How Long Does It Take to Put Scaffolding Up?

Scaffolding is vital to the majority of construction projects. But it takes time to erect, and it’s important to factor that into the overall timeline of your work. With that in mind, how long does it take to put scaffolding up? The short answer is ‘it depends’. A range of factors can affect how long it takes to erect scaffolding at a given site, from the size of the building to the type of scaffolding being installed.

At RSUK, we’ve been designing and installing scaffolding for over 40 years. To help you understand the different factors that affect scaffolding timelines and how long your scaffolding might take to install, we’ve put together this expert guide.

Read on to learn more or, for a bespoke time estimate, call us now on 024 7531 4576.

What Affects How Long It Takes to Put Scaffolding Up?

In the same way that no two buildings are exactly alike, each scaffolding project is different. They’re affected by the size and height of the building as well as the different types of scaffolding being installed.

It’s important to account for these variations when planning your project, and to understand that different buildings require individual scaffolding structures.

Size and Height of the Building

Arguably the most important factor in how long it will take to erect your scaffolding is the size and height of your building. Scaffolding for larger or taller buildings will inevitably take longer. Whereas smaller domestic scaffolding projects can take significantly less time.

For larger or taller buildings, more scaffolding equipment is required, and the added height and scale also make the installation process more complex. More safety equipment will be necessary for taller structures in particular, and scaffolders will have to work steadily and carefully to ensure everyone’s safety. Collectively, this means the whole installation will take longer.

Type of Scaffolding Being Installed

As well as size and height, the type of scaffolding will also impact how long the installation process takes. For example, single-elevation erections are more straightforward and less time consuming than wrap around scaffolds.

Additionally, industrial and commercial scaffolding projects tend to take more time than domestic scaffolding. This is because they are typically larger and more complex, requiring more planning, materials and labour.

Typical Timeframes

So, roughly, how long does it take to put scaffolding up? As we’ve said, that varies based on a range of factors, but below are some guideline timeframes:

• Small structures: – 2 – 4 hours
• Small domestic: 1 – 2 days
• Medium commercial: 3 – 5 days
• Large or commercial: 1 – 2 weeks +

These are very rough estimates based on average weather conditions, labour availability and project complexity. In reality, some of these projects could be completed much faster or may require more time, depending on a wide range of variables.

One of the best ways to ensure that your scaffolding is erected safely but also in a time-efficient way is to work with an experienced provider such as RSUK. Thanks to more than four decades in the trade, we can perfectly balance safety and legal compliance with efficiency, creating secure structures in industry-leading times.

Does Faster Always Mean Better?

No. When it comes to scaffolding, promises of super speedy installation times are a major red flag. Erecting scaffolding safely takes time, and shouldn’t be rushed. More experienced contractors may be able to provide slightly faster turnarounds, but be wary of unusually short timeframes. Scaffolding needs to be erected in accordance with regulatory standards using equipment that’s routinely inspected and by teams that are qualified and insured.

At RSUK, our experience allows us to work efficiently, but we take safety standards extremely seriously. We never cut corners and every scaffolding we erect is designed to meet or exceed the standards laid out in the Work at Height Regulations and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).

How RSUK Ensures Efficient and Reliable Installation

RSUK is one of the UK’s leading providers and the only five star-rated West Midlands scaffolding company. Regardless of the type or size of scaffolding in question, we carefully plan every project to ensure it can be installed as time-efficiently and safely as possible.

We provide exact timeframes as part of our quoting process, allowing you to precisely estimate how long your scaffolding will take. We’ll also keep you updated throughout with any changes or setbacks, so you’re always in the loop.

For a free scaffolding quote, just call our team now on 024 7531 4576, email us at enquiries@rsuk.org.uk or fill out our contact form.