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The prices in this guide are accurate as of 2023*
Scaffolding is an important part of a lot of different construction projects, such as loft conversions, as well as maintenance jobs like gutter repair. It’s used to support workers, allowing them to reach certain heights safely. It’s also used to help lift construction materials and equipment.
How much you’ll spend on scaffolding depends predominately on:
- The amount of scaffolding you’ll need
- How long you’ll need it for
- The amount of working levels, walkways, handrails, loading bays and other parts you’ll need
- The complexity of access (higher structures might require extra equipment and safety measures which can ramp up the costs)
- Where you live in the UK, with cost of labour rising by as much as 20% on average in London and the South East
For instance, the last Big Ben renovation cost a staggering £3.5 million in scaffolding costs alone!
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the cost of scaffolding. And if you’re ready to hire, speak to a skilled scaffolding specialist in your local area to get started.
How much does scaffolding cost?
You’ll usually negotiate a rate depending on how long you need your scaffolding for.
Scaffolding is very commonly rented out on a weekly basis, but whether or not you’ll be charged weekly depends on your scaffolding supplier, your hire period and the size and complexity of your project. You can get a:
- Weekly rate
- Duration rate (one fixed quote for the whole project)
- Project specific, custom rate (a more detailed quote that factors in the timeline, access needs, scope of work and additional services or equipment, so as to provide a more tailored quote that considers the overall project not just weekly or duration-based rates).
Your scaffolding supplier will discuss your options with you. Which rate you get will depend largely on the specific needs of your project, but it’s a good idea to ask in advance what additional costs might crop up.
Get a detailed quote from a skilled scaffolding erection specialist here:
To give you an idea of how much you might spend, we’ve broken down the cost of hiring scaffolding by week, day and per metre squared. These quotes are just an estimate – how much you’ll spend depends on how much scaffolding you’ll need and the complexities of your project…
How much does scaffolding cost to hire per week?
You could spend anywhere between £200 and £1,500 per week renting scaffolding, depending on how much scaffolding you are looking to hire, across how many floors. Cost of labour also rises in London and the South East, so keep this in mind as well.
If you only need one 10 metre scaffold tower, this could cost you as little as £200 a week to hire, whilst the higher bracket of £1,500 refers more to the cost of hiring enough scaffolding to carry out work on a 4 storey, semi-detached property.
As well as this, you can expect to spend around:
- £600-£800 a week to hire chimney scaffolding
- £100-£150 a week to hire a 5 metre scaffolding tower
- £1000-£1,200 a week to hire enough scaffolding to carry out work on a 2 storey, semi-detached house
These are just general quotes. For a more accurate idea of how much you might spend, speak to a scaffolding specialist today.
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How much does scaffolding cost per day?
Usually, the daily rate for scaffold renting is around 15-30% of the weekly rate.
This means that you could spend anywhere between £30 and £60 a day for a £200 weekly rate, between £90 and £180 a day for a £600 weekly rate, or between £225 and £450 for a £1,500 weekly rate.
How much is scaffolding per square metre?
As a general guide, you could spend anywhere from £15 per square metre per week to £80 per square metre per week. How much you spend will depend on how complex your project is and how long you plan to rent out your scaffolding for.
Want a more accurate quote? Speak to a scaffolding specialist today.
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FAQs on scaffolding
What are the three types of scaffolding?
There are three main types of scaffolding structure used in construction. These are:
- Suspended scaffolding – used to access the vertical sides of a building. Platforms are suspended from an overhead structure (such as a roof) using chains or ropes.
- Supported scaffolding – the most common type of scaffolding, and is supported by the ground or by a building using vertical and horizontal structures. You can get single scaffolding (usually used for brick buildings) or double scaffolding (usually used for stone buildings). As well as these, you can also get steel scaffolding, constructed using steel tubes that are easy to construct and dismantle.
- Mobile scaffolding (also known as trestle scaffolding) – consists of a platform with a wheeled base and adjustable legs, designed to move easily so that it can be dismantled and reassembled on different areas of a building.
