Scaffold Boards Explained: Timber, Plastic, or Steel?

As professionals in the construction industry, we all know that choosing the right materials can make or break a project. Which is why Altrad Generation offers a comprehensive range of Scaffold Boards to meet every project requirement. Available for hire and sale, our selection includes timber, plastic, and galvanised steel. Each option brings its own unique set of features that can affect performance across different applications. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each material, you can make sure you’ve got the right boards to keep your team safe and your projects on track.

Goto Gongde to know more.

Scaffold Boards

Timber Scaffold Boards

Altrad Generation’s timber scaffold boards are available in the industry standard 1.2m support and 1.5m support, ensuring support for a wide range of different projects and applications. Timber boards conform to BS :, TG20:21 compliant, and are responsibly sourced through sustainable PEFC registered companies. Manufactured from European Whitewood, wooden scaffold boards have been a trusted choice for decades. They offer:

• Natural strength and flexibility

• Biodegradability

• A familiar feel and handling for workers

• The ability to be treated for increased durability

Plastic Scaffold Boards

Plastic scaffold boards, also known as Supadeck scaffold boards or Composite scaffold Boards, haven’t been around for as long as timber boards but they will certainly outlast them! Available in sizes from 1.5m to 3.9m, Altrad Generation’s Supadeck boards are manufactured from glass fibre reinforced polypropylene and UV stabilised TPR rubber. They conform to BS EN and provide several unique benefits:

• Lightweight yet strong

• Resistant to oil, solvents, acids, saltwater, moisture, rot, and insects

• Non-conductive (important for electrical work)

• Consistent in quality and performance

• Resistant to warping or shape changes

• Easy to clean and maintain

Steel Scaffold Boards

For heavy duty applications, Altrad Generation offers galvanised steel scaffold boards supplied with a zinc coating to protect against rust. Available in sizes from 0.9m and 4m and conforming to BS EN , steel boards are most commonly used in System Scaffolds.  They are known for their:

• Superior strength and load-bearing capacity

• Excellent durability and longevity

• Fire resistance

• Resistance to harsh environmental conditions

Choosing The Right Board For Your Project

Understanding the differences in materials is one thing, now to apply that to your project:

Timber Boards are well suited to moderate climates in traditional construction environments and are often preferred for indoor temporary structures.

Plastic Boards are ideal for long-term projects and their weather resistant capabilities make them a great choice for use in wet or humid climates. Their resistance to corrosive substances also make them an excellent choice for use in chemical plants.

Steel Boards are ideal for heavy-duty applications and harsh environments. Their strength and fire resistance make them ideal for industrial settings.

Safety First!

Let's talk safety, because making sure everyone goes home in one piece is what really matters. Each material has its own safety profile, and it's crucial to understand these differences to make informed decisions.

Timber scaffold boards have a long history of use and are familiar to most workers, which can contribute to safer handling. They provide good grip naturally and absorb sound, potentially reducing noise-related hazards. However, timber boards require frequent inspection for signs of rot, splitting, or warping that could compromise safety. They can also become slippery when wet and may lose strength if repeatedly exposed to moisture.

Plastic scaffold boards offer several safety advantages. They are resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage, which helps maintain their structural integrity over time. Their lightweight nature reduces the risk of strain injuries during handling. Additionally, plastic boards feature anti-slip surfaces, enhancing worker safety in wet conditions.

Steel scaffold boards offer superior strength and durability, making them highly resistant to damage and deformation under heavy loads. They are fire-resistant, which is a significant safety advantage in certain environments. However, their heavy weight can pose handling risks, potentially leading to strain injuries if not managed properly. In wet conditions, steel boards may become extremely slippery unless treated with anti-slip coatings. Additionally, if the galvanisation is compromised, there's a risk of corrosion that could affect structural integrity over time.

Cost Considerations

Timber scaffold boards have the lowest upfront cost, making them an attractive option for many projects. However, keep in mind that they may require more frequent replacements due to their vulnerability to rot and damage if not properly maintained. This can lead to higher long-term expenses, so while they may seem budget-friendly at first glance, consider the potential hidden costs down the road.

Additionally, due to the soaring global demand for timber and supply constraints exacerbated by geopolitical events, conservation efforts, and a huge demand for housing, the price of timber is still forecasted to stabilise at a higher price compared to pre-pandemic times.

Plastic scaffold boards come with a higher initial investment but think of them as a smart long-term choice. With a lifespan of over a decade, they save you money in the long run by reducing replacement frequency. While the upfront cost might be a bit steeper, you're investing in peace of mind and reliability for your project.

Steel scaffold boards have the highest initial price but offer unmatched durability and longevity. If you need something that can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions, steel is worth the investment.

Why Altrad Generation?

Now, let's talk about why Altrad Generation should be your first call for scaffold boards. We're not just another supplier - we're your partner in getting the job done right.

Are you interested in learning more about Scaffold Swivel Base Jack? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

We've got all three types of boards ready to be delivered wherever you need, whenever you need them. We're talking nationwide delivery, competitive prices that won't make your accountant break out in a cold sweat, and enough stock to ensure we can meet even the most demanding supply requirements.

Our extensive branch network ensures fast delivery times, because we know in this business, time is money. Whether you need robust timber boards for traditional applications, lightweight plastic boards for easy handling, or durable steel boards for heavy-duty use, we've got you covered.

