Scaffolding is an integral part of any construction work, as the framework serves a primary means of access to heights while molding a structure.
The building blocks of every man-made structure are curated by using scaffolding. Initially, the scaffolding was made from wood and bamboo, which were tied together with rope knots.
Today, in 2022, scaffolding has evolved with the technological advancements achieved.
With different types of scaffolding, every single component is made robust enough to resist ample stress and strain.
But, there is one component that is most crucial and is used with every scaffold system.
Those are scaffold planks. As scaffolding is an integral part of any construction work, scaffold planks are an integral part of every scaffolding.
This is due to the fact that it provides a stable platform on which the scaffold users rely. It serves as a workstation that carries all the scaffold equipment along with scaffolders.
Hence, it becomes important to note its usability and importance, which is what we are going to see in this article.
What are scaffold planks?
Scaffolding planks are longboards that are laid across the sections of scaffolding to provide a stable platform.
Earlier, the planks were made of wood, but now they are also available in steel and aluminum materials.
It is a valuable workstation for scaffolders, on which they rely to make their task of construction easier.
Types of scaffold planks
- Wooden scaffold planks
These are the standard scaffolding boards that are set across the sections to give workers a platform. These boards are sturdy and stack well when transported.
They are also doubled to provide additional support for large weights like masonry and mortar.
These planks can also be adjusted while the scaffolding is being erected, improving footing while straining to elevate the scaffolding pieces into place.
- Aluminum scaffold planks
These are elevated platforms that assist scaffold users and materials. It is made of a strong substance and has heavy-duty bolts and couplers.
They are lighter in weight and more corrosion-resistant. They have sidebars to prevent tools and trash from slipping from the scaffold.
Aluminum boards have a UV coating and are entirely fire resistant. As a result, they have an advantage over other boards.
- Steel scaffold planks
In the scaffold framework, these are employed as walkway steel planks. They are made of low alloy standard steel, which makes them strong and dependable.
They have a galvanized coating that keeps them from rusting.
The disadvantages of heavy water absorption and excessive slickness generated by rain on wooden planks are bypassed by steel planks.
They are typically welded with a CO2 arc to prevent cracking and deformation.
7 advantages of scaffold planks
- Enables easy access
Decks on scaffolding frameworks enable access to scaffold users at heights above the ground. It enables them to rely on their working tools on a single platform.
The negligence of having support on just tubes and endangering their own safety is paved away.
Planks are very important during tall building construction, where support is important.
Further, interconnected decks enable workers to access the entire building floor to accomplish their tasks.
- Provides perfect balance
Construction work requires a lot of precision, and thus, workers should be at their deftest. This is only possible when the workers have a strong footing.
The planks are the only stable possible support for such tasks.
The flat surface of the scaffold plank gives scaffold users a proper balance in different positions along with their working tools.
Moreover, certain tasks like painting require a certain position, which can be maintained by the use of planks.
- Ensures safety
When it comes to having things done at dizzying heights, scaffold planks are actual lifesavers.
The exact height of the scaffolding is determined by the number of stories in a building.
Scaffolding planks provide a safe working platform for workers.
Furthermore, additional safety equipment like guard rails, gates, and infill planks complete the safety pack of a scaffold framework.
- Boosts productivity
When the scaffold plank is stable enough, the scaffolders can take their tools and equipment in one go to the heights they are working on.
This eliminates the to-and-fro trip for fetching tools in the other case.
Thus, the stability and quality of planks boost productivity. Moreover, their productivity increases as the planks offer them a comfortable working space.
- Easy assembly and disassembly
In the case of wooden boards, the assembly is easy as the boards are simply stacked or fitted with a pair of nuts along the edges.
Similarly, aluminum and steel scaffold planks have to be fixed with nuts, which is an easy procedure. Thus, it enables quick assembly of planks across multiple heights.
- Acts as a bridge
Construction entails a variety of operations in which workers may need to travel a long and winding path to reach a certain location.
This is a major waste of time that also exhausts personnel unnecessarily.
Scaffolding planks address this issue by providing several bridging points that considerably minimize the distance that employees must cross.
These bridging points not only save time and energy, but they also make construction easier.
- Easy storage and transportation
As planks are just boards with a few fittings, they can be easily stacked one upon another. This makes them easy to store and transport.
Further, if the planks are made of aluminum, which is light in weight, it makes them even easier to carry by an individual.
Wrapping Up
Every construction site requires scaffold planks to boost productivity, provide a safe platform, enhance stability, and, in total, aid the construction work. Hence, an essential part of scaffolding has been discussed above, and we hope that gives you a clear picture of its importance.
If you are a builder and are opting to buy planks, Scaffold Supply is a scaffold plank manufacturer in the USA. We have our yard in Houston where we have premium quality scaffold planks for sale. Our variety of wooden, aluminum and steel planks for sale satisfy OSHA guidelines. We ensure your safety.
Get a free quote today!
Comments are closed