Yes, scaffold boards can be used outside. The boards are made from treated wood making them durable and able to sustain different weather conditions. The maintenance measures dictate how long the scaffold planks will last while being used outside. Apart from being used in scaffolding structures, here are other ways you can use scaffold planks outside.
3 Ways to use scaffold boards outside
From using them for decking and making fences to repurposing them to making shelves and furniture, scaffold planks have many ways they can be used outside.
1. Making furniture
Scaffold planks can be repurposed to make different types of outdoor furniture. They can also be designed differently depending on the type of furniture you want. They’re also easy to paint so you won’t have to worry about getting the right colour or finish for your furniture.
2. Making fences
Scaffold boards can be quite versatile and one way to use them is by making fences. Since they’re available in different lengths, you can have different designs for your fence. They can also be painted to enhance the aesthetic appeal.
3. Making a raised garden bed
You can utilise scaffold boards by making raised garden beds. The planks are treated making them less susceptible to damage when exposed to harsh weather conditions or irrigation. However, it’s advisable to use ACQ or CA-B treated planks because they’re much safer compared to those treated with CCA.
Can scaffold boards be left outside
Yes, scaffold boards can be left outside. Scaffold boards are meant for outdoor uses that’s why they can be left outside. On the other hand, exposure to natural elements will contribute to their wearing especially if the boards aren’t treated.
If you want your boards to last longer outside, you should ensure that they are either treated or placed under a suitable shed where they’ll have proper air circulation and less exposure to moisture. If you’re planning to use the boards for outdoor purposes like decking, fencing or outdoor furniture, treated boards are the best option.
For untreated boards, applying weather-resistant coating will help the boards last longer. You should ensure the boards are somewhere they won’t get any rot, mildew or moisture buildup; it should be a dry space.
Do scaffold boards get woodworms
Yes, scaffold boards can get woodworms. Woodworms are wood-boring beetles that tend to lay eggs in the timber they’ve infested that later turn to larvae. The larvae cause extensive damage to the wood because they rely on the starch found in the sapwood part of the timber. Once they’ve fully developed, the small beetles lay eggs and find a different wood to infest.
Treating scaffold boards ensures that they don’t get pest infestation or rot since they’re going to be exposed to different elements. When you’re planning to use scaffold boards outside, treating them is one way to ensure that they last longer. Since woodworms compromise the quality of the scaffold boards, they might need to be replaced or the affected part cut off to avoid the spreading of the woodworms.
How to treat scaffold boards for outside
When buying scaffold boards, there’s the option of getting already treated boards but you can also take it up as a DIY project to treat the boards depending on their intended use. Here’s how you can treat scaffold boards.
Once you have acquired your boards, it’s advisable to thoroughly clean any dirt or debris on them using a stiff brush or pressure washer. You also need to sand the plank to prepare the surface for the treatment you’re to apply.
Once you’ve achieved a smooth surface, you can now evenly apply the preservative you want. You should choose a preservative that’s safe depending on how you intend to use the boards. Some of the chemicals can be toxic, especially to plants so if you want to use the boards to make raised beds, you need to choose an eco-friendly option.
Once the preservative is dry, you can apply a suitable sealant to protect the planks from any exposure to moisture. If the boards will be left outside for a long duration, it’s advisable to opt for a water-resistant sealant.
It’s advisable to store the boards in a dry and well-ventilated space where they’re not exposed to any direct sunlight or moisture.
The type of treatment done on the scaffold boards will determine how long they will last. They are also easily available because of their affordability.