Scaffolding Hire Cost Calculator

Indicative 2026 UK rates are around £18-25 per m² for erection and £8-12 per m² for dismantling. Many contractors instead quote a single all-in price per m² (commonly £15-25 per m²) that bundles erection, dismantling and the first 6-8 week hire term together. Beyond that initial term, extra weeks are charged at an ongoing rate (this calculator uses about £1-2 per m² per week). A standard two-storey house scaffold (around 50m²) is often £650-1,200 all-in. System scaffold costs more per m² but is quicker to erect. These are estimates — always get a written quote.

Yes, if the scaffold is erected on or over a public highway (road, pavement, or footpath), you need a licence from the local council under the Highways Act 1980. Costs vary by council (typically £50-200 per week). The scaffolding company usually arranges this but passes the cost to you.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (regulation 12 and Schedule 7), scaffolding must be inspected before first use, after any event likely to affect stability (e.g. high winds), and at regular intervals not exceeding 7 days. Inspections must be carried out by a competent person and recorded. Where the hire company’s own competent person does the 7-day inspection it is often bundled at little extra cost (this calculator allows about £75 per visit as a nominal figure); a separate independent inspector can charge around £300+VAT per visit.

Yes. UK scaffolding contractors typically set a minimum hire term of 6-8 weeks and bill in 4-week periods, with the erection, dismantling and that initial term usually bundled into one all-in price. Weeks beyond the minimum term are charged at the ongoing weekly rate. This calculator lets you enter any number of weeks for flexibility, but for a realistic quote allow for the 6-8 week minimum that most firms apply.

Independent scaffolding is free-standing with two rows of standards and does not rely on the building for support. Putlog scaffolding has one row of standards with horizontal tubes (putlogs) built into the mortar joints of the wall. Putlog is cheaper but can only be used on new brickwork, not existing buildings.

Common additions include: staircase towers (safer than ladders), loading bays (for materials), brick guards (mesh panels to stop falling objects), debris netting (fine mesh), handrails, toe boards, sheeting (weather protection), and lighting. Each adds to the cost but may be required for compliance.