When it comes to horse barns, there are countless design and building material options. However, there are only a handful of different types of structures. Read on to learn about the various horse barn types and how to decide what is best for your future barn. This helpful blog post is brought to you by American Stalls.
Post & Beam Barns
One of the most common barn structures is post and beam. It is also referred to as a pole barn, framed barn or panelized “prefabricated” barn. Popular on the East Coast, a post and beam barn is cost effective for several reasons. Usually the barn ispre-engineered for most land sites or not engineered at all.A pre-engineered building is a metal building that includes a structural frame and standard roof and wall support. Pre-engineered simply means that it is pre-built in a factory and then erected on the site. In contrast, a “non-engineered” barn would be where the builders use materials to build the structure onsite.
These barns are usually made with 6’x6’ or 4’x4’ timbers on 12’ or 14’ centers, covered using a single wall construction of tongue and groove lumber (T&G).
Often a general contractor can put up the shell and leave the remaining work to the builder which saves money.Luxury barn builders will go one step further when insulation is required. In these cases, the barn’s exterior will be framed with a sheer wall and a finished wall on the barn interior.
There is a little less flexibility with a post and beam barn. Wood is a great choice for these barns, but it’s important to acknowledge that these barns have a limited lifespan.This is because the wood needs to be protected from the horses who may chew, crib or eat the exposed edges. Column spacing limits what can be done with the barn’s interior which means this single use structure is limited by its configuration.
Panelized/Prefab Barns
Above, a new prefab barn at True North Show Horses.
Panelized barns are also known as “prefab barns”. These barns kits are commonly sold under brand names and are often found in California, Oregon, Washington and Texas. Panelized barns are cost-effective structures that do the basic job of housing your horses. These structures can also be built quickly without much permit issues. That being said, sometimes these barns offer little to no flexibility for custom design options.
Framed Barns
Above, a framed barn at Arbor Hill Stables.
Framed barnsprovide the most flexibility and functionality when it comes to post and beam construction, they are a more substantial version of a post and beam barn. These particular buildings are commonly used when there must be an upper story to the barn for an apartment, office, or other application.
Framed barns are built similarly to homes because they use a double wall construction. This construction allows for more architectural detail and creativity in building materials. The sky (and a client’s budget) is truly the limit in these buildings.
Clear Span Buildings – Steel & Wood
Clear span barns (both wood and steel) may or may not have a framed wall. They do use a truss to clear the span in the shorter side of the building. Trusses are usually one of three types: timber trusses, metal tube trusses or scissor trusses. These engineered buildings require experienced builders due to the need for a foundation.
Once permitted and the foundation is done, a clear span building can be built quickly offsite and “assembled” (bolted) together on the job site. In terms of budget, clear span buildings can be utilitarian – using inexpensive siding and roofing materials. They can also be extremely costly if you add stone walls, slate roofs, and steeper roof pitches.
Clear span steel barns are fantastic in terms of longevity since horses do not have places to chew.
Block Barns (CMU)
CMU is commonly known as cinder block. Block or CMU barnsare becoming increasingly popular in geographies with warmer climates, prone to inclement weather. Block barns are very popular in Florida because of their strength against hurricanes and tropical storms.
CMU barns provide adurable structure that will last against the elements – including weather and horses’ day-to-day wear and tear. American Stalls recommends you to find a high-quality builder for any barn structure, but especially block barns. This is because there are certain details that need to be done right to ensure your barn is safe for your horses and built to last.
For example, some horse owners express concerns about the block’s hardness in stalls. Cinder block walls can be covered with padded rubber in the stalls. Additionally, block edges and corners must be either ground down or covered with a steel angle iron.
If you are considering a block barn, it’s important to let American Stalls know well in-advance to ensure there is sound communication between the builder, their team and the architect(s). This is to make sure the openings are accurate for the stalls, doors, partitions, windows and other components in the barn.
Indoor Arenas with Stabling
Covered or fully enclosed arenas are growing in popularity – especially in regions that have a harsher climate. Although you might have a barn in addition to the arena, it can be worth it to also plan limited stabling with the arena. Horse stalls can be installed off the arena’s long side or short side depending on your quantity needs. An indoor arena also offers flexibility as the side spaces can accommodate everything from stalls to office space to vehicle storage.
Do you need help with a barn project? Contact American Stalls at (855) 957-8255 or complete theirinquiry form. The American Stalls team is here to be a resource to help you build a barn that is elegant, safe, and built to last.
For even more helpful blog posts from American Stalls be sure to read Tips for Finding the Right Contractor for Your Barn,4 Tips for Designing a Safer Aisle for Your Horse Barn,The Benefits of Mesh Stall Frontsandon Stable Style.
New Reader? Sign up for the weekly Stable Style newsletter and never miss a blog post!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast-based assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in discussions. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article about horse barns.
Types of Horse Barns
The article discusses several types of horse barns, including:
-
Post & Beam Barns: Also known as pole barns, framed barns, or panelized barns, post and beam barns are cost-effective structures made with 6'x6' or 4'x4' timbers on 12' or 14' centers. They are usually covered using a single wall construction of tongue and groove lumber (T&G). These barns are pre-engineered or non-engineered, with the former being pre-built in a factory and then erected on-site. Post and beam barns offer limited flexibility and have a limited lifespan due to the need to protect the wood from horse-related damage.
-
Panelized/Prefab Barns: Panelized barns, also known as prefab barns, are cost-effective structures commonly sold under brand names. They are often found in California, Oregon, Washington, and Texas. Panelized barns are quick to build and have fewer permit issues. However, they may offer limited flexibility for custom design options.
-
Framed Barns: Framed barns provide more flexibility and functionality compared to post and beam construction. They are commonly used when an upper story is required for an apartment, office, or other applications. Framed barns are built similarly to homes, using double wall construction, which allows for more architectural detail and creativity in building materials.
-
Clear Span Buildings - Steel & Wood: Clear span barns, made of either wood or steel, use trusses to clear the span in the shorter side of the building. These engineered buildings require experienced builders and can be built quickly offsite and assembled on the job site. Clear span buildings can range from utilitarian structures to more elaborate ones, depending on the budget and design choices.
-
Block Barns (CMU): Block barns, also known as CMU barns, are becoming increasingly popular in warmer climates prone to inclement weather. They provide a durable structure that can withstand the elements. Block barns are particularly popular in Florida due to their strength against hurricanes and tropical storms. However, certain details need to be done right to ensure the barn is safe for horses and built to last.
-
Indoor Arenas with Stabling: Covered or fully enclosed arenas with stabling are growing in popularity, especially in regions with harsh climates. These arenas can also include limited stabling options, allowing for convenience and flexibility in horse management. The side spaces of indoor arenas can accommodate various functions, from stalls to office space to vehicle storage.
It's important to note that the article is brought to you by American Stalls, a company specializing in barn construction. If you need further assistance or have specific questions about building a horse barn, you can contact American Stalls directly.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.