Tubes are either steel or aluminum, although composite
scaffolding uses filament wound tubes
of glass fiber in a nylon or polyester matrix. If steel they are either 'black'
or galvanized. The tubes come in a variety of lengths and a standard diameter of
48.3 mm. (1.5 NPS pipe). The chief difference between the two types of tubes is
the lower weight of aluminum tubes (1.7 kg/m as opposed to 4.4 kg/m) and also a
greater flexibility and so less resistance to force. Tubes are generally bought
in 6.3 m lengths and can then be cut down to certain typical sizes.
Boards
provide a working surface for users of the scaffold. The board ends are
protected by metal plates called hoop irons or sometimes nail plates. Timber
Scaffold boards in the UK should comply with the requirements of BS 2482. As
well as timber, steel or aluminum decking is used or laminate boards. Couplers
are the fittings which hold the tubes together. The most common are called
scaffold couplers, there are three basic types: right-angle couplers, putlog
couplers and swivel couplers. .

Boards
provide a working surface for users of the scaffold. The board ends are
protected by metal plates called hoop irons or sometimes nail plates. Timber
Scaffold boards in the UK should comply with the requirements of BS 2482.
Couplers are the fittings which hold the tubes together. The most common are
called scaffold couplers, there are three basic types: right-angle couplers,
putlog couplers and swivel couplers. To join tubes end-to-end joint pins (also
called spigots) or sleeve couplers are used, or both together. Only right angle
couplers and swivel couplers can be used to fix tube in a 'load-bearing
connection'. Single couplers are not load-bearing couplers and have no design
capacity.
Other common materials include base plates, ladders, ropes, anchor
ties, reveal ties, gin wheels, sheeting, etc.
Despite the metric measurements
given many scaffolds measure tubes and boards in imperial units. With tubes from
21 feet down and boards from 13 ft. down.
Ladder
Style Scaffold Frame