Scaffolding is essential for many building and construction projects. It provides support and stability to the platforms that employees use to move in and around the structures on which they are working, ensuring they can perform the work safely. The design and construction of scaffolding can vary from application to application. For example, in masonry projects, the type employed depends on the material (e.g., stone, brick, concrete, veneer). Below, we highlight the different types of masonry materials available and the types of scaffolds used for them.
Types of Masonry
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Masonry refers to the building of structures from masonry units and mortar. The masonry units form the bulk of the structure, while the mortar keeps the units in place. The most common types of masonry projects are:
Stone masonry. Structures made from stone are strong and durable. They can be dressed or undressed. Dressed stone structures are made from a specific size of the stone, resulting in a pattern that is clean and uniform. Undressed stone structures are made from stones of different sizes, resulting in a more natural-looking appearance.
Brick masonry. Similar to stone structures, brick structures are strong and durable. The materials are available in a wide range of colors and textures, which enables masonry professionals to tailor the structure to different aesthetic requirements. However, it can be difficult to color match bricks.
Concrete block masonry. Concrete structures are made from much larger units than stone and brick structures. As a result, they can be much faster to build. The materials are also generally more affordable, which can lead to lower project costs.
Veneer masonry. Veneer masonry is primarily used for aesthetic purposes. It does not provide any support to the structure. The masonry units are added to the outside of another structure.
Each of these masonry types carries unique challenges that necessitate the use of different scaffolding setups.
Types of Scaffolding
There are many types of scaffolding, each of which is suitable for different building and construction applications. Two of the most commonly used for masonry projects are single scaffolding and double scaffolding.
Single scaffolding. Single scaffolding is also referred to as a bricklayer’s scaffolding since it is commonly used in brick masonry applications. It features a single row of standards (i.e., vertical elements that are fixed in the ground in a row parallel to the structure), which are used along with the wall to support the rest of the scaffolding elements (i.e., the ledgers, putlogs, and platforms).
Double scaffolding. Double scaffolding is also called mason’s scaffolding. It is frequently used for stone masonry applications. It features two rows of standards, which provides additional strength and stability while eliminating the need for putlogs to be fixed to the wall.
Scaffolding Planks for Masonry Projects From Kennison Forest Products
At the start of any masonry project, it is important to choose the proper style of scaffolding to keep your team safe, whether you’re working with stone, brick, concrete, or another type of masonry material. Once you’ve chosen the scaffolding design, you also need to consider the material you use for the scaffolding walking and working surfaces. Need help selecting a material? The experts at Kennison Forest Products are here to help! We provide high-quality scaffolding planks perfect for single and double scaffolding systems.
To learn more about our products and how they can benefit your masonry project, contact us today. To discuss your requirements with one of our team members, request a quote.
Quality machine stress rated (MSR) lumber is a requirement for most construction projects. MSR lumber is graded based on mechanical stress tests that compare stiffness to bending strength. This type of lumber must also meet certain appearance standards. Roof trusses, glue-laminated beams, and wood I-beams all rely on MSR lumber for its high strength values.
Properties and Benefits of Machine Stress Rated Lumber
Generally, MSR lumber is softwood dimensional lumber assigned to various classes based on its bending strength and modulus of elasticity. Each piece must undergo daily sampling during production and be able to bend over twice its rated value. Because MSR lumber is tested using mechanical equipment rather than visual inspection, MSR ratings give a more accurate rating regarding how much stress a piece of lumber can handle.
Benefits of MSR lumber include:
Strength and stiffness: Each piece of MSR lumber varies little in terms of stiffness, so you can ensure the strength of your overall construction project.
Elasticity: MSR lumber contains sufficient elasticity to help control the bounce effect in roof and flooring structures.
Cost Efficiency: If your construction requires frequent repairs, you may end up spending more than the initial building costs. You can avoid incurring such costs by using MSR lumber because it has a significant margin of protection from defects and constant maintenance. Therefore, you can save thousands of dollars in repairs and contractor wages.
Machine Stress Rated Lumber Applications
In addition to roof trusses, glulam beams, and wood I-beams, MSR lumber is widely used in stressed-skin panels, commercial or industrial floor and roof systems, and more. In some cases, machine stress-rated lumber can replace concrete and steel.
