Cost of Scaffolding

Want to discover scaffolding hire prices?

If so, you're in luck! We've created an ultimate scaffold hire cost guide that details all you need to know about hiring scaffolding, such as roof scaffolding, scaffolding tower prices, the fees scaffolding companies charge and more!

On average, you're looking at a total scaffold hire cost of around £4,500.

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How Much Does Scaffolding Cost?

The costs to hire scaffolding vary depending on the amount of scaffolding you need. This is a combination of your property type as well as the work that will be completed. You will also have to hire the scaffolding for a minimum term which is usually between six to eight weeks.

If you only require a small tower. This would be to complete a job like fixing hip tiles or guttering. You can expect to pay a total of somewhere between £640 – £1,210 for the total hire.

If you need to hire scaffolding for a large project, like painting the outside of a detached home, the price will be much higher. You should budget for anything between £7,500 and £11,500.

Hiring scaffolding can be a cheap choice compared to using your contractor's scaffolding. However, if you only need the scaffolding for a short period of time, it can be better to leave it to your contractor this is because most scaffolding companies will only bother with larger jobs, where they can make a reasonable amount of money.

Many will make it unreasonably expensive to hire a small amount of scaffolding for a small amount of time.

Scaffolding Hire Prices

When you hire scaffolding, you will be charged based on several factors. You will have to pay for the hire of your scaffolding as well as to have it put up and taken down, combined with the type of job you need the scaffolding for means that scaffolding hire costs vary a lot.

In most cases, you will pay per week that you hire the scaffolding for. The following tables should give you a good idea of how much it will cost to hire scaffolding for your project.

When you hire scaffolding, you will do so for a fixed-term period. Usually, six or eight weeks is the minimum term. The following gives you an indication of the total cost for a range of scenarios.

When you hire scaffolding, the cost will be based on the materials needed to create the structure you need, as well as the cost to erect and strike the construction. The following gives you the costs of the materials needed to build a scaffolding

Here are some example prices for typical scaffolding hires. These are average prices and will vary depending on multiple factors.

Labour Costs and Timescales

The labour costs will depend largely on the size of the scaffolding you will need constructing. As well as how easy it is to access the locations. The following table gives you some example labour costs, along with the time taken to put up and take down the scaffolding

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Additional Costs

When you are hiring scaffolding to use for a project, there are a few factors that you need to remain aware of. There are some situations in which your base cost will be higher.

Ground Conditions

If the ground conditions are poor, for example, if there is a lot of mud or wet earth at the base of the scaffolding, then this will increase the cost. This is because a more stable base will need to be used, which means more materials are needed to erect your scaffolding.

Historic Properties

If your home is historical or listed, then it can be more expensive to hire scaffolding. The scaffolding may have to be adapted to fit the architectural features of your home.

Blocking Public Access

If you need to put scaffolding up in a location that blocks public access, then you will need to speak to your local council before you put it up. They will likely charge you a fee for putting up your scaffolding, and they may also impose a strict time limit for the scaffolding to be up. The extra cost for this will depend on your local council's policies.

Special Requirements

If you need the scaffolding to have any specialised feature, this will increase your cost. Examples include specific types of walkways or gaps that need to be bridged. If your scaffolding needs to bridge a conservatory, this will usually cost between £450 - £900 per week. Scaffolding to access a chimney will need to run along the ridge of the roof. This will cost around £400 - £500 per week.

Additional Work

If you are planning other building works, then it can be cost-effective to complete additional jobs that also require the use of scaffolding. This can save you money in the long run.

Paint House Exterior

If you are using rolling scaffolding or scaffolding with a large number of walkways, then it can be a good time to get the outside of your house painted. Painting your house costs on average, £850.

Roof Repair

Any significant work on your roof should be done with the use of scaffolding. Small patch jobs can usually be done without it, but anything more significant should be done from the safety of scaffolding. For example, replacing ridge tiles. This is the most common repair work needed on your roof and costs around £300.

Apply Render or Cladding

If you want to patch or apply a protective layer to your home, then this will require the use of scaffolding. It can be done with rolling scaffolding or with scaffolding that encircles your home. To apply render costs on average £4,000. Cladding costs less, depending on the type you choose. The average price is £1,800.

Gutter Replacement

Damaged gutters can allow damp to enter your home. If you need your gutters replacing it is best to do it as soon as possible. This is a job that is best done from scaffolding. Replacing your gutters costs between £550 - £750.

Solar Panel Installation

Installing solar panels is a big job. It can be a great investment. It does require the use of scaffolding to reach the rooftop.

The price will vary depending on the type of solar panels you choose, and the area covered. On average it costs around £5,000 to fit solar panels to your roof.

Loft Conversion

A loft conversion is a big job and will require scaffolding if you are having any work done to the roof. For example, adding dormer windows. The type of loft conversion you chose will have a big impact on the total cost. The average price of aloft conversion is £40,000.

