NZ & Australia  |  Scaffolding & Height Safety  |  Free Tool

Scaffolding
Calculator

Estimate scaffold bays, lifts, component quantities, and hire cost for tube-and-fitting scaffolding. For NZ and Australia — compliant with AS/NZS 4576.

Free. No signup required.

1.8 m
Standard scaffold bay width
2.0 m
Standard lift height per level
5+ m
NZ: licensed scaffolder required above 5 m

Calculate Your Scaffold

Enter wall length, working height, and load class. Component counts are approximate for planning and quoting.

Scaffold Configuration

Height of topmost work platform required.

e.g. 2 for front and back of a building.

Scaffold Load Classes

ClassLoad (kN/m²)Typical use
Light0.75Painting, cleaning, light maintenance
Medium1.5Plastering, cladding, general construction
Heavy2.25Bricklaying, stone cladding, heavy materials

Load classes per AS/NZS 4576. Scaffold design must be certified by a competent person for the intended load.

Scaffold Safety & Compliance

Scaffold over 5 m in NZ must be erected by a licensed scaffolder
A handover certificate is required before the scaffold can be used on commercial sites
Inspect scaffold daily — check for missing pins, damaged boards, or movement
Ties to the building structure are required at regular intervals to prevent overturning
The working platform must be fully boarded with no gaps greater than 25 mm
Never modify or remove scaffold components without the consent of the scaffold contractor

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does scaffolding cost in NZ?

As a rough guide, expect $30–$60 per bay per week including erect and dismantle. A typical two-storey house perimeter might cost $2,000–$5,000/week. Always get a quote from a licensed scaffold contractor.

What is a scaffold bay?

One horizontal unit of scaffold, 1.8 m wide in a standard tube-and-fitting system. The number of bays = wall length ÷ 1.8 m, rounded up.

Can I erect my own scaffold in NZ?

Over 5 m, a licensed scaffolder is required. Under 5 m, a competent person must supervise. Commercial sites require a handover certificate. Use a licensed contractor for any work at height.

Running a Scaffolding or Height Safety Business?

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