Wooden scaffold planks are commonly used as they are strong, stackable, and cheaper than aluminum platforms. They provide better footing and support for heavy materials, and do not stick to the scaffolding like aluminum platforms. Workers often use a combination of both for safety and convenience.
Scaffold planks are long wooden planks that are laid across sections of scaffold to provide workers with a place to stand and work from. Unlike a purpose built scaffolding workboard, scaffolding boards do not clip into the scaffold structure. Initially, scaffold planks are carried over the scaffold sections by workers and are placed over the scaffold sections to provide a place for workers to stand during assembly of the scaffold tower. Often, the planks are simply lifted section by section when erecting the scaffold instead of placing planks over each section of the scaffold tower.
The use of wooden scaffolding planks is common for two reasons: The planks are strong and stack easily during transportation. The main reason many scaffolding rental agents use wood scaffolding boards is that they are significantly less expensive than a purpose built aluminum scaffolding work platform. Some workers prefer the use of planks as aluminum platforms are often slippery and tend to slide on the steel tubes of the scaffolding sections. Wooden planks also absorb moisture, while aluminum versions often accumulate rainwater, creating a dangerous slippery condition.
Occasionally, wooden planks are doubled to give more support to heavy work materials such as brick and mortar. The cantilevered ends of the planks also provide a foothold for materials and supplies while the aluminum footplates stop directly at the edge of the scaffolding. Another reason why some workers often prefer the use of planks over the aluminum platform is the tendency of the platform to stick to the scaffolding. Platforms sometimes fail if the scaffolding has twisted or moved the slightest, requiring the platforms to be lifted and moved out of position at the time of failure, whereas the planks simply lift off the sections.
Using scaffolding boards not only saves time, it also saves money and generally offers the same safety as purpose-built platforms. The scaffold planks are also easy to rearrange when assembling the scaffold, providing better or better footing as you struggle to lift the scaffold sections into place. In some situations, workers will actually rig the working section of a scaffold with both an aluminum platform and scaffold planks. Work materials are often held on the aluminum platform as it has sides that prevent materials from accidentally falling off the scaffold while workers carry out the work from the scaffold planks.
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