Single Width vs Double Width towers

21 July 2026

Single Width vs Double Width Scaffold Towers: Which Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing the correct scaffold tower is about much more than simply selecting the right working height. One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to buy a Single Width Scaffold Tower or a Double Width Scaffold Tower.

Both options provide safe and stable working platforms when assembled correctly, but they are designed for different types of work, environments and users. Understanding the advantages of each can help you improve productivity, increase safety and avoid purchasing equipment that isn't suited to your needs.

In this guide, we'll compare single width and double width scaffold towers, explain where each excels and help you decide which option is best for your next project.

What Is a Single Width Scaffold Tower?

A single width scaffold tower typically measures approximately 0.85 metres wide. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for working in restricted spaces where a wider tower would be impractical.

Despite its narrower design, a single width tower still provides a safe and stable working platform when assembled correctly and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Single width towers are commonly used by:

Electricians
Decorators
Property maintenance companies
Facilities management teams
Window installers
General builders
DIY users

They are particularly popular for indoor work where access is limited.

Benefits of a Single Width Scaffold Tower

Compact Design

One of the biggest advantages of a single width tower is its narrow footprint.

This allows it to fit into areas where larger towers simply cannot be used, including:

Hallways
Corridors
Narrow pathways
Internal rooms
Side access between buildings
Warehouses with tight aisles

For many maintenance jobs, this flexibility is invaluable.

Easier to Transport

Because they use fewer components and have a narrower frame, single width towers are generally easier to transport.

This makes them an excellent choice for contractors visiting multiple sites each day.

Quicker to Store

The smaller footprint also means single width towers require less storage space.

This can be particularly beneficial for tradespeople working from vans or businesses with limited warehouse capacity.

Cost Effective

Single width towers generally cost less than comparable double width systems due to the reduced quantity of materials required.

For users working alone or carrying out lighter maintenance work, they often represent excellent value.

What Is a Double Width Scaffold Tower?

A double width scaffold tower is approximately 1.45 metres wide, providing a significantly larger working platform.

The increased width offers more room for both workers and equipment, making these towers ideal for larger commercial projects and professional construction work.

Double width towers are widely used by:

Construction companies
Roofing contractors
Industrial maintenance teams
Facilities management companies
Local authorities
Commercial decorators
Mechanical contractors

Benefits of a Double Width Scaffold Tower

Larger Working Platform

The biggest advantage is the increased working space.

A wider platform provides:

More room to move
Space for tools and materials
Greater comfort during longer jobs
Improved productivity

When carrying out extensive work at height, this additional space makes a noticeable difference.

Ideal for Two-Person Working

Many construction tasks require two people to work together safely.

A double width tower provides sufficient platform space for multiple users while still allowing room for equipment.

Always follow the manufacturer's guidance regarding the maximum safe working load and number of users.

Better for Larger Projects

If you're working on large commercial buildings or carrying out lengthy maintenance projects, the extra platform width can significantly improve efficiency.

Examples include:

Rendering
Cladding installation
Commercial decorating
Roofing
Building maintenance
Industrial servicing

Greater Workspace

The larger platform means fewer trips up and down the tower to collect tools or materials.

This can improve productivity while reducing fatigue throughout the working day.

Key Differences Between Single and Double Width Towers

Although both tower types provide safe access equipment, there are several important differences.

Width

Single Width

Approximately 0.85 metres wide.

Double Width

Approximately 1.45 metres wide.

The wider platform provides more working space but also requires more room around the tower.

Working Area

Single width towers provide sufficient space for one person carrying out general maintenance work.

Double width towers provide a much larger working area, making them more comfortable for extended projects.

Portability

Single width towers are easier to transport due to their smaller size and lighter overall weight.

Double width towers remain portable but require more vehicle space.

Assembly

Both tower types are straightforward to assemble when following the manufacturer's instructions.

However, single width towers generally require fewer components, making assembly slightly quicker.

