Where to buy scaffolding planks

Scaffolding has been around in some form or another for centuries. The first use of scaffolding may have been at the Great Wall of China or the Pyramids. While in China, the first scaffolds were made of bamboo, the scaffolds of today are made from steel. Scaffolding consists of stands with planks upon which the workers can access their work. These planks come in various lengths and configurations and are available at more than one source.

Building supply stores

Building supply stores, especially those which are known to cater to commercial contractors, can be a source of scaffolding planks. There, you will be able to view the planks and match them with your specifications. The main drawback is that since these planks are located in a store which carries a wide range of building supplies, the selection may not be as broad as at other stores. You may find that you will not be able to buy the plank you need from the floor, but may have to special order it through the store catalogue.

Specialty stores

Buying scaffolding at scaffolding supplies stores would offer you a wider selection of scaffolding boards, due to the fact that the store is able to be more selective in its inventory. At these stores, you will find other items which have to do with scaffolding, such as ladders, scaffolding tubes and perhaps
heavy-duty tool boxes. The range of scaffolding planks will be much greater here. You may also find that the heavier-duty planks - perhaps not available at building supply stores - are available here.

Used scaffolding

One of the last sources for scaffolding planks is through construction companies which are either downsizing, upgrading, or going out of business. In these situations, you will be able to find used scaffolding for sale, along with used scaffolding boards. When going this route, one thing is of utmost importance: inspect the scaffolding plank carefully before buying it. Since the equipment is used, you want to make sure it is in good condition. If the frame of the scaffolding plank if rusty or damaged, pass. You do not want to risk the possibility that it may collapse under the workers' weight. Where replacing the wood which forms the top of the plank is quite simple, reinforcing a damaged steel or aluminum frame is not.