What Are Plastering Stilts, Why Are They Needed and How Much Do They Cost?

What are Plastering Stilts

The Plastering process however easy it seems requires quite a lot of expertise. In fact, a small mistake in plastering can lead to a rise in expenses because you can't change the plastering of a portion; you have to change it for the entire wall or ceiling. When plastering involves high walls and ceilings then plasterers have to be more cautious. It is at this time that a plasterer needs to use tools that will enable them to reach the high end of the walls and the ceilings. Such a tool is the plastering stilts that are available in various sizes to enable a plasterer to reach the high walls and apply plaster polish.

What To Look For In Plastering Stilts

Plastering stilts are available in different sizes but some of the important aspects to look for in plastering stilts include:

The plastering stilts should help the plasterer in making plastering as well as any ceiling work simpler. Plastering stilts should pose as a better option as the plasterers will not have to use any more rafter boards, work platforms or steps. Steps can be reliable at times but for high walls, it is always safer and better to use plastering stilts.
The plastering stilts should have adjustable legs so that a plasterer can work at different heights. When plastering walls that are high or have different height in different rooms, the plastering stilts are the best option.
Good plastering stilts should provide internal movement for increasing stability. This will help a plasterer to reach high walls without losing balance.
Plastering stilts should be secured at the foot as well as the calf.
Plastering stilts should have inbuilt shock absorbers
Plastering stilts should have unbeatable professional quality and should come with a warranty.
Good quality plastering stilts are manufactured from Aluminium Alloy and are light weight. Hence, they are easy to carry and use.
It is always important to check the load limit of plastering stilts. For example: Good quality plastering stilts should have a minimum load limit of 230lbs/105kg/16.3 stone
High quality plastering stilts are the ones that are suitable for not only plastering but also for ceiling installation, painting & decorating, tree/hedge trimming, and even fruit picking.

Different Sizes of Plastering Stilts

Plastering stilts vary in sizes and different sizes can be used for low-high walls

Plastering stilts are available in different sizes and some of the most common sizes include:

1. Size: 18" to 30" adjustable height (450mm - 750mm)
2. Size: adjustable from 38-58cm (15-23") as well as various sizes in between. Price-£119.99
3. Size: Adjustable from 46-76cm (18-30") as well as various sizes in between. Price-£124.99
4. Size: Adjustable from 61-102cm (24-40") as well as various sizes in between. Price-£129.99
5. Size: Adjustable 18-30" for dry lining and installation of false ceilings with a maximum load of 225lbs. A 3-way ratchet system that can fit almost any leg size along with a durable quick release as well as adjusting straps. This type of plastering stilts also has fully adjustable ankle springs to allow natural walking motion. Price-£259.00
6. Size: Plasterers Stilts 600mm. This type of plasterers stilts offer 450mm-760 mm and 610 mm-1000mm. They have adjustable calf brace straps as well as heel plates. These stilts are made from anodized aluminium. Price-£100.00
7. Size: Heavy duty sky walker stilts - 24-40 inches. These plastering stilts have adjustable legs, and can secure foot and calf. They also have in-built shock absorbers. Price-£149.00
8. Size: Plasterers stilts 450 - 750mm. These stilts are most commonly used in suspended ceiling industry and for plastering dry walls. It is manufactured from lightweight and durable aluminium and has quick release straps. Price-£85.00

Some of the other important features that are found in most top quality plastering stilts include:

1. Plastering stilts are available with replaceable bearing surfaces that result in a smooth walk as well as a smoother adjustment. This leads to an extended durability and longer life of the plasterers stilt
2. Captive lock washers: The captive lock washers are placed on the extended shank wing bolts. This helps in improving overall safety as the lock washers ensure that the wing bolts remain tight after the plasterer or user has tightened them. The extended shank on the plasterers stilts helps in reducing adjustment hole wear of the extension tubes. The less the adjustment hole wear; the lesser the wobble and this leads to greater stability as well as longevity.

"most building sites have now banned the use of stilts."

glenn campbell