***Scaffold boards are no longer available directly through Chichester Scaffolding.***
However, if you visit Scaffold Boards Online, you can purchase high-quality reclaimed scaffold boards made from European whitewood timber. They offer a wide range of lengths (2ft to 13ft), fast UK delivery, and click & collect from West Sussex.
This is another name for used or old scaffold planks. They have previously been used on scaffolding structures, so they are classed as worn or reclaimed. They may feature notches, paint, cement, and general wear and tear.
They measure approximately 225mm, although you should give or take a few millimetres, especially if the planks retain water.
The thickness is approximately 38 millimetres as standard.
This will depend on what the planks are being used for. Typically wooden fencing paint is suitable for outside projects. In contrast, wax or varnish will also help increase the planks’ lifespan, giving decking or a kitchen tabletop an excellent finish.
This timber is perfect for any indoor or external project. If you have the tools, spare time and love making things, you can make just about anything. Here is a list of what customers have previously made with this softwood item:
We sell old boards in various lengths, and their approximate weights are as follows:
**However, please allow for moisture within the timber.**
We primarily sell used planks that are 13ft (3.9 metres) in length, but we occasionally have other sizes available (6ft, 8ft and 10ft).
We have had many customers who have purchased our reclaimed scaffolding boards and used them for decking; We have been advised that using slip-proof paint or stain on the decked area is highly recommended.
Used boards are ideal for this and are often purchased to create tabletops, chairs, sheds, benches, decking, planters, and much more.
This type of timber is ideal for making raised beds. They can last 10 years+ if they are correctly treated and looked after.
Yes, this type of wood is also perfect for use as floorboards. They are thick, hard-wearing, and strong, so will last a long time.
Yes, they are straightforward to make by glueing or screwing the planks, then sanding until smooth to create a robust worktop.
The reclaimed planks we sell have never been treated, so it is advised that you treat the boards to help increase their longevity.
Scaffold planks are originally manufactured using European whitewood, a very high-quality, strong timber.
The best way to clean used planks is to sand away imperfections, for example, paint or cement. You can use the old-fashioned handheld sandpaper and block or electric sander.
You can use either sandpaper and block or an electric sander. Be careful not to over-sand them too much, as you could remove the reclaimed rustic look that old planks offer.
Yes, they can warp. Softwood timber is initially supplied “un-dried” to ensure each board keeps its sturdiness within the natural environment. This helps ensure the board does not warp or bend when exposed to the elements. However, it is only natural that some may become slightly warped after being used on a scaffolding structure and stored outside. Still, this does not often happen due to the whitewood timber’s quality.
The main thing to stop warping would be to ensure they are fully acclimatised. However, if a board has warped, planning them down to straighten them out is the only option.
They can split if they have been in extreme weather (sun, rain or low temperatures). There may be notches or breaks on used planks because they have been previously used as a working platform, so wear and tear can cause this. However, these splits also give the board its old, rustic look.
Reclaimed have been used on scaffolds, so they have had a lot of wear and tear and have been exposed to the elements, whereas brand new boards have never been used and are in pristine condition.
If you want to make the planks look more old and rustic, you can do a few things to give them a distressed look:
They are suitable for outside use, but none of the planks we sell are treated, so it is recommended that you use some type of treatment to ensure they last.
There are various oils or sealants available to purchase. One often recommended by our customers is Linseed oil, as it provides a strong barrier across the surface of the wood, fully protecting it.
Many customers have mentioned that high-quality Danish oil is ideal for treating reclaimed planks that will be used indoors. One brand that is often used is Osmo oil.
If you notice a significant split, that could result in the plank snapping or if you find signs of wet rot. Both will deem the board unfit for use. You should never use a scaffolding board if you notice any signs of damage.
They are made from European whitewood, which is a softwood.
The metal bands that are fixed to each end of the board are there to protect the ends from damage or splitting. They can be easily removed if required, but they are typically left on when used on scaffolds.
You can quickly cut this type of timber using a handheld saw or electric skill saw to save time.
They can be very slippery when wet. Treating these planks with non-slip wood paint is recommended if you use them for any area you need to walk on.
This will depend on how much moisture is retained in them. Customers have suggested leaving them in a heated room for a few weeks so they can completely dry out and acclimatise too. However, drying can also take a matter of days. It all depends on the environment and how wet they are; some could dry entirely within a day or so.
They are made from high-quality timber and are primarily used on construction and building sites, so they need to be strong and hard-wearing.
They can have a life span of up to 10-15 years; however, depending on what you use the planks for will affect their longevity. For example, an untreated timber plank used for a raised bed would not last as long as a treated kitchen shelf.
A timber scaffolding board has a maximum support span of 1.2 metres.
We have been informed that 80-grit sandpaper is best to sand away any reclaimed board imperfections. A 120-grit paper would be more suited for light sanding works.
A single safe load for a plank is approximately 150kg spaced evenly.
They are generally more cost-effective because a scaffold board is wider, so less will be required. As a result, it will keep the price for your decked area down compared to traditional decking wood.
This type of timber would not be suitable to use as a chopping board because it is a softwood. For this type of item, hardwood is generally used, including timber cherry, acacia, beech, teak, maple, and walnut hardwood.
This timber is made from European whitewood and is manufactured to BS2482 British standards.
If you are using these planks as a working platform, then it is recommended that they be tied down to a scaffold using board retaining clips. This fitting will ensure there is no movement. A board retaining clip connects to the edge of the plank and then to a tube that is part of the scaffold.
Glueing them together is the best and most popular option. Make sure you add a generous amount of wood glue to the side of the boards you are connecting. Allow to dry, ensuring you clamp them together to keep them in place.
Most of our new and used whitewood boards are stored in an outside yard, so they are open to adverse weather. Please consider this when using our timber boards for an indoor project, and letting them dry out first is advisable as they may retain a little moisture.
Yes, we certainly can; however, we charge for this service. Contact us for more details.
If you would like further information about our reclaimed scaffold boards or to place an order, the best way would be via email or our website contact form. Please ensure you detail the length, quantity, and complete address, including postcode, and whether you require delivery or wish to arrange collection. Once this has been received, one of our team will respond with availability and make further arrangements.