How Much Does Scaffolding Cost in 2026?
The cost of scaffolding for a typical two-storey house is £500 to £1,500 for the first week including erection and dismantling. Scaffolding hire cost after that runs at £10 to £20 per metre per week. Scaffolding rental cost varies by coverage, location, and how long you need it. Here is the full breakdown by project type.
£450
Single elevation
£1,200
Full house from
£10–£20/m
Per week after
Half day
Erect time
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
Scaffolding Cost by Coverage
How much does scaffolding cost for different amounts of coverage? These scaffolding prices include erection, first week hire, and dismantling.
Single elevation (front or back)
Two-storey, ~10m wide, erect + dismantle
£450
£300 – £600
Two elevations (front + back)
Two-storey, typical terrace or semi
£700
£500 – £900
Three elevations
Two-storey, end-terrace or semi
£1,000
£800 – £1,200
Full wrap-around (4 sides)
Two-storey detached house
£1,800
£1,200 – £2,500
Chimney access tower
Single tower to chimney height
£400
£250 – £550
Scaffolding Cost by Project Type
Different home improvement projects need different scaffolding setups. Here is what to budget for scaffolding on common jobs.
| Project | Scope | Scaffold Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Guttering / fascia replacement | Full house, 2 weeks | £500 – £1,000 |
| Roof repair / replacement | Full house, 3–6 weeks | £800 – £2,000 |
| Chimney repair / rebuild | Tower scaffold, 1–2 weeks | £250 – £550 |
| Rendering / painting | Full house, 2–4 weeks | £700 – £1,800 |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Rear elevation, 6–10 weeks | £600 – £1,500 |
| Extension (two-storey) | 1–2 elevations, 8–16 weeks | £800 – £2,500 |
Additional Scaffolding Hire Cost
These extras can add to the scaffolding bill, especially on longer hire periods or properties near public land.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekly hire (after first week) | £10 – £20/m per week |
| Council pavement licence | £50 – £300 |
| Road closure / TM | £200 – £500 |
| Scaffold alarm | £50 – £100 |
| Boarding out | £5 – £15/m² |
| Scaffold sheeting | £3 – £8/m² |
Cost of Scaffolding by Region
Scaffolding prices vary by region. These are average costs for a two-elevation scaffold on a two-storey house, first week including erection and dismantling.
| Region | Average Cost | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,100 | +25% |
| South East | £950 | +8% |
| East of England | £920 | +5% |
| South West | £900 | +2% |
| Midlands | £880 | Average |
| Yorkshire | £800 | -9% |
| North West | £820 | -7% |
| North East | £750 | -15% |
| Scotland | £790 | -10% |
| Wales | £770 | -13% |
How to Get Your Scaffolding for Less
Scaffolding is often the hidden cost that catches people out. Here is how to keep it under control.
Combine jobs that need scaffolding at the same time
If you need guttering, fascias, and painting done, book them all at once so you only pay for one scaffold hire. Three separate visits means three separate scaffold erections, which could cost £1,500–£3,000 extra for no reason. Coordinate your tradespeople to share the scaffold.
Keep the hire period as short as possible
Weekly hire charges add up fast. Make sure your contractor starts work as soon as the scaffold goes up, and get the scaffolding taken down the day the work finishes. If the contractor causes delays, the scaffold company keeps charging - and it is usually you who pays.
Let your contractor arrange the scaffolding
Many contractors have preferred scaffolding companies and get trade rates. If you arrange the scaffold yourself, you may pay full retail price. Ask your main contractor to include scaffolding in their quote - they usually pass on the trade rate plus a small margin, which still works out cheaper. If you arrange it yourself, look for a company that is a member of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) for guaranteed safety standards.
Only scaffold the sides you actually need
A full wrap-around scaffold costs roughly double what two elevations cost. If you only need work done on the front and back, there is no point scaffolding the sides. Be specific with the scaffolding company about exactly where access is needed. For smaller jobs, consider a scaffolding tower hire instead — scaffolding tower hire cost per day is typically £30 to £80, which can save hundreds on minor gutter or fascia repairs.
Get at least 3 quotes before hiring
Scaffolding prices vary wildly depending on the company, access difficulty, and your location. Always get at least 3 written quotes and check exactly what is included — some companies charge extra for delivery, board hire, or weekend access. Compare the total cost, not just the weekly rate.
What to Expect: The Scaffolding Process
Here is how the scaffolding hire process works from start to finish.
- 1
Site survey and planning
The scaffolding company visits to assess the property - height, number of elevations, access, and any complications like conservatories or sloping ground. They provide a written quote covering erection, hire period, and dismantling. All scaffolding must comply with HSE scaffolding safety guidance, so check the company carries the right insurance and qualifications. If the scaffold sits on a public footpath, a council licence is arranged at this stage.
- 2
Base plate and sole board setup
On erection day, the scaffolders lay sole boards on level ground to spread the load and position base plates to support the vertical standards. Getting the base right is critical - the entire structure depends on a stable, level foundation.
- 3
Erect standards and ledgers
A team of scaffolders erects the vertical standards and connects them with horizontal ledgers and diagonal braces to form a rigid frame. The structure is built up level by level in line with HSE working at height regulations. A single elevation takes a few hours; a full house takes most of a day.
- 4
Fit platforms and guardrails
Scaffold boards are laid to create working platforms at each required level. Guardrails and toe-boards are fitted to prevent falls and dropped materials. Loading bays are added where needed for materials.
- 5
Inspection and handover
The completed scaffold is inspected for safety and compliance. A handover tag is attached confirming it is safe for use. The scaffolders explain any access restrictions and confirm the weekly hire terms. Check your garden and driveway for any damage before they leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does scaffolding cost per week?
Scaffolding hire typically costs £10–£20 per metre per week after the initial erection. The first week is usually included in the erection price. So for a typical house needing 30 metres of scaffold, the weekly hire after the first week is £300–£600. Most domestic jobs are completed within 2–4 weeks, so the total hire element is often £300–£1,200.
How much does it cost to put scaffolding up on a house?
Erecting scaffolding on a standard two-storey house typically costs £500–£1,500 for the first week including erection and dismantling. A single elevation (one side of the house) costs £300–£600. A full wrap-around for a mid-terrace is £500–£900, while a detached house needing all four sides covered costs £1,200–£2,500.
Do I need a licence for scaffolding on a pavement?
Yes. If the scaffolding encroaches onto a public footpath, pavement, or road, you need a scaffolding licence from your local council. This typically costs £50–£300 and takes 1–3 weeks to process. The scaffolding company usually arranges this for you, but the cost is passed on. You may also need temporary road signs and pedestrian walkways.
How long does scaffolding take to put up?
Scaffolding for a single elevation of a house takes half a day. A full house wrap-around takes a full day. Larger or more complex jobs - chimney access, awkward roof shapes, or properties on slopes - can take 1–2 days. The scaffolders need clear access around the property, so move bins, garden furniture, and cars beforehand.
Can I erect my own scaffolding?
DIY scaffold towers can be hired for simple jobs, but traditional tube-and-fitting scaffolding on a house must be erected by a trained scaffolder. It is a safety and insurance issue - if someone is injured on improperly erected scaffolding, your home insurance will not cover it. For any work above single-storey height, use a professional scaffolding company.
Written by Sarah Mitchell, Less.co.uk home improvement specialist
Last updated: April 2026 · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology
Need scaffolding for your next project?
Get the scaffolding sorted early so your project stays on schedule. Compare quotes from local companies.
Get Notified When Quotes LaunchFree, no obligation · Local companies · Compare up to 3 quotes
