Scaffold Cost Estimator UK

Scaffolding in the UK typically costs between £6 and £15 per square metre per week for standard scaffold types. Independent scaffolding ranges from £8-£12/m²/week, putlog from £6-£10/m²/week, and system scaffolding from £10-£15/m²/week. Mobile towers are charged per day at £15-£25. Prices vary significantly by region and access difficulty.

Independent scaffolding stands free from the building using two rows of standards (vertical poles) and is the most common type for new builds. Putlog scaffolding uses only one row of standards and relies on the building wall for support — the horizontal tubes (putlogs) are inserted into the mortar joints. Putlog is cheaper but can only be used on brick or block walls during construction.

There is no legal maximum time for scaffolding, but most hire agreements run in weekly increments. For domestic projects, 4-8 weeks is typical. Commercial projects may need scaffolding for months. Scaffolding must be inspected every 7 days when in use, after any event that could affect stability, and before being used after any period of non-use exceeding 7 days (Work at Height Regulations 2005).

Yes. If scaffolding encroaches on a public highway or footpath, you need a licence from your local council under the Highways Act 1980. This typically costs £50-£500 depending on the council and duration. The scaffolding company usually arranges this, but check. You may also need temporary traffic management for road-facing scaffolds.

Erection cost covers delivery to site, assembly of the scaffold structure, fitting of boards, toe boards, handrails, ties to the building, brick guards if needed, and an initial inspection. It is typically 1.5 times the weekly hire rate. Some companies include erection in a fixed package price. Always get the erection, hire, and dismantling costs broken down separately.

A typical two-storey semi-detached house (approximately 8m long, 6m high) requires around 48m² of scaffolding. At average rates of £10/m²/week, that is £480/week hire. With erection (£720), dismantling (£480), and transport (£200), a 4-week hire would cost approximately £3,320. Prices are higher in London and the South East.

UK scaffolding must comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and be erected by a competent person (typically CISRS-carded scaffolders). It must be inspected before first use, every 7 days, and after any event that could affect stability. Guard rails must be at least 950mm high, toe boards at least 150mm, and working platforms at least 600mm wide. A scaffolding design drawing is required for complex structures.

Legally, there is no requirement for scaffolding to be erected by a professional on private property for personal use. However, it is strongly recommended to use CISRS-qualified scaffolders. If the scaffolding is for work purposes (even your own employees), the Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply and it must be erected by a competent person. Mobile scaffold towers under 4m can be assembled by trained users following manufacturer instructions.

Mobile scaffold towers are ideal for short-duration work (1-5 days), low heights (up to 8-12m), and where the work position changes frequently (e.g. painting, decorating, gutter cleaning). They are much cheaper than fixed scaffolding for small jobs. For longer projects, multiple elevations, or complex access requirements, fixed scaffolding is more cost-effective and safer.

The biggest cost factors are: scaffold area (length x height), duration of hire, access difficulty (restricted access can add 20-50%), regional location (London adds up to 30%), scaffold type (system scaffolding costs more but is faster to erect), and any extras like temporary roofing, debris netting, or sheeting. Getting 3 quotes is recommended as prices vary significantly between scaffolding companies.