Platform vs Working vs Tower Height: Scaffolding Guide

Platform height is how high the deck is. Working height is how high a person standing on it can reach, and tower height is the full height of the structure. Mix them up and you rent a tower that is too short for the job, or pay for one that is taller than you need.

On our narrow aluminium towers the three numbers always follow the same pattern:

• Platform height: ground to the top of the deck. This is the number everything else is built from.
• Working height: platform height + 2 m.
• Tower height: platform height + 1 m, because the guardrails stand above the deck.

So a tower with a 5.3 m platform has a 7.3 m working height and a 6.3 m tower height. The rest of this guide shows how to measure your job and pick the right model.

The three heights, defined

What is platform height?

Platform height is the distance from the ground to the deck the worker stands on. It is the figure that decides how high you can safely work, and the one to check against your site: a platform that is too low forces people to overreach.

What is working height?

Working height is how high a person standing on the platform can comfortably reach with their hands. On our narrow towers it is the platform height plus 2 m. If a duct, ceiling or light fitting is at 6 m, you need a working height of at least 6 m, not a platform height of 6 m.

What is tower height?

Tower height is the overall height of the structure, including the guardrails above the platform. On our narrow towers it is the platform height plus 1 m. It matters for access, not reach: check it against doorways, ceilings, beams and the clear height of the room before you move the tower.

The three heights on four models

• IN022: platform 1.2 m, tower 2.2 m, working 3.2 m
• IN052: platform 4.2 m, tower 5.2 m, working 6.2 m
• IN084: platform 7.3 m, tower 8.3 m, working 9.3 m
• IN124: platform 11.3 m, tower 12.3 m, working 13.3 m

The full list of 13 models is on the Narrow Scaffolding page. Other types, such as stairway, zig-zag and bridge towers, are built to their own specifications, so check the model table on each product page rather than assuming the same +1 m and +2 m pattern.

How to choose the right height

Start from the highest point you need to reach, then pick the first model whose working height meets or exceeds it. Then check that the tower height fits the room.

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1. Measure the highest point of the work. This is the ceiling, duct, rack top or light fitting, measured from the floor.
2. Pick the first model with a working height at or above that number. Do not round down.
3. Check tower height against the room. Tower height is platform + 1 m, so it must clear beams, sprinkler pipes and low doorways on the way in.
4. Check the outdoor and wind limits. Our narrow towers can stand free to 12.3 m indoors and 8.3 m outdoors. Above those heights, speak to us before installation.

Minimum narrow model by the highest point you need to reach:

• Up to 3.2 m: IN022 (working 3.2 m, platform 1.2 m)
• Up to 4.2 m: IN032 (working 4.2 m, platform 2.2 m)
• Up to 5.3 m: IN042 (working 5.3 m, platform 3.3 m)
• Up to 6.2 m: IN052 (working 6.2 m, platform 4.2 m)
• Up to 8.2 m: IN073 (working 8.2 m, platform 6.2 m)
• Up to 10.2 m: IN094 (working 10.2 m, platform 8.2 m)
• Up to 12.2 m: IN114 (working 12.2 m, platform 10.2 m)

For jobs that need a wider platform, a staircase for carrying tools, or access over an obstacle, a different tower type may suit better. See the Stairway, Zig-Zag and Bridge Type pages, or use the scaffolding load calculator to check platform load for your job. For pricing, request a quote with your working height and we will recommend a model.

Platform height by common job

Because working height is platform height plus 2 m, you can work backwards from the highest point you need to reach. Subtract 2 m and you have the platform height to look for.

• Painting a 4 m ceiling: look for a platform height of about 2 m.
• Changing lights at 6 m in a warehouse: look for a platform height of about 4 m.
• Facade or wall work up to 8 m: look for a platform height of about 6 m.

These are starting points. Allow for the real reach of your team, the tools they carry and the clearance under the ceiling, then compare with the full list on our narrow scaffolding page.

Three mistakes that cost time and money

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• Ordering by platform height. A 6 m platform gives roughly 8 m of reach, not 6 m. Order by the working height you need.
• Ignoring tower height. A tower that reaches the work can still be too tall to move through a doorway or under a beam. Check platform + 1 m against the room.
• Renting too tall. Each extra metre adds cost, set-up time and a larger base. Pick the first model that meets your working height, not the tallest available.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between platform height and working height?

Platform height is the height of the deck you stand on. Working height is how high you can reach from it. On our narrow towers, working height is platform height plus 2 m.

What is tower height?

The full height of the structure, including the guardrails. On our narrow towers it is platform height plus 1 m.

Which height should I use when choosing a tower?

Working height. Measure the highest point you need to reach and choose a model whose working height meets or exceeds it.

How high can an aluminium scaffolding tower stand free?

Our narrow towers can stand free to 12.3 m indoors and 8.3 m outdoors. Above that, talk to our team before installation.

Can I use a tower on uneven ground?

The tower must stand level and plumb before anyone climbs it. Do not pack the base with bricks, planks or loose material. If your floor slopes or has steps, tell us before ordering so we can suggest a safe set-up.

When do I need outriggers?

Outriggers widen the base so a taller tower stays stable. Whether you need them depends on the platform height, whether you work indoors or outdoors, and the load on the deck. Check your set-up with our scaffolding load and outrigger calculator.

Before you work at height, run through our scaffolding safety checklist.

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