UK cost guide

Scaffolding Cost UK

Typical UK scaffolding hire costs per square metre, by house type and project setup.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · Sources & data · Methodology

Typical planning cost£20–£25 per m²
Broader project rangeAbout £250–£1,200+ by setup and duration
Planning figures are estimates rather than quotations. Live calculators combine dated UK benchmarks with clearly separated modelling assumptions such as region, size, condition and specification.

What affects the cost?

Scaffolding cost depends on building height, elevations, hire duration, access, bridges over conservatories, chimney work and permit requirements.

  • Scaffold area and height
  • Number of elevations
  • Hire duration
  • Restricted access
  • Bridges, towers or chimney work
  • Permits and inspections

Typical cost breakdown

Erection & dismantling30–45%
Equipment hire30–45%
Transport & access10–20%
Permits, inspections & extras5–20%

Regional planning examples

The examples below apply our published modelling factor to the same national benchmark. They are not claimed as observed city-wide average quotes.

London£30–£30 / m²
Manchester£20–£20 / m²
Birmingham£20–£20 / m²
Glasgow£20–£20 / m²
Cardiff£20–£20 / m²

Sources used for this guide

Checkatrade

Scaffolding Costs: Price Breakdown 2026 (UK)

Published / checked: February 2026

Used for: Scaffolding per-m², weekly and monthly hire benchmarks

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

What does scaffolding cost per m²?

A current UK planning benchmark is around £20–£25 per m² for scaffolding hire.

How much is scaffolding for a two-storey semi-detached house?

A current planning example is around £875 for a standard hire period, with access and duration affecting the final quote.

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