scaffold advice?

[Innovate1]

Planning a build of house and detached garage with 14' ceiling. Looking at scaffolding since I will be doing some of the work myself - not major stuff like framing and drywall but wiring and some equipment installation. Also have a small atrium in my current place and need to work on the ceiling fan - ceiling is 19' there.

Some have suggested renting but for extended use that will be a lot more costly than just buying some. And if it isn't too bulky I can see it being useful from time to time after construction.

The dimension advertised is the length of the unit rather than the height. For example a unit called a 12' scaffold is actually two 6' long sections rather than 12' high. They show it stacked. Seems a little odd and confusing but I chalk this up to marketing - they want to give the biggest number possible.

Am considering two units of this one:

https://www.menards.com/main/home-decor/dat/ims-6-steel-rolling-utility-scaffold/2002/p-1444436078787.htm

With outriggers this can be stacked to get to 8' which will be enough to get to 14' just standing up on it. The 19' is an issue but it's a special case of very limited use so a ladder on the scaffold will cover that.

The above scaffold sections are 4' high so even the second section should be easy enough to set up with one person which is important to me.

I am a bit pressed for space right now so compact storage is also a factor. Worst case I can set them up and use them as a shelf for storage during periods when I don't need the scaffolding although that limits access to them for their main purpose.

Just wondering if I am missing anything or additional factors I should consider.

 

[gungatim]

I have 2 sets of those I used when doing my house. you can go 2 high without outriggers, but you'll want the safety railing as well or make your own like I did. they work well and are easy for one person to move and put together. they are considered interior scaffolding, not sure how stable they would be outside but they will get you up to do what you need. I got mine at menards ($99 ea at the time) but they don't sell the safety rails or outriggers. definitely cheaper than renting if you use them more than once. I use mine when I repaint the 2 story foyer, change lightbulbs, or do stuff in the polebarn.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Google a company called scaffoldmart, their prices are really good however shipping cost could eat up the savings


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[signcrafter]

I have four sets of those. They are 6' tall, not 4' like you state. You can stack them 2 high to get 12' and you don't need outriggers in most situations. I use them for all sorts of things. And if you ever have to do work in a stairwell these are amazing. You can set the platform rails low on one end and high on the other in order to get a level working platform in the stairway.

 

[spudley]

I used a ladder on regular scaffolding, not a real good idea. I didn't fall and crash but I won't do it again and wouldn't recommend it.
If it's limited work, just use a ladder firmly supported on the ground/floor.
The Menards units work well and as stated are easy for one person to handle.

 

[Innovate1]

Thanks for all the comments. On the height I saw some conflicting information. The description states max platform height of 48". Good to know it is really 6'. That will eliminate the need for a ladder on top - I expected I would get some negative comments about that.

 

[HoosierMark]

I have two sections of the menards ones also. They work great for the work we are doing on 14 high pole barn ceiling wiring. I needed to use mine outside also. I took two 8 foot 2 x4s and bolted them to the scaffold. Then I bought two trailer tongue jacks from Harbor freight and put them about 4 foot out from the scaffold. I just cranked up the wheels to level the scaffold. Sure easier then trying to put boards under one side and it gave me a wider foot print. I bought mine in December for $119, they were on black Friday sale for $99. check Craigslist I just missed two sets for $100 when I was looking.

 

[vavet]

I bought two sets, including the outriggers and safety railing for $250 a few months ago. I'm in no rush to get my work done, like I would've been had I decided to rent.
When I'm done, I'm guessing I get most/all of my money back.

 

[OneOfEm]

I have two of those with the safety rails and outriggers. I've been using them extensively in my build. When I am working against a wall, I will remove outriggers on the side closest to the wall. The inside peak is about 19' (angled ceiling), and I can reach it without any problem from the scaffolding. The ceiling of the outer part of the center section of my build is 15', and the safety rails fit with a little clearance at max height. I have to duck or work on my knees there - or drop the platform to a lower set of holes.

I used a scissor lift for the roof purlins install because I was working higher than these scaffolds accommodate. For ceiling purlins, I was able to use the scaffold. We'll try the scaffolds when it's time to do the ceiling, but I'll rent a scissor again if there's too much climbing up and down.

I'm glad that I have the scaffolds. They'll be very handy for the remainder of the build as well as for ongoing maintenance.

 

[earlybirds]

I have 2 sets of that scaffolding I got at Menards(along with outriggers & safety railing). I also purchased 2 "X" braces for each side of the bottom section of scaffolding(Menards). I just drilled the square posts and bolted these on. It eliminated all the wobbliness in the structure.

 

[Innovate1]

I have two sections of the menards ones also. They work great for the work we are doing on 14 high pole barn ceiling wiring. I needed to use mine outside also. I took two 8 foot 2 x4s and bolted them to the scaffold. Then I bought two trailer tongue jacks from Harbor freight and put them about 4 foot out from the scaffold. I just cranked up the wheels to level the scaffold. Sure easier then trying to put boards under one side and it gave me a wider foot print. I bought mine in December for $119, they were on black Friday sale for $99. check Craigslist I just missed two sets for $100 when I was looking.

That's a significant savings. I just ordered 2 sets on line for pickup at the store so I am sure they are there when I go to pick them up. They only had 3 in stock. Their 11% sale is on but I am now wondering when they might have an even cheaper price with a sale. I don't need them immediately but would use them if I had them.

 

[kbs2244]

The only advantage of the skinny scaffolds is that they fit through a door while assembled.
You pay for that convince with less stability than the full sized scaffold.
I would say that, if you do not need that ability, you are better off with real scaffolding.

