5 Best DIY Scaffold Platform for Reaching Windows
Author: Reece Thompson | Updated on November 16, 2020
Sometimes, a ladder just doesn't cut it if you need that boost or a stable work area. The next best option is to get a scaffold tower platform for DIY jobs.
Have you ever reached too high with a paintbrush and throught "I might tip over here"? I definitely have and I nearly had a mishap that could have prevented me from writing this article.
Sometimes, it makes sense to accept that:
Your ladders aren't long enough and;
Even if they were, the platform wouldn't be stable.
Tower scaffolding are your next best option if either ladders or scaffold ladders don't cut the mustard.
You don't need to go all in and hire scaffolding from a local company. Just buy a portable one and you can use it for all your jobs and you might even be able to hire it out yourself to local DIYers.
What might you need one for?
painting soffits, gutters and fascias.
attending to blocked gutters
cutting branches on trees
installing a CCTV system
a small pointing job
washing your windows on the first floor
Sometimes, it makes sense to accept that:
Your ladders aren't long enough and;
Even if they were, the platform wouldn't be stable.
Tower scaffolding are your next best option if either ladders or scaffold ladders don't cut the mustard.
You don't need to go all in and hire scaffolding from a local company. Just buy a portable one and you can use it for all your jobs and you might even be able to hire it out yourself to local DIYers.
What might you need one for?
painting soffits, gutters and fascias.
attending to blocked gutters
cutting branches on trees
installing a CCTV system
a small pointing job
washing your windows on the first floor
These are just a small selection of jobs that you might need a scaffold tower for.
Scaffold platforms are a convenient addition to your garage. You can use it to reach any place that you can't get using a ladder and they provide more stability.
They almost always have built-in wheels for you to move the platform around.
If it does have wheels, they'll be lockable so that you can secure them into a place and make it stable while working on painting window sills or whatever it is you're doing.
Once the task is complete, you can dismount and disassemble it.
All the ones listed on this page can be stored without needing tons of space. It's a trusted tool for those between DIY and professionals as they're light, compact, accessible, and safe.
An example you ask? You might need to reach your windows for various reasons like cleaning, fixing it, or even replacing the window pane. The scaffold platform is the right tool for you in this case.
Scaffold platforms are a convenient addition to your garage. You can use it to reach any place that you can't get using a ladder and they provide more stability.
They almost always have built-in wheels for you to move the platform around.
If it does have wheels, they'll be lockable so that you can secure them into a place and make it stable while working on painting window sills or whatever it is you're doing.
Once the task is complete, you can dismount and disassemble it.
All the ones listed on this page can be stored without needing tons of space. It's a trusted tool for those between DIY and professionals as they're light, compact, accessible, and safe.
An example you ask? You might need to reach your windows for various reasons like cleaning, fixing it, or even replacing the window pane. The scaffold platform is the right tool for you in this case.
1. HOMCOM Scaffolding Ladder
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One of the most prominent toilet rails grabs out there. Medline comes with a history of a good reputation.
They manufacture almost every consumer-level medical equipment.
This safety rail has a silver-coloured aluminium body, armrest padding, and anti-slip padding. The equipment comes in 4 parts detached.
Though it comes with no installation manual, it’s pretty easy to figure out and install on your own.
Unfortunately, even the armrests have solid plastics, so not as comfortable. The best thing about this safety rail is that you can adjust both the width and the height.
The width can be from 8 inches to 24 inches, and the height can be adjusted between 26 inches to 31 inches from the floor. Like most standard rail, this one also supports up to 300 pounds of weight.
They manufacture almost every consumer-level medical equipment.
This safety rail has a silver-coloured aluminium body, armrest padding, and anti-slip padding. The equipment comes in 4 parts detached.
Though it comes with no installation manual, it’s pretty easy to figure out and install on your own.
Unfortunately, even the armrests have solid plastics, so not as comfortable. The best thing about this safety rail is that you can adjust both the width and the height.
The width can be from 8 inches to 24 inches, and the height can be adjusted between 26 inches to 31 inches from the floor. Like most standard rail, this one also supports up to 300 pounds of weight.
Positives
- Multi functional
- Sturdy and durable
- Wide usage
Negatives
- More for the DIYer
- Limited reach
2. VonHaus Mobile Work Platform
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This is a compact platform that you can use not only for cleaning but also for a lot of other household uses. You can set this up when you need, and the process is easy, and you can fold it into a compact form and store it when done. It's a solid platform that's made out of double steel tube frame which is capable of handling 226 kg of load.
