How to Treat Scaffold Boards for Your DIY Project

Covering everything from shelves, tables, and chairs to outdoor benches and decking – scaffolding has solidified itself as a household staple, with a cool, contemporary twist. And it’s easy to see why...

Preparation

The first step is preparation. Establish your project goals and what you're seeking to achieve. Are you looking for garden renovation or interior work? Do you want to spruce up the home with sleek, bespoke shelving? Or will your scaffold boards be used to create durable outdoor furniture?

You'll need to define the length and width you need to complete the project. What are the exact measurements needed to fill your space? If you’re new to DIY, you might be wondering where to buy the appropriate timber. Boards are easy to find at online scaffold suppliers, like The Metal Store.

Scaffolding boards are available in 7 standard lengths. But they can be cut to meet your project requirements. If you’d prefer them already cut to size, we can help with unlimited free cutting across our scaffolding boards. No matter what size the project, you’ll find the right timber to support your DIY needs.

Sanding

When treating the wood, sanding is necessary to achieve a smooth, professional finish. It removes the roughness, making your boards safer as well as more pleasing on the eye. Consider using an orbital or belt sander to speed up the process. Manual sanding could prove challenging, depending on the size of your project.

Whether you’re looking to enhance character or extend durability, choosing the right finish is a matter of preference. There is no right or wrong here – individual taste plays a huge role in finding the ideal solution. It also depends on what colour and style you’re looking for:

So, depending on whether your project is inside the home or outside – there are a few factors to consider.

Interior

For indoor furnishings, staining is the ideal way to give your project character. This is where creative autonomy takes a front seat.

Scaffold board is more textured than other timber and oils can be better at penetrating the surface. However, oil tints, varnishes and wax all produce a different finish – and the ideal output is a matter of personal taste...

Whether you’re searching for practicality or innovation, the treatment will provide a specific outcome, suited to individual preference.

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Exterior

When it comes to outdoor projects, sealing and protection play different roles. Wood sealer becomes more of a necessity, as weatherproofing is a big aspect to consider.

The most popular choices are generally water-based and oil-based solutions for outdoor furniture. Here are the pros and cons of each…

Oil-based sealer

Water-based sealer

Mansfield Soft Furnishings - Outdoor Tube Clamp Furniture

Now you’ve decided which sealer is better suited to your project, it’s time to treat the boards.

Weather conditions play an important role in when your project can be completed. Never use sealant outside in the rain, or in direct sunlight – rain will ruin the treatment, whereas UV light will flash dry the solution, preventing penetration.

There are two main methods of applying the solution – bristle brushes and lint-free cloths both achieve great results.

Bristle Brush

Cloths allow for an easy application – no need to brush or soak, simply wipe off. Unlike brushes however, cloths don’t offer as much coverage – and often require more than one application. Be sure to add an extra coat if necessary.

Synthetic bristle brushes are better suited to water-based staining – whereas natural brushes work great for oil-based solutions. There are 3 steps in the process…

Lint-Free Cloth

Bristle brushes carry a large amount of stain for quick, full coverage. However, watch out for brush marks and drips. Brushes can cause uneven coverage, so require attentiveness throughout the application process.

Similarly, the process has 3 easy steps…