Horse Barn Kits: Stables | General Steel (2024)

FAQs

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

The Bottom Line on Choosing Barn Materials

The best material for a horse barn depends on the project. In most cases, metal buildings offer a durable, cost-effective option favored by many horse farms. The upsides of choosing a metal barn include a long, low-maintenance lifespan and quick build time.

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. Working with modular construction methods also helps to reduce construction and labor costs.

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.

A 12-foot x 12-foot stall is the standard recommendation for a 1,000-pound horse. Many stables are successful with stalls slightly smaller than this, but walls less than 10 feet in length are not recommended.

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.

Thirty-six feet is a common building width (12' wide alley, flanked by 12' wide stalls on each side) and 10' for height. Length will depend on number of stalls, stall length, and additional rooms: tack room, wash bay, bathroom, lounge/office, and storage for feed, hay and equipment.

Depending on the features of your horse stall barn, a simple project can cost $30,000 or up to $150,000 for a large commercial project. When you decide on building a barn for your horses, reach out to several companies to find the most experienced builders for the safety of your horses and your long term enjoyment.

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.

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.

A 10x10 horse stall is a common, manageable size home for an average size horse. If your horse is less than 16 hands high (generally under 1,300 pounds), it should be quite comfortable in a 10x10 stall.

Typical 12x12 stall kits can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 per stall; see here for more on stall options. Cupolas. A decorative cupola can cost from $400 to $1,000, depending on the size and materials used.

A horse should be able to comfortably enter the stall, move, turn around and lie down in his/her stall. An average-sized horse (about 14-16 hands) can fit comfortably in a 12' x 12' stall. That being said, one can consider a smaller stall such as 10'x12′ – depending on personal preferences and stall usage.

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.

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.

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.