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Based in West Sussex
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Price range: £36.00 through £39.50 ex. VAT
Builders’ trestles or bandstands are a low-cost, straightforward way to create a working platform for bricklaying, painting, rendering, or plastering, among other uses.
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Sussex Depote
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They are known for their durability and sturdiness, and each trestle creates a secure platform that is flexible for simple tasks in the construction industry or DIY projects at home. They are straightforward to set up and dismantle and can be stored with ease. The trestles we sell have adjustable legs to change the height to suit, and as standard, they take four scaffold boards to create a broad platform area.
Builders’ trestles create a stable, adjustable working platform when paired with scaffold boards. They provide a safer, more spacious alternative to ladders for low-level access (typically with a platform height under 2 m), enabling better movement, tool placement, and material distribution.
Typical Use | Description & Benefits | Ideal Trades / Users | Why Trestles Are Preferred Over Ladders |
Bricklaying | Stable platform for laying bricks at a comfortable working height; supports tools and mortar tubs evenly. | Bricklayers, general builders | Wider area reduces fatigue; hands-free stability for precision work. |
Repointing / Pointing | Safe access to brickwork or stone joints for cleaning, raking, and repointing without constant repositioning. | Bricklayers, masons, restoration specialists | Even distribution prevents wobble; room for buckets and tools. |
Carpentry | Elevated surface for cutting, fitting, or assembling joinery, doors, skirting, or architraves. | Carpenters, joiners, kitchen fitters | Flat, spacious platform for saws and materials; better reach. |
Painting & Decorating | Comfortable height for walls, ceilings, coving, or high skirting; wide platform for paint trays and rollers. | Painters, decorators, interior specialists | Safer than step ladders; less strain on arms/back for extended sessions. |
Plastering & Rendering | Secure base for applying plaster, skim, or render to walls/ceilings; holds heavy buckets and tools. | Plasterers, renderers | Distributed load handling; space to move freely while working. |
Window Replacement / Repairs | Steady platform for removing, fitting, or glazing windows; supports frames and glazing tools. | Window fitters, glaziers | Stable footing for awkward angles; room for seals and fixings. |
Property Maintenance | General low-level repairs, such as fitting coving, electrical outlets, lighting, or minor structural fixes. | General maintenance teams, handymen | Versatile height adjustment; quick setup for multi-room jobs. |
Gutter, Fascia & Soffit Access | Reach for cleaning, repairing, or replacing gutters, fascias, or soffits without the need for complete scaffolding. | Roofline specialists, gutter cleaners | Portable for external low-height work; safer than extension ladders. |
General Building & DIY Tasks | Any short-duration job needing elevation, such as fitting shelves, hanging pictures, or ceiling repairs. | DIY enthusiasts, homeowners | Affordable, easy-to-store solution for home projects. |
Other Versatile Applications | Temporary workbench for cutting/sanding; low-level staging for events or workshops (non-height use). | Multi-trade users, event setup | Adaptable beyond height work; lightweight portability. |
Key Notes:
Here is a short list of just some of the benefits of using a builders’ trestle for construction or DIY works:
A maximum load of 150kg, evenly spaced, is the typical maximum load that can be taken, which should also include yourself and your equipment; however, you should always consult a specialist before use to check weight limits.
When using 38mm scaffolding boards, the overhang should be a minimum of 50mm and a maximum of 150mm.
Below are details of how many trestles you would require for 38mm scaffold boards:
Please note that if you are using boards that are shorter than 3.9m, ensure they are tied or secured to the builder’s trestles to prevent movement.
Builder’s trestles have a standard width of 970mm, allowing four 225 mm-wide scaffold planks to fit securely.
For safety, place builders’ trestles no more than 1.2 meters apart. This is the maximum distance a standard scaffold board can safely span without bending excessively or collapsing under its own weight.
You will see two pins on either side of the trestles’ legs; these pins slide into the holes to give you the height. Just pull the top bar up to adjust the height, and then insert the pins into the corresponding holes.
Our trestles are made from tubular steel and are coated with a red or green powder-coat finish to prevent rusting and corrosion.
Yes, all of the bandstands we sell have been independently quality-tested to British industry standard BS1139.
Step | Action | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
1 | Inspect trestles before use | Check for damage, bent legs, secure pins, and no rust that could affect the structure | Reject any faulty items—safety first. |
2 | Choose firm, level ground | Prevents tipping or instability | Use sole boards on soft surfaces |
3 | Adjust height evenly on all legs | Ensures a flat platform | Lock pins securely at the same level |
4 | Position trestles at correct spacing (max 1.2m) | Avoids board sag or overload | Closer for heavier loads |
5 | Lay scaffold boards with 50–150mm overhang | Secure fit, no slipping | Use retainers if available |
6 | Test platform stability (weight test gently) | Confirms no wobble | Add extra trestles if needed |
7 | Add guardrails/toeboards if the platform is>2m or edge risk | Fall protection compliance | Recommended for any prolonged use |
8 | Conduct risk assessment & brief the team | HSE/Work at Height Regs | Document for site records |
Note: Always follow manufacturer instructions and UK regulations. If unsure, consult a competent person.
Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
Exceeding 1.2m spacing between trestles | Board sag, potential collapse under load | Stick to max 1.2m; add trestles for longer runs |
Uneven leg adjustment | Wobbly or tilted platform | Level all legs individually before boarding |
Point-loading heavy items in one spot | Overstress on a single trestle/board | Distribute materials evenly across the platform |
Using damaged or non-compliant boards | Breakage or instability | Only use BS 2482 graded, 38mm+ thick boards |
Ignoring wind or soft ground | Tipping risk outdoors | Stabilise with outriggers/packing; avoid high winds |
Over-reaching from the platform edge | Fall hazard | Keep the body within the platform; reposition trestles as needed |
The steel tubular construction offers superior strength and rigidity for consistent performance on site, especially when supporting multiple scaffold boards. The powder-coated finish (red or green) provides excellent rust and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for frequent outdoor use or damp conditions, longer-lasting than basic aluminium in heavy-duty environments.
Each leg has two sliding pins that lock into pre-drilled holes for secure height changes. Simply lift the top bar to the desired level, align the holes, and insert the pins to keep the trestle locked open and stable. This quick, tool-free system allows precise adjustments without loose parts that could get lost.
Our adjustable steel trestles have a standard width of 970mm and are designed to securely support four 225mm-wide scaffold boards side-by-side. This creates a broad, stable working area (approximately 900mm usable platform width) that’s perfect for trades needing space to move materials or position tools comfortably.
Yes, while optimised for standard 38mm timber scaffold boards, they can accommodate lightweight staging boards or similar alternatives as long as the total width fits within the 970mm frame and loads remain evenly distributed. Always ensure any boards meet BS 2482 grading and overhang rules (50–150mm) for safety.
These trestles fold compactly when not in use, with legs that collapse inward for easy stacking and storage in a van, garage, or yard. Their robust steel construction withstands rough handling during transport, and the powder-coat finish helps prevent scratches or chips, making them ideal for mobile tradespeople moving between jobs.
The tubular steel frame, combined with independent quality testing to BS1139, provides reliable durability under distributed loads (up to 150kg evenly spaced per platform setup, including user and tools). This makes them a go-to choice for professionals who need sturdy, no-nonsense support without the complexity of full scaffolding.
Yes, we offer convenient bundles including multiple trestles paired with 8ft, 10ft, or 13ft scaffold boards (e.g., 2x, 3x, or 4x trestles per kit). These ready-to-go sets save time and ensure compatibility for immediate on-site setup, great for tradespeople and DIYers starting a project.
Height Level (Approx.) | Pin Position / Leg Holes Used | Typical Platform Height Achieved | Best Suited Tasks | Adjustment Tip |
Lowest Setting | Bottom holes only | ~0.5–0.7m | Indoor low-level work (e.g., skirting, flooring prep) | Start here for ground-floor stability checks. |
Mid-Range Setting | Middle holes | ~0.8–1.2m | Wall painting, decorating, and light plastering | Most common for average room heights—quick lock-in. |
Highest Setting | Top holes | ~1.3–1.7m | Gutter/fascia access, ceiling work, window repairs | Ensure even adjustment on all legs; test stability. |
Custom Fine-Tune | Mix per leg for uneven ground | Varies | Outdoor or sloped sites | Adjust one leg at a time; always re-test platform flatness. |
Note: Heights are approximate based on standard adjustable steel models—always verify on your specific trestles. Pins must be fully inserted and legs fully opened for safe use. Conduct a stability test after adjustment.
Benefit | How It Helps Users | Why It Matters for Trade/DIY |
Tubular Steel Frame | High strength-to-weight ratio; rigid support | Withstands daily site abuse better than thinner materials |
Powder-Coat Finish (Red/Green) | Excellent rust/corrosion resistance | Long service life even in wet UK weather |
BS1139 Independent Testing | Proven compliance for strength & stability | Builds confidence for professional compliance |
Foldable & Compact Design | Easy storage/transport in vans or small spaces | Saves time and space for mobile workers |
970mm Width for 4 Boards | Broad, stable platform area | More room for tools/materials than narrow trestles |
| Size | Size 1 – 0.51m to 0.71m, Size 2 – 0.76m to 1.17m, Size 3 – 1.07m to 1.68m |
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