Can You Use Scaffold Boards for Decking?
If you like the look of wide, rustic timber boards, you may have wondered whether scaffold boards can be used for garden decking.
The short answer is yes, scaffold boards are often used for decking and landscaping projects, but they need to be prepared, installed and maintained properly if they are going to live outdoors.
Standard scaffold boards are typically around 225mm wide and 38mm thick, giving them a much wider and more substantial appearance than many conventional decking boards.
That wide plank appearance is one of the main reasons scaffold board decking has become popular for rustic gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and contemporary landscaping projects.
Why Use Scaffold Boards for Decking?
The biggest difference is the look.
Traditional decking usually has narrow, uniform boards, often with a grooved surface. Scaffold boards create a much broader plank effect, with natural timber grain, knots and variation remaining visible.
They can work particularly well for:
• Rustic garden decking
• Outdoor seating areas
• Raised decking
• Garden rooms
• Pergolas
• Outdoor kitchens
• Pub and restaurant gardens
• Landscaping projects
Because scaffold boards are around 225mm wide, fewer individual boards may be required to cover the same width compared with narrower decking products.
Are Scaffold Boards Designed for Decking?
Not originally.
Scaffold boards are manufactured primarily for use as working platforms within scaffolding systems. Purpose made decking boards, by comparison, are specifically designed for outdoor decking applications.
That distinction matters.
Using scaffold boards for decking does not mean simply laying untreated scaffold boards outside and forgetting about them.
The timber needs to be suitably prepared and protected for exterior use.
Do Scaffold Boards Need Treating Before Being Used Outside?
In most cases, yes.
Standard scaffold boards are commonly supplied as untreated softwood. When they are used outdoors, they need suitable protection against moisture and weathering.
Depending on the project and desired appearance, exterior timber protection may include:
• Exterior wood oil
• Exterior timber stain
• Wood preservative
• Suitable decking treatment
• Additional protection to cut ends
Treatment should be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Particular attention should be given to cut ends, edges and other areas where moisture could enter the timber.
Will Scaffold Board Decking Last Outside?
How long any timber deck lasts depends heavily on how it is prepared, installed and maintained.
Moisture is one of the biggest considerations.
Timber that remains permanently wet or has poor airflow underneath it is more likely to deteriorate. Good deck construction therefore needs to allow water to drain away rather than remaining trapped against the boards.
Regular maintenance is also important.
The exact maintenance schedule will depend on the finish used, the location of the deck and how exposed it is to rain and sunlight.
Are Scaffold Boards Slippery When Wet?
Any exterior timber surface can become slippery when wet, particularly if algae, dirt or organic material is allowed to build up.
Regular cleaning can help prevent the build up of surface contamination.
This is particularly important in shaded areas where decking may remain damp for longer periods.
Where extra grip is required, a suitable exterior anti slip treatment may also be worth considering.
New or Reclaimed Scaffold Boards for Decking?
Both can create very different results.
New Scaffold Boards
New boards generally provide a cleaner and more consistent starting point.
They can still contain knots, grain variation and other natural characteristics, but the overall appearance tends to be less weathered.
They are particularly suitable if you want a rustic deck without it looking heavily reclaimed.
Reclaimed Scaffold Boards
Reclaimed boards can have considerably more character, including:
• Previous fixing marks
• Surface wear
• Colour variation
• Weathering
• Saw marks
• Other signs of previous use
That can look great in the right garden, but reclaimed timber should be carefully checked for condition and suitability before it is used.
For a permanent outdoor project, appearance should not be the only consideration.
Scaffold Boards vs Traditional Decking Boards
Neither is automatically better. They create different types of deck.
Scaffold boards tend to suit projects where the customer wants:
• Wide timber planks
• Rustic character
• Visible knots and grain
• A less uniform appearance
• Something different from standard decking
Traditional decking boards may be preferable where the priority is:
• A product manufactured specifically for decking
• Consistent dimensions and appearance
• Purpose designed profiles
• Lower preparation requirements
• A more conventional finish
The right option depends on the look you want, your budget and how much maintenance you are prepared to do over time.
