Cost guide
How much does scaffolding cost?
Honest guideline pricing for the most common UK scaffolding jobs — plus the factors that move a quote up or down. Send us photos for a fixed price within the working day.
- Fully Insured£10m public liability cover on every project.
- CISRS Qualified ScaffoldersCard-carrying scaffolders on every install.
- TG20 CompliantDesigned and erected to current TG20 guidance.
- Safety-FocusedDaily inspections, scaff-tags and clear handovers.
- Reliable Install & DismantleBooked slots honoured. No missed days.
- Managed Like CommercialSingle point of contact from quote to strike.
Scaffolding cost depends on the number of lifts, the length of run, hire period, edge protection, ground conditions and whether any part of the scaffold sits over a pavement, conservatory or other obstruction. The figures below are real-world ranges we quote on most days across London and the Home Counties — use them as a sanity check, not a quote.
Typical project types
- Single-elevation re-roof scaffold (semi-detached)
- Full wrap-around re-roof scaffold (detached)
- Chimney tower
- Loft conversion and dormer scaffold
- Single and double-storey extension scaffold
- Pavement gantries and small commercial scaffolds
Guideline pricing
Real-world ranges we quote across London and the Home Counties — use as a sanity check, not a quote.
| Chimney scaffold tower | £550 – £950 | Typical 2-storey semi |
| Single elevation, terraced house | £550 – £800 | |
| Rear elevation, semi-detached | £650 – £950 | |
| Full wrap-around, semi-detached | £1,100 – £1,800 | |
| Full wrap-around, large detached | £1,800 – £3,500+ | |
| Loft conversion / dormer scaffold | £900 – £1,800 | |
| Temporary roof structure | from £2,500 | Engineered to property |
Prices exclude VAT and any required highways licences. Send photos for a fixed quote in the working day.
What affects the cost
- Number of lifts and overall height of the scaffold
- Length of run and number of elevations
- Hire period — typically 6–8 weeks included as standard
- Edge protection, brick guards, debris netting and inside boards
- Spans over conservatories, garages and other obstructions
- Highways licences for scaffold on the pavement or road
- Ground conditions and access for delivery vehicles
When scaffolding is required
- Any work over 2m where a ladder is not reasonably practical
- Re-roofing, re-tiling and slate-strip projects
- Solar PV installations (HSE require an edge-protected platform)
- Chimney repair, rebuild and removal works
- Loft conversions, dormers and roof additions
- Two-storey and high-level external rendering or painting
Benefits of professional scaffolding
- Far safer than ladders for trades working at height
- Faster and cleaner work — proper platform to work off and load to
- Required by most insurers for high-level domestic works
- Allows multiple trades to share access — roofer, plumber, plasterer
- Reduces risk to the property and to passers-by
Get a fixed-price quote
Send a few photos and your postcode — we'll come back with a clear quote and a realistic install date the same working day.
Frequently asked questions
How much does scaffolding cost for a 3-bed semi?
A typical rear-elevation scaffold on a 3-bed semi runs £650–£950. A full wrap-around for a re-roof typically £1,100–£1,800 including a 6–8 week hire.
How long does the hire period last?
Most domestic quotes include 6–8 weeks of hire. Beyond that, weekly extension rates apply — we agree this in writing before the scaffold goes up.
Do you need a licence for scaffolding on the road?
Yes — if any part of the scaffold sits on a public footway or carriageway, the council requires a highways licence. We arrange this on your behalf.
Is scaffolding cheaper in summer or winter?
Pricing is broadly the same year-round, but availability is much tighter from April through October. Booking early gets you the best install dates.
Why are quotes from different scaffolders so different?
Usually it comes down to lift count, hire period, edge protection spec and whether the scaffold is properly designed for the works. Cheaper isn't always cheaper once works overrun.
Related services
Need scaffolding? Get a same-day quote.
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