Did you know? 4 fascinating facts about scaffolding

Did you know? 4 fascinating facts about scaffolding

Most of us just walk past by it without further notice. However, it is an unassuming but vital part of the construction process, providing access to work areas at height. Right, we’re talking about scaffolding! And even though it may seem simple at first sight, there’s definitely more to scaffolding than meets the eye. In this article, we'll delve into the world of scaffolding and uncover some surprising and intriguing facts that will make you see this essential tool in a whole new light.

1. How long has scaffolding been around?

The history of scaffolding is almost as long as the history of mankind itself. A bold claim, that's for sure. But the fact is that as soon as we want to reach heights beyond our own size, we need help. And we always have. For example, researchers believe that as early as 17,000 years ago, our ancestors built scaffolding to help them create their paintings high up on cave ceilings.

Scaffolding is also thought to have been used by the ancient Egyptians in the construction of their world-famous pyramids over 4,500 years ago. However, the first actual record of a scaffolding structure is found in Greece in the 5th century BC. To be precise, it was found on a wine cup with various images of an ancient bronze foundry. And if you look closely, you will spot the image of a warrior statue surrounded by wooden scaffolding.

2. Where did scaffolding originate from?

The ancient Greeks and Egyptians were not the only people who knew about the precursors of scaffolding back in the day. In ancient China, too, scaffolding structures were used to construct a wide range of buildings. And that’s not all. It is even believed that the first steps towards modern scaffolding were taken here. For example, scaffolding made of bamboo canes tied together was used to build early sections of the Great Wall. A scaffolding technique that has survived to this day, particularly in Asia.

3. When did metal scaffolding evolve?

Speaking of scaffolding materials: did you know that metal scaffolds weren’t even a thing before the 20^th century? While scaffolding today is mostly made of metal, be it steel or aluminium, back in the day wood or bamboo were the most commonly used materials in scaffolding.

As population density increased, so did the demand for construction projects - and the need for timber. The result was fairly predictable: wood began to decline rapidly in many regions and companies were forced to look for new materials. With industrialisation, this new material for scaffolding was soon found: steel. And more than a century later, steel scaffolding still dominates the global scaffolding market.

4. Who was the best scaffolder in history?

Sure, it's almost impossible to pick THE best scaffolder in history. But at least one hot contendor for the title would have to be the Italian Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. Not only did he make a name for himself as a painter, sculptor and architect, but also as an exceptionally skilled scaffolder.

Masterpieces such as his fresco on the 20-metre-high ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican would hardly have been possible without scaffolding. But standard scaffolding, erected from the ground, was out of the question for this task. This was because Michelangelo's client, Pope Julius II, insisted that the painting work should not disturb the religious services in the Sistine Chapel. At the same time, scaffolding suspended from the ceiling of the chapel would leave unsightly holes in Michelangelo’s emerging ceiling painting. Absolutely unthinkable for the notorious perfectionist.

So, Michelangelo came up with an ingenious solution: the interconnecting walkways and platforms were not anchored in the ceiling, but in the walls and above the existing paintings by other Renaissance artists. In this way, the scaffolding was completely beneath the area where Michelangelo was to paint, and could be moved around the chapel to each new painting section. A remarkable achievement, especially when you consider that more than 500 years ago Michelangelo hardly had the facilities of modern scaffolding.

Still curios for more facts and news about scaffolding? Just browse through our scaffolding blog for many exciting stories and tips about scaffolding.