Concrete Wall Panels vs Concrete Blocks: Which System Suits Your Farm Project?

We supply both prestressed concrete wall panels and Concrete Supa Blocks, but each is meant for different types of projects. 

Prestressed panels work well for walls that are part of a framed building or a set storage system. Concrete Supa Blocks are a more flexible choice for bays, dividing walls, or layouts that might need to change later. 

There isn’t a single best option. The right system depends on what the wall needs to hold or support, how it will be put in, if the layout is permanent, and the loading, access, and ground conditions. 

So, start by thinking about how you’ll use the wall, not just its size or how it looks. 

What are prestressed concrete wall panels?

Prestressed wall panels contain high-strength steel reinforcement that is tensioned as part of the manufacturing process. This allows the panels to manage substantial loads while spanning between supports or forming part of a designed wall system.  

Our prestressed panels are used for agricultural and industrial applications including load-bearing walls, steel-framed building walls, silage and aggregate storage, and holding back soil. Depending on the design, they can take loads from one or both sides and span up to 6.1 metres. 

They may be considered where a project requires:  

• A wall integrated into a framed building.  

• Longer horizontal spans.  

• A consistent internal wall line.  

• A defined storage or containment system.  

• Single- or double-sided loading.  

Because the panels form part of a planned system, the supports, foundations, span, loading direction and installation arrangement need to be resolved before manufacture.  

What are Concrete Supa Blocks?  

Concrete Supa Blocks are large precast units that stack using an interlocking stud-and-recess arrangement. They can be used to create storage bays, dividing walls, retaining structures, barriers and other modular layouts.  

We offer Supa Blocks in different styles; flat top, forklift, round and stair blocks. They work for both permanent and temporary setups. Built-in lifting points make it easy to take them apart, move them, and reuse them if your farm’s needs change. 

They may be appropriate where a project requires:  

• A modular wall or storage bay.  

• Greater scope to alter the layout later.  

• A structure without the columns normally associated with horizontal panel systems.  

• Separation between materials, traffic or working areas.  

• A phased installation.  

• Units that may be relocated and reused.  

Although Supa Blocks can offer flexibility, the finished structure must still be assessed against its height, loading, base conditions and intended use.  

Start with what the wall needs to do

The most important question is not whether panels or blocks are stronger. It is what the wall must achieve.  

Consider whether it will:  

• Retain silage, grain, soil, aggregate or another bulk material.  

• Divide materials within a storage area.  

• Form part of a livestock or machinery building.  

• Separate vehicles, livestock or working zones.  

• Carry loading from one side or both sides.  

• Be exposed to machinery impact.  

• Remain permanently in one position.  

• Need to be extended or reconfigured later.  

A low yard divider creates different demands from a high wall retaining compacted material. Likewise, a building wall spanning between steel columns performs a different role from a modular freestanding bay.  

Accurate information about use and loading is therefore more valuable than choosing a product from dimensions alone.  

When might prestressed wall panels be suitable?

Framed agricultural buildings  

Prestressed panels are often used between structural columns to form the lower walls of agricultural and industrial buildings. Their suitability depends on the building design, panel span and the loads the wall will experience.  

Longer wall runs  

Panels can cover relatively long spans, potentially reducing the number of individual sections across a wall run. Our range includes panels spanning up to 6.1 metres, subject to specification and application.    

Defined storage systems  

Panels may be specified for silage, grain, muck or aggregate storage, as well as soil retention. The panel thickness, reinforcement, support and loading arrangement must match the retained material and how the area will be operated.  

Projects where space matters  

A panel system can provide a relatively slim wall line. This may be helpful where internal bay width, machinery access or usable storage space is important.  

Prestressed panels are generally most suitable where the position, dimensions and purpose of the wall are clearly defined at the design stage.  

When might Concrete Supa Blocks be suitable?

Modular storage bays  

Supa Blocks can be used to form bays for materials such as aggregates, feed or other bulk products. Separate sections can be created without integrating the wall into a steel-framed building.  

Yard separation  

They can help divide storage, vehicle movement and working areas, subject to the wall being correctly configured for its intended purpose.  

Changing layouts  

A key benefit of a modular block system is the ability to dismantle and rebuild it elsewhere using suitable lifting equipment. This can be useful where bay sizes or the use of the yard may change.  

Phased projects  

A farm may be able to create an initial layout and revise or extend it later. Any altered structure must still be reassessed for its new height, loading and location.  

Our Supa Blocks are used in applications including storage bays, retaining walls, silage clamps and security or traffic barriers.    

Compare support and installation requirements

Prestressed panels and Supa Blocks use different structural and installation arrangements.  

