Concrete Ballast Blocks: Everything You Need to Know
A simple solution for weighing down structures safely
When you need to keep things grounded, literally, concrete ballast blocks are the ideal choice. From hoarding and fencing to scaffolding and marquees, they provide a quick, stable, and fuss-free way to secure structures without the need for permanent fixings.
We offer a wide selection of ballast blocks in standard sizes, ranging from 500kg to 5,760kg, available for hire or purchase with UK-wide delivery – including offloading and placement if needed. If you’re not sure which size or fixing option suits your needs, we’ll help you choose the right block for the job.
What are concrete ballast blocks used for?
Concrete ballast blocks, sometimes known as kentledge blocks, are used anywhere you need a non-invasive anchor is needed to resist uplift, overturning, or movement.
They’re commonly used to:
- Secure temporary site hoarding
- Anchor scaffolding and staging
- Stabilise fencing, cabins and containers
- Weigh down event marquees and gazebos
- Provide counterweights for lifting frames, cranes or signage
- Add mass to engineering or testing rigs
Because they don’t need to be fixed into the ground, they’re perfect for hardstanding areas, pavements, or sites with buried services where drilling or excavation isn’t allowed.
What sizes do concrete ballast blocks come in?
We offer a wide selection of standard block sizes and weights, and we can also manufacture bespoke sizes on request.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular options:
| Block Weight | Typical Use | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 500kg | Marquees, small fencing, light hoarding | 805 × 445 × 655 |
| 850kg | Mid-sized cabins or fencing | 1,220 × 610 × 610 |
| 1,000kg | Hoarding ballast, marquee anchoring | 1,220 × 610 × 680 |
| 2,400 kg | Large hoarding, crane ballast | 1,600 × 800 × 920 |
| 5,760 kg | Plant or structure counterweight | 2,000 × 2,000 × 600 |
Each block is equipped with lifting points, and most include recesses for forklifts or pallet trucks for easy handling. Some blocks also feature built-in threaded sockets or fixings to secure structures directly.
When is hiring ballast blocks the right choice?
We know that not every project needs permanent ballast.
That’s why we offer:
Short-term hire
Events, festivals & temporary projects
Long-term hire
For seasonal use or site equipment
Outright purchase
Ideal for contractors or site owners
You can even mix and match ballast block hire and purchase, depending on what works best for your job.
Fixing options & customisation
All ballast blocks are designed to be easy to install and adaptable to site needs.
Popular fixing options include:
- Threaded lifting loops or cast-in lifting pins
- Pallet truck recesses for manual movement
- Cast-in holes, eyebolts or Halfen channels for specialist fixings
If you’re uncertain about what will work best, we’ll discuss your project and offer personalised advice.
Built to last in British weather
- Chamfered edges – to minimise damage in transit and on site
- Moulded finish – presentable for event or public-facing locations
- Unreinforced design – no corrosion or maintenance over time
- 50+ year design life – outlasts plastic or water-filled alternatives
UK-wide delivery and handling support
We deliver ballast blocks across the UK from our Nottingham depot, using flatbed or craned vehicles. You can choose:
- Delivery only (you offload)
- Delivery with offload
- Delivery with offload and placement
We’ll always ask about your site access, plant, and handling preferences before delivery to make sure everything goes to plan.
