Podium Towers vs Scaffold Towers
Written by: Samina Ahmed
Date: 26 February 2025
Categories: , Access, Towers & Platforms, Ladders & Steps, Working at Height

Whenever working at a height, you're going to need some sort of access equipment, but which one should you choose?
In this blog, we will discuss whether a podium tower or a scaffold tower is best for your job and what other access equipment we have to hire at HSS.
Does it matter which access tower I choose?
Yes! Although podium & scaffold towers are both access equipment, each one has their own set of advantages for specific jobs.
Podium towers & scaffold towers differ in design & purpose and choosing the wrong one may lead to projects being delayed as you won't be able to complete work safely.
Podium towers
Podium towers come in a range of heights and each has their own working weight too. They are however, still smaller in size compared to a scaffold tower.
Perfect for indoor projects, podium towers offer you safety and stability for jobs at lower heights.
When assembled, they can also fit through a standard corridor or doorway so you won't be limited on where you can use the equipment.
As you can use podium towers for an extended period of time, they're suitable for DIY projects that might take longer to complete.
You'll be fully supported when using the tower thanks to the secured, stable guard-railed platform for you to stand on that helps to prevent falls.
Working solo? No problem. Some of our podium towers can be easily handled by one person. Just check the product description to find out if the podium you want is suitable to be used single-handed.
You'll be able to use a podium tower or steps for jobs like -
- Changing light bulbs
- Fixing vents
- Decorating
- Hanging curtains/décor/mirrors/pictures
- Electrical installation/maintenance
and other low-level DIY jobs around your home.
Another great thing about using a podium tower is you have 360 degree access to your work area so you won't have to keep moving it around. Sounds good to us!
Scaffold towers
Although they need a bit more effort to set up compared to a podium tower, scaffold towers give you access to higher levels that a podium tower can't.
With a sturdy platform & locking castors, you'll be able to use the scaffold tower confidently knowing that it's stable and durable.
Another way you can stay safe whilst using the scaffold tower is by double checking the safe working weight load. Doing this ensures the scaffold can safely take the weight of workers & tools needed for the job.
Available to hire in different widths & heights, scaffold towers can be used both indoors and outdoor for short or long term projects on your home.
Depending on where you'll be working, you'll be able to assemble the scaffold tower in tight spaces (just make sure you check the width of the tower you're choosing).
A scaffold tower can be used for -
- Roof repairs
- Exterior/interior painting and decorating jobs
- Installation work
- Guttering
- Plastering
and many more DIY jobs.
So who wins when it comes to podium towers vs scaffold towers?
We say it's a tie!
Podium and scaffold towers comes with their own benefits and features that make them a perfect choice for different reasons.
Podium towers are a great for low-level access jobs. They're more secure & safer than standard steps & platform thanks to the podiums 360 degree enclosed platform.
Scaffold towers are a better option for jobs at a higher level. They give you access to reach heights as tall as 28m plus, so you'll be able to use them for projects on numerous buildings.
You'll be safe on a scaffold tower as they've been designed with a sturdy platform and locking castors stabilisers.
No matter the job at hand, we think both towers will be beneficial to hire. (Just make sure you choose the right one!)
FAQs
Can I hire a podium or scaffold tower at HSS?
Yes you certainly can!
HSS DIY has a wide range of podium & scaffold towers that you can hire to be delivered on a date that suits you.
Are there other access equipment I can hire from HSS?
Absolutely.
As well as a range of towers, you can also hire -
Work platforms
Each one designed to help you with different jobs at various heights.
Do I need to wear safety gear when using a podium or scaffold tower?
We would definitely recommend you wear safety gear when using any access equipment.
From safety helmets, safety boots, glasses & goggles and more, there's various items of safety gear available to buy from HSS DIY.
Hire a podium tower or scaffold tower with HSS DIY today
If you need any help choosing the right podium or scaffold tower to hire, get in touch with our live chat experts who are happy to help.
You can also pop into your local HSS branch too.