What is Scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a common part of any construction site. However, if you need scaffolding for a project, it can be confusing as there are so many different types. To help you see the wood for the trees here's a quick rundown of everything you need to know about scaffolding.

What is it used for?

Scaffolding is used to carry out work at height. It is much safer and easier to work from than a ladder. It allows multiple workers to work at specific points on a building. As the structure is secured and supported, it is significantly more stable than a ladder. There is also space for tools and equipment to be brought up the working location.

How long has it been around?

Modern scaffolding has been around in the UK since 1913. This was when the first standard coupler was patented. Since then, scaffolding has been quick and easy to erect and has become much more standardised. Scaffolding has been around for almost as long as there have been two storey buildings.

You can find examples of it all over the world. The materials used vary, but the essential techniques remain the same.

All scaffolding is made from the same three essential parts. There are the tubes couplers and boards. The tubes form the skeleton of the scaffolding. They can be made from metal, timber, or even bamboo.

The couplers are the method of joining the tubes together. These days they are purpose made components. However, in the past, nails, twine and rope have been used. The boards are how the standing surfaces are created. They are usually made from planks of wood.

Why is it so popular?

Scaffolding is a popular choice because it is safe and efficient. Its design means that it can be very flexible. It is possible to construct scaffolding to allow you exactly the access you need to complete jobs at height.

Scaffolding Terms

There are a lot of terms that are used in the scaffolding industry that can be a little confusing to an outsider.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common terms you may come across when you are looking into scaffolding hire.

Erection – this the term used to describe the process of putting the scaffolding up.

Striking – this is the process of taking the scaffolding down.

Standards – these are the vertical poles that make up the scaffolding. They are usually between 1.8 – 2.4m.

Bay – this is the term used to describe the internal space between the standards.

Ledgers – These are the horizontal bars parallel to the building.

Lift – Each row of ledgers is called a lift. They are usually 2 m apart.

Transoms – These are the horizontal bars supported by the ledgers.

Platforms – these are made from boards which are supported by the transoms.

Bracing – This is the system of diagonal poles that stop the scaffolding falling sideways.

Façade Bracing – This is the bracing on the side parallel to the building.

Ledger Bracing – this is on the side of the scaffolding and ties from the inner side of one level to the outer side of the next.

Guardrails – These are the bars that are installed for safety

Ties – this is the method used to attach the scaffolding to the wall of the building.

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Cost Factors of Hiring Scaffolding

There are many factors that contribute to the cost of scaffolding hire. It is worth checking over the list to identify where the majority of your costs may come from when you are setting your budget.

Location of Property

Where you are in the country will have a big impact on the cost. Hire cost of scaffolding can be up to three times higher in London than in more rural areas.

Generally, costs are higher in cities as there are more limitations on where and how the scaffolding can be erected.

Ease of Access

You will be charged for the time that it takes the scaffolders to put up the scaffolding. So, the harder it is to put it up, the more it will cost you.

If access is clear and there is plenty of space to work, then the costs will be much lower than if the poles and boards have to be carried down a narrow alley, for example.

Number of Storeys

The higher up you need to go, the more it is going to cost. It takes more poles and boards to get higher up, as well as more time to put up and down.

Number of Levels

A larger number of platforms and levels you need in the scaffolding will increase the cost. For example, it can cost more to put up scaffolding for painting a house than for doing a loft conversion.

Length of Hire

The amount of time that you need to hire your scaffolding for will affect the price. Normally you will pay for a block of 6 or 8-week hire. If you need the scaffolding for longer than that, you will usually have to pay a weekly top-up fee.

What's Involved in Hiring Scaffolding?

When you hire scaffolding, the first step is to get some quotes. Some scaffolders may be able to give you an idea of cost over the phone but to give an accurate price a site visit will likely be necessary.

This is the only way to identify all the factors that will affect your scaffolding costs.

Once you have selected your scaffolding company, you will need to let them know when you require the scaffolding. It is best to give as much notice as possible as the company will need to get a permit for your scaffolding.

The scaffolding will be delivered to your worksite on the day it is going to be erected. If necessary, the first step may be to lay some foundations. This is often in the form of footpads, to support the standards.

The scaffolding will be built from the bottom up. It will start with one standard. This will be joined by a ledger to the next standard.

Transoms and one more ledger will be used to support the four standards that will make up the base of your scaffolding. The lifts and platforms will then be constructed from the bottom up, to the height and locations needed.

At the end of your hire period, the scaffolders will return to strike the scaffolding. This will happen in reverse to the way it was built. Striking usually takes about the same amount of time as erection does.

Can I Fit Scaffolding Myself?

To put up scaffolding, you need to have a permit. This is because if scaffolding is put up incorrectly, it can put workers lives at risk. According to the Health and Safety Executive, it is required that a competent person complete the work.

