The standard scaffold board width is 225 mm, 3.9 m length, and 38 mm thickness. The dimensions might vary depending on the project you have going on and the type of board you opt for. You can opt for scaffold boards that meet the Grade A standards, or the BSI standards(BS 2482). The best quality boards are either visually graded or machine graded.
We’ll check out the dimensions for various scaffold board types. Some of the scaffold boards varieties include the following:
- B.S.I. standard boards
- Grade A boards
- Fire retardant boards
- Steel boards
- Plastic boards
How long are scaffold boards
Scaffold boards are available in varying lengths ranging from 1.5m to 3.9m. So the longest scaffold board is 13ft ( 3.9meters ). They can be purchased in different lengths considering all projects aren’t of a similar nature. Depending on the type of material you’ve chosen, the length will equally impact the weight, considering the width and thickness are similar for most.
How much weight can a scaffold board hold
The maximum safe weight scaffold board can hold is 75 pounds (34 kg) per square foot ( meter ).
| Duty | Weight per square foot |
|---|---|
| Light | 25 pounds (11 kg) |
| Medium | 50 (23 kg) |
| Heavy | 75 (34 kg) |
Light Duty – 25 pounds per square foot.
Medium Duty – 50 pounds per square foot.
Heavy Duty – 75 pounds per square foot.
How wide is a scaffold board
All scaffold boards have a standard width dimension of 225mm. This measurement is regardless of the material or nature of the project.
What is the thickness of a scaffold board
The thickness of a scaffold board is a standard dimension of 38mm regardless of the scaffold material used.
How much does a scaffold board weight
The scaffold board weight can range from 7.7 to 20.0 kg. This weight will vary depending on several factors like the length and how the boards have been stored especially timber scaffold boards. The table below gives a clear illustration of how the weight varies with different scaffold board lengths for Grade A, B.S.I. Standard boards, and Fire retardant boards.
| Length | Weight |
| 1.5m | 7.7kg |
| 1.8m | 9.2kg |
| 2.4m | 12.3kg |
| 3.0m | 15.4kg |
| 3.9m | 20.0kg |
The weight of steel scaffold boards is different from the others irrespective of their similar lengths. The table below gives an illustration of the weight you should expect with each length.
| Length | Weight |
| 1.5m | 8.5kg |
| 1.8m | 10.2kg |
| 2.4m | 13.6kg |
| 3.0m | 17.0kg |
| 3.9m | 22.1kg |
Scaffold board compliance
Scaffold boards are tested to ensure that they comply with certain standards. Grade A boards are tested to meet Grade A standards, whereas B.S.I Standard boards are tested to ensure they comply with the BS 2482:2009 (British Standard). The two can be visually or machine graded, which is marked on the board as ‘VG’ or ‘MG’.
The Grade A standard boards offer a support span of 1.2m, while the B.S.I. standard boards can have a support span of either 1.2m for the visually graded and 1.5m for the machine graded. Although the support span is different for the B.S.I. boards, the scaffolding board dimensions are the same.
Although timber boards are available as banded or unbanded, you’ll find that most have a metal band for protection against any impact damage. The band can also be branded to include the following:
- British standard code
- Supplier id/logo
- VG or MG indication(to show whether it was visually or machine graded)
- Support/target span(usually written in metres)
The fire retardant scaffolding boards are tested in compliance with the BS 476 Part 6&7(British Standards). These boards are categorised into Class 1 or Class 2 depending on the amount of smoke produced when burning and how the flames spread.
Both are inflammable but class 2 has been tested and found to produce less smoke and no droplets or particles when burning.
Plastic boards are tested in compliance with the BSEN 12811-1:2003 standards. They’re also quite durable compared to timber scaffolding boards.
Best suited for harsh environments, steel boards are tested in accordance with the BS EN 12811-1 compliance.
Are scaffold boards strong
Yes, scaffold boards are designed to be sturdy enough to support the workers, their equipment and building materials as they work at height. The type of material used to make the boards will determine how strong the boards turn out.
Metal planks are perfect when it comes to strength and durability. Hardwood scaffold boards are stronger than softwood ones. However, softwood planks still have the capacity to provide the necessary support and strength if used within the recommended weight capacity.
Proper maintenance also contributes to how strong the boards are. It’s advisable not to use wet planks because the moisture makes them prone to rot, which weakens them, making them a hazardous risk. Scaffold boards should be subjected to regular inspections to ensure that they comply with health and safety requirements.
Your scaffolder should be able to choose the right dimensions for the scaffolding boards. They should also be keen on the support span as it determines at what length the scaffolding planks should be supported to avoid any unfavourable incidences. So remember the standard scaffold board size is a width of 225 mm, a length of 3.9 m and a thickness of 38 mm.