How to choose the right scaffold tower

21 July 2026

How to Choose the Right Scaffold Tower: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Working at height safely starts with choosing the right equipment. Whether you're a professional contractor, facilities manager, maintenance engineer or homeowner, selecting the correct scaffold tower will improve safety, increase productivity and help you complete your project efficiently.

With so many different scaffold towers available, it can be difficult to know which one is best suited to your requirements. Questions such as "What height do I need?", "Should I choose a single or double width tower?" and "Do I need an aluminium or GRP tower?" are common among first-time buyers.

This guide explains everything you need to consider before purchasing a scaffold tower, helping you make an informed decision that suits your work, your environment and your budget.

What Is a Scaffold Tower?

A scaffold tower is a temporary mobile access platform designed to provide a safe and stable working area when carrying out tasks at height.

Unlike ladders, scaffold towers allow users to work comfortably with both hands while offering greater stability and a larger working platform.

Scaffold towers are commonly used for:

  • Building and construction
  • Painting and decorating
  • Roofing repairs
  • Electrical installations
  • Window installation
  • Gutter maintenance
  • Property maintenance
  • Industrial maintenance
  • Warehouse work
  • Facilities management

Choosing the right tower ensures you can work safely while remaining compliant with current safety standards.

Step 1 – Consider Your Working Height

The first question to ask is:

How high do you actually need to work?

Many people make the mistake of buying a tower that's either too small or much larger than necessary.

As a general guide:

  • Low-level work – Podium Steps
  • Up to approximately 4 metres – Small scaffold tower
  • 4–8 metres – Standard industrial scaffold tower
  • 8–12 metres – Large industrial scaffold tower

Remember that your working height is different from your platform height.

Working height is typically estimated by adding approximately 2 metres to the platform height, although this can vary depending on the user's height and the task being undertaken.

Choosing the correct height improves safety and avoids unnecessary costs.

Step 2 – Single Width or Double Width?

One of the biggest decisions is choosing between a single width or double width scaffold tower.

Single Width Towers

Single width towers are approximately 0.85 metres wide.

Advantages include:

  • Ideal for narrow access
  • Easier to transport
  • Suitable for domestic properties
  • Fits through many standard doorways
  • Perfect for confined spaces

Single width towers are commonly used by electricians, decorators and maintenance engineers working indoors.

Double Width Towers

Double width towers are approximately 1.45 metres wide.

Benefits include:

  • Larger working platform
  • Greater working comfort
  • More space for tools and materials
  • Ideal for two-person working
  • Increased productivity on larger projects

Double width towers are widely used on construction sites, commercial maintenance projects and industrial applications.

Step 3 – Aluminium or GRP?

The material your scaffold tower is manufactured from plays an important role.

Aluminium Towers

Aluminium scaffold towers are:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to transport
  • Quick to assemble
  • Cost-effective
  • Suitable for most construction and maintenance work

They are the most popular choice for general working at height.

GRP Towers

GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) scaffold towers are:

  • Electrically non-conductive
  • Suitable for electrical environments
  • Highly corrosion resistant
  • Commonly used by utility companies and electrical contractors

If you're working near live electrical equipment, a GRP scaffold tower is usually the safest choice.

Step 4 – Where Will You Be Working?

Your working environment has a significant impact on the type of tower you should choose.

Indoor Use

Indoor work often requires:

  • Compact dimensions
  • Easy manoeuvrability
  • Lightweight construction

Single width towers or podium steps are often ideal.

Outdoor Use

Outdoor work requires consideration of:

  • Ground conditions
  • Wind exposure
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Weather conditions

Always ensure your scaffold tower is erected on firm, level ground and follow the manufacturer's guidance regarding maximum working heights and the use of stabilisers or outriggers.

Step 5 – How Often Will You Use It?

Occasional DIY users may only require a smaller tower for home maintenance.

Professional contractors who use scaffold towers every day should invest in a high-quality industrial system designed for frequent assembly and transport.

Although premium towers may cost more initially, they often provide better durability and lower long-term ownership costs.

Step 6 – Check the Safety Standard

When purchasing a scaffold tower, always ensure it complies with recognised standards.

Modern mobile access towers should meet the requirements of EN 1004, which specifies safety and performance requirements for mobile access towers.

Buying from a reputable supplier helps ensure you're purchasing equipment manufactured to recognised quality standards.

Step 7 – Think About Transport

How will you transport your scaffold tower?

Questions to consider include:

  • Does it need to fit inside a van?
  • Will it be transported daily?
  • Will one person assemble it?

If portability is important, aluminium towers provide significant advantages due to their lightweight construction.

Step 8 – Consider Future Expansion

Many professional scaffold tower systems are modular.

This means you can often purchase a smaller tower initially and later increase its working height by adding additional frames, braces and platforms.

Buying a modular system provides flexibility as your business grows.

Step 9 – Don't Forget Replacement Components

Over time, scaffold tower components naturally experience wear and tear.

Being able to purchase replacement parts individually can significantly reduce ownership costs.

Common replacement components include:

  • Horizontal braces
  • Diagonal braces
  • Platforms
  • Castors
  • Adjustable legs
  • Toe boards
  • Outriggers
  • Base plates

Purchasing from a supplier that stocks replacement components helps keep your tower in service for many years.

Step 10 – Choose a Trusted Supplier

Buying from an established supplier offers several advantages.

Look for businesses that provide:

  • Clear product information
  • Replacement components
  • Expert advice
  • Nationwide delivery
  • Responsive customer support
  • Transparent returns policies

A reputable supplier should also be able to help you choose the most appropriate tower for your application rather than simply selling the most expensive option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many buyers make the same mistakes when purchasing a scaffold tower.

Avoid the following:

  • Buying a tower that's too small.
  • Choosing a tower that's heavier than necessary.
  • Ignoring the working environment.
  • Forgetting about replacement parts.
  • Selecting price over quality.
  • Using aluminium towers near electrical hazards.
  • Failing to inspect the tower before use.

Spending a little extra time selecting the right tower can save both money and frustration later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size scaffold tower do I need?

The correct size depends on your working height, available space and the type of work being carried out.

Is a single width tower strong enough?

Yes. Single width towers are designed for professional use and provide excellent stability when erected correctly.

Are double width towers safer?

Not necessarily. Both single and double width towers are safe when assembled correctly. Double width towers simply provide a larger working platform.

Can scaffold towers be used outdoors?

Yes. However, users should always follow the manufacturer's guidance regarding wind conditions, stabilisers and safe working practices.

Should I buy aluminium or GRP?

For general construction and maintenance work, aluminium towers are usually the best option.

For electrical work or environments where contact with live equipment is possible, GRP towers are recommended.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right scaffold tower is about far more than simply selecting a working height. You should also consider where you'll be working, how frequently the tower will be used, the available space, transport requirements and whether electrical hazards are present.

For most users, a lightweight aluminium scaffold tower offers the ideal balance of strength, portability and value. However, GRP towers remain the preferred solution for electrical environments where additional protection is required.

At Leader Pro, we supply a comprehensive range of industrial scaffold towers, podium steps, replacement components and access equipment suitable for professional contractors, businesses and homeowners across the UK.

If you're unsure which scaffold tower is best for your project, our experienced team is always happy to help you find the right solution.

Related Articles

You may also find these guides useful:

  • Aluminium vs GRP Scaffold Towers: Which One Should You Choose?
  • What Is an EN1004 Scaffold Tower?
  • Scaffold Tower Components Explained
  • Scaffold Tower Safety Checklist
  • Industrial vs Trade Scaffold Towers