Frame, modular, Cuplock or tube and fitting: scaffolding systems compared
Four families of scaffolding cover almost every job. Choosing the right one saves time on site and money in the yard.
| System | Typical use | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame scaffolding | Facades, renovation, insulation, painting | Very fast, few different parts, low price per m² | Fixed bay widths, less flexible on complex shapes |
| Modular / ringlock | Industry, round buildings, stages, shoring, facades with offsets | Connections in many directions, high load capacity, very adaptable | More parts, higher price per m² |
| Cuplock | Shoring, industrial access, large facades | Robust node points, fast assembly of grids | Fewer connection angles than rosette systems |
| Tube and fitting | Special shapes, repairs, bracing other systems | Unlimited geometry | Slow to erect, needs experienced crews and design |
Frame scaffolding
Pre-welded frames about 2 m high carry decks in each lift; guard rails and diagonal braces complete the bay. Common widths are around 0.7 m for finishing trades and around 1.0 m for masonry and heavier loads. Used frame scaffolding is the most economical way to equip a facade crew: browse our frame scaffolding.
Modular scaffolding
Standards with rosettes at regular intervals accept ledgers and diagonals from several directions. The same parts build facade scaffolds, birdcages, stair towers, grandstands or shoring. Typical systems in our stock are listed under modular scaffolding; single standards and ledgers are available as components.
Cuplock
Ledgers are locked into cups that slide down the standard. The system is particularly common in the UK, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. See our Cuplock offers and Cuplock components.
Tube and fitting
Tubes of 48.3 mm diameter are connected with couplers. Nearly every scaffold uses some tubes and couplers for bracing or special details, even if the main structure is a system scaffold.
Steel or aluminium?
Steel is robust and cheaper per square metre; aluminium is much lighter, which speeds up erection and reduces freight costs. Many crews combine steel frames with aluminium or timber decks. See steel and aluminium scaffolding.