Common Materials of Scaffolding

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