Scaffold Tower Sizes: What working height do I really need?
Anyone looking to buy a mobile scaffold quickly faces an overview full of numbers: platform height, working height, platform width, platform length. What does it all mean, and which size is right?
Platform Height vs. Working Height
The platform height is the height you stand on. The working height is the height you can comfortably work up to – meaning platform height plus approximately 2 meters. If you want to paint a ceiling at 4 meters, you need a platform height of about 2 meters, which results in a working height of 4 meters.
What working height do I need?
Normal living room ceiling (2.5 m): Working height 3.5-4 m, platform height 1.5-2 m. Vaulted ceiling or hall (5 m): Working height 5-6 m, platform height 3-4 m. Facade (8 m): Working height 8-10 m, platform height 6-8 m. Industrial building (12 m): Working height up to 14 m, platform height up to 12 m.
Width: narrow or wide?
75 cm: Narrow, maneuverable, fits through almost any door. Good for corridor or stair work. 90 cm: Good compromise. 135 cm: Maximum comfort for longer work with materials – ideal for large areas.
Platform Length
Standard lengths are 190 cm, 250 cm, and 305 cm. The length influences how much working area you cover from one position before needing to move the scaffold.
Room Scaffold vs. Mobile Scaffold
Room scaffolds are more compact, lighter, and fit through very narrow doors – ideal for indoor work up to approx. 4 meters. Mobile scaffolds offer larger platforms, higher working heights, and greater stability.
Modular Construction: Height Expandable
Most professional mobile scaffolds are modular. The working height can be increased later by adding extension frames. If you buy for 6 meters today, you can extend to 8 or 10 meters later – without having to purchase a new scaffold.
Mobile Scaffolds at Gerüstexpress
In the Gerüstexpress range, you will find mobile scaffolds in all common sizes – from the narrow room scaffold variant to the wide professional mobile scaffold for high working heights. All models are certified according to DIN EN 1004. Get free advice now – we will help you find the right model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between platform height and working height?
Platform height is the height you stand on. Working height is platform height plus approx. 2 meters of arm reach.
What width for indoor work?
75 cm or 90 cm for narrow spaces with standard doors. 135 cm for larger areas with more comfort.
Can I extend a mobile scaffold later?
For modular systems, yes – provided the extension frames are available for the model.
