Scaffolds play an essential part in the building and construction industries. By providing stability and support to work platforms and access points scaffolds ensure that employees are able to work in a safe manner. One of the primary components of scaffolds is the scaffolding planks. These planks of wood, sometimes called walkboards or scaffold boards– provide the platform on which workers as well as equipment are able to stand. They come in a variety of designs, varying in materials and style, to accommodate various applications for scaffolding.
We specialize in wooden scaffolding planks. Below, we discuss this kind of plank and explain how it is compared to different kinds that are scaffolding planks.
Different kinds of Scaffolding Planks
Scaffolding Planks with Material
Wooden Planks
The lumber used for the construction of scaffolding planks has a different grade that the lumber used in construction projects. The material should contain at least six rings in an inch. It must also have a few structural and surface defects as well as in the case of Southern pine it must have a grain slope of 1 inch each 14 inch of length. Furthermore, it should be graded, inspected and stamped by a third-party independent and certified organisation.
Some of the more frequently used kinds of wood scaffolding planks:
Solid-sawn planks. The planks of scaffolding that are solid-sawn are usually made of Southern Pine, but they may also be made from Douglas Fir or other similar species of trees.
Laminate veneer lumber (LVL plank). LVL decking plans are constructed by thin layers of timber which are joined together using an adhesive that is designed for exterior use.
Click here for LVL scaffold plank.
Metal Planks
The two most popular kinds of planks for metal scaffolding are:
Steel planks. The steel scaffolding planks show outstanding strength and durability.
Aluminum planks. Aluminum scaffolding planks can be lightweight and affordable.
Plans for Scaffolding by Design
Single Scaffold Planks
One-scaffold planks of wood are typically used in brick masonry. They are intended to be placed in a parallel position to the wall surface however, they are 1.2 metres away.
Double Scaffold Planks
Two scaffolds planks usually employed in stone masonry projects. They are designed to be placed in two rows to increase durability and strength.
Comparisons between Plank Types
Each of these kinds of planks has advantages and disadvantages which make it suitable for different purposes. For instance:
Solid-sawn scaffold planks are an affordable option that gives a great mix of durability and stability. In comparison to LVL planks they are more suitable for moist areas.
LVL scaffold planks provide better strength and stability at a price that is a bit higher as compared to solid sawn planks.
Steel scaffold planks are the most strength, which makes them ideal for loads. However, they add to the mass of the scaffolding structure.
Aluminum scaffold planks help reduce the weight of scaffolding however they are not as strong and long-lasting over steel planks. They can be used for use in less demanding environments than steel planks.