Welcome to Job Prices, on this page you will discover everything you need to know about hiring scaffold in the UK, including price guides, contract lengths and advice.
Our cost guide is based on actual scaffold projects.
We’ve got several example prices for you and we can even point you in the right direction so you can get a fixed quote.
How Much Do You Think It Costs to Hire Scaffold?
This may seem like a strange question, after all, you’re here to find out how much it costs but we are conducting research into how much homeowners think certain home improvement projects will cost.
Typical Uses For Scaffold
Due to improvements in health and safety legislation in the United Kingdom, tradespeople must now use scaffold or platform access equipment for almost all working at height scenarios.
The prolonged use of ladders is now discouraged through health and safety legislation.
But what type of access equipment is suitable for common jobs outside the home?
Three Examples of Access Equipment
Below are three examples of access equipment typically used in the United Kingdom:
Ladders
You may use a secured ladder for minor projects that require no more than 30 minutes of work time in any 24 hour period. Complex work involving multiple tools should be avoided. Three points of contact should be kept on the ladder at all times. Otherwise, use a scaffold.
Platform Towers
You can use an aluminium scaffold access tower for more complex projects within a localised area. They are simple to erect, can be used to store tools and most materials within the weight limits. Wheels can also be fixed so the tower can be moved easily on a level and firm ground.
Full Scaffold
Professional scaffold hire should be used for all other situations, including spanning all or part of a house, as a gantry over a conservatory or as access to a roof or chimney. You can store extra weight with this setup, and they provide a safe area for using and storing tools
Scaffold Cost and Prices
Our cost guide only covers full scaffold, i.e. a heavy-duty and professionally erected system.
We have five scaffolding cost guides for you:
- Erect a gantry over a conservatory
- Scaffold for access to a roof
- Up to a high chimney located in the centre of a roof
- Up to and around a smaller chimney near the roof edge
- Wrap around a house and also over the roof with a “tin hat.”
1) Gantry Over Conservatory – This price is for a scaffolding company to erect a scaffold tower on either side of a conservatory or other outbuilding and bridge the gap. This setup is perfect for installing windows above a large conservatory, replacing the roofline boards and guttering or doing repairs to the wall or roof. Good access to the rear of the property is usually required.
2) Scaffold For Roof Access – This is typically used when carrying out extensive replacement work to the roof. All sides of the property will be scaffolded and there is usually an upper level on any gable ends. This type of scaffold is required for any work at height projects where roof edge protection is required.
3) High-Level Chimney – Scaffold is erected up one side of the property, along the roof and around a large chimney located in the centre of the roof. This setup is used primarily when pointing, dismantling or rebuilding a chimney stack.
4) Smaller Chimney – Not all chimneys are huge and high, some are located at the side of the roof, next to the guttering and are much smaller and often much easier to access. The scaffold is usually erected for repointing the bricks, rebuilding the chimney or removing it completely.
5) Full Scaffold With Hat – This setup involves erecting a scaffold around all sides of the property and also over the roof with a “tin hat” to protect the property from rain. This scaffold requires a considerable amount of work and also pre-planning to ensure it’s the correct height and has enough lifts (walkable levels) in the correct place. This is by far the most expensive scaffold you would expect to see around a typical house.
| Project: | Price: |
|---|---|
| Bridge over a Conservatory | £500 - £650 |
| For re-roofing a semi-detached house | £1000 - £1250 |
| High level chimney | £950 - £1150 |
| Low level chimney | £450 - £650 |
| Wrap around with hat | £7000 - £12,000 depending on size and complexity |
| Get a Quote Online: | Get Your Custom Price Here |
More:
Be sure to explore our guide to scaffold alternatives here.
Get a Personalised Price Online
Our scaffold cost guides are just that, guideline prices based on our experience and research.
We do think we can help you save money off your scaffolding price, though.
Hit the link below to find out more:
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Every project is different and access issues can complicate the work. How many employees are deployed on teh project will also affect the time but use this as a guide. We assume the scaffold is to be erected to a 3-bed house.
Gantry over conservatory - 3 to 4 hours
For roof access 3-bed house - 5 to 7 hours
High level chimney - 4 to 6 hours
Low level chimney - 1 to 3 hours
Wrap around with roof hat 3 bed house - 2+ days
This guide was written by Danny Woodley and was last updated in April 2022.
Don’t forget; we have price guides for hundreds of home improvement projects.
Explore our full list of detailed price guides here.
