An interior scaffold helps contractors, DIYers, and construction workers reach places in the home they would not be able to otherwise.
If you’re thinking, “the scaffold sounds like a ladder,” you’re not alone.
It’s common for people to think of the scaffold as being synonymous with a regular ladder. Both tools help the person using them reach a height they would not be able to otherwise.
It’s an easy association to make. Although, thinking of a scaffold as another version of a ladder is comparable to thinking of a car as another version of a bicycle.
People use cars to get from point A to point B faster than they would be able to if they were walking. Similarly, people use bicycles to get from point A to point B faster than they would be able to if they were walking.
While the car and the bicycle both solve the same problem, there are plenty of instances where it is not practical to travel via bicycle.
Bad weather, hills, and long distances all get in the way of the bike’s functionality.
In the same fashion, the ladder is met with many limitations that the interior scaffold overcomes. Let’s dive into some use cases for interior scaffolds below.
Working With Numerous Tools
Anyone that’s ever painted walls higher than eight feet is aware of what a nuisance it can be to constantly travel up and down the ladder to replenish their paint brush.
Of course, there’s always the option of resting your paint supply on the top cap of the ladder — but that comes with the inherent risk of accidentally painting your carpet or hardwood the same color as the walls.
For those looking to skip hundreds of trips up and down the rungs or the constant fear of spilling paint everywhere, the interior scaffold may be a better option.
The large, flat panel that spans across the scaffold provides painters with the space they need to lay out all of their brushes, colors, and trays.
For this same reason, contractors that repair drywall at high heights prefer to use the interior scaffold. They can keep their saw, drill, dust mask, tape measure, etc. close by and ready for use.
Working On Uneven Surfaces
No one wants to work on a wobbly ladder. Even the slightest difference in elevation can lead to instability.
That’s not to mention projects that involve working in stairwells. How do you use a ladder to accomplish these tasks?
You can’t.
The scaffold, on the other hand, is adjustable. It can be set up on hills, stairwells, and uneven ground. One side of the scaffold can be extended while the other side is shortened, creating a level surface for you to work on.
Over 10,000 people a year are injured due to improper use of ladders. Using a scaffold can prevent injury in cases where it’s too dangerous to rely on a ladder.
They provide comforting stability and can keep you safe while you work. Why do you think professional construction companies rely so heavily on the scaffold for their daily operations?
It keeps their employees safe and allows everything to run more smoothly.
Quick Note: In addition to uneven surfaces, certain weather conditions make the use of a ladder unsafe. Rain can make the ground soft, leading to unevenness and make the rungs slippery which increases the chances of someone falling off while going up and down the ladder. While this article is on interior scaffolds, outdoor scaffolds are significantly safer than ladders when working on projects outdoors.
Accomplishing The Job With Speed
On the topic of running smoothly, interior scaffolds are great for improving speed and efficiency.
If you need to get the job done quickly, they are one of your most valuable assets.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards, it is safe for up to three people to work on one scaffold at once (provided that combined, they weigh less than 750 pounds).
This means that using a scaffold could allow you to finish the job three times faster than you could if you chose to work with a ladder.
Further, some interior scaffolds have wheels. This allows it to be moved across various locations on the job site easily (or through narrow spaces).
The true beauty of the interior scaffold can be appreciated when you imagine painting a large, tall wall — you finish painting one section of the wall, and with all of your tools and supplies resting atop the flat panel of the scaffold, you simply climb down and slide the scaffold to the next area that needs work.
That type of efficiency and workflow is just not possible when using a ladder.
Start Working In Flow Today
With all of the benefits of the interior scaffold, you may be ready to buy. The thing is, as with many great inventions, scaffolds can be pricey.
If you’re someone who works on projects that would be easier with a scaffold occasionally, but not enough to justify the purchase; or you just aren’t sure whether or not it’d be worth it to have one, you should consider renting a scaffold.
Here at Northside Tool Rental, we have a large inventory of scaffolds (and plenty of other tools) available for rental.
If you’re not working on projects that require a specific tool on a weekly or even monthly basis, why buy when you could rent?
Chances are, we have what you need. Here’s our inventory and for more information on how we can help, contact us today.