A scaffold is a very important piece of equipment when working on building projects with high walls and ceilings. If properly built and maintained they are quite safe. It is important to follow proper safety protocol when working around and on the structure. If you are looking for material to build your scaffold there are many suppliers who offer scaffold planks for sale. Some builders even opt to purchase used planks. New or used, you want to purchase from reputable sellers and make sure that the planks meet or exceed OSHA standards. This is measured by the number of rings per inch, the slope of the grain and the number of knots and notches that are considered to be defects.
Locating scaffold planks for sale is only step one in the process. Once you have bought them you need to make sure they are properly stored in a dry, well ventilated area until you are ready to use them. The most important factor is that they are dry. Any time wood is stacked wet or too tight in highly humid areas you will be subject to wood rot and algae growth. They should be stacked above the ground in bundles supported by stickers. If it comes time to use your planks and they have deteriorated in any way, the safety and stability of your structure will be in jeopardy.
There are times when builders find quality scaffold planks for sale and then do not take the extra time and labor to care for them properly. In the long run this will actually decrease the bottom line profit due to the waste of material if it is deemed unusable. A well maintained plank can last up to several years without having to be replaced. A helpful hint for those in the high humidity areas is to take the extra time and stand your planks on end so that air circulates through them, helping to keep them dry.
While the majority of planks are made from wood you can also find scaffold planks for sale in aluminum and steel. These are much stronger than wood and can hold much more weight. As an example, the Werner 2416 Aluminum, made for two people, can hold up to 500 pounds. The storage issue is not a factor when working with these types of boards. Both types come in a variety of sizes with the wooden planks being the least expensive.