A metal barn must have the proper layout and size to ensure it can accommodate your horses and provide enough room to be safe and comfortable. Given this purpose, you should plan the new construction carefully, from the condition of the ground to your choice of metal barn roofing. Below are a few planning tips to help streamline this process and give your horses the home they deserve.

4 Steps to Building a Metal Horse Barn

1. Assess the Site

The ground where you build the barn should be level, solid, and not prone to water accumulation. It should be a convenient location, and if you are planning on having electrical or water hookups, it should be accessible to utility lines, as well. Also, think about the future. If you may need to expand the barn to accommodate more horses, be sure the site has room for development.

2. Determine Aisle Width

The aisle width should have enough room for a horse to move through and turn around. Generally, a 12-foot width will be enough space. However, you should also measure all equipment you'll be using regularly in the new barn to ensure it has sufficient room, and adjust the aisle width accordingly.

3. Decide on a Stall Size

The size of your horses will determine the optimal stall size. A horse of average height and weight will typically need a 12-foot by 12-foot stall. Ponies and miniature horses can have smaller stalls, while thoroughbreds and broodmares will need larger ones. Regardless, you should allow the horse to move in all directions, as well as lay down and get up with ease. For the walls of the stall, you should make them a minimum of five feet to ensure optimal function.

4. Measure for Metal Barn Roofing

Most horse barns have gabled roofing, a classic look with two sections sloping in opposite directions. You can measure for metal barn roofing by calculating roof pitch, which is the number of inches a roof rises vertically for every 12 horizontal inches. An average ratio for roof pitch is 1:12. You should consider a steeper angle if you are planning more clearance in the center aisle of the barn or if the barn will experience heavy snowfall, as snow will run off a sharper slope better.

When you need metal barn roofing and construction products, contact Greenview Metal. Serving the Trempealeau County, WI, area, this experienced metal manufacturer provides roofs, siding, barn materials, skylights, and more. They will work with you to design the perfect barn for your horses, property, and budget. Call (715) 538-1325 to request an estimate. Visit them online for more information about their services.