It features two platforms that you can use to store a lot of essential tools while working. It comes with four smooth locking wheels for the convenience of moving around.
Why you should buy it: This is great if you are looking for something affordable with other features. It might be a bit heavy though because of the metal build, but the wheels can make you forget about the wheels.
It features two platforms that you can use to store a lot of essential tools while working. It comes with four smooth locking wheels for the convenience of moving around.
Why you should buy it: This is great if you are looking for something affordable with other features. It might be a bit heavy though because of the metal build, but the wheels can make you forget about the wheels.
Positives
- Folds out easily
- Mobile and compact
- 2 year warranty
Negatives
- Not always in stock
3. CLOW 5 Work Platform
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This is another aluminium scaffold tower from CLOW that's enriched with various features. It comes with many ladders that come in handy. It is very lightweight because of the build that makes it quite easy to move around.
This ladder is 1.6 m in tall and 2.75 m in width in width that is good for household use. It comes with base stabilisers that are wide and ensures most stability and safety. The load capacity is 150 Kg that will get your job done with ease.
Why you should buy it: If you want something compact and lightweight, you should buy this. This ladder is a bit expensive, but you won't regret spending some extra bucks on it.
This ladder is 1.6 m in tall and 2.75 m in width in width that is good for household use. It comes with base stabilisers that are wide and ensures most stability and safety. The load capacity is 150 Kg that will get your job done with ease.
Why you should buy it: If you want something compact and lightweight, you should buy this. This ladder is a bit expensive, but you won't regret spending some extra bucks on it.
Positives
- Lightweight aluminium construction
- Static vertical load of up to 150Kg
- Folds flat for easy storage
Negatives
- No instructions on assembly
4. TecTake Scaffold Tower Ladder
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This is a 3 in 1 scaffold tower that includes scaffolding, double-sided step ladders. It gives you a wide platform that you can work on and keep your essential things. It features solid lightweight, aluminium construction.
The platform is adjustable and smooth. The base is solid with rubber feet that lock the scaffolding platform and make it a reliable tool.
Why you should buy it: This is a lightweight and that can make you reach windows with convenience.
The platform is adjustable and smooth. The base is solid with rubber feet that lock the scaffolding platform and make it a reliable tool.
Why you should buy it: This is a lightweight and that can make you reach windows with convenience.
Positives
- Large standing area of 147 x 40 cm
- 3-in-1 platform ladders
Negatives
- Difficult to assemble
- Some bolts arrived rusted
5. STILLIAC Scaffold Tower Ladder
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This is one of the most compact scaffolding platforms that you can find in the market right now. It features an aluminium build with a sleek finish. There is a ladder that you can use to reach the platform with much ease.
And after you're done working with it, you can fold it into a very compact form factor and store it. The assembling process is very easy. This non slip platform is very stable with the 4 feet and the extra wide rungs for the ladder feet.
Why you should buy it: If you want something compact, solid, elegant, you should go for this. There is barely any con of this product other than being expensive.
And after you're done working with it, you can fold it into a very compact form factor and store it. The assembling process is very easy. This non slip platform is very stable with the 4 feet and the extra wide rungs for the ladder feet.
Why you should buy it: If you want something compact, solid, elegant, you should go for this. There is barely any con of this product other than being expensive.
Positives
- Locking wheels - easily manoeuvrable
- Light, aluminium scaffold tower
- Easy to assemble
Negatives
- Height could be a bit more
- Platform feels a little flimsy
How We Decided On Our Winner
These are some of the best DIY Scaffold Platform for Reaching Windows that you can get in the market right now. If I get to choose, I will opt for the VonHaus because of its being, enriched with features, and affordable. Good luck choosing the best DIY scaffold platform for you!
FAQ and Buying Guide
Why a Mobile Scaffold Platform?
A scaffolding platform can be much better than a ladder in so many instances.
While working, you will need access to some tools that you need to keep in front of you. But a ladder won't allow you that as it has a little space that won't be able to accommodate your necessary tools. So, a ladder won't be the best option for you.
But if you are using a platform to work on your window, you will be able to place all your necessary tools. And a ladder is not likely to reach a window if it's a bit higher, but for a scaffolding platform, height should be no issue.
If you want to move, you need to unlock the wheels and push it to your location where you need. The stability of a scaffolding platform is much better than a ladder. A ladder can be wobbly which you would want to avoid while working.
So, if you consider these things, a scaffolding platform beats a ladder in this case. And not windows, scaffolding platforms is a great option when it comes to reaching.
