DIY Hay Net Stand Plans: Safe 1-Hour Build Guide

Disclosure: We may earn a commission from links on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

Last Updated: February 11, 2026

Target Keywords: DIY hay net stand plans, build hay feeder, homemade slow feeder

Target Audience: DIY horse owners who want a safer low-cost feeder holder

2-Minute Version (Read This First)

1) What is the real problem?

Loose or poorly mounted hay nets create avoidable entanglement and breakage risks.

2) Why does it matter?

Unsafe DIY builds can introduce sharp edges, instability, and dangerous hoof gaps.

3) What should you do next?

Start from safety constraints before selecting materials.
Choose a plan that matches your tools and horse behavior.
Test stability under push/pull force before first use.

Quick Action Plan (This Week)

Day	Action	Why it matters
Day 1	Finalize design and safety dimensions	Prevent rework and unsafe geometry
Day 2-3	Assemble frame and anchor points	Create structural stability
Day 4-5	Round edges and add drainage	Reduce injury and mold risks
Day 6-7	Supervised first-use test	Validate with real horse interaction

Introduction: Why Build Your Own Hay Net Stand?

A good hay net stand solves three critical problems:

Problem	How a Stand Fixes It
Hoof entanglement	Elevates or contains the net safely
Awkward height	Adjustable to perfect eating position
Net on ground when empty	Contained within frame

Commercial stands exist — but they’re often $200-500+. You can build one for $20-80 in under an hour using materials from any hardware store.

This guide provides 3 complete build plans at different skill levels.

Safety First: Design Requirements

Before building anything, every DIY slow feeder must meet these non-negotiable standards:

Requirement	Why
No sharp edges	Horses investigate with lips and face
No exposed screws/nails	Severe laceration risk
No gaps for hooves	Hoof entanglement can be fatal
Stable/secured	Horse WILL push, kick, and lean on it
Non-toxic materials	No treated lumber (CCA); heat-treated OK
Net contained within frame	Loose netting = entanglement
Drainage	Prevents mold in outdoor use
Appropriate height	Bottom of net at or near ground level

Plan A: The Simple Tub Feeder (Beginner)

Time: 15 minutes | Cost: $15-30 | Skill: None

What You Need

Item	Quantity	Approx. Cost
Large rubber tub/Rubbermaid trough (50+ gallon)	1	$15-25
Slow feed hay net (fits tub)	1	Already owned
Carabiner clips or bungee cords	2-4	$3-5
Drill (for drainage)	—	—

Build Steps

Step	Action
1	Drill 6-8 drainage holes in the bottom of the tub (½” drill bit)
2	Fill hay net with hay
3	Place net inside tub
4	Clip/tie net edges to tub rim using carabiner clips
5	Position on level ground in stall or paddock

Diagram

TOP VIEW:
┌────────────────────────┐
│  ╭──────────────────╮  │
│  │   Hay Net        │  │
│  │   (inside tub)   │  │
│  │                  │  │
│  ╰──────────────────╯  │
│   [clip]    [clip]     │
└────────────────────────┘
    ↑ Rubber tub

SIDE VIEW:
         Net clipped to rim
         ↓     ↓
    ┌────●─────●────┐
    │               │  ← Rubber tub wall
    │  [Hay Net]    │
    │               │
    └───○──○──○──○──┘  ← Drainage holes

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Cheapest option	❌ Horse can flip lightweight tubs
✅ Zero carpentry skill	❌ Net can bunch at bottom
✅ Ground-level = natural posture	❌ Limited capacity
✅ Easy to clean
✅ Portable

Safety Tip

Secure the tub to a wall or fence post using a strap or bolt. Horses will flip unsecured tubs.

