Scaffolding is a common site in any urban setting. It seems to be a very simple structure made of pipes and boards. In practice, they are a very diverse group of specialized and often complex structures. The official definition describes scaffolding as a temporary, working structure that allows work to be carried out at various heights. Nevertheless, their functions range rather widely. 

The construction industry probably makes the most use of these structures. Scaffolding is erected both during work on new structures and during renovation of older buildings. Scaffolds are most often used by people responsible for buildings facades and roofs, like painters, plasterers and roofers. They can also be used in places like ships, both naval and recreational. 

Here are some of the most common type of scaffolding materials and structures:

• Modular: The elements that make up modular scaffolding are connected at fixed points that are spaced at equal intervals. It is most often used as free-standing scaffolding, usually at church towers or assembly of stands and stages.
• Scaffolding Stands are stiffened with stringers, and diagonal (wall) braces. They are used both indoors and outdoors. Stands allow for considerable loads and are most often used for facade works on buildings up to 100 feet high. 
• Column Scaffolding consist of vertical pipes to which smaller elements are connected. It is used for construction projects at low heights, most often for residential buildings and single-family houses. They allow for higher mobility and rearrangement of smaller scaffolding segments. 
• Trestle Scaffolds consist of two spatial supports and a platform, usually made of thick boards. They are used indoors for various construction, renovation and electrical works. 
• Frameworks are flat frames that allow for easy and safe movement. The advantage of this type of scaffolding is the speed and ease of assembly and disassembly. Frame scaffoldings are also perfect for changing the width of platforms.
• Cantilever Scaffolding are connected to the building, anchored from the inside. Each element is properly stiffened and supported, which guarantees its stability. They are used in building superstructures, particularly in high buildings where there are no stories available. However, the booms supporting the platforms cannot protrude more than 5 feet outside a structure. 

Another factor that influences the division of scaffoldings is the way they are used, such as:

• Mobile Scaffolding has rigid elements equipped with self-aligning wheels that enable it to move without the need to disassemble re-assemble. They are often used in halls and auditoriums. It is important that the surface on which the scaffold stands is flat. All wheels are equipped with appropriate brakes. However, misfunction of brakes can lead to accidents with costly consequences.
• Still Scaffolding is used for long-terms construction projects. They are in turn used for mostly large and tall buildings. However, the scaffolding around the building is completely unfolded once. Any additional mobility requires full assemble and disassembly. 

The last factor that divides the types of scaffolding is the material from which they were made. The breakdown is as follows:

• Wooden
• Steel
• Aluminum
• Other materials

Wooden scaffolding has been practically completely replaced by steel and aluminum solutions. The newer solutions are more functional, easier to install and, above all, more durable in terms of quality. When it comes to large facilities, what counts is mobility, quick assembly and disassembly of the segments, and the strength of the elements.