What Is The Best Scaffold Tower For DIY Home Use?
Working at a height is often the biggest challenge of any home improvement project. Many DIYers reach for a ladder, but when you consider safety and efficiency, a scaffold tower can make all the difference. With the countless options available, choosing a scaffold tower can be confusing. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know, from understanding height requirements to comparing different types of scaffolding. We then recommend 4 of the very best DIY scaffold towers for you to consider.
Read on to learn about the best scaffold tower for DIY home use!
Scaffold Towers for DIY
A scaffold tower is a temporary access platform that provides a safe and stable working area for construction tasks. You can use them indoors and outdoors for a wide range of home improvement projects, like painting and gutter maintenance.
Unlike ladders, scaffold towers have a wider surface that allows you to move freely. You don’t have to climb up and down to work on a particular area. Therefore, scaffold towers improve efficiency, especially when working for longer periods.
There are two variations of scaffold towers to choose from.
- Scaffold Towers for Domestic Use: Scaffold towers for domestic use are typically lighter and more mobile. They can be assembled without professional training, making them perfect for DIY projects.
- Scaffold Towers for Commercial Use: Commercial scaffold towers are heavy-duty to support bigger loads. They’re taller and more complex, for use in construction sites.
For most DIY home projects, a scaffold tower for domestic use provides safety and stability without being complicated.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Scaffold Tower
There are many types of DIY scaffold towers available in the market. Picking the right one can make a difference to the success of your project.
To help you decide, here are factors to consider when choosing a scaffold tower.
1. Height Requirements
To determine the scaffolding height requirements, it’s best to compute the working height.
Scaffolding manufacturers will indicate the platform height, which is the height of the surface you’ll stand on. The working height is the height you can safely reach with your arms when you’re standing on that platform.
For instance, if you’re working on something that’s 5 meters high, and you have a reach of 2 meters, a 3-meter scaffold tower will be enough.
Note that you should always read the manufacturer’s manual for the maximum height of the scaffolding. Never build more than the recommended height, and check HSE safety standards for fall protection.
2. Weight Capacity
Every scaffold tower has a maximum load limit, which is its weight capacity. This is vital to prevent the scaffolding from collapsing.
When you’re choosing a scaffold tower, consider that it must support all the tools and materials, as well as your own weight.
There are four scaffolding load classes in the UK.
- Class 1: This class is for very light duty, such as general inspections. It can support one person and a few light tools.
- Class 2: Class 2 is for light-duty tasks, which include painting or window cleaning. This type of scaffolding can support one person and standard tools and materials.
- Class 3: The third class is for medium-duty projects. You need this type of scaffolding for general construction work, like bricklaying.
- Class 4: Finally, Class 4 is for heavy-duty projects like masonry and stone-setting. This scaffolding can support up to two people.
Always check the manufacturer’s load rating before you begin your project. Add your weight to the weight of the tools and materials to determine the load capacity requirements.
3. Ease of Use
For home DIY scaffold towers, the ease of use is one of the most important factors to consider. You want to pick a scaffold tower that you can assemble with minimal tools and knowledge.
The best scaffold towers have intuitive locking systems that lock into place. There should only be a few components to prevent assembly errors. Moreover, the tower should come with clear step-by-step instructions.
4. Material and Durability
Domestic scaffold towers are typically made with steel or aluminium. Each material has its own perks.
Steel scaffold towers are extremely durable and ideal for heavier loads. That said, they can be difficult to move and assemble.
Aluminium towers, on the other hand, are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They’re the best option for light tasks, like painting, guttering, and window work.
5. Safety
Accidents can happen, which is why when you’re buying a scaffold tower, you should never compromise on safety.
The best scaffolding will have several safety features. These include the following:
- Guardrails and Toe Boards: Guardrails prevent accidental falls. Toeboards stop heavy tools from falling off the scaffolding.
- Non-Slip Platforms: Some scaffoldings have non-slip platforms, which give a firm footing even when the surface is wet or dusty.
- Lockable Wheels and Stabilisers: Locks on wheels ensure the scaffolding doesn’t move while you work. Stabilisers provide extra support to the base of the scaffold tower.
6. Versatility and Mobility
Lastly, the best scaffold towers for DIY home use are versatile and mobile. They should be light enough for even beginners to assemble and transport.
The best models should be able to adapt to your project. For instance, adjustable platforms let you work at different heights without dismantling the tower.
Finally, choose a tower that you can easily store away once the project is done.
The Best Scaffold Tower for DIY Home Use
At BPS Depot, we offer a wide range of scaffold towers specifically designed for DIY projects. Below are our best scaffold towers.
1. Best Overall: Premium Plus DIY Scaffold Tower
The Premium Plus is the best overall DIY scaffold tower due to its high reach and weight capacity. It can support up to 150 kg, which is stronger than other scaffolding on the market.
The Premium Plus is incredibly convenient. It has an adjustable base that lets you work in tight spaces.
Lastly, the Premium Plus’s quick-release clamps make it easy to use. You don’t need any tools for assembly!
2. Best in Versatility: Home Master 5-in-1 Platform
The Home Master 5-in-1 Platform is a combination ladder with a wide range of uses. You can configure it as an extension ladder, step ladder, stairwell ladder, or platform. Not only that, but users can also adjust the platform to five different positions.
We love this scaffold tower’s extra-long 1500 mm platform. It gives you mobility, and at the same time, it has two red handrails for maximum safety!
3. Best in Affordability: Home Master DIY Scaffold Tower
The Home Master DIY Scaffold Tower may be one of the most affordable in the market. However, it doesn’t compromise on quality.
This scaffold tower has a fully welded frame structure for superior strength. Each of its components is tested to EN1004 standards.
You can buy the Home Master DIY Scaffold Tower in four different sizes to suit your specific needs.
4. Best in Safety: Premium DIY Scaffold Tower
The Premium DIY Scaffold Tower is a high-specs option made by Europe’s premier manufacturer under ISO2001 standards. It’s made from a superior-grade aluminium for extra strength.
The platform is sturdy, made from a strong, non-slip marine plywood. A ribbed frame also provides safety when climbing and descending.
Lastly, this set includes stabiliser bars for a safe and comfortable experience.
FAQs
Are DIY Scaffold Towers Safe?
Yes. DIY scaffold towers are safe when assembled and used correctly. In fact, they are safer than using a ladder for many home improvement tasks.
DIY scaffold towers have guardrails to prevent accidents. The wide and stable platforms also mean you have less risk of falling, unlike ladders.
Do I Need Training to Use a Scaffold Tower?
In general, you don’t need training to use a DIY/domestic scaffold tower. These towers are designed to be assembled and used safely by homeowners.
Can I Use a Ladder Instead of a Scaffold Tower?
Yes. If you don’t have a scaffold tower, ladders will work just as well for short-term, minor DIY projects. You can see the BPS catalogue for various extensions, stairs, and combination ladders!
Best Scaffold Towers For Home Use Conclusion
Choosing the best scaffold tower involves checking the height, weight, durability, ease of use, and safety. When used correctly, DIY scaffolding towers allow you to complete tasks over longer periods.
At BPS, we offer scaffold towers with DIY users in mind. So, if you’re thinking of investing in a durable and versatile scaffold tower, be sure to reach out to us!
