Concrete Ballast & Kentledge Block Hire: What You Need to Know
When you need to secure temporary works or stabilise structures without permanent fixings, concrete ballast blocks are one of the safest and simplest options. Whether you’re securing fencing, anchoring a marquee, or adding counterweights to scaffolding or hoarding, hiring provides exactly what you need – without the need for long-term storage or upfront costs.
Let’s explore when and why to hire concrete ballast or kentledge blocks, what to consider when selecting them, and how to get them on site quickly and safely.
What are concrete ballast blocks used for?
Ballast blocks (also known as kentledge blocks) are designed to act as non-invasive counterweights. They’re placed directly on hardstanding, slabs, or ground protection mats – no fixings, no drilling, no groundworks.
You’ll typically find them used for:
- Scaffolding ballast – counterweights where tie-ins aren’t an option
- Site security – stabilising fencing, hoarding, or access gates
- Event structures – anchoring marquees, stages, cabins and gantries
- Temporary works – facade retention, signage supports, or access ramps
Some blocks are better suited to event use (lighter, easier to move), while others are built to handle structural loads on construction or infrastructure sites. We’ll help you match the block to the job.
When is hiring ballast blocks the right choice?
If you only need ballast for a short time, hiring is often more cost-effective than buying – especially once you factor in delivery, handling, and storage after the job is done.
You might want to hire if:
- The project is short-term (4–12 weeks)
- You don’t want the hassle of storing blocks between jobs
- You want to avoid tying up capital in equipment you won’t use regularly
- You need delivery, offload and placement included to save time on site
If you’re running regular events, managing repeat sites, or need custom block configurations, then buying might make more sense. But for most temporary works, hire gives you the flexibility without the long-term commitment.
What size ballast blocks can I hire?
We’ve got a range of standard blocks available for hire — all cast with forklift pockets or lifting points for easy handling:
| Block Size | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 500kg | Compact and easy to move | Small marquees, gazebos, temporary fencing |
| 850kg | Linkable via pole holes | Scaffolding ballast, cabins, hoarding |
| 1,000kg (marquee) | Forklift-friendly | Larger marquees or higher wind sites |
| 1,000kg (square) | With threaded sockets | Hoarding, facade retention, security |
| 2,400kg | Heavy-duty | Temporary works, facade retention, exposed sites |
What makes our hire service different?
We’re not a merchant or a rental depot. You’re dealing directly with the manufacturer, which means:
- Faster turnaround: Quotes within 24 hours, delivery often within days
- Expert advice: We help you pick the right block for your job
- UK-wide delivery: Shipped from our Nottingham site to anywhere in the UK
- Optional placement: Our HIAB vehicles can offload and position blocks exactly where you need them
- Flexible hire terms: From 4 weeks to long-term hire for seasonal or repeat projects
What to consider before hiring
If you’re planning to hire, here are a few things to check ahead of time:
Access for delivery – make sure HIABs or forklifts can reach the drop zone
Ground conditions – ballast blocks need firm, level ground to perform properly
Handling equipment – most blocks can be moved with forklifts or telehandlers; larger units may need lifting clutches or chains
Wind loading or uplift – especially for temporary buildings, make sure ballast weight is calculated against wind loads or uplift forces
Fixing points – for hoarding or scaffold ballast, consider blocks with threaded sockets or pole holes for post fixing
Still not sure? Just send us a sketch or tell us what you’re trying to secure — we’ll recommend a setup that works.
When is hiring ballast blocks the right choice?
Construction hoarding
1,000kg square blocks with threaded sockets used to secure perimeter fencing around a city-centre site.
Marquee ballast
850kg and 1000kg blocks used to anchor a temporary event structure on grass, with the weight calculated for wind conditions.
Facade retention
2,400kg units hired for a 10-week project during demolition, stabilising temporary works until steel anchors were installed.
Need a quick quote?
If you’re planning a temporary works project or looking for a better solution than hiring plant to move concrete barriers around the site, our concrete ballast blocks might be the answer.
We’ll help you choose the right blocks, arrange delivery, and even place them on site if needed.
