How to Build DIY Scaffolding

By
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 10/05/22
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier

Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Wooden Scaffolding

zazamaza / Getty Images

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 2 - 3 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $250 to $275

DIY scaffolding raises your work to new heights. Indoors, scaffolding helps you paint a ceiling, install crown molding, or add recessed lights. On the exterior, DIY scaffolding can be used to paint siding, pressure wash, work on eaves and fascia, repair windows, or do other first-story work.

Before You Begin

This two-tier DIY scaffolding consists of two A-frame-shaped support legs that look like step ladders. Each support leg is hinged with a 4-inch bolt. The lower rungs are 22 inches high and the upper rungs are 45 inches high. A removable 12-foot long by 23-inch wide platform rests across the rungs. The support legs can be folded flat for easy storage.

Safety Considerations

Take special care to place the DIY scaffolding on firm, level ground. Place the standing platform only on the bottom rungs or on the next rungs up. Do not place the standing platform on the top rungs.

This DIY scaffolding is only for homeowners doing non-commercial work in their own homes. The scaffolding does not fit within OSHA guidelines for work within the construction industry, so it is not OSHA-approved.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Electric miter saw or circular saw
  • Electric drill
  • Hacksaw
  • Drill bit set
  • Speed Square
  • Pencil

Materials

  • 1 one-by-four, 8 foot
  • 1 one-by-two, 8 foot
  • 8 two-by-fours, 8 foot
  • 6 one-by-sixes, 8 foot
  • 2 two-by-twelves, 12 foot
  • 4 zinc plated hex bolts, 1/2-inch by 4-inch
  • 16 washers, 1/2-inch
  • 2-inch screws, package
  • Steel chain, 16 trade size, 120 inches total
  • 8 lag bolts, 3/8-inch by 1-inch

Instructions

  1. Cut Wood

    Begin by cutting the wood according to the chart below:

    Lumber Cut Size Quantity Function Part #
    One-by-two, 8 foot 18 inches  4 Rung spacers A
    Two-by-four, 8 foot Do not cut N/A Vertical support legs B
    One-by-six, 8 foot 36 inches 12 Rungs C
    Two-by-twelve, 12 foot Do not cut N/A Standing platform D
    One-by-four, 8 foot 22 inches 4 Standing platform connectors E

  2. Mark Hinge Location

    Use the speed square to mark 1-3/4-inch from the end and 1-3/4-inch from the side of a two-by-four (B). Drill a 5/8-inch hole at the mark. Repeat for the three other two-by-fours (B).

  3. Assemble Vertical Support Legs

    Attach two of the two-by-fours (B) with a 1/2-inch by 4-inch bolt, using washers at each end and a nut. Leave the hinged vertical support loose for now. Repeat three more times with the other two-by-fours.

  4. Add Bottom Rung to Support Leg

    Lay two of the hinged vertical support legs next to each other, 36 inches apart. Start on the left side. Use one of the rung spacers (A) as a template to measure upward from the bottom (the opposite end from the bolts).

    Repeat with another rung spacer on the right side. Add a rung (C) above each rung spacer. Starting with pilot holes, screw the rung into place with three 2-inch screws on the left side, screwing into the outermost two-by-four. Screw the other side of the rung into place on the right side, screwing into the outermost two-by-four.

  5. Add Top Rung to Support Leg

    With the bottom rung in place, again use the rung spacers (A) as templates to measure upward for the top rung. Screw the top rung into place, remembering to screw it into the outermost two-by-fours of the support leg.

  6. Add Rungs to Other Side of Support Leg

    Add rungs to the other side of the support leg as you did previously. With this side, though, the rungs must be screwed into the innermost two-by-fours. Reuse the rung spacers from the first support leg side.

  7. Build Second Support Leg

    Build a second support leg exactly as you did with the first support leg.

  8. Add Supportive Chain to Legs

    Set each support leg upright and opened up. Separate the legs by 36 inches. Use the hacksaw to cut the chain into four lengths, each length 30 inches. Use the 3/8-inch by 1-inch lag bolts and washers to attach the chains to the legs.

    Tip

    The chains are a safety device to prevent the support legs from accidentally spreading out.

  9. Build Standing Platform

    The two two-by-twelves (D) will act as a platform to stand on. To prevent the boards from separating, using 2-inch screws connect the boards with the four connectors (E). Attach one connector at each end. Attach the remaining two connectors 4 feet in from each end.

  10. Angle Feet (Optional)

    If you anticipate using the DIY scaffolding indoors, cut the feet level so they rest flat on the floor. For outdoor work, though, the feet will have better grip if they are left uncut.

  11. Place DIY Scaffolding

    Place the support legs far apart enough so that the standing platform's span is no more than 8 feet. The side of the platform with the connectors is the bottom. Be sure to place the platform at the center of the rungs. Placing the platform off-center may tip the scaffolding to the side.

When to Call a Professional

For interior scaffolding with working heights above 45 inches, rent scaffolding from a rental yard or from a home center that offers rentals. Rolling interior scaffolding with working heights up to 6 feet can be rented for $200 to $250 per week.