Plan B: The Wooden Hay Box (Intermediate)

Time: 45-60 minutes | Cost: $40-70 | Skill: Basic carpentry (drill, saw)

What You Need

Item	Quantity	Approx. Cost
2×4 lumber (8-foot, untreated or heat-treated)	4	$20-30
Privacy fence pickets or 1×6 boards	6-8	$12-20
Exterior wood screws (3”)	1 box	$8
Rubber wash mat (optional floor)	1	$5-10
Hay net	1	Already owned
Eye bolts or screw hooks	4	$3-5

Dimensions

Measurement	Value
Length	36-48 inches (fits standard hay net)
Width	24-30 inches
Height	18-24 inches (low profile)
Board gap	1 inch max between boards (safety)

Build Steps

Step	Action
1	Cut 2×4s for frame: 4 legs (18-24”), 4 long rails (36-48”), 4 short rails (24-30”)
2	Assemble rectangular frame — screw long and short rails to legs
3	Attach boards to sides — leave 1” max gap between boards for airflow
4	Leave top open for hay net access
5	Install rubber mat at bottom for drainage and smooth surface
6	Screw eye bolts into top rails (4 points) to clip hay net
7	Sand all edges — remove any splinters or sharp points
8	Fill hay net, place in box, clip to eye bolts

Diagram

FRONT VIEW:
    ●───────────────────●  ← Eye bolts for net clips
    │                   │
    │  ┌─────────────┐  │  ← Board walls
    │  │  [Hay Net]  │  │
    │  │   clipped   │  │
    │  │   to bolts  │  │
    │  └─────────────┘  │
    │  ═══════════════  │  ← Rubber mat
    └───────────────────┘

3D VIEW:
         [Open top]
    ┌─────────────────┐
    │╱                │╱
    │  Net inside     │
    │                 │
    └─────────────────┘
      ↑ Wooden box frame
      ↑ 1" gaps between boards

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Sturdy and stable	❌ Requires basic carpentry
✅ Customizable size	❌ Wood can rot outdoors without treatment
✅ Horse can’t flip it	❌ Heavier than tub option
✅ Professional look	❌ Must sand thoroughly — splinter risk
✅ Contains net completely

Safety Tips

Use only heat-treated (HT) lumber — NEVER CCA pressure-treated
Countersink all screws — no exposed screw heads
Round all corners — router or sandpaper
Check board gaps — max 1 inch to prevent hoof entry
Secure to ground or wall to prevent tipping

Plan C: The PVC Frame Feeder (Intermediate)

Time: 30-45 minutes | Cost: $25-50 | Skill: PVC cutting and assembly

What You Need

Item	Quantity	Approx. Cost
1.5” PVC pipe (10-foot)	3	$12-18
PVC 90° elbows	8	$6-8
PVC T-connectors	4	$4-5
PVC cement	1 can	$4
Slow feed hay net	1	Already owned
Zip ties or carabiner clips	6-8	$3-5

Dimensions

Measurement	Value
Frame length	36 inches
Frame width	24 inches
Frame height	20-24 inches
Legs	4 × 20-24” PVC

Build Steps

Step	Action
1	Cut PVC into: 4 legs (20-24”), 4 long rails (36”), 4 short rails (24”)
2	Assemble bottom frame — rectangle with elbows at corners
3	Add vertical legs — T-connectors at each bottom corner, pipe going up
4	Assemble top frame — rectangle connecting tops of legs
5	Test fit before gluing — ensure hay net fits inside
6	Glue joints with PVC cement
7	Thread hay net through top frame opening
8	Secure net to frame with zip ties or clips

Diagram

3D VIEW:
    ┌──────────────────┐  ← Top PVC frame
    │╱                 │╱
    │                  │   ← PVC legs
    │  [Net threaded   │
    │   through top]   │
    │                  │
    └──────────────────┘  ← Bottom PVC frame

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Lightweight and portable	❌ Can be pushed around by horse
✅ Non-porous — easy to disinfect	❌ May crack if kicked hard
✅ No sharp edges	❌ Needs securing to wall/fence
✅ No rot or rust	❌ Not as sturdy as wood
✅ Affordable	❌ Can look less professional

Safety Tips

Secure to wall or ground — horses will move unsecured frames
Glue ALL joints — dry-fitted PVC pulls apart
No exposed pipe ends — cap all open ends
Ensure frame fits snugly — no gap for hooves between frame and net

Comparison: Which Plan to Choose?

