Hay Storage Lean-To in Ocala, FL
Keep hay dry, preserve feed value, and cut waste. Hay storage lean-tos built for Marion County farms using pressure treated posts and 26-gauge metal roofing. Square bale and round bale configurations.
Get a Free Estimate ›Hay That Gets Wet Costs You Twice
Hay left in the rain loses feed value and can go moldy. Moldy hay causes respiratory problems in horses and cattle. It can also generate heat as it decomposes, which is a fire risk in larger stored quantities.
A hay storage lean-to solves all three problems. It keeps hay dry, maintains feed value, and keeps stored bales away from ground moisture. A properly built hay lean-to lasts 20 to 30 years. It pays for itself in reduced waste within a few seasons.
Fences R Us builds hay storage lean-tos across Marion County. Size depends on bale type: small square, large square, or round. Manny specs the structure at the site visit.
Hay storage lean-tos are part of the Lean-Tos & Pole Barns service. For full enclosed barn storage with hay loft options, see the Pole Barn Builder page.
| Structure Size | Small Sq Bales | Round Bales |
|---|---|---|
| 12x24 ft | ~120 bales stacked 4 high | ~6 round bales |
| 16x30 ft | ~200 bales | ~10 round bales |
| 20x40 ft | ~350 bales | ~18 round bales |
| 24x48 ft | ~500+ bales | ~28 round bales |
Counts are estimates for single-layer floor storage. Stacking adds capacity but requires structural review of the roof load.
What Makes a Good Hay Storage Lean-To in Florida
Open Sides for Airflow
Hay needs airflow to stay dry and prevent mold. A lean-to with enclosed sides traps humidity. Side walls on a hay lean-to should stop at 4 feet from the ground on the prevailing wind side. This allows air to move through the bale stack while blocking wind-driven rain from the open front.
Raised Floor or Gravel Base
Ground moisture wicks into the bottom row of bales even on dry days. A 4 to 6-inch gravel base over compacted fill lifts bales above grade and lets moisture drain away. Treated wood pallets add more separation between bales and the ground on wetter properties.
Roof Overhang
A 2-foot overhang on the open side of the lean-to keeps afternoon rain off the front row of bales. Without an overhang, the outer faces of front-row bales get wet on every westward storm. Fences R Us builds a minimum 2-foot overhang on all hay lean-to front edges.
Round Bale vs Square Bale Design
Round bales are heavier and stored in a single layer on the ground. They need more floor space and less height. A 12-foot ceiling is more than enough. Square bale storage goes vertical. Stacking square bales 6 to 8 high is common. This requires more ceiling height and a stronger roof structure.
Pest Control Design
Hay storage attracts rodents. A concrete perimeter curb around the lean-to base discourages burrowing from underneath. Keeping the perimeter clear of brush and debris also helps. Metal siding on the lower walls is harder for rodents to chew through than wood board siding.
Hay Lean-To Build Specifications
| Component | Standard Spec | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Posts | 6x6 pressure treated | Set 3 ft minimum in concrete |
| Roof pitch | 3:12 minimum | 4:12 preferred for faster water shed |
| Roofing | 26-gauge corrugated metal | 29-gauge available, 26-gauge preferred in FL |
| Side walls | Partial : 4 ft high max on air sides | Full back wall standard |
| Front overhang | 2 ft minimum | Protects front row bales from rain |
| Floor | 4 to 6 in compacted gravel | Perimeter concrete curb optional |
| Hurricane ties | At every rafter | Required by Florida wind code |
Service Across Five Central Florida Counties
Fences R Us builds lean-tos and pole barns for farms and rural properties within roughly one hour of Ocala.
Other Structures from Fences R Us
See the full Lean-Tos & Pole Barns page for all available structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Free Estimate
Manny comes out, looks at the site, and gives you a written quote. No obligation. Call (352) 266-2849 or use the form below.