I used my full-sized scaffold while building my shop.
With casters the single platform was apx. 5 foot off the floor.
That gave a 6 ft worker comfortable working height on 10-foot walls.
With the stability of a 6-foot width.

Do a CL search.
Contractors and home owners are always offering 2 high sets.
That puts the platform 9 to 10 foot off the ground.
That puts shoulder height at 14 to 15 feet.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you are only going to have it a few days at a time, you might want to consider renting regular scaffolding from Menard's.

Each piece is a $1/day, so the first section will cost you $10 for the first day, an additional section will cost you $4. An additional day is .50/day/piece.

While I'd rather having a set sitting around, their rental is fairly cheap when you only need it a few days at a time.

https://www.menards.com/main/rental-equipment/scaffolding-ladder-rental/c-19165.htm

 

[gnpenning]

Baker scaffolding can be very handy. I have a piece of 3/4" plywood I put on lower rungs and use for supplies. Going from room to room doing lighting or hardware it just rolls along with you. I'm a believer in outriggers for 2 high or use regular scaffolding. Glad you understand the dangers in using a ladder on scaffolding. If you decide to just let us know where to send flowers.

 

[Dagny]

I would get the real scaffold rings and x braces along with lots of 2x10s it's way more sturdy even at 3 high.

 

[ddurrett896]

You can pickup Baker scaffolding on Craigslist for around $100/set. Got 3 and use for off the ground storage when not in use.

 

[rsanter]

For what you are doing it is decent stuff

 

[Doc995]

If you have a United Rentals anywhere near you, try them and see what they have in the used scaffolding dept. I picked up an absolutely beautiful set of "Upright" scaffolding and man, I will NEVER go back to steel. Not cheap, but well worth it!

 

[JRC3]

Another option is a 12' platform ladder. I have one and use it all the time in great rooms and foyers to do lighting and other ceiling work. I only bring it up because it's easy to set up and rock solid, I'm barely over 5'7" and can move and set it up by myself in a few minutes. I know some rental places carry them.

 

[brownbagg]

i guess after 18 post you have proberly already made up your mind, in fact you proberly had it made up before you post, so i guess you dont want my, dont really want call is advise because you dont want advise , not really an idea because somebody already said it. so here what i would do................ you dont have to read pass this point if you dont want to

rental yards, like that other guy said, use equipment like that other guy said. three piece would get you 18 feet so two piece and a half piece be about 15 feet. what a lot of people dont know

so dont go telling everybody, keep it quiet. rental yards have to rotate their stock for safety so about every three years they sell the stuff cheap. around my area it $30 a piece, when you get done, throw them behind the shop and forget about them. its no money. Im talking about the six foot masonry scaffold.

those baker, they turn over at four foot. 19 feet not on you friggin life.


but none of this matter, you already made up your mind

 

[ddawg16]

When I did my 2-story addition I bought 22 sections. I had about $900 into it...cross braces, columns, etc. Used it for 2 years.

Sold it all for $600....and kept 2 sections.

Nice thing about the stuff, it breaks down and takes up little space.

 

[FiredupF5]

I’m in the same situation. I was looking at regular scaffolding at Home Depot that is listed for $143.

Then I found sections on FB and CL for around $100. I’m actually picking up 2 sections tomorrow.

 

[Innovate1]

Got two sections at Menards but they didn't have the safety railing in stock so I picked it up at HD - cheaper there anyway. I didn't find the outriggers in stock but tied the top off to the bottom of railings on the floor above to both sides at the top - really steadied it up. Used ratchet straps and some short sections of small metal conduit to go behind several uprights. Setup took a little time by myself. An 8' step ladder allowed my to place everything from the first level or the ladder - even the safety railings. Setup of two levels would be nearly impossible without the step ladder I think. I was still a little short so had to use a 3 step stool. I survived - no need to send flowers. A 12 ft step ladder would definitely be handy - might have to get one when I get to new place. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I did look at scaffoldmart. The price on basic 1 section of baker scaffold was higher than local. The prices of the full two section kit and some other parts looked cheaper. But when I tried to get shipping info it said they would have to do pricing on that manually and would get back to me. Outriggers for $12 each is very good but wonder about fit.

 

[HoosierMark]

Menards has scaffolding on sale for $99 this coming week.

 

[Innovate1]

I was hoping that might happen and was thinking possibly a presidents day sale but expected more like $129. Unfortunately their sale price adjustment period is only 14 days and I bought mine about a week earlier than that. Too bad because it's about $100 savings on two. Shouldn't have gotten so eager...

 

[kj_mustang]

For other readers of this thread, one of my local building supply companies rented scaffolding at a very cheap price. I found out from my drywall contractor as the company doesn't advertise it.

 

[Bretny]

Those scaffolds are only 30in wide. May no be a problem at 8ft but 15ft it my feel like your balancing on a clothes line.

 

[gungatim]

I don't believe they recommend going more than 2 high with those. maybe with the outriggers but I agree, 3 high is probably pushing it.

 

[Higgins]

To work comfortably above 10 Ft, i'd be looking for 5x7 scafolfing with solid decking! It has cross bracing, and it's comfortable to work at 15 ft.

The one thing that is amazing is every section you add, the small the working deck feels!!!

Used scaffolding is cheep, and if you have tall ceilings you will continually have a need to use it. The only reason I sold mine was we were moving and couldn't afford the weight / space to relocate it!

AL