Horse Barn Kits: Stables | General Steel (2024)

FAQs

What is the best material to build a horse barn? ›

Metal buildings have been known to last 30 years and more without repainting. In addition, wood is prone to rot, animal and insect damage, and some horses can't take their teeth off it. For ease of maintenance and weather resistance, metal is the clear winner.

The cheapest way to build a horse barn involves using cost-effective materials and simplified construction methods. Some cost-saving strategies include opting for a shed row-style barn. This has a simpler design and requires fewer materials compared to traditional barn styles.

For most horse barns and large storage sheds, poured concrete footers is a great choice. Please consult a professional in your area for the proper size and placement of the footers needed for your horse barn or large storage shed foundation. Please note that weather can influence when concrete footers can be poured.

The stall size debate seems to have settled on 12' by 12' for an average 1,000-pound horse. Ron says 90 percent of his projects have 12' by 12' stalls; he rarely get orders for 10' by 10' stall, like he did years ago. A horse should be able to turn around, lie down and get up comfortably, and be groomed in place.

While both center-aisle and shed row barns are popular single-story barn designs, shed row barns will be your most cost-effective option. Since they are built in a simple, stripped-down barn style, they cost less and are easy to work with.

While concrete and asphalt are practical industrial options, one drawback is that they can create a slipping hazard for horses. Rubber mats or a concrete heavy broom finish can help reduce that risk, although a finish can wear down over time. Interlocking rubber pavers can also provide a safe, nonslip barn surface.

Barn kits are a good option for DIYers because they provide all building materials and the instructions you need to build. You can expect the kit to cost $10 to $30 per square foot. Custom-built barns, on the other hand, cost $15 to $200 per square foot including labor.

Generally speaking, a stable is a timber building that is used to house horses. A barn is also usually made of timber, but it is most often used to keep livestock, or to store machinery or equipment. There are instances where the two terms may be used interchangeably, so it is always worth specifying your design.

Pole Barns, are cheap, easy to slap together, and designed for human convenience, not creature comfort. You know what they are. You've seen them on the big corporate farms. You've seen them in the backyards of your neighbors.

You'll also want to carefully consider the direction your barn should face. You want to be prepared to counteract the seasons, keeping your barn warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The best way to achieve this is to face your structure in the east/west direction.

What does every horse barn need? ›

Every horse barn should have a tack room to keep your saddles and bridles protected and neat. Tack rooms must be kept clean, dry, and have adequate ventilation. This is particularly important for leather equipment, which can rot and mold if not properly maintained.

Traditionally, there has been a per-acre approach to estimating land needs. Often, one horse per acre is used as a starting point. In some cases, two acres is recommended for the first horse and one additional acre for each additional horse is suggested to prevent over-grazing of pastures.

In general, the approximate pasture needs per average-sized mature horse, with pasture providing most, if not all, of the nutrition is: 1 - 2 acres with an excellent, dense sod, permanent pasture. 2 - 2.5 acres with an average permanent pasture (spring growth will be OK but summer forage is average)

An average (15h) horse can be comfortable in a 10×12 or even a 10×10 stall. For a mare and foal, consider two normal horse stall height and size with a removable partition. If you need an odd size stall, like a 10×14 or 12×16, we can do it and it won't cost you anything extra.

Southern Yellow Pine (SYP):

The strongest of the soft wood species, very durable wood for horse stalls. A structurally stable lumber that can easily be stained and have other protective finishes applied to it.

Soil, Sand, or Clay

Sand is frequently used for stall floors. It is easy on the horse's legs, non-slip, and requires minimal bedding material over top. It drains well and is replaceable once it becomes very soiled. Sand-bedded stalls may need "topping up" as sand is taken away each time the stall is mucked out.

Some owners recommend that a horse be turned out at least 4 hours per day when housed on concrete flooring. Using a thick layer of bedding or solid rubber mats can minimize some of concrete's disadvantages. Provide a 4-inch minimum thickness for concrete floors under stalls and where vehicle use is limited.