The Different Types of Scaffold Towers and Their Uses

December 20, 2024 | Nate Cord

 

Scaffold towers provide a safe and stable platform for working at height. These are different to ladders, which are best suited for lower-risk, shorter-duration tasks at some height. However, like ladders, not all scaffold towers are the same. Instead, you should choose a scaffold tower based on the task at hand and the environment you’re working in. This guide explains the different types of scaffold towers, their recommended uses, and other key information to know.

Supported Scaffolding

1. Standard Scaffold Tower

A standard scaffold tower is a widely-used, modular type of scaffold, used for reaching and providing a stable platform at height. It has an easy-to-assemble design, which makes it the go-to for standard construction and maintenance projects.

You can purchase scaffold towers with stabilisers for when you need extra stability, are working in difficult weather conditions, or are working at height for a prolonged period of time.

2. Single Width Scaffold Tower

A single-width scaffold tower is narrower than standard models and is designed for working in tight or small spaces. These are faster to assemble and dismantle than standard scaffold towers due to their compact design. Despite their size, single-width towers still offer excellent stability and load-bearing abilities when working in confined spaces.

3. Double Width Scaffold Tower

A double-width scaffold tower is double the width of standard models, giving multiple workers an extended area to operate on or store equipment. This is ideal for larger projects where additional space and stability are required.

4. Staircase Scaffold Tower

As the name suggests, a staircase scaffold tower is designed for working on stairs, allowing safe access to these otherwise difficult-to-access areas. The adjustable legs help you to work on uneven surfaces, at different heights, on a stable platform. This makes it suitable for painting, plastering, repairs and other maintenance on staircases.

This is different to a z-type staircase scaffold, which has guardrails and a working stair system for working at different elevations.

5. Advanced Guardrail Scaffold (AGR) Tower

An AGR scaffold tower has pre-fitted guardrails, to reduce the risk of falls during both assembly and use. This tower is built using frames rather than braces on the sides and allows construction workers to assemble the frame from the level below the one they’re at, reducing the risk of falls.

These towers are ideal for projects with stringent safety requirements, or those who want additional protection.

6. Linked Towers

Linked scaffold towers connect two or more towers with bridging platforms, allowing workers to cover a larger working area without dismantling and reassembling towers. These towers are sometimes known as bridge scaffolds and are ideal for jobs requiring continuous access over extended work areas, such as large-scale repairs or painting jobs.

Mobile Scaffolding

Mobile scaffolding towers are freestanding, single-bay structures with four legs (and sometimes wheels), and one working platform at a time.

7. Rolling Scaffold Tower

Rolling scaffold towers are equipped with castors or wheels so that they can be easily moved between work areas. This is perfect for tasks that require frequent relocation, such as painting, cleaning or maintenance work. The wheels can (and should) be locked at the base while in use.

8. Folding Scaffold Tower

A folding scaffold tower can be folded down, making it ideal for quick assembly and transport (these towers are easily transported in an estate car or small van). As a result, folding towers are predominantly used by DIY enthusiasts and contractors who complete quick, small-scale jobs.

Special Scaffolding

9. Cantilever Scaffold Tower

A cantilever scaffold tower is designed for situations where the base cannot be placed directly under the work area, such as glazed and sloping roofs, or where the surface is weak.

This tower includes an additional platform, which can be installed over the obstacle, to provide a safe way for you to complete the task at hand. This makes it suitable for overhead work in hard-to-reach places or for access over obstacles.

10. Large Deck Tower

A large deck tower resembles a boxing ring and is designed for multiple people working at a height where a lot of working area is required. This is most suited for industrial tasks and large-scale projects where an extra-large workspace is required for tools and multiple workers.

11. GRP Tower

A GRP tower is made with fibreglass, instead of aluminium, which is non-conductive. This makes it ideal for areas where there is a risk of electrocution, such as in the rail and utilities industries.

Fibreglass is also resistant to bacteria, which makes it ideal for use in areas where cleanliness is very important, such as conservation areas.

Suspended Scaffolding

Suspended scaffolding is not a type of scaffolding tower, but it has the same function in that it is used for tasks on tall buildings. However, instead of being supported by legs, it’s suspended, often using a crane.

Choosing the right scaffold tower ensures a safe and effective work environment. Consider the specific needs of your project, such as working height, location, and safety requirements, to make an informed decision on which scaffold tower is right for you.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team on scaffold towers, don’t hesitate to get in contact using this form or via phone at 01639 849847.

Looking for a reliable scaffold tower or other premium access equipment? At Ladders4Sale, we offer a range of ladders, platforms, steps, towers and accessories for all trade and do-it-yourself jobs at unbeatable low prices. Better yet, all of our products come with lifetime support – after your initial purchase, we continue to provide ongoing support and assistance for free. In addition to this, all orders come with free shipping to mainland UK.