Building a barn is a great way to keep your horses close and provide value for your property. Metal buildings are some of the most sturdy options that will keep your horses safe for years to come, but no matter what you opt for, some ground rules will help you during the design phase. Here’s a closer look at how to plan a barn that meets your needs.

Planning 

First, you’ll need to find a suitable place on your property. Choose a spot that has proper drainage, is on firm and level ground, makes access easy, and offers the potential for future expansion. Set aside some space for hay and manure storage. When building your barn, keep in mind the prevailing wind direction, and place your barn at a 45-degree angle to the wind. This will provide good air circulation without exposing your building to the elements.

Next, determine what type of material you want to choose for your horse barn. Overall, metal buildings are much more durable and handle extreme weather without being damaged. Metal is also easier to maintain and doesn’t require regular painting or rot prevention. Its clean look will match any farm decor as well.

Sizing

When sizing your horse barn, keep in mind how many horses you want to accommodate. Will you ever want to buy more horses or breed the ones you have? Will you want to allow others to board their horses on your property to gain additional revenue? Although you don’t want to build a barn that’s too big, it can be surprising how quickly you use up your space. 

It’s best to design your barn in 10-foot increments in relation to dimensions. For example, consider 30’ by 40’ or 40’ by 50’. This helps standardize measurements for building. In order to determine the height, decide on the highest framed entry you want, which is usually the entrance. The eave of the building should be 2 feet higher than the entry frame. 

Lastly, figure out your stall and center aisle size. The standard stall size is 14’ by 14’ with a minimum height of 7 feet. Your center aisle width should be at least 12’. This allows ample space to maneuver your animals. If you’ll want to move a tractor or other piece of equipment through your barn, measure it to ensure you’ll have enough room.

If you need help planning a horse barn, turn to Dixieland Metals of Alabama. They serve both contractors and the general public in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi—and they ship materials anywhere in the U.S. They offer pre-made pole barn kits and are also happy to custom-make any metal building you need. Visit their website or call (334) 678-0038 for more information about the company.