian Scaffolds History
Australian Scaffold was founded in 1997 with a dedication to serving customers in New South Wales with durable, strong scaffolding and related products, expert assembly services, and excellent customer service. Over the last two decades, we have always worked to improve our selection of scaffolding and services – so you can trust us for all of your scaffolding-related needs in New South Wales.
Contact Australian Scaffolds Today!
For more information about the different types of scaffolding we offer as well as scaffold hire, please call Australian Scaffolds on 1300 919 905 or fill out the form below and we will get back to you shortly.