Machine stress-rated lumber is most popular in engineered applications that require low variability in stiffness and strength. The main areas of application include:
Trusses
Floor or ceiling joists
Ceiling rafters
Beams
MSR Lumber from Kennison Forest Products
Machine stress rated lumber improves the reliability and performance of your engineered structures. Kennison Forest Products provides a wide selection of MSR scaffolding planks made of pine, a cost-effective material ideal for building.
At Kennison Forest Products, we distribute solid sawn scaffold wood planks that meet all mechanical stress ratings and visual grading requirements. All our scaffold planks exceed OSHA and ANSI regulations by maintaining high safety standards. Our planks are also clipped and rodded to prevent splitting. Contact us today for more details about our scaffolding planks, or request a quote to start your construction project.
Scaffolding offers a safe and sturdy solution for preventing falls at worksites. When building a scaffold, choosing high-quality scaffolding planks will ensure the job gets done safely. Kennison Forest Products, Inc. offers a wide selection of scaffold planks you can trust that are ready to ship to your construction location. Although setting up scaffolding can be time-consuming, following these scaffold set up instructions will ensure proper construction.
Steps to Set Up a Scaffold
To properly set up scaffolding at your worksite or facility, follow these steps:
1. Prepare and Organize All of Your Parts
Before you start assembling the scaffolding sections, it is important to organize all of your parts and tools in one place. You’ll need the scaffold unit, pigtails, toggle pins, scaffold planks, and a level. 2. Assemble the Frame and Baseplates
Start setting up a scaffold by laying the two end frames approximately 7 feet (or at the width of your cross braces) apart near your work area. Then install the baseplates to save hassle later on in the process. While scaffold models can vary in assembly, most feature an open tube that will slide over the base of the adjustable screw bar, which is then secured using pigtails, toggle pins, or other locking accessories. 3. Assemble the Cross Brace
Next, assemble the cross brace by raising one end frame and sliding the crossbar ends over the pins on the frame. Lock the pins and lay the cross brace on the ground to temporarily support the first end frame while you raise the second one. Once the second end frame is raised, place the other end of the cross brace over the pins and lock them into place. To finish this setup, repeat the same process on the opposite side. 4. Secure and Level the Scaffold
Place the scaffold at the desired location. Since a safe scaffolding installation begins with a solid foundation, add 2×10 blocks under each baseplate for sturdier support when using scaffolding on soft ground. Use the adjusting screws on the unit to level the scaffold. 5. Install the Wooden Planks
Lifting the scaffold plank from the middle, angle it through the end frames until both ends of the plank are above the frame. Level the plank and lower it until the hooks are attached to the bars of both end frames. Next, secure the plank with swivel locks. Repeat this step until you’ve installed all the wooden scaffold planks. 6. Install Guardrails
Add the guardrails by securing them to the corner posts of each frame using a pigtail, toggle pin, or other locking mechanisms. Install top and bottom guard rails between the posts. 7. Prepare and Set Up a Workstation
Bring all your work items to the scaffold platforms. Setting up a workstation on the scaffolding platforms will help you complete your project quicker and more efficiently. 8. Ensure Safe Position of Scaffolding
If setting up scaffolding around electrical power lines, watch closely when moving the scaffold around your worksite. Keep scaffolding at a safe distance from danger to keep you and your workers safe on the job.
Wooden Planks Offered at Kennison Forest Products, Inc.
When setting up a scaffold, it is important to use high-quality wooden planks. At Kennison Forest Products, Inc., our scaffold planks are made in the USA and tested for safety. We provide two types of scaffolding planks to meet your needs. Our SURE-LAM LVL planks are made using high-quality Douglas Fir veneer for superior strength, while our MSR scaffold planks are made from southern pine for enhanced strength and reliability. Our planks meet OSHA/ANSI standards to ensure optimal safety and stability. Trust our wooden planks when setting up scaffolding at your next worksite.
Choose High-Quality Planks When Setting Up Your Scaffolding
Following these steps for scaffold setup ensures a safe and efficient worksite. Kennison Forest Products, Inc. provides reliable and high quality scaffolding planks for optimal safety, while complying with industry standards. Contact us to learn more about our premium scaffold planks or request a quote today.
In the building and construction industry, scaffold boards—also referred to as walkboards or scaffold planks, scaffold wood, and scaffolding wood (when made from wood)—are materials used along scaffolding structures to facilitate safe working conditions at height. Typically, these boards are made from treated and finished wood, such as southern yellow pine or spruce, which then undergo inspection for compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Alternatives to traditional wood boards include laminated veneer lumber (LVL)—consisting of multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives.