Factor	Plan A: Tub	Plan B: Wood Box	Plan C: PVC Frame
Cost	$15-30	$40-70	$25-50
Build time	15 min	45-60 min	30-45 min
Skill level	None	Basic carpentry	Basic PVC
Durability	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Portability	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stability	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for	Quick solution	Permanent install	Portable stall use

Repurposed Material Ideas

Items You May Already Have

Repurposed Item	How to Use It	Safety Check
Old stock tank	Place hay net inside	Check for rust, sharp edges
Plastic barrel (cut)	Cut opening; net inside	Sand cut edges smooth
Shipping crate	Add net to top	Remove staples/nails
Truck tire (cut rim)	Net over tire; hay inside	Ensure no exposed wire
Broken water trough	Second life as hay container	Repair sharp cracks

Maintenance Checklist

Frequency	Action
Daily	Remove old hay from feeder
Weekly	Inspect for damage, loose screws, sharp edges
Monthly	Tighten all fasteners; check net condition
Seasonally	Treat wood (if applicable); replace worn components
Annually	Full inspection; rebuild/replace as needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Risk	Solution
Exposed screws/nails	Laceration	Countersink and cover all hardware
Pressure-treated lumber	Toxic chemicals	Use only heat-treated (HT) wood
Gaps >1 inch between boards	Hoof entanglement	Keep gaps at 1” max or solid panels
Unsecured to ground/wall	Tipping, horse injury	Bolt or strap to permanent structure
Net hanging below frame	Hoof catch when empty	Net must stay within frame boundaries
No drainage	Mold, rot	Drill drainage holes in bottom
Sharp corner edges	Face/eye injury	Round or bevel all edges

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DIY feeder safe?

Yes, if built correctly. Follow all safety requirements listed above. The biggest risk is exposed hardware and hoof-sized gaps. If you’re unsure, have an experienced horseperson inspect before use.

Can a horse destroy a PVC frame?

It’s possible. 1.5” PVC is reasonably sturdy, but a determined kicker can crack it. For destructive horses, the wooden box (Plan B) with wall mounting is more appropriate.

Do I need to treat the wood?

For indoor use: No treatment needed. For outdoor use: Non-toxic wood stain or exterior-grade sealer (food-safe, fully cured before use). Never use CCA pressure-treated lumber.

What hay net hole size should I use?

Standard 1.5-2” for most horses. See our Hay Net Hole Size Guide for detailed recommendations.

Next Steps

Choose your plan based on skill, budget, and location
Gather materials from your local hardware store
Build this weekend — all plans take under 1 hour
Test thoroughly before leaving horse unattended

Sources

Mad Barn. DIY Slow Feeder Ideas. madbarn.com
Natural Horse World. Slow Feeder Designs. naturalhorseworld.com
DIY Nets. Slow Feeder Kits and Plans. diynets.net
Equiniction. Pallet Feeder Designs. equiniction.com

Disclaimer: All DIY projects carry inherent risk. Thoroughly inspect your completed feeder for safety before use, and supervise your horse during initial introduction. The author is not responsible for injuries resulting from improper construction.

DIY Hay Net Stand: Build a Safe and Adjustable Holder in 1 Hour

2-Minute Version (Read This First)

1) What is the real problem?

2) Why does it matter?

3) What should you do next?

Quick Action Plan (This Week)

Introduction: Why Build Your Own Hay Net Stand?

Safety First: Design Requirements

Plan A: The Simple Tub Feeder (Beginner)

What You Need

Build Steps

Diagram

Pros & Cons

Safety Tip

Plan B: The Wooden Hay Box (Intermediate)

What You Need

Dimensions

Build Steps

Diagram

Pros & Cons

Safety Tips

Plan C: The PVC Frame Feeder (Intermediate)

What You Need

Dimensions

Build Steps

Diagram

Pros & Cons

Safety Tips

Comparison: Which Plan to Choose?

Repurposed Material Ideas

Items You May Already Have

Maintenance Checklist

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DIY feeder safe?

Can a horse destroy a PVC frame?

Do I need to treat the wood?

What hay net hole size should I use?

Next Steps

Related Articles

Sources