Scaffold feet can scratch, gouge or even crack a concrete driveway if they're set up without proper protection — but a few straightforward precautions will keep your surface looking good. Whether you're hiring a scaffolding company or setting up lightweight hired scaffold yourself, the right padding and load-spreading approach makes all the difference.
Why Scaffold Feet Cause Damage
Standard scaffold base plates are steel, and even with a flat bottom they can grind grit into concrete when the frame is shifted or loaded. The bigger risk, though, is point loading — when the weight of the scaffold, workers and materials concentrates through a small steel foot onto a relatively small area of concrete. This can cause surface spalling or cracking, especially on older or thinner slabs. Wind movement and vibration during work can also cause the feet to rock and abrade the surface beneath them.
Use Sole Boards (Timber Pads)
The most common and effective solution is placing a sole board — a flat piece of timber — under each base plate. This does two jobs at once:
- Protects the surface by putting a soft, grippy material between steel and concrete.
- Spreads the load over a larger area, reducing point pressure on the slab.
As a general guide, scaffolders in NZ typically use:
- Minimum 50 mm thick hardwood or LVL timber (e.g., 200 mm × 600 mm or larger depending on load)
- Alternatively, scaffold-grade rubber pads or purpose-made scaffold foot pads available from hire companies and trade suppliers
The timber should be in good condition — no splits or rot — and sized to extend well beyond the base plate on all sides.
Rubber Pads and Purpose-Made Protectors
For lighter residential scaffold (the kind you might hire for a weekend paint job), rubber scaffold foot pads are a practical option. These slip over or sit under the base plate and are available from most hire companies and larger hardware retailers like Bunnings or Mitre 10. Look for pads that:
- Are thick enough to cushion the steel (at least 10–15 mm of solid rubber)
- Have a non-slip surface on both sides
- Cover the full footprint of the base plate
Some scaffolders also use carpet offcuts for light-duty situations, though these compress quickly under load and aren't suitable for heavier commercial scaffold.
Adjustable Base Plates and Levelling
Make sure each adjustable base plate (the screw-type foot) is wound down evenly so all four legs of each frame bear equal weight. An unlevel frame puts extra load on one or two feet, increasing both the scratch risk and the chance of the scaffold shifting. Use a spirit level across the frames as you set up.
- Keep the spindle extension to a minimum — most manufacturers recommend no more than 300 mm of thread exposed, though always check the specific equipment's instructions.
- On a sloped driveway, use the adjustable feet to compensate rather than packing one side with random material.
Protect Against Movement
Scaffold that can shift or rock will grind its feet into the concrete even with pads in place. To minimise movement:
- Tie or brace the scaffold to the building where possible (following the hire company's or manufacturer's instructions).
- On exposed driveways, consider wind loading — a tall scaffold frame acts like a sail.
- Check and re-tighten connections at the start of each working day.
What About Heavier or Taller Scaffold?
For multi-storey scaffold or any setup carrying significant loads (materials, multiple workers), the load-spreading calculation becomes more important. BRANZ and the scaffold manufacturer's documentation will specify minimum sole board sizes for given loads. If you're unsure, ask your scaffolding contractor — they're trained to assess this as part of their job.
Protect the Rest of Your Driveway Too
Don't forget:
- Lay down plywood sheets or rubber matting along any path workers will walk repeatedly — foot traffic carrying grit can scratch concrete just as effectively as steel.
- Cover the driveway near the work area with drop sheets or plastic sheeting to catch paint drips, mortar or debris that can stain or etch concrete.
- Remove the protection carefully at the end of the job — dragging timber sole boards across concrete can cause the very scratches you were trying to avoid.
When to Call a Professional
Scaffolding in NZ is not classified as restricted building work under the Building Act in the same way as structural or weathertightness work, but it is subject to WorkSafe NZ health and safety requirements. For anything above a single-storey height, or where the scaffold will be used by workers (including tradespeople you've hired), you should engage a qualified scaffolder. Professional scaffolders are trained in load calculations, tie-off requirements and safe erection procedures — and they'll bring the right sole boards and pads as a matter of course.
If your project involves work on the building itself that constitutes restricted building work (e.g., structural alterations, weathertight cladding), you'll also need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) for those elements.
You can find qualified local scaffolders and other tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz.