The following blog post provides an overview of scaffold boards, outlining some of the wooden types available and the requirements for OSHA compliance.
Types of Wooden Scaffolding Board
Equipped with 80 years of combined experience in the scaffold plank industry, the team at Kennison Forest Products has the skills and knowledge to source and supply quality wooden walkboards for use in a wide range of scaffolding and contractor applications. Our product offerings include:
MSR Solid Sawn Scaffolding Planks
Our MSR Solid Sawn Scaffolding Planks offer a higher machine stress rating (MSR) per the grade rulebook that meets and exceeds industry requirements for functional and visual characteristics. Features include:
Compliance with OSHA/ANSI standards
Availability in S4S and rough surfaces and 2 inch by 10 inch and 2 inch by 12 inch sizes
Rodded ends and clipped corners
Precision end trimming and painting
Options for custom embossing and paper wrapping
Made in the USA guarantee
Made from Southern pine—a species of lumber known for its reliability—our MSR Solid Sawn Scaffolding Planks offer exceptional stability and durability, making it a cost-effective and dependable option for use by scaffold manufacturing companies and professional contractors in the masonry, plastering, and stucco industries.
Laminate Veneer Lumber (LVL)
We are the exclusive distributor of SURE-LAM 2.1E and 2.3E——made entirely in the USA from high-quality Douglas fir. The strength of the base material combined with advanced manufacturing techniques makes for a scaffold board that offers superior reliability at a competitive price. Features include:
Compliance with OSHA/ANSI standards
Rigorous testing and inspection, including by an independent third-party
Options for custom lengths, sizes, and embossing
Choice of end seal color
Made in the USA guarantee
Requirements for OSHA Compliance
According to OSHA estimates, thousands of injuries that occur in the workplace are a result of not following regulations or improper employee training regarding scaffolding safety. In regard to scaffold boards, this refers to both incorrect selection and usage.
When choosing and using wooden scaffold boards in a scaffolding application, it’s important to consider, among other factors, size, load capacity, number required, and condition. Some of the considerations to keep in mind include:
OSHA standards require at least six inches of overlap on each side of the frame.
Scaffolds should not defect—i.e., warp—more than 1/60th of their length.
Each component of a scaffolding system must be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load before being used on a project.
Safe use of scaffolding requires that the quality and strength of the system increases with more substantial applications.
Before using a scaffold board, ensure the board is properly treated and sealed by the manufacturer, which is essential to maintaining safe and sturdy conditions during construction operations.
Using scaffold grade lumber—which is of a higher quality than construction grade lumber—is also of the utmost importance. To be classified as scaffold grade lumber, the material needs to have more than six rings per inch, have few defects (e.g., knots and notches), and, for Southern pine, have a grain slope of one inch to the side for every 14 inches along the length. Additionally, the lumber should be inspected, graded, and clearly marked by a certified independent third-party agency.
Quality Scaffolds Boards From Kennison
At Kennison Forest Products, we are the premier provider of scaffold planks—including solid sawn and LVL boards—for scaffolding companies and contractors around the world. For quality products at a competitive price, you can count on us.
Scaffolds play a vital role in the building and construction industry; by providing support and stability to access and working platforms, the temporary structures ensure employees can perform their work safely. One of the key components of scaffolds is scaffolding planks. These pieces of material—also sometimes referred to as scaffold boards or walkboards—provide the surface on which employees and equipment can stand. They are available in numerous variations, differing in material and design, to suit different scaffolding applications.
At Kennison Forest Products, Inc., we specialize in wooden scaffolding planks. Below, we highlight this type and how it compares to the other types of scaffolding planks.
Types of Scaffolding Planks
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As indicated above, scaffolding planks are available in various materials and designs.Wooden Scaffolding Types
Scaffolding Planks by Material
Wooden Planks
The lumber used for scaffolding planks is a different grade than the lumber used for construction projects. The material must have more than six rings per inch, few surface and structural defects, and, in the case of Southern pine, a grain slope of one inch to the side for every 14 inches in length. Additionally, it must be inspected, graded, and marked by a certified independent third-party organization.
Two of the most commonly used types of wood scaffolding planks are:
Solid-sawn planks. Solid-sawn scaffolding planks are commonly made from Southern Pine, but they can also be constructed from Douglas Fir or other similar tree species.
