Scaffolding Terminology: The Must-Know Lingo Guide
19 Feb 2025
As with every occupation, scaffolding has its own dictionary, filled with terminology only understood by those within the trade. From the types of scaffolding to the different components, there’s plenty of vocabulary to dive into.
Thankfully, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll introduce you to every phrase you need to know to become fluent in the language of scaffolding.
Article in Brief
Scaffolding has its own specialised terminology, covering everything from types of scaffolding to key safety components. Understanding this lingo is essential for both scaffolders and site managers.
Common types of scaffolding include single, suspended, cantilever, trestle and Kwikstage, each suited to different tasks and environments. Key components like standards, ledgers, base plates and ties ensure structural stability, while safety features such as guardrails, toe boards and netting help prevent accidents.
Whether you're brushing up on industry jargon or sourcing scaffolding supplies, The Metal Store provides all the equipment you need with free delivery on qualifying orders.
Types of scaffolding
While you’re likely aware of single scaffolding, it isn’t the only form of scaffolding used by those in the trade.
Single scaffolding
Single scaffolding is typically regarded as the most traditional form of scaffolding, consisting of one main framework. It’s often used for simple construction tasks like bricklaying – and even known informally as bricklayer’s scaffolding. Single scaffolding remains the most popular form of scaffolding as it is cost-effective and easy to assemble.
This framework is typically constructed of standards (vertical poles), ledgers (horizontal poles) and short support beams that extend from the building wall (putlogs). It can enable workers to operate up to around 20 feet high, though this depends on a range of factors like base width, design, wind conditions and compliance.
Of course, it's always important to consult a qualified professional to assess the specific site conditions and determine the safe maximum height for a scaffolding structure.
Suspended scaffolding
Suspended scaffolding is the term for a scaffolding platform that hangs from the top of the structure that is being worked on. This form of scaffolding is most commonly seen on high-rise buildings and bridges.
As suspended scaffolding is a singular platform rather than a full structure, it is most commonly used for maintenance projects, targeting specific areas. The main drawback of suspended scaffolding is that it is not designed to carry heavy loads.
This is where things get a bit more complicated, as there are multiple types of suspended scaffolding:
Swing-stage scaffold: A platform held by two ropes suspended by overhead supports, which can be lowered or raised accordingly.
Catenary scaffold: Catenary scaffolds are held together by two ropes suspended by the building’s structural supports.
Single-point adjustable scaffold: This form of scaffold is designed to be used by one person, hanging by one rope suspended by overhead support.
Cantilever scaffolding
Cantilever scaffolding extends horizontally from the building, and is generally used to access more difficult, hard-to-reach areas. It is supported by the strength of the building itself, using horizontal beams often referred to as needles.
Trestle scaffolding
Most commonly used for interior work, trestle scaffolding is usually deployed for work at lower heights. It features moveable stands, known as trestles, that support planks or platforms for the worker to stand on.
Quick-stage / Kwikstage scaffolding
Quick-stage or ‘Kwikstage’ scaffolding is known for its ease of assembly and use, as well as its versatility. It is made out of pre-built components, featuring horizontal and vertical tubes to ensure structural stability.
Such is its versatility, it can be used for both interior and exterior projects at a range of different heights.
Scaffolding components
There are many different components that go into the assembly of a scaffolding system, with each one playing an important part in the structure’s stability.
Decking/scaffold boards
Decking is the term used for the area that scaffolders stand on while working. This area is made from scaffold boards, which are planks made of European Whitewood and reinforced with metal. Scaffold boards should meet the specifications set out in BS2482:2009 (which comply with UK regulations). While boards don’t have to be reinforced with metal endbands, this is usually how they’re supplied.
Standards
These are the vertical metal pipes that act as the structure’s legs, attached to the base plate on the ground.
Base plate
Base plates are flat, load-bearing plates that help to hold the weight of the scaffolding structure. They ensure that the scaffold is secure and prevent it from sinking. If scaffolding is erected on soft ground, a sole board (timber plank) is often placed underneath the base plate to distribute weight and prevent sinking.
Bay
In scaffolding, the bay is the space that is enclosed by four adjacent standards. It’s not to be confused with a loading bay; a platform erected to store materials too heavy to be stored on the main structure.
Ledgers
These are the poles that lie horizontally along the length of the structure, connecting the standards together.
Façade bracing
This is a long pole which is fixed to the scaffolding structure diagonally to prevent swaying and instability.
Ties
Scaffolding ties connect the structure to the building that is being worked on, ensuring greater stability.
Couplers
These are the metal components used to connect parts of the scaffolding setup together. They come in many forms, including single, double, and swivel, with each type serving a different purpose.
Putlog
A putlog is a horizontal tube that connects the scaffold structure to the wall for increased stability and sway reduction. Putlogs feature flattened ends (putlog ends) that sit in the mortar joints of a brick wall. This is what differentiates them from normal ledgers or transoms.
Scaffolding safety terms
Health and safety is paramount for scaffolders, with the risks of working at height needing little explanation. Here are a few terms that you need to know to stay safe while on the site.
Guardrails
Guardrails are integral to the scaffolding structure, as they are in place to prevent workers falling off the structure. According to UK Work at Height laws, scaffolding guardrails must come to at least 95 cm above the working platform.
Toe boards
Toe boards are planks that run across the length of the decking, put in place to prevent tools from being knocked off the structure.
Safety netting
These are nets placed below a scaffold designed to catch people if they fall off the structure. Safety nets are not always required but must comply with BS EN 1263-1 in the UK. They must be installed as close as possible beneath the working platform to stop people making contact with the ground after they hit the net.
Scaffolding tags
Scaffolding tags are attached to various areas of the scaffold structure. They let the workers know the status of the structure, whether it be under inspection, safe to use, or unsafe. Scaffolding tags in the UK typically follow the "Scafftag" system, which uses a red, yellow and green tag system to indicate safety status.
WLL – Working Load Limit
WLL stands for working load limit, which is the maximum load that a scaffold can hold while it’s in use.
Get the scaffolding supplies you need from The Metal Store
When you’re in need of supplies for your next scaffolding project, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. At The Metal Store, we’re well aware of this, which is why we have committed ourselves to being the most reliable option on the market.
We have all the scaffolding supplies you need in one place, offering free delivery on all orders above £150 exc. VAT to England, Wales and Central Scotland. For more information, get in touch on 01274 875 479, or email [email protected].
