How to Build Scaffolding

Wood pole scaffolds were used before metal scaffolding was invented, and they are still used today when it is more convenient and economical to do so. When building scaffolding, there are several things to keep in mind. How much weight will be on the scaffolding? How high will the scaffolding be? Is there a solid object or building to cleat the scaffolding to? After you answer those questions, you cab begin to build.

Things You'll Need

• Circular saw
• Nails
• Lumber
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• 2x10 or 2x12 OSHA(Occupational Safety and Hazard Association)-approved planks
• Duplex nails

Instructions

1. Place the inside sills or pads on the ground next to the face of the building; use pads in the case of uneven ground. Set inside uprights at each end of the building and toenail them to the sill. Use a carpenter's level and plumb the uprights. Next, tie the uprights to the building using wood cleats.

2. Nail a one-by-six ribbon board to the uprights at three and one half inches below the plank height. Layout and nail intermediate uprights in place along face of wall. Uprights should not be spread out more than 10 feet.

3. Lay the outside sill or pads on the ground. Set up two outside uprights and nail in place. Level and nail ledger boards connecting the inside and outside uprights; all ledger boards will be resting on top of the ribbon boards. The ledgers should be at the height of where the walking planks will be placed. Place ribbon board below outside ledger and nail.

4. Place outside uprights opposite of the inside uprights and nail them into place. Next, connect each outside upright with the inside upright using ledger boards. Use a level to make sure ledgers are level before nailing.

5. Place walking planks for a platform on top of ledgers; the planks should run over the ledgers at least 12 inches on both sides. Nail second-level ribbons and ledgers in place at height of next work area. Next, nail diagonal braces to outside uprights to provide lateral support. Place the next work level planks on the ledgers.

6. Nail the guardrail into place; the guardrail should be installed around 42 inches height-wise. The mid-rail will be placed around 28 inches. In some cases, there may be a need for a toe board; this type of board protects people from falling objects that get kicked off of the scaffolding. The toe board will be nailed against the planks of the scaffold walk way.

Tips & Warnings

• Scaffolding definitions: Sill: The bottom plate, usually 2x8s, 2x10s, or 2x12s; planks that run parallel to the building that the uprights rest on. Pads: Similar to sills, but are not full planks; they are good for using on uneven ground. Uprights: Vertical wood pools that support scaffolding; 2x4 for under 20 feet and 4x4 poles for above 20 feet. Ribbons: These are installed horizontally to provide horizontal stability for uprights; they are usually 1x6s or 2x4s. Ledgers: These are 2x4s nailed from the outside upright to the inside upright to provide support for the planks and tie together the uprights. Diagonal bracing: This is bracing which is attached to the outside face of the scaffold to provide lateral stability. Usually 2x4s or 1x6s. Tie-ins or guylines: These provide support for scaffolding and prevent tipping. Usually 2x4s or 1x6s nailed to the inside support then nailed to a building. Planks: These are OSHA-approved 2x10s or 2x12s used to provide a walking surface.

• There are many strict rules when building scaffolding at any job site. You can find these rules in a OSHA handbook or go online. Rules are set in place to protect the people working on the scaffolding as well as the people on the ground. If you are not sure of rules, laws, and basic principles of scaffolding, you should hire someone to build the scaffolding who is licensed to build scaffolding.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Home Depot
• Lowes
• Scaffolding safety tips