**We are a Dagenham-based scaffold supplier.
Scaffold boards, or planks as they are sometimes called, are lengths of timber essential for creating sturdy and reliable working platforms on scaffolding structures to allow trades, construction workers and DIYers to work safely at height. However, these wooden planks are also very popular for DIY home and garden projects to create decking, shelving, raised beds, benches, tables, planters, fencing, plus much more. Our scaffolding boards are made from high-quality European whitewood timber and are available in various lengths, including 5ft (1.5m), 6ft (1.8m), 8ft (2.4m), 10ft (3.0m) and 13ft (3.9m). Our sustainably sourced scaffold boards have a standard width of approximately 225mm and a thickness of 38mm and should always be supported at 1.2m intervals. They are supplied with metal end bands, unsanded and not chemically treated.
Scaffold boards are long, narrow pieces of timber which are integral to the assembly of scaffolding platforms, providing safe load-bearing surfaces for construction personnel working at elevated heights. Scaffold boards are one of the three main components of a scaffolding structure, alongside tubes and couplers. They are assembled side by side to create platforms of various widths and heights. Compliance with the current British Standard is a mandatory requirement, stipulating specific criteria for board dimensions, construction, and timber quality.
Primarily used on scaffolding platforms, scaffold boards are genuinely a fantastic resource for DIY enthusiasts. They are ideal for their strength, rustic appeal, and versatility. These timber boards are perfect for numerous home projects, from building furniture and crafting shelves to creating unique decorative items, from raised garden beds and sturdy fencing to custom-built timber furniture like tables, benches, bedframes, and even kitchen worktops; the possibilities are nearly endless. They’re also perfect for creating decking, shelving, flooring, and unique storage solutions like box cubes, cupboards, and wardrobes. Outdoors, they can be used for wooden gates, planters (both large and small), ramps, cladding, sheds, and picnic tables. They can even be incorporated into interior design, such as a featured wall in a living room. And this list is just a starting point – the only limit is your imagination.
New scaffold boards are produced using timber from forests managed with environmental protection and future generations in mind. FSC scaffold boards are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); this means that the timber used to make the boards is from sustainable forests that are managed in a way that protects the environment and ensures that there will be trees available in the future.
For 38mm thick timber scaffold boards used on working platforms, NASC regulations mandate an overhang of at least 50mm and no more than 150mm.
Each wooden board has a standard width of approximately 225mm and a thickness of 38mm.
They are available in a variety of sizes, including 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, 6ft, 8ft, 10ft and 13ft.
The maximum weight capacity for each whitewood board is 75 lbs (34 kg) per square foot, with a support span of 1.2 meters when used on working platforms.
In the UK, scaffold boards must be constructed from European whitewood timber, complying with British Standards, due to the wood’s inherent strength and structural soundness.
Metal bands secured to each end of a scaffolding board provide added protection against wear, tear, and splitting. These bands also serve to display crucial information such as the British Standard code, year of manufacture, supplier identification, grading method (visual or machine), and recommended support span.
Reclaimed scaffolding boards are older planks that have been previously used on scaffolding structures but are now deemed no longer suitable for use as working platforms. New scaffold boards are fresh, unused planks made specifically for creating scaffolding structures. The key difference is appearance: reclaimed boards are rustic and may have imperfections throughout the timber, while new boards are clean and uniform.
A standard whitewood scaffolding board, manufactured to British Standard BS 2482 specifications, generally has a load capacity of approximately 75 pounds per square foot when adequately supported.
Scaffold boards often cost less than decking boards because they’re wider, covering more area with fewer pieces. While readily available at a lower price, the timber might require extra treatment to be suitable for outdoor decking.
A standard timber scaffold board can last from 5 to 10 years, depending on environmental conditions. Proper maintenance can extend this lifespan, but untreated boards exposed to the weather may only last a few years due to rot and damage.
To smooth a wooden scaffolding board, begin sanding with coarse grit sandpaper (such as 80 grit) to remove any significant imperfections. Then, gradually switch to finer grits (like 120-220 grit) for a smoother surface. Finish with a delicate hand sanding for best results. Finally, a timber sealant, oil, or varnish can be applied based on the desired look and how the board will be used.
Whitewood scaffold boards are ideally suited for furniture making, offering both durability and a unique, weathered look.
Scaffold boards are highly versatile and offer numerous advantages, making them a popular choice in construction and other industries.
Strength and durability: Engineered for strength, wooden scaffold boards can withstand heavy loads and the harsh conditions of construction sites, providing a reliable support platform for workers, equipment, and materials.
Thanks to their durable construction from timber, often European whitewood trees or occasionally steel, scaffold boards boast a long lifespan and can be used repeatedly across projects.
Safety: Scaffold boards form a solid and level support surface, providing workers with a stable wooden platform to stand and move on, significantly reducing the potential for slips, trips, and falls.
Scaffold boards offer enhanced grip, with wooden boards often featuring a naturally high-friction surface.
Versatility: Timber boards are versatile and adaptable to a wide range of projects, from construction and renovation to staging, decking, support platforms, and even furniture making.
Whether you need a specific length, scaffold boards can be customised to meet diverse project requirements.
Cost-effectiveness: Wooden scaffold boards offer excellent value due to their ability to be reused on numerous projects.
Scaffolding boards provide a budget-friendly approach to building temporary platforms and structures, particularly when compared to the cost of some alternative construction materials.
A tonne of whitewood scaffold boards will vary depending on their length and weight:
8ft (2.4m): 81 to 84 boards = 1 tonne.
10ft (3m): 64 to 70 boards = 1 tonne.
13ft (3.9m): 45 to 54 boards = 1 tonne.
Follow these tips for storing your scaffolding boards:
Protect them from the elements by storing them in a covered area.
Elevate them off the ground to prevent moisture damage.
Insert spacers between rows to allow for air flow.
Limit the stacking height to avoid instability.
Our expertise extends to both DIY and trade applications of whitewood scaffold boards. Our team can answer any questions you might have.