Some warnings before working on a scaffolding platform:
It's not recommended to use a scaffolding platform without knowing some safety measures. As it has wheels make sure to lock it when you are working because the platform will move and become unstable. Resulting in many fractures, even worse.
If you want to move it, you can unlock the wheels and push it. If you push it without unlocking, you might damage the wheels that might affect the safety. Make sure to level the platform with the uneven ground before using it for ensuring most stability.
Tower scaffolds might have riggers and don't rush or take shortcuts while using it. Place your steps with utmost patience.
Platforms are out of different types of materials, and their integrity can differ. They have limits. So, make sure you don’t exceed the limit.
It is always recommended to stay far below the limits for extra safety. Consider the weather condition before using it.
If the weather is windy or even if there is a mere possibility for a strong wind to blow, do not use it. There are a lot of examples of scaffold platform accidents caused by wind.
Make sure to assemble the DIY tower scaffold using all the included parts before using it. Even a single missing part can weaken the platform by a big margin. When you move, you should reduce the height because it gives balance and avoids obstruction.
A scaffolding platform can be much better than a ladder in so many instances.
While working, you will need access to some tools that you need to keep in front of you. But a ladder won't allow you that as it has a little space that won't be able to accommodate your necessary tools. So, a ladder won't be the best option for you.
But if you are using a platform to work on your window, you will be able to place all your necessary tools. And a ladder is not likely to reach a window if it's a bit higher, but for a scaffolding platform, height should be no issue.
If you want to move, you need to unlock the wheels and push it to your location where you need. The stability of a scaffolding platform is much better than a ladder. A ladder can be wobbly which you would want to avoid while working.
So, if you consider these things, a scaffolding platform beats a ladder in this case. And not windows, scaffolding platforms is a great option when it comes to reaching.
Some warnings before working on a scaffolding platform:
It's not recommended to use a scaffolding platform without knowing some safety measures. As it has wheels make sure to lock it when you are working because the platform will move and become unstable. Resulting in many fractures, even worse.
If you want to move it, you can unlock the wheels and push it. If you push it without unlocking, you might damage the wheels that might affect the safety. Make sure to level the platform with the uneven ground before using it for ensuring most stability.
Tower scaffolds might have riggers and don't rush or take shortcuts while using it. Place your steps with utmost patience.
Platforms are out of different types of materials, and their integrity can differ. They have limits. So, make sure you don’t exceed the limit.
It is always recommended to stay far below the limits for extra safety. Consider the weather condition before using it.
If the weather is windy or even if there is a mere possibility for a strong wind to blow, do not use it. There are a lot of examples of scaffold platform accidents caused by wind.
Make sure to assemble the DIY tower scaffold using all the included parts before using it. Even a single missing part can weaken the platform by a big margin. When you move, you should reduce the height because it gives balance and avoids obstruction.
Things you need to consider before buying a scaffolding platform
There are quite a few things that you need to consider before buying. Because you can't go to the market and grab a random one to find out that you wasted your money.
You need to determine how often you are going to use it. You need a heavy-duty scaffolding platform if you need to use it in construction sites. And if you need it for home, like cleaning windows and stuff, a light scaffolding platform will get your job done.
You need to know how long do you want the scaffolding platform to be. There are different size variants available in the market for you to choose from.
You don't need a very tall platform if you want to reach your ceiling, but if you want to reach your windows. You'll need a tall scaffolding platform because windows can be a lot higher.
You need to consider the build quality and material it's made out of. Safety always comes first, and you need the best build quality that will lower the odds.
Picking the best scaffolding platform for you can be a tough job as there are a lot of options available. We got you covered with our top 5 picks for your convenience. I am going to discuss these products in brief and why you should buy them.
You need to determine how often you are going to use it. You need a heavy-duty scaffolding platform if you need to use it in construction sites. And if you need it for home, like cleaning windows and stuff, a light scaffolding platform will get your job done.
You need to know how long do you want the scaffolding platform to be. There are different size variants available in the market for you to choose from.
You don't need a very tall platform if you want to reach your ceiling, but if you want to reach your windows. You'll need a tall scaffolding platform because windows can be a lot higher.
You need to consider the build quality and material it's made out of. Safety always comes first, and you need the best build quality that will lower the odds.
Picking the best scaffolding platform for you can be a tough job as there are a lot of options available. We got you covered with our top 5 picks for your convenience. I am going to discuss these products in brief and why you should buy them.
Our Winner...
HomCom Multi
NW Home Buyers
We are a local company based in the North West of England that buys, renovates and sells properties that are in need of repair. We also review and compare products and tools that we've used in our refurbishment projects.