Acrow Props

Acrow props (also referred to as adjustable steel props or builders' props) are the industry standard for vertical temporary support. They are essential for holding up floors, ceilings, and masonry during structural alterations.

What are Acrow props used for?

Acrow props provide temporary vertical shoring across both residential renovations and major commercial sites. Typical applications include:

• Load-bearing wall removal: Supporting overhead ceiling and floor joists while permanent steel beams (RSJs) are installed.
• Creating new openings: Carrying the weight of masonry above a new doorway or window. This is usually done by pairing the Acrow prop with a Strongboy bracket or passing a timber needle beam through the wall.
• Slab and formwork support: Acting as back-propping under freshly poured concrete slabs, or providing floor-to-soffit support for horizontal formwork systems.

Safe Installation and Best Practices

To safely hold structural loads, Acrow props must be installed correctly in line with BS 5975 temporary works guidance.

• Ensure concentric loading: Acrow props are designed to carry weight directly down their centre axis. Using side-loaded attachments (like Strongboys) creates an eccentric load, which dramatically reduces the prop’s safe working capacity. Your Temporary Works Design will account for this reduction.
• Maintain strict plumbness: Props must be installed perfectly vertical. A deviation of more than 1.5 degrees will significantly reduce the weight the prop can safely carry.
• Distribute the weight: When propping off timber floors or uneven ground, always place timber spreader boards under the base plates to spread the load across multiple joists.
• Bracing long runs: If props are used in lines or there is a risk of them becoming unloaded, use supplementary scaffold tubes and couplers to lace them together into a rigidly braced frame.

Load Capacity vs. Extension Height

Acrow props are available in five standard sizes (Types 0 to 4), covering open heights from 1.82m through to 4.87m. A prop's load capacity decreases as its inner tube is extended. You must always check the permissible load table (see the Specification tab) for the exact height you intend to prop at.

Buy or Hire Acrow Props

We offer Acrow props for sale or hire with excellent stock availability, fast lead times, and nationwide delivery. If our props could benefit your next project, contact your nearest depot or call us on 0117 982 8236 for purchase prices, hire rates, and technical advice.

Looking for more steel props? We also supply push-pull props for lateral bracing and heavy-duty Eurex props.

Acrow Props: Common Questions