Lacing and Bracing: Time to Standardise Scaffolding Beams at 1m and 2m Spacings

In the world of scaffolding, clarity, consistency, and safety are everything. Yet for too long, we've worked around outdated habits and legacy measurements—especially when it comes to lacing and bracing scaffolding beams. It’s time for the industry to evolve. Let’s talk straight: it’s time to move away from 1.2m and 2.4m centres and standardise to 1m and 2m spacings—just like the designers already do.

Why This Change Matters

Most scaffold designs—particularly for temporary works and beam systems—are already specified at 1m and 2m lacing and bracing centres. It’s time site-built scaffolds follow suit. Mixed measurements cause confusion, delay builds, and introduce unnecessary risk.

Lateral Bracing Plans Every Time

By adopting consistent, predictable spacings, lateral bracing plans become standardised. No more guesswork. Every job, whether it’s TG20 or full design, follows the same lateral layout. Labourers know what gear to load out. Scaffolders know exactly what to build. It’s faster, safer, and cleaner.

The Real-World Benefits

✔️ Speed: Scaffolders build quicker when the job doesn’t change. 1m and 2m spacings mean faster lifts and fewer measurement errors.✔️ Strength: Shorter beam spans and tighter lacing equals less deflection and more rigidity.✔️ Appearance: Regular 1m and 2m centres look cleaner and install neater.

Why It’s Time to Update TG20

TG20 still references 1.2m and 2.4m centres in many illustrations. These no longer reflect real-world design thinking or modern build practices. By moving to 1m and 2m spacings, TG20 would align with industry design norms, pre-fab layouts, and access/load requirements.

One System, One Method

Whether you're working to a TG20-compliant scaffold or a full temporary works design, sticking to 1m and 2m lacing and bracing means:- Labourers know what to load every time- Scaffolders only build one type of setup- Less thinking, fewer mistakes- One approach that works everywhere

Conclusion: Stronger. Neater. Faster.

Let’s simplify how we work. By standardising lacing and bracing to 1m and 2m, we align with design, reduce errors, speed up jobs, and improve scaffold performance. It’s time to let go of 1.2m and 2.4m. It’s time to update TG20. It’s time to build smarter.