You can be assured that we only supply the best and safest products for our customers:

• All our Timber Scaffold Boards are manufactured in accordance with BS : and are TG20:21 compliant.

• Supadeck boards are quality assured to ISO: and designed and tested in accordance with BS EN and Load Class 4 classification.

• Steel Boards are tested and designed to conform to BS EN and S280 Load Class 6.

Our reliable products, coupled with our extensive industry experience, make us the go-to supplier for all your scaffolding needs, regardless of project scale or complexity.

Scaffolding planks are very common on construction sites, workers walk on them, but in fact, there are many materials and types of scaffolding planks. How should we choose? Should there be corresponding regulations when using them?

Please read this article, I believe you will have a comprehensive understanding of scaffolding planks.

Scaffold planks are an important part of scaffolding systems, they are platforms or walkways that are built for workers to access higher areas in order for them to carry out building construction, maintenance or repair work in higher areas.

You can use scaffolding planks in a wide range of scaffolding systems such as ringlock scaffolding, cuplock scaffolding, kwikstage scaffolding, mobile towers and many more, these planks are usually made from high-quality materials such as aluminium, steel or wood and are designed to provide a stable and safe platform for workers to perform their tasks at height.

The wooden scaffold plank is the most common type of scaffold plank, usually made of fir or pine wood. The thickness of the wooden scaffold plank is usually greater than 50mm, with a width of 200–250 mm and a length of 3–6 m.
To prevent damage to the ends of the scaffold plank during use and extend its lifespan, it can be tightly bound with iron wire at a distance of 80mm from each end or wrapped with iron sheet with a thickness of 0.4–0.6 mm.

Wooden scaffold planks are commonly used for bamboo and wooden scaffolding, cuplock scaffolding, and independent inclined ramps with heavy loads. They are less commonly used for mobile scaffolding, various types of tool scaffolding, and portal scaffolding.

The characteristics of wooden scaffold planks are their wide range of uses, simple installation methods, and easy disassembly. They provide a good foot feel for construction workers during use.

However, in some countries, due to the implementation of environmental protection policies, the availability of raw materials has decreased relatively, resulting in a decreasing trend in usage.

Steel scaffold plank is also a common type of scaffold plank, generally made of Q195~Q235 steel as raw material. It can be selected with galvanized or non-galvanized board according to needs.

Steel scaffold planks are flame retardant, sturdy, durable, and corrosion resistant. You can watch them on ringlock scaffolding, kwikstage scaffolding, scaffold tower, etc.

They are usually used in heavy-duty applications or in fields with high fire safety requirements, such as the petrochemical, oil, and gas industries.

Which One Do You To Choose?

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of wood and steel planks does not mean knowing how we should go about choosing them, when choosing scaffolding boards you need to consider the points of greatest concern for your project, let’s see what are worth our attention!

• You Need to Clean and preserve scaffold planks

Removing dirt, debris, and contaminants.

Scaffold planks should be cleaned on time during use, and harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the wood should be avoided to prolong the life of the planks for easy reuse.

• Applying protective coatings or treatments

If you want to prolong the use, some will coat the scaffold boards with a protective coating, but be aware that this needs to be confirmed with the merchant at the time of purchase. For example, wood scaffold boards are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint, or you can choose steel scaffold boards that have been hot-dip galvanized.

• Proper storage of scaffold boards

You need to store boards in a dry and secure location, protecting them from moisture and physical damage.

Take care to store wooden scaffolding in a dry and well-ventilated area, preferably with the boards stored in a covered area to protect them from direct sunlight, rain, and other weather elements to prevent moisture and physical damage to the planks.

Specific requirements for scaffold boards are set by OSHA: 

• The wood used for scaffold boards should meet quality requirements and follow recognized wood-grading associations. Scaffold boards labeled “OSHA Conformed” generally comply with the regulations.
• The wood should be in good condition without cracks, and scaffold boards with paint or concrete are not allowed to be used because the condition inside cannot be determined by appearance. 
• The longer the span of the scaffold board, the greater the deflection (bending), resulting in a smaller load capacity. Therefore, when purchasing scaffold boards, the length, deflection, and load capacity of the boards should be considered, and the appropriate length and thickness should be selected. 

For specific regulations regarding span and deflection, please refer to this link:

https://www.osha.gov/etools/scaffolding/planking

It is important for you to note that these are general guidelines, and specific requirements may vary depending on the specific situation and jurisdiction. It is recommended to always consult local regulations or qualified professionals to obtain the latest detailed information regarding scaffold board requirements.

• Proper installation of scaffold boards
  • Ensuring boards are securely fastened
  • Regular inspections for any damage or defects

Inspect scaffold planks before and after each use for any signs of damage such as cracks, splits or warping. If any damage is found, take the scaffold planks out of service and replace them.

• Weight capacity and load distribution
  • Understanding the weight limits of scaffold boards
  • Distributing loads evenly to prevent overloading

Do not exceed the maximum load capacity specified by the scaffold plank manufacturer. Overloading can weaken the planks and increase the risk of accidents or collapse.

In this article, we delve into various aspects of scaffold planks, including their types, regulations, maintenance and storage. Whether you are a construction worker or someone interested in the construction industry, we hope this article has provided you with valuable information about scaffold planks.

If you have any further questions about scaffold planks or need professional advice, our company is more than happy to help. Please feel free to contact us and our team will be on hand to support you.