Scaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and all other human-made structures. Scaffolds are widely used on site to get access to heights and areas that would be otherwise hard to get to. Unsafe scaffolding has the potential to result in death or serious injury. Scaffolding is also used in adapted forms for formwork and shoring, grandstand seating, concert stages, access/viewing towers, exhibition stands, ski ramps, half pipes and art projects.

भवननिर्माण में काम आनेवाली पाड़ वह अस्थायी संरचना है जिसपर कामगरों तथा उनकी सामग्री को उनके काम की जगह के निकट पहुँचानेवाला मचान रखा जाता है। हिन्दी में इसे 'मचान' या 'पायठ' भी कहते हैं।