I REALLY need scaffolding for lots of jobs on a 2-story house. Never used it, but ladders just won't do in this instance. I put a "wanted" ad in the paper, got one call, he wanted $2,500 for used! My!

Is it possible to build scaffolding - out of PVC or something lighter than boards? Or what? Anyone ever built any? Got any plans? I'll bet there's some great minds out there that have done it.....Thanks!

-- Bonnie (chilton@stateline-isp.com), August 17, 2001

Answers

An alternative: at industrial auctions they usually have many sections of industrial racking. The racks are very heavy duty, come apart in pieces, have adjustable shelves with platforms and are usually cheap. With a bit of modification these should make decent scaffolds. I believe some of the construction scaffolding is made of aluminum, which may explain the high price.

-- Nospam (Yup@nospam.com), August 17, 2001.

would you want to trust it,,if it was made of PVC?? NOT ME. Could make it,, from metal,, by welding,,, or a pretty elabroate one out of wood. For an alternative,, how about ladder jacks? 2 ladders,, 15 or 20 feet apart,, with a "jack " near the top,, that holds a platform, or board,, used them alot for siding

-- STAN (sopal@net-port.com), August 17, 2001.

Why not just rent what you need? You looking to put somthing up for a long time and work when you can or just for a couple of weeks. Scaffolding is not that expensive. How about a manlift, If its sort term a manlift or personal cherry picker is great

If you build anything its gong to be heaver than anything you buy to be safe. PVC is not an option.

Are ladders with painters boards between them an option?

-- Gary (gws@redbird.net), August 17, 2001.

Not sure about your area, but here we have a lot of rental companies who often sell their rental equipment as they update, etc. Sometimes good deals can be had there. Consider this, though- if you really need the scaffolding could you purchase it used, keep it until your projects are completed, then turn around and resell it for the same price you paid? Maybe more, if it is in such short supply in your area.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), August 17, 2001.

Bonnie,

Scaffolding is not an area where you want to 'cheap out' and try to save the last nickel. Simply put, if you can't buy new, buy good used. If that's too expensive for you, rent what you need. Don't try to 'make do.' Scaffolding is one thing where I follow ALL of the OSHA guidelines. If you've never used it before, get someone who knows what they're doing to help you set it up. Square, level, plumb and true is how it MUST be done. Being off half a bubble on the first stage gets multiplied with every level you build. Make sure you set all four sides up on your work level, too. That way, when you step back to admire your work, you hit a railing instead of the sidewalk. There's no such thing as a 'small mistake' when you're 30-40 feet off the ground. I hope this helps.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), August 17, 2001.

You can make scaffolding for two story use pretty easily. Use approximately 3 or 4 foot long 2 X 4s, nail two together at right angles. across the sides of the joint, put 1X bracing. Also across the ends of the el, place 1X bracing securing the ends diagonally. Make a second such device.

To use, you place it against the side of the house in an upright position. You place a 2 X 4 in the 90 degree angle of the device and work it up to the height you need. Oh yeah, the 2 X 4 supporting the device has to be long enough to reach from the device to the ground on about a 45 degree angle. You securly stake the end of the 2 X 4 holding up the scaffolding holder. After the second scaffolding holder is in place, span the two holders with planks. If you wish, depending upon your siding, you can nail the holder to the house, then pull and fill the nail hole later.

There you have it, cheap scaffolding. While it may not look too sturdy, give it a try a short distance off of the ground and you will see that it is.

-- I don't care to give it (Doesn't matter@nowhere.com), August 17, 2001.

How do you make scaffolding? Very Carefully! Take the advice, and rent the proper equipment that you need for the job. My husband fell 20 ft off of a collapsing scaffold while doing a 'favor for a friend', one broken heel, 2 busted teeth and 10 months out of work. Some favor. That was 9 yrs ago, and he still limps, not to mention the false teeth.

-- Kathy (catfish201@hotmail.com), August 17, 2001.