Scaffold base plates are commonly around 150 x 150 mm, with heavier-duty versions up to about 200 x 200 mm for softer ground or higher loads. The plate is usually 5 to 8 mm thick steel with a fixing hole in each corner. A larger plate spreads the load over a wider area and reduces ground pressure.

Yes, scaffold base plates are usually made of galvanised steel so they resist rust in outdoor, wet and ground-contact conditions. The zinc coating protects the plate through long site periods and repeated reuse. Galvanised plates keep their strength and stay free of corrosion where they meet damp soil or concrete.

A scaffold base plate can be bolted or screwed down through the holes in its corners, or simply set on a firm surface such as a scaffold board or concrete pad to spread the load. On soft ground, place it on a timber sole board so the load is distributed further. The central spigot then locates the standard or base jack that sits on top.

A scaffold base plate is designed to carry the concentrated load from a single standard and spread it into the ground, typically supporting several tonnes depending on the plate and surface. Actual capacity depends on plate thickness, ground bearing strength and the scaffold design. Always pair the plate with a sole board on soft ground to keep the pressure within safe limits.