According to Federal labor statistics, there are more scaffold injuries related to planks giving way than any other cause. In addition to that, approximately 25% of workers using scaffolding do not get any training or guidance on how to properly install work platforms. This means that you need to choose the right scaffold boards for your broad, AND train your workers with how to properly install and use scaffold boards.
Scaffold planks are a critical aspect of your scaffold system. If you’re a builder, don’t make the mistake of assuming that any type of scaffold board will suffice! It is important to understand that scaffold boards must meet the strict guidelines that are set by OSHA. In addition, each scaffold must be tested to ensure that they can support the weight of materials and workers alike.
There are a number of factors to selecting the right scaffold boards for the job. For example, consider material, overall quality, load capacity, length, width, durability, and whether it has a non-slip surface. Let’s look more into scaffold boards below:
Choosing Your Scaffold Board
When identifying the proper scaffold plank size, you will need to consider the type of work you’ll be doing. You’ll also need to be aware of the distance between frames. Here are some tips to consider for your scaffold board:
OSHA Requirements
OSHA requires a minimum of 6 in. of overlap on either side of the scaffolding frames. This means that your scaffold boards need to be a minimum of 1 ft. longer than the span between the frames. Also, when creating a long platform that connects multiple spans of frames, the board overlap must not be less than 12 in. This is true unless the boards or platforms are secured to reduce movement.
Scaffold Plank Sizes
The size of scaffold boards should be chosen based on the dimensions of the scaffolding system and the requirements of your building project. Ensure that the boards are long enough to overlap scaffold supports by a minimum required distance, providing stability and preventing tipping. Here are some of the most common scaffold plank sizes that are commonly used for building:
- 16 ft. scaffold planks: Contractors typically use 16 ft. for masonry and stucco applications. A 16 ft. plank size covers two 7-ft. spans.
- 12 ft. scaffold boards: Use a 12 ft. scaffold plank size for either a single 10-ft. span or two 5-ft. spans.
- 9 ft. scaffold planks: The 9 ft. scaffold plank size is appropriate for a 7-ft. span to create long platforms.
- 8 ft. scaffold boards: For 8 ft. scaffold boards, use for a single 7-ft. or 5-ft. span. Good for long platforms with 5-ft. spans.
- 80.5 in. scaffold planks: Lastly, this is a unique cut board used for applications such as non-stop scaffolding.
If you have any questions about scaffold plank sizing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help.
Load Capacity
We’ve alluded to this already, but make sure that you choose the right scaffold board to accommodate your load capacity. Your scaffold boards should be able to handle the combined weight of workers, tools, and materials. The strength and thickness of the board will determine its load-bearing capacity.
It’s essential to ensure that the boards you select can safely bear the maximum anticipated load. Whatever load capacity you choose, ensure it adheres to quality standards set by OSHA or ANSI.
Materials
The most common materials used for scaffold boards are timber and metal (often steel or aluminum). Timber boards, such as those made from pine, are traditional and offer good grip, especially in wet conditions. However, they require regular inspections for cracks, warps, or other damages. Timber scaffold boards are often treated to enhance their durability and resistance to the elements, fungal decay, and insect attack.
On the other hand, metal boards are more durable and resistant to wear and tear but can become slippery when wet. Having a non-slip surface can prevent many accidents. Some scaffold boards even come with a built-in anti-slip surface, while others might require the addition of non-slip mats or covers to help ensure safety during use.
Other Notes on Scaffold Boards
How many scaffold planks do I need for my project? To determine the number of scaffold planks you will need for your project, you should consider the:
- width of the scaffolding frame, and
- the length of the platform.
Also, another question you may have is “how can I recognize board wear?” If you are using older scaffold planks, you may notice some wear and tear. Some signs that it’s time to invest in new scaffold boards include the presence of: end splits, warping of the board, narrow face splits, face breaks, saw kerfs (or saw cuts), decaying of the wood, and drilled holes or dents in the surface of the wood. Read more here for understanding board wear and how to prevent it.
