Scaffold Glossary: Lifts, Bays and Frontage Explained
A scaffold terminology glossary for homeowners: what is a scaffold lift bay, plus every term you will meet on a UK quote, defined plainly.
This scaffold terminology glossary defines the words you will meet on a UK quote. If you have ever wondered what is a scaffold lift, bay or standard, start here.
Terms are grouped by where you will encounter them.
The structure
Standard. The vertical tube that carries load down to the ground. Sometimes called an upright.
Ledger. The horizontal tube running along the length of the scaffold, parallel to the building.
Transom. The horizontal tube running across the scaffold, at right angles to the building. Transoms support the boards.
Lift. One horizontal level of the scaffold, typically 2 metres of working height. A two storey house usually needs three lifts.
Bay. The horizontal spacing between two standards, usually 1.8 to 2.4 metres. A 9 metre elevation is four or five bays.
Brace. A diagonal tube providing stability. Ledger braces run across, facade braces run along the elevation.
Tie. The connection between the scaffold and the building. Ties stop the structure moving away from or towards the wall.
Base plate. The metal plate at the foot of a standard, spreading load.
Sole board. Timber under the base plates, spreading load further on soft ground.
Puncheon. A short standard used where a full length one will not fit.
Platforms and protection
Boards. The timber or metal decking forming the working platform.
Guardrail. The horizontal rail preventing falls. Required on any platform above 2 metres.
Toe board. The upstand at platform level stopping tools and material rolling off.
Brick guard. Mesh panel between the guardrail and toe board, containing material.
Debris netting. Porous mesh across the face, catching falling material. Around £3 per square metre.
Sheeting. Near solid covering for weather protection. £3 to £5 per square metre, and it substantially increases wind loading. See Scaffold Sheeting and Wrapping Cost.
Fan. An angled deck projecting outward to catch falling material, used above public routes.
Ladder gate. A self closing gate at the ladder access point.
Types of scaffold
Independent. A scaffold standing on its own two rows of standards, not relying on the building for support. The normal domestic type.
Putlog. A single row of standards with transoms built into the wall. Used during masonry construction.
Birdcage. A grid of standards across a floor area, decked at working height, for ceiling work. See Birdcage Scaffold Cost.
Cantilever. A scaffold projecting outward with no support beneath the projecting part.
Bridged. A scaffold spanning an obstruction on beams, with support either side.
Tower. A free standing mobile platform, usually aluminium.
Stair tower. A staircase within the scaffold, replacing ladder access.
Loading bay. A reinforced section of platform for receiving materials.
Temporary roof. A covered structure over the building, protecting open roof work.
Pricing terms
Frontage. The horizontal run of the elevation being scaffolded.
Face area. Frontage multiplied by working height, in square metres. This is what most scaffolders price from.
Elevation. One face of the building. Most quotes are priced per elevation.
Full wrap. Scaffold on all workable elevations. Roughly 2.6 times a single elevation.
Erect and strike. Putting it up and taking it down. Usually a single combined charge.
Hire period. The weeks included in the quote, typically four to eight.
Extension week. Each week beyond the included period, usually 5 to 10% of the original quote.
Duty rating. What loads the scaffold may carry. Light, general purpose or heavy duty.
Standoff. The gap between the boards and the wall.
Compliance terms
TG20:21. The NASC technical guidance covering standard tube and fitting configurations. Explained in TG20:21 Scaffolding Standard Explained.
Compliance sheet. The document confirming a scaffold matches a TG20 standard configuration.
Bespoke design. Engineering calculations for a scaffold outside standard configurations. £150 to £400.
CISRS. The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme. Card colours run green, red, blue and gold.
Handover. The inspection and sign off before first use.
Scaffold tag. The notice at the access point showing the last inspection date.
Seven day inspection. The statutory re-inspection interval while a scaffold is in use.
Quick reference
| Term | One line definition |
|---|---|
| Lift | One level of the scaffold, about 2 metres of height |
| Bay | Horizontal spacing between standards, 1.8 to 2.4 metres |
| Standard | Vertical load bearing tube |
| Ledger | Horizontal tube along the elevation |
| Transom | Horizontal tube across, supporting boards |
| Tie | Connection into the building |
| Elevation | One face of the building |
| Face area | Frontage multiplied by height, in square metres |
| Erect and strike | Putting it up and taking it down |
| Extension week | Each week beyond the included hire period |
How the terms combine on a quote
A quote reading “independent scaffold, 5 bays x 3 lifts, front elevation, general purpose duty, 6 weeks hire” translates as:
A free standing scaffold, roughly 10 metres wide and about 6 metres to the top platform, on one face of the building, rated for normal construction work including roofing, with six weeks of hire included in the price.
Once you can read that sentence, comparing three quotes becomes straightforward. The checklist is in How to Compare Scaffolding Quotes.
Next steps
Run the numbers for your property. Frontage length, working height, elevations and hire period are all it needs, and the breakdown uses the same vocabulary as the quotes you will receive.