Laminate veneer lumber (LVL) planks. LVL scaffolding planks are made from thin layers of wood that are bonded together with an exterior-grade adhesive.
Metal Planks
The two most common types of metal scaffolding planks are:
Steel planks. Steel scaffolding planks exhibit excellent strength and durability.
Aluminum planks. Aluminum scaffolding planks are lightweight and low cost.
Scaffolding Planks by Design
Single Scaffold Planks
Single scaffold planks are generally used in brick masonry applications. They are designed to be placed parallel to the wall surface but 1.2 meters away. Double Scaffold Planks
Double scaffold planks are typically used for stone masonry applications. They are designed to be positioned in two rows for additional strength and stability.
Comparisons Between Plank Types
Each of the above plank types offers different advantages and disadvantages that make it suitable for different applications. For example:
Solid-sawn scaffold planks are a cost-effective option that offers a good combination of strength and dimensional stability. Compared to LVL planks, they are better suited for moisture-laden environments.
LVL scaffold planks offer better strength and support at a slightly higher cost than solid-sawn planks.
Steel scaffold planks provide the greatest strength, making them ideal for high load bearing applications. However, they increase the overall weight of the scaffolding structure.
Aluminum scaffold planks reduce the weight of a scaffolding structure but are less strong and durable than steel planks. They are suitable for less demanding applications than steel planks.
Contact Kennison Forest Products for High-Quality Scaffolding Planks
Investing in quality scaffolding planks is vital to ensuring the safety of employees and equipment on scaffolding structures. For scaffolding planks you can trust in your most critical applications, turn to the experts at Kennison Forest Products.
Whether you need solid sawn or LVL boards, we’ve got you covered! Our wooden scaffolding planks are made in the USA from high-quality lumber. They offer superior strength, stability, durability, and reliability at a competitive price, so you can have peace of mind in your building and construction applications without worrying about meeting budgetary restrictions.
To learn more about our products and how they can benefit your building and construction project, contact us today. To discuss your requirements with one of our team members, request a quote.
Scaffolding is a temporary, and sometimes moveable, fabrication used by workers throughout the construction industry and associated trades. Often referred to as staging, the platforms are typically constructed of wooden planks and metal poles used to raise and support machinery, materials, and workers.
Once consisting primarily of wood construction, modern construction scaffolding utilizes several materials, such as high-quality wooden planks, aluminum and steel, and advanced designs, such as tube and clip and cup lock, to achieve its purpose.
Scaffolding Materials
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Wood
Planking is critical for safe conditions on a scaffold to properly support workers and their equipment. Wood, such as fir or pine, is the most common material. High-quality wooden planks, such as Kennison Forest Products solid sawn scaffold planks or SURE-LAM LVL (laminated veneer lumber) scaffold planks, provide durable, safe planking solutions.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a soft, ductile, corrosion-resistant metal with properties that make it suitable for use in scaffolding applications. Aluminum scaffolding is stable and secure, lightweight, and requires minimal maintenance.
Steel
Steel construction scaffolding offers excellent strength and durability while maintaining some elasticity, which helps prevent cracking. Steel can support extremely heavy loads and is a necessity for tall structures, where the weight of the scaffolding itself requires structural strength.
Tube and Clip
Tube and clip is a popular scaffold design because of the ease in assembly and disassembly. To build this type of scaffolding, tubes are connected to make long runs, and then the horizontal and vertical tube runs are clamped together with a specially designed clip.
Cup Lock
Cup lock is a multi-purpose type of scaffolding system for general access and supporting vertical loads. The system uses a circular node point that may fasten up to four components together.
6 Types of Scaffolding Used in Construction
Single Scaffolding
Single scaffolding, or bricklayer’s scaffolding as it is commonly used for that practice, is placed parallel to the wall about 1.2 m away. Standards are set about 2 to 2.5 m apart, while ledgers connect the standards at vertical intervals of 1.2 to 1.5 m. Finally, putlogs emitting from a hole in the wall, are taken to one end of the ledgers. Putlogs are placed at a 1.2 to 1.5 m interval.
Double Scaffolding
Double scaffolding, or masons scaffolding as it is often used for stone masonry, is comprised of two rows of scaffolding for added strength, and thereby support of dense stone materials. The first row is placed about 20 to 30 cm from the wall, while the second is 1 m from that. Putlogs are then set, supported by the two frames. Strong rakers and cross braces provide additional strength.