Which scaffolding structure you’ll need depends on the nature of your project. Your scaffold specialist will be able to advise you on which to get.
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Can I erect my own scaffolding?
Though you can technically erect your own scaffolding in the UK, it’s only on the condition that you comply with all the regulations and safety guidelines outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This includes obtaining the necessary permits or licenses you’ll need before starting work.
Ideally, you should also have the relevant competence and CISRS training in scaffolding erection as well as NASC Membership in order to erect your own scaffolding.
You also need to:
Scaffolding can be hard to build, and can be very dangerous if not erected properly. This is why it is normally recommended that you hire a professional. The government website on scaffolding emphasises the importance of hiring a competent scaffolding contractor to prevent accidents and to ensure public safety.
If you do choose to erect scaffolding yourself, you’ll need the relevant training and permits, which will take time to obtain. You should also ensure you have the right insurance coverage (such as public liability insurance) to protect yourself in case of an accident.
For more information on erecting scaffolding, check out the SG4:22 which outlines crucial steps to follow to erect safe scaffolding.
Why not leave it to the experts? You can hire a skilled scaffolding specialist in your local area here.
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Are DIY scaffold towers safe?
DIY scaffold towers can be safe, as long as they’re assembled and used properly. Working at heights is always going to involve risks, but ensuring safety standards are met on DIY scaffold towers is possible.
As well as complying with the regulations outlined above, make sure:
- The scaffold tower is high-quality (sturdy, properly connected and in good condition) and that it meets all safety standards
- The scaffold tower is assembled properly, following all manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions
- Ensure that you don’t exceed the scaffold’s load capacity, accounting for all workers, tools and materials that will be on the scaffold at any given time
- Don’t go over the recommended maximum height outlined by the manufacturer
- Regularly inspect your scaffold tower for any signs of wear, deterioration or damage. By law you must do this before you use it, every 7 days whilst it’s up, and after any alterations or extreme weather conditions. If any parts are damaged, replace them as soon as possible. Keep the tower clean to ensure ongoing stability.
Lastly, always make sure that everyone using the DIY scaffold tower uses protective equipment (hard hats, safety harnesses, non-slip footwear).
Why is scaffolding so expensive?
The reason scaffolding can get quite expensive is because it needs to meet very stringent safety standards that are in place to protect the tradespeople using it. This means that high quality materials like steel are often used, as they are strong and durable.
On top of this, scaffolding is bulky and requires transportation costs. If you’re renting yours, then the cost to maintain and store the scaffolding will make hiring it more expensive. Due to the risks involved with using scaffolding, costs are sometimes also raised by insurance coverage.
Lastly, scaffolding is also expensive as it requires careful engineering to ensure intended loads are supported and that the scaffolding can withstand environmental factors like heavy winds and storms. Making scaffolding is also a precise process that requires several different components (frames, braces, platforms, connectors) that all need to be manufactured to high standards, therefore raising production costs.
What can I use instead of scaffolding?
If for whatever reason scaffolding isn’t available or suitable for your project, you could try:
- MEWPS (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)
- Ladders
- Trestles and planks
- Podium steps
Which alternative to scaffolding you pick will depend largely on your project’s requirements (accessibility, height, safety concerns). You should always consult a professional scaffolder or builder to ensure your chosen structure complies with safety regulations.
Speak to a skilled scaffolding specialist today to get started.
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Conclusions
Whether you’re getting a loft conversion, fixing roof tiles or are getting gutters repaired, there are plenty of reasons you might need scaffolding. We do not recommended you opt to erect your own scaffolding unless you feel you have the necessary competency, training, qualifications, permits and insurance. Instead, hire a skilled scaffolder(s) to do it for you. This will ensure all safety requirements are met.
It is up to you to ensure you ask your scaffolders for proof that they have the necessary permits or licenses needed to erect your scaffolding, so make sure you ask for these before work begins.
*The Rated People cost guides are produced in collaboration with the quote-building platform PriceBuilder, and a range of tradespeople across the 30+ trades on our platform were consulted. Please note that the prices included are for guidance only – how much you end up spending will depend on the specific requirements of your project.
