Materials
Gather these supplies
- Six intact blocks
- One clean sound pallet
- Compacted gravel or pavers
- Moisture barrier beneath the pad only, optional
Free step-by-step project guide
Raise a Hay Pallet with Cinder Blocks
A low, level support layout that keeps a sound pallet and covered hay off damp Florida ground.
What you are making
A useful project with a defined stopping point.
Support every pallet corner and center so hay stays raised without creating unstable gaps or animal traps.
- Time
- 60–90 minutes
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Estimated cost
- $15–$45
- Finished size
- Sized to one standard pallet
Tools
Set up the work area
- Shovel
- Hand tamper
- Level
- Straightedge
- Pallet pry bar and nail puller
Measurements
Mark before cutting
- Six support points: four corners plus two center points
- One block course high
- Wall clearance: at least 6 inches
- Aisle clearance: enough to inspect every side
Build it in order
Step-by-step instructions
Read the entire plan before making the first cut or hole. The check under each step tells you when it is ready to move forward.
- 01
Choose covered storage
Use a roofed, ventilated area where wind-driven rain and roof leaks are controlled.
- 02
Inspect the pallet
Reject stained, broken or unknown pallets; remove protruding nails and loose boards.
- 03
Prepare six pads
Level and compact a pad under each corner and two center stringer points.
- 04
Place one block course
Set blocks flat with open cores vertical and full bearing on the pads.
- 05
Set and test the pallet
Place the pallet across all supports and load it gradually with bagged weight first.
- 06
Stack hay for airflow
Keep bales below a stable height, off walls and separated from ignition sources.
Use and maintenance
Keep it useful
- Rotate oldest dry hay first.
- Check for mold, heat, pests and roof leaks.
- Keep storage inaccessible to loose animals.
Safety boundaries
Know when to stop
- Do not create accessible block-core foot traps in animal pens.
- Do not climb or allow children on the stack.
- Wet or heating hay requires prompt expert fire-safety attention.
Build alongside our family
See the projects and systems behind the ranch.
These written plans give you the order and measurements. Our YouTube videos show the ordinary problem-solving, repairs and family work that inspired this library.
Use the rest of the material
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