Cantilever Scaffolding
Cantilever scaffolding, also called needle scaffolding, uses needles made of timber, which are extended out or cantilevered from holes in the walls of the building. These needles then support the entire scaffold structure. Cantilever scaffolding is used when the ground won’t support a conventional scaffold, when a sidewalk or road can’t be blocked, or when construction or maintenance is required at a great height.
Suspended Scaffolding
Suspended scaffolding uses ropes or other types of rigging systems to suspend the scaffold platform from an overhead structure. The rigging system enables workers to raise or lower the platform as needed to reach the desired work level, for example in a high-rise environment.
Trestle Scaffolding
Trestle scaffolding is a versatile system ideal for maintenance projects and simple jobs. The design of a trestle scaffold makes it easy to move and is often used by painters and builders when a flexible and secure platform is required.
Steel Scaffolding
Steel scaffolding is a highly durable scaffolding system constructed with steel tubes coupled together with fittings for ease of assembly and disassembly. It offers the great strength, durability, and high fire resistance; it is widely used when an entire structure is under maintenance.
In the construction industry, scaffolding plays a critical role in many worksites. The structures help establish safe working conditions for employees operating at elevated heights by offering support and stability to access and working platforms. However, aboveground operations also inherently carry a heightened risk of worker injury from falls and falling objects. In 2003 and 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 4,500 injuries and over 40 deaths were attributed to scaffold-related accidents. A more recent study indicated over 72% of injuries in scaffold-related accidents stemmed from faulty equipment, falling, or falling objects. The risk of these and other accidents occurring can be reduced by complying with scaffolding safety standards.
OSHA’s Standards for Scaffolds and Scaffolding
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) imposes numerous rules and regulations that outline safe work practices for construction sites, including in regard to the design, construction, and use of scaffolds and scaffolding. These standards focus on protecting workers from scaffold-related hazards, including, but not limited to, falls, falling materials and equipment, and electrocution. Below we outline some of the general OSHA requirements for scaffolds.
Capacity: The scaffold and individual scaffolding components must be able to support their own weight plus at a minimum four times the maximum intended load without failing.
Scaffold platform construction: OSHA standards define the acceptable design and construction characteristics for all components of the scaffold platform, including the planking, work area width, and guardrails. For example, the planking should be able to support its own weight plus four times the intended load, the work area should be at least 18 inches in width, and guardrails must be installed on all scaffolds with open sides and ends that allow for a fall of more than 10 feet.
Supported vs. suspended scaffolds: Supported scaffolds are supported by rigid support elements, while suspended scaffolds hang from ropes and other non-rigid elements. Both types have standards addressing safe design, construction, and use.
Access: Scaffolds must have an acceptable form of access (e.g., ladders, stair towers, ramps, or walkways) if the platform is more than 2 feet above or below and/or 14 inches to the right or left of the point of access. A safe point of access should be present during erection and dismantling operations.
Use: The use of shore and lean-to scaffolds is prohibited in construction worksites. Additionally, employees are not permitted to use scaffolds if they are covered by ice, snow, or other slippery substances (except for the removal of the substances) or are too close to powerlines.
Fall protection: Employers must give employees fall protection equipment for operations involving scaffolds more than 10 feet above ground or a lower level. The equipment provided depends on the type of scaffold employed.
Falling object protection: Barricades, catch platforms, canopy structures, debris nets, guardrail systems, screens, and toeboards should be installed to protect employees from falling materials and equipment. Employees should also wear hard hats when on or near the scaffold.
For a more comprehensive outline and explanation of OSHA’s scaffold and scaffolding standards, check out their guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry.
Additional Safety Standards Followed by Kennison Forest Products
In addition to OSHA standards, some companies—such as Kennison Forest Products—also comply with other industry standards when designing and manufacturing their scaffolding components to ensure the safety of their customers.
At Kennison Forest Products, we’ve supplied high-quality scaffold planks that meet and exceed industry standards for over 30 years. Due to their superior strength and durability, scaffolding companies and contractors across the globe know they can rely on our products for their needs. Our planks meet all applicable OSHA/ANSI requirements and are independent third party inspected.
To learn more about scaffold and scaffolding safety standards, reach out to your scaffolding training consultant for further information. To learn more about scaffolding options and how we can help provide scaffolding solutions for your next construction project, contact us or request a quote today.