Our Products
You will find that scaffold planks are available online in a number of different load limits. At Badger Ladder, we make the process of choosing your scaffold board a straightforward one! In fact, we provide two different types of quality scaffold planks to make it simple, each with different lengths and weight capacities. This includes our aluminum with plywood top scaffold plank and also our all-aluminum scaffold plank.
All-Aluminum Scaffold Planks
Badger Ladder offers all-aluminum scaffold planks for a lightweight solution! For this plank design, we have options for both 7 ft. (handles a weight of 75 lbs per square ft.) and 10 ft. (handles a weight of 50 pounds per square foot.) Each length allows for safety and stability while working on your scaffolding structures. provide a stable work platform atop your scaffolding structures. Our all-aluminum scaffold planks are versatile and can easily be utilized for either supported or suspended scaffolding systems.
Prior to being listed on our website, our scaffold boards undergo rigorous testing to ensure OSHA compliance and your safety. You can rest assured that you will receive a high-quality, safe scaffolding product that adheres to industry standards.
Aluminum with Plywood Top Scaffold Planks
For your convenience, we also carry the aluminum with plywood top scaffold plank product. This scaffold board features a 19″ wide plywood deck. Similar to our all-aluminum plank, we also provide 7 ft. and 10 ft. options. Our 7 ft. has a weight capacity of 75 lbs., while our 10 ft. permits up to 50 lbs.
Each of our aluminum with plywood top scaffold planks either meet or exceed OSHA standards and ensure that your workers stay safe while using scaffolding systems on the jobsite. Shop all scaffold plank products here.
Choosing the Right Scaffold Boards FAQs
What are scaffold boards made from?
When choosing scaffold boards, you’ll find that they’re typically made from two main materials: timber and metal. Timber is a traditional choice and offers a natural grip, especially in damp or wet conditions. It provides a warm and non-conductive surface, making it comfortable for workers in various weather conditions. On the other hand, metal scaffold boards, typically made of steel or aluminum, offer enhanced durability and resistance to wear and tear. Metal boards are often chosen for projects where longevity and low maintenance are prioritized, although they can become slippery when wet.
How thick are scaffold boards?
The thickness of scaffold boards can vary based on their intended use, material, and manufacturing standards. While there are thicker options available for specific heavy-duty applications, the standard for many boards is around 38mm. Metal scaffold boards can also vary in thickness, but they are often designed to provide equivalent strength and load-bearing capacity as their timber counterparts.
What wood are scaffold boards made from?
Timber scaffold boards are predominantly made from softwood species due to their flexibility, affordability, and availability. The most commonly used woods for scaffold boards include spruce pine. These woods are chosen for their strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors when appropriately treated. To enhance their lifespan and ensure safety, these wooden scaffold boards are often treated against fungal decay, insect attack, and other potential damages.
Where to buy scaffold boards?
Scaffold boards can be purchased from a variety of sources. Specialized construction supply stores often carry both timber and metal scaffold boards. Many larger home improvement stores or builders’ merchants will also stock them. Additionally, for those looking for bulk orders or specific types, manufacturers and wholesalers can be a good option. It’s always essential to ensure that any supplier meets both safety and quality standards. Purchasing from a reputable dealer like Badger Ladder guarantees that the boards adhere to the necessary standards, ensuring safety and reliability for your construction project.
Guide to Scaffold Boards: In Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the right scaffold board for your building project is critical for the safety of your workers and the overall efficiency of your project. Before purchasing your scaffold planks or beginning any work, always consider the size and load limits of the planks. And, of course, always be sure you are purchasing from a company who sells products in compliance with OSHA standards.
Let our scaffolding and ladder company help you make an informed decision about your scaffold planks! We have nearly 30 years of industry experience helping our customers with scaffold products including scaffold planks. Have questions? Give our team a call at (800) 863-9791, or contact us today.