Horizontal panels commonly span between steel or concrete posts. The panel dimensions, support centres, foundations and connections must therefore be coordinated before installation.  

Supa Blocks can create modular walling without the structural columns normally required by horizontal panels. Some installations may not require a conventional concrete foundation, but the supporting surface and wall arrangement must still be suitable for the load, height and application.  

Both systems require:  

• Suitable delivery and lifting access.  

• Equipment matched to the unit weights.  

• Adequate working space.  

• A planned installation sequence.  

• Properly prepared ground or foundations.  

• Consideration of nearby structures and services.  

• Project-specific structural input where required.  

Ease of installation should not be assessed in isolation. A system is only practical when it can be delivered, lifted and installed safely on the prepared site.  

Consider permanence and future flexibility

A panel wall is often selected as part of a defined, long-term building or storage arrangement. Altering it later may involve the supporting structure, foundations and wider building design.  

Supa Blocks can offer greater scope for reconfiguration. Units may be dismantled and reused to create a different bay or wall arrangement.  

That flexibility does not make design less important. A block wall retaining substantial material or exposed to vehicle activity still needs to be suitable for the pressures it will face. The ability to move it later does not reduce the need to specify it correctly now.  

Think about usable space and access  

Wall thickness supports and end details can affect the space available around an installation.  

Panel systems can provide a relatively narrow wall line, although columns, connections and foundations must be allowed for. Block walls are thicker and may require additional consideration at corners, ends or changes in direction.  

This matters where:  

• Machinery needs to load or empty a bay.  

• Vehicles must turn near the wall.  

• The available storage width is limited.  

• The structure sits close to an existing building.  

• Access routes must remain clear.  

• Maximum storage capacity is a priority.  

A simple site layout or drawing can help establish the usable space left after the complete wall system is included.  

Match the system to the material and loading  

Different stored materials create different pressures. Silage, grain, aggregate, soil and waste should not be treated as equivalent loads. Machinery compacting, loading or working beside the wall can introduce further demands.  

Before we recommend a wall system, we may need to understand:  

• What material will be retained.  

• The proposed fill height.  

• Whether loading occurs on one or both sides.  

• What machinery will operate nearby.  

• Whether impact is likely.  

• The wall length and height.  

• Ground conditions.  

• Drainage and moisture exposure.  

Where a wall forms part of a silage silo, the wider structure must also comply with the applicable requirements. In England, government guidance states that silo walls must withstand the loadings in BS 5502-22 and that the silo requires an impermeable base and effluent collection system.    

The complete silo arrangement, rather than the wall units alone, must therefore be considered.  

Which system should you choose?

Prestressed wall panels may be worth considering where:  

• The wall forms part of a framed building.  

• Longer spans are required.  

• The layout is intended to remain fixed.  

• A defined load-bearing or containment system is needed.  

• A relatively slim and consistent wall line is important.  

Concrete Supa Blocks may be more appropriate where:  

• A modular wall or bay is required.  

• Future reconfiguration is likely.  

• A phased installation would be useful.  

• Supporting columns are undesirable.  

• Flexible yard or storage separation is the priority.  

These are general distinctions rather than fixed rules. Loading, height, ground conditions, installation access and the wider operation of the farm will determine which system is suitable.  

Before ordering, send us the intended wall dimensions, use, retained material, loading arrangement and any available drawings. We can then help assess whether prestressed panels, Concrete Supa Blocks or another precast solution is the better fit.  

Frequently asked questions

1. Are concrete wall panels stronger than Concrete Supa Blocks? 

They work in different ways, so a general strength comparison is not useful. Suitability depends on the wall height, loading, supports, foundations and intended application.  

2. Can Concrete Supa Blocks be used permanently? 

Yes. Our Supa Blocks can be used for permanent or temporary structures, subject to correct design, loading, base preparation and installation.    

3. Do prestressed panels always need steel columns? 

Horizontal wall panels commonly span between steel or concrete supports, but other engineered panel arrangements are available. The required support system depends on the application and design.  

4. Can Concrete Supa Blocks be moved after installation? 

Suitable units can be lifted, dismantled and repositioned using the correct equipment. The rebuilt structure must then be assessed for its new location, height and loading.  

5. What information do you need before recommending panels or blocks? 

We will usually need the wall dimensions, intended use, retained material, fill height, loading direction, ground conditions, machinery access and details of surrounding structures. Drawings and site measurements are particularly helpful. Please note, we are not structural engineers and cannot provide structural sign-off. Any required calculations or approvals must be obtained from a qualified structural engineer.