Cost

Single width towers usually have a lower purchase price.

Double width towers require additional materials and larger platforms, increasing the overall cost.

Single Width vs Double Width Comparison

Feature	Single Width Tower	Double Width Tower
Tower Width	Approximately 0.85m	Approximately 1.45m
Working Space	Good	Excellent
Indoor Access	Excellent	Good
Narrow Areas	Excellent	Limited
Two-Person Working	Limited	Excellent
Tool Storage	Good	Excellent
Transport	Excellent	Good
Purchase Price	Lower	Higher

Which Tower Is Best for Indoor Work?

For most indoor maintenance work, a single width scaffold tower is the preferred option.

Its compact dimensions allow it to fit through many standard doorways and into confined working areas.

Typical indoor applications include:

Decorating
Electrical work
Ceiling repairs
Lighting installation
Warehouse maintenance
Office refurbishment

Which Tower Is Best for Outdoor Projects?

Both tower types are suitable for outdoor use.

However, if space allows, many contractors prefer double width towers because the larger platform provides greater comfort and improved productivity during longer projects.

Typical outdoor applications include:

Exterior decorating
Roofline maintenance
Cladding installation
Window replacement
Commercial property maintenance

Which Tower Is Better for Professional Contractors?

For contractors who regularly work on commercial construction sites, double width scaffold towers are often the preferred choice.

The additional working space allows easier movement, improved productivity and greater comfort throughout the day.

However, contractors carrying out service and maintenance work at multiple locations often favour single width towers because of their portability.

Can One Person Use a Double Width Tower?

Yes.

A double width scaffold tower can be used safely by one person provided it has been assembled correctly and is used within the manufacturer's specified limits.

The larger platform simply provides additional working space rather than requiring multiple users.

Choosing the Right Tower for Your Business

Before purchasing a scaffold tower, consider the following questions:

Will you mainly work indoors or outdoors?
How much working space do you require?
Do you often work alone?
Will multiple people use the tower?
Does the tower need to fit through standard doorways?
How often will it be transported?
Do you need space for tools and materials?

Answering these questions will usually make the correct choice much clearer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a single width scaffold tower safe?

Yes. When assembled correctly and used according to the manufacturer's instructions, single width towers provide a safe and stable working platform.

Is a double width tower more stable?

Both tower types are designed to provide safe stability when erected correctly.

Double width towers benefit from a wider base, but both require stabilisers or outriggers where specified by the manufacturer.

Which tower is easier to transport?

Single width towers are generally easier to transport because they occupy less space and use fewer components.

Which offers better value?

If you mainly work in confined spaces, a single width tower offers excellent value.

If you regularly undertake larger commercial projects, the increased productivity offered by a double width tower often justifies the additional investment.

Can I expand my tower later?

Many professional scaffold tower systems are modular, allowing additional frames, braces and platforms to be added as your requirements change.

Final Thoughts

Both single width and double width scaffold towers provide safe, reliable access solutions when selected for the correct application.

A single width scaffold tower is ideal for electricians, decorators, maintenance engineers and anyone working in confined spaces where manoeuvrability is essential. Its compact design, ease of transport and lower purchase price make it an excellent choice for many users.

A double width scaffold tower offers a larger working platform, greater comfort and additional space for tools and materials, making it the preferred option for commercial construction, industrial maintenance and larger projects.

The best choice ultimately depends on your working environment, the type of projects you undertake and how much platform space you require.

At Leader Pro, we supply a comprehensive range of both single width and double width scaffold towers, along with replacement components, podium steps and specialist access equipment. Our experienced team is always happy to help you choose the most suitable scaffold tower for your specific application.

You may also find these guides useful:

How to Choose the Right Scaffold Tower
Aluminium vs GRP Scaffold Towers
Industrial vs Trade Scaffold Towers
Scaffold Tower Components Explained
What Is an EN1004 Scaffold Tower?