Can Scaffold Boards Be Cut to Size for Decking?
Yes.
One of the easiest ways to simplify a decking project is to have the boards prepared around the dimensions of the deck before installation.
At Daves Hardwood, we supply bespoke scaffold board decking packages from our workshop in Billericay, Essex.
Rather than simply supplying standard lengths, we can prepare timber around your project requirements.
Depending on the project, your decking package can include:
• Scaffold boards cut to your required lengths
• Boards sanded and prepared
• Your chosen timber finish
• Bespoke cutting requirements
• Quantities based around your measurements
• Trade and larger volume orders
Our main service is the supply of prepared decking packages, allowing you or your chosen tradesperson to complete the installation.
For selected decking projects local to Billericay, we may also be able to provide installation.
How Do I Work Out How Many Scaffold Boards I Need?
The starting point is the overall size of your proposed deck.
You will normally need:
- The total width of the decking area
- The total length of the decking area
- The direction you want the boards to run
- Any steps, changes in level or unusual shapes
- An allowance for gaps and cutting
Because standard scaffold boards are approximately 225mm wide, the number required can be estimated from the overall dimensions of the deck, but the exact quantity will depend on the proposed layout and spacing.
At Daves Hardwood, you can send us your measurements, drawings or photos and we can quote around the requirements of the project.
What Colour Can Scaffold Board Decking Be?
You do not have to leave scaffold boards looking like unfinished pale timber.
Exterior finishes can dramatically change the overall appearance.
Depending on the product used, scaffold board decking can work with:
• Natural timber finishes
• Light oak tones
• Medium oak
• Dark oak
• Rustic brown finishes
• Very dark brown or near black finishes
A darker finish can work particularly well alongside modern brickwork, rendered buildings, garden rooms and black framed windows or doors.
Remember that real timber varies naturally, so stain and oil will not necessarily produce an identical colour across every board.
That variation is part of the character of the finished deck.
Is Scaffold Board Decking Right for Your Garden?
Scaffold board decking is worth considering if you want a deck with a more substantial, rustic appearance than conventional decking.
The key is understanding that scaffold boards require the correct preparation and ongoing care when they are used outdoors.
A successful project should consider:
• Timber condition
• Exterior treatment
• Drainage
• Ventilation
• Appropriate board spacing
• Suitable fixings
• Regular maintenance
• Safe deck construction
For structural, raised or more complicated decking projects, you should use an appropriately experienced installer and ensure the supporting structure is suitable for the intended load.
Bespoke Scaffold Board Decking Kits in Essex
Daves Hardwood supplies bespoke scaffold board decking kits across Essex and surrounding areas.
From our workshop in Billericay, we can prepare the boards around your project rather than forcing your garden into a fixed size decking kit.
We welcome enquiries from:
• Homeowners
• Landscapers
• Builders
• Carpenters
• Garden designers
• Decking companies
• Property developers
Simply send us your proposed decking dimensions, postcode and any photos or plans you have.
Request a bespoke scaffold board decking quote from Daves Hardwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use scaffold boards as decking?
Yes. Scaffold boards are commonly used for garden decking and landscaping projects. However, standard scaffold boards are not purpose made decking boards, so suitable preparation, exterior treatment, installation, drainage and maintenance are important.
What size are scaffold boards?
Standard timber scaffold boards are typically approximately 225mm wide and 38mm thick.
Are scaffold boards already treated?
Standard scaffold boards are commonly supplied untreated, so boards intended for permanent outdoor use usually need a suitable exterior timber treatment.
Can Daves Hardwood cut scaffold boards to size?
Yes. We can prepare scaffold boards to your project measurements as part of a bespoke decking package.
Does Daves Hardwood install decking?
Our main decking service is the supply of bespoke prepared decking packages. Installation may also be available for selected projects local to Billericay, Essex.
Where does Daves Hardwood supply decking kits?
We are based in Billericay and supply scaffold board decking packages across Essex and surrounding areas.
Request a bespoke scaffold board decking quote from Daves Hardwood.