Why choose size 1 builders trestles?
When working at low heights, precision, safety, and comfort matter more than reach. Size 1 trestles are specifically engineered for this purpose, offering a stable base that keeps your working platform close to the ground.
Unlike taller access equipment, they minimise unnecessary elevation, improving balance and reducing the risk of falls. When paired with scaffold boards, they create a wide, continuous working area that allows you to move freely and work faster.
Their compact size also makes them ideal for domestic environments, tight spaces, and multi-job days where portability is essential.
Need more height? Explore our other sizes.
If you need a slightly higher working platform, we also offer a size 2 builders trestle (0.76m – 1.17m) for medium-height tasks and a size 3 builders trestle (1.07m – 1.68m) for greater reach. Browse our full range of builders’ trestles to compare all three sizes and find the perfect option for your project.
Dimensions & specifications
| Specification | Size 1 Builders Trestles |
|---|---|
| Adjustable Height | 0.51m – 0.71m |
| Weight (per trestle) | 7.5kg |
| Width | 970mm |
| Safe Working Load | 460–470kg (UDL at 1.2m centres) |
| Material | Powder-coated or zinc-plated steel |
| Board Capacity | Up to 4 scaffold boards (225mm each) |
| Compliance | BS1139 tested |
| Recommended Spacing | Max 1.2m between trestles |
Size 1 trestles are designed to support up to four scaffold boards, creating a stable working platform suitable for a wide range of trade applications.
Key features
- Low-level adjustable height (0.51m–0.71m) for precision work
- Lightweight 7.5kg design for easy handling and transport
- Wide 970mm base for enhanced stability on-site
- High load capacity (up to 470kg UDL) for demanding tasks
- BS1139 tested for safety and compliance
- Compatible with scaffold boards and staging systems
- Durable steel construction with corrosion-resistant finish
- Simple pin adjustment system for quick height changes
Benefits of size 1 trestles
Safer Working at Low Heights
By keeping the working platform closer to the ground, Size 1 trestles reduce fall risk compared to taller systems. They are ideal where ladders feel unstable, but scaffolding is excessive.
Improved Productivity
A full-width platform allows you to move freely without constantly repositioning equipment—saving time on repetitive tasks like plastering or flooring.
Reduced Fatigue
Working at the correct height improves posture and reduces strain on knees and back, especially during long-duration jobs.
Easy Transport & Storage
Compact and lightweight, these trestles are perfect for vans, small storage spaces, and quick deployment between jobs.
Versatile Setup
Compatible with timber boards, aluminium staging, or plastic boards, making them suitable for a wide range of site conditions.
What is this size used for?
Size 1 trestles are specifically designed for low-level construction and finishing work, including:
- Floor tiling and screeding
- Carpet, laminate, and vinyl installation
- Skirting boards and joinery
- Low-level plastering and rendering
- Painting (walls, dado rails, ceilings, edges)
- Maintenance and snagging tasks
- Window fitting and repairs
They are widely used by plasterers, decorators, flooring contractors, and general builders who need a stable alternative to ladders.
How to use them safely?
- Always position on firm, level ground
- Set both trestles to the same height adjustment
- Space no more than 1.2m apart for correct load support
- Use appropriate scaffold boards with minimal overhang
- Inspect before each use for damage or wear
- Avoid use in unstable or hazardous ground conditions
Frequently asked questions
Why is size 1 the right choice?
If your working height is below 0.75m, Size 1 builders’ trestles are the most efficient and safest option available. Larger trestles raise the platform unnecessarily, increasing risk and reducing control.
For low-level work, Size 1 delivers the perfect balance of:
- Stability
- Portability
- Safety
- Efficiency
What are size 1 builders’ trestles best used for?
Size 1 builders’ trestles are designed for low-level work between 0.51m and 0.71m. They’re ideal for tasks like floor tiling, carpet or vinyl installation, skirting board fitting, low-level plastering, and painting dado rails.
Their low working height keeps the platform close to the ground, improving precision and reducing fatigue, especially for trades like plastering and flooring where control matters. They also provide a safer, more stable alternative to makeshift platforms when used in line with Work at Height Regulations.
Why choose this size for portability?
At just approximately 7.5kg each, Size 1 trestles are the lightest in the range, making them easy to carry, load, and reposition. A single user can comfortably transport a pair, which is ideal for domestic jobs or working across multiple sites in a day.
Despite their lightweight design, they remain highly robust, tested to BS1139 standards and capable of supporting a 460kg safe working load at 1.2m centres.
Is this size suitable for DIY use?
Yes, size 1 trestles are well-suited to both DIY users and professionals. Their lower height makes them easier and safer to use for home projects such as bathroom renovations or flooring installation.
The simple pin-adjustment system and stable footprint give confidence to less experienced users, while professionals benefit from quick setup and consistent working height.
How do you adjust the height accurately?
Height is adjusted using a pin-and-hole system across the 0.51m–0.71m range. To ensure a level platform, always set both trestles to the same position and place them on firm, even ground.
This fine adjustment is especially useful for flooring work, where even small height differences can affect finish quality.
Are trestles more stable than step ladders or hop-ups?
Yes, size 1 trestles offer significantly greater stability. Their wide 970mm footprint and ability to support multiple scaffold boards create a full-width working platform.
Compared to ladders or hop-ups, this reduces wobble, improves balance, and provides more usable space, helping increase both safety and productivity.
Can they be used indoors without damaging floors?
Yes, size 1 trestles are suitable for indoor use. For delicate surfaces like wood, laminate, or vinyl, it’s recommended to use protective boards or rubber foot pads to prevent marking.
Their lightweight design also reduces the risk of surface damage compared to heavier access equipment.
What’s the best way to store and transport them?
For storage, stack the trestles neatly with legs nested together and keep them in a dry environment to protect the finish.
Their compact size makes them easy to store in vans, garages, or workshops, and many users keep a pair on hand for quick access to low-level jobs.
When should I choose size 1 instead of size 2 or size 3?
Choose Size 1 trestles when your required working height is below 0.75m. Using taller trestles than necessary raises the platform unnecessarily, increasing risk and reducing stability.
For low-level tasks, Size 1 is the safest, most efficient, and most ergonomic option.
Q & A
Size 1 Adjustable Builders Trestles 0.51m - 0.71m
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