How to choose the right stair tower for your project

Scaffold ladders might be the simplest way to reach work areas at height, but when safety, ergonomics, and efficiency are the priority, stair towers take the lead. But you will soon notice, that not all solutions fit every project. Here’s how you choose the right stair tower system for your next scaffolding project.

  On construction sites around the world, efficient vertical access is essential – for safety, for productivity, and for meeting regulatory standards. While scaffold ladders can be sufficient for occasional use or limited-height structures, stair towers offer a safer and more efficient solution for regular, high-frequency access. Especially in multi-level scaffolding structures, a stair tower ensures safe movement of workers and materials between levels, reduces bottlenecks on site, and plays a critical role in emergency evacuation plans.

For a project example of efficient use of scaffolding and stair towers even in challenging environments, download the free pdf below.

The right considerations before choosing a stair tower

Choosing the right stair tower starts with a clear understanding of your project’s unique requirements. Is it a short-term façade renovation, a complex infrastructure project, or an industrial shutdown requiring high-traffic access?

1. Load-bearing capacity of your stair tower

One of the most important factors is the stair tower’s load-bearing capacity. Will the stair tower support just foot traffic, or also the transport of materials and tools? Like scaffolding systems, stair towers are designed with varying load classes, from lightweight aluminium stairs to heavy-duty steel solutions.

Read our blog articles below on which load class applies to your project.

2. Assembly time of your stair tower

Time and flexibility are key factors in almost every construction and renovation project. That’s why you should pay close attention to the modularity and assembly time when choosing your stair tower. Modular stair towers that can be integrated into existing scaffolding save time and resources during setup. For example, Scafom-rux stair towers are compatible with our RINGSCAFF modular scaffold, our SUPER construction scaffolding and other system scaffolds, allowing fast integration with minimal adaptation on site.

Go to our guide on how to assemble a scaffold.

3. Site conditions and safety requirements for your stair tower

Finally, site conditions can have a significant influence on the choice of stair tower system. Urban construction projects often face limited space and restricted access routes, while industrial environments may require features such as specific corrosion resistance or fire protection measures.

Some projects come with more unusual external conditions than others. For example, when one of our stair towers was delivered to the icy extremes of Antarctica. Read more about it here.

Local safety regulations can also vary greatly between countries and project types. Whether you are working under EN 12811, OSHA, or other national standards, these rules will influence the design, configuration, and permissible load classes of your stair tower. Always ensure that your chosen system meets both the technical requirements and the legal framework of your project location.

Overview of the main stair tower types

Stair towers can serve very different purposes on construction and industrial sites, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The choice of stair tower should reflect the specific demands of the project – including the expected foot traffic, space restrictions, and safety requirements.

Find out more about the different types of scaffolding stairs and stair towers here.

In practice, stair towers are adapted to the unique demands of each worksite to support everything from routine construction tasks to large-scale infrastructure and industrial operations.

Typical applications:

• Façade scaffolding for civilian construction and renovation
• Bridge and infrastructure projects
• Industrial shutdowns, mining construction or maintenance of energy plants
  
  

Stair towers for construction projects

For general construction access, stair towers are typically integrated into scaffolding for safe and efficient movement between levels. Common applications include the construction of residential and commercial buildings, as well as renovation and maintenance projects. Steel-based stair tower systems offer robust solutions with high load-bearing capacities and can be flexibly adapted to various scaffold layouts. Where speed and low weight are more important — like when you're working at compact urban sites or short-term jobs—aluminium stair towers provide a lightweight, easy-to-handle alternative.

Stair towers for industrial projects

In contrast, heavy-duty stair towers are used in more demanding environments such as industrial shutdowns, infrastructure works, and large-scale energy or mining projects. These systems are designed to support continuous, high-frequency use and allow for the transport of tools, equipment or large teams. Wider stair widths, reinforced structures, and compatibility with heavy-load scaffolding ensure maximum stability even under tough site conditions.

Discover our blog articles on scaffolding in the industrial sectors.

For more information on our services and scaffolding solutions for industrial projects, download our free industry scaffolding brochures.

Typical applications:

• Public access, e.g. during construction or renovation projects
• Temporary evacuation routes
• Safe access for visitors and staff during events

Some projects – like stadium construction, public events like festivals or sports matches, or refurbishments in operational buildings – require public access stair towers. These need to comply with regulations around step dimensions, handrails, signage and crowd movement. Similarly, emergency stair towers are sometimes installed as temporary evacuation routes and must allow safe and fast descent under stress conditions.

Read our full guide to public access and emergency stair towers.

Depending on national guidelines, both public access and emergency stair towers require additional features, which can be added using modular components that fit standard scaffolding systems.

Key requirements for a public access or emergency stair tower:

• EN/OSHA-compliant step dimensions
• Guardrails, no tripping hazards, slip-resistant surfaces, and signage
• Controlled foot traffic flow

You can view technical specifications, load classes and compatibility details in our stair tower tech info.

Stair tower types and their applications at a glance

Not every project has the same demands, and the right stair tower depends on where and how it will be used. To help you find the best fit, here’s a quick overview of the main types and their typical applications.

More scaffolding solutions for you

• Scaffolding solutions overview
• Stair towers
• RINGSCAFF modular scaffolding
  
  

You might also be interested in

• Types of scaffolding stairs and stair towers
• Guide to public access and emergency stair towers
• Beginner’s guide to stair towers in construction

FAQ – Stair Towers

Can stair towers be used for public access?

Yes. With the right configuration, including handrails, signage and compliant tread widths, stair towers can serve as temporary public access routes or emergency exits.

Do Scafom-rux stair towers fit third-party scaffolding systems?

Many of our stair towers are designed to be compatible with common scaffolding systems. However, we recommend checking the technical data or speaking with our team for specific project requirements.

How fast can a stair tower be assembled?

Depending on the model and site conditions, setup can be completed in just a few hours. Pre-assembled stair flights and tool-free connections speed up the process significantly.