At the minimum, the work should be supervised by a competent person. This means that if you are not a qualified scaffolder, then this is not a job to DIY.

What are the Different Types of Scaffolding?

When it comes to scaffolding, there are many different types to choose form. When making the decision, it often depends on the job and the building.

Most scaffolding companies will assess your site and tell you which sort of scaffolding they will provide. This is because there are a lot of engineering and safety considerations when choosing a type of scaffolding.

The types of scaffolding available can be broken down into three main types, which are then further divided.

Supported

This is the most common type of scaffolding. It is what you most likely picture when you think of scaffolding. This is built from the bottom up and is often the easiest and most simple option.

Birdcage

This type of scaffolding is mostly used for indoor projects. It often provides access to one single elevated level. It is used by decorators and carpenters to access ceilings. It consists of two parallel rows of standards held together by ledgers.

Double

This type of scaffolding is used when it is not possible to tie the scaffolding to the building. An extra set of standards is built about 1.5m away from the initial frame. These are then tied together using transoms.

Patented Scaffolding

This style of scaffolding is quick and easy to assemble. It only comes in limited shapes and sizes so it can’t be used for all configurations.

Single

Single scaffolding is also known as bricklayers scaffolding. This is the type used to build walls. It is fixed into the wall to keep it supported in place. It is the most commonly used type of scaffolding.

Steel

This is a variation on double scaffolding. The main difference is that all of the fixings are made from steel. Plus, the standards are welded to steel faceplates. It is used for scaffolding that will be in place for extended periods.

Suspended

Ropes support this type of scaffolding from the top of a higher building or structure. If you think of a window washers' platform, this is the best example.

This type of scaffolding is often more expensive and complicated. It is not suitable for all projects. It is mostly used for very large buildings.

Steel

This is a type of scaffolding that is chosen when it is not possible to build from the ground up. This could be because of access issues. For example, to avoid blocking a footpath or road.

The scaffolding is supported form the top of the building and then built down from there. It allows access to difficult to reach places. If used in particularly tall buildings works also require harnesses for safety.

Haki

This is a particular style of scaffolding that is idea for suspended work. That’s because it is very lightweight and yet still strong and durable. It can be used to construct bays of up to 3m in length.

Mast Climbing

Mast Climbing scaffolding is very specialised. It is used to create a platform that can move up and down the building. It is most often used for working on very tall and difficult to access buildings.

Rolling/Mobile

As the name suggests, this type of scaffolding can be moved from place to place.

Maintenance of the wheels is very important as it can be dangerous to use this sort of scaffolding when the wheels are not in perfect working order. This type can be used for both interior and exterior projects.

Trestle

This style of scaffolding does not use standards. Instead, tripods or ladders are used to support the boards. This scaffolding can be put on wheels and moved easily. However, it should not be used to work at heights of more than 5m.

Tower

Scaffolding towers are quick to put up and easy to move. They are used where it is necessary to move the scaffolding a lot during the course of the work. They are built as compact combinations of scaffold and can be used for both indoor and outdoor jobs.

Scaffolding Regulations

Working on and putting up scaffolding is subject to regulation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These regulations are part of the working at height (WAH) directives. They apply no matter how high the scaffolding is and regardless of who is using it.

When it comes to erecting scaffolding, the HSE specify that the work must be completed by, or under the supervision of, a competent person. The expectation is that this is a person who has been trained in putting gup scaffolding safely.

When it comes to the work done on scaffolding WAH regulations, say that the work should be risk assessed. All workers should spend as little time as possible working at height.

If the regulations are not followed, then the person responsible for the erection of the scaffolding can be subject to fines by the HSE. The regulations are there to keep workers safe, so they should be followed at all times.

Removing Scaffolding

Removing scaffolding is called striking. It will be done at the end of your hire time. The cost of striking the scaffolding will be included the scaffolding hire costs. It is essentially the reverse of setting up the scaffolding.

If you have set up your own scaffolding, then you will be able to remove it yourself as well. Like erecting scaffolding, this is not a one-person job. So, you will need help to DIY it.

Hiring a Scaffolder Checklist

Choosing a competent and trustworthy scaffolding company is important. If they do not do their work properly, then lives could be at risk. Here are some key things to look for when you are making your decision.

• You should ask to see proof that the employees have been trained appropriately. The industry preferred qualification is CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) or an advanced CISRS. Anyone who has completed this training should have a training card you can check.
• Make sure that any firm you choose has adequate insurance in place. This should include public liability insurance. Without this, you could be held responsible if there is an accident and a member of the public is injured by your scaffolding.
• There are numerous scaffolding associations. Most reputable scaffolders will be a member of one. These two main ones are CSCS and NASC.
• Every business these days has been reviewed somewhere. Find out what their previous customers have said about them, they will tell you everything you need to know.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-height.htm