Buying used scaffold decks: which material suits your project?

The deck is your team’s working platform. However, choosing between timber, steel and aluminium is not just a question of price, but also a question of load class and weather conditions.

Buying scaffolding decking – steel, aluminium or timber?

Scaffolding decking is far more than just a walking surface; it is the safety-critical foundation for working efficiently at height. When choosing the right deck, load-bearing capacity, weather resistance and weight must be weighed up against one another. In this guide, you will learn how to assess used decks correctly.

Steel floor coverings: the indestructible workhorses

Steel decking is the first choice for heavy-duty applications and high load classes (usually load classes 4 to 6). With a current stock of almost 100,000 units across various categories, we offer maximum flexibility in this area.

• Advantages: Extremely durable, fireproof and resistant to mechanical damage.
• Points to check when buying second-hand:
  1. Hooks: These must not be bent or cracked, to ensure they fit securely onto the U-profile or O-ledger.
  2. Perforation: The slip-resistant surface should not be so heavily clogged with concrete residue or paint that it compromises slip resistance.
  3. Corrosion: Check the galvanised coating. Superficial discolouration is normal, but rust-through at the edges of the profiles is a reason for rejection.

Aluminium access decks & composite decking: lightweight and functional

When it comes to climbing scaffolding quickly, aluminium access decks with an integrated ladder are indispensable.

• Advantages: Its light weight reduces the strain on fitters and speeds up assembly and dismantling.
• Maintenance advice: In the case of composite flooring with a plywood core, the wooden panel must be checked regularly for rot or cracks.
• Condition of the ladders: The hinges and locking mechanisms of the integrated ladders must operate smoothly and be in good working order.

Wooden flooring: The cost-effective alternative

Compared with steel and aluminium, wooden floorings are the most cost-effective solution, but are subject to the highest levels of wear and tear.

• Important: Check the labelling. Only scaffolding planks approved by the building authorities and bearing the appropriate stamp guarantee the required load-bearing capacity.
• Wear and tear: Chipped edges or deep gouges significantly reduce the static values.

CETRAC Check: When should a deck be removed?

A deck must be replaced immediately if:

1. Permanent deformation: A dent remains visible even when there is no longer any load on the deck.
2. Cracks: Check for visible welds on the claws or cracks in the aluminium profile.
3. Faulty safety device: The anti-lift safety device is no longer engaging correctly.

FAQ on second-hand scaffolding decking

Ja, sofern sie von einem Fachbetrieb wie CETRAC geprüft wurden. Wir kontrollieren jeden der über 98.000 Beläge in unserem Bestand auf statische Relevanz und mechanische Integrität, bevor sie in den Verkauf gehen.

That depends on the type of work. For painting work, load class 2 or 3 ($150-200 kg/m^2$) is often sufficient, whilst for bricklaying or storing materials, steel floor coverings in load classes 4 to 6 ($300-600 kg/m^2$) are recommended. More on load classes is available here.

Check for any significant deformation of the longitudinal profiles and inspect the condition of the mounting brackets. If the deck no longer lies flat or ‘wobbles’ on the ledger, it should be replaced.