Question about stall size and U.S. Buildings

**Promise Ranch** · 08-30-2005, 09:08 AM

Hi all,

We have been asked if a 30' x 40' x 14' US Building would be appropriate for a barn. We were asked, because someone is interested in donating one... I have 2 questions...

Has anyone used this type of buildings for a barn? They are a kit, and the front and back are open, but I do not know if you can put windows in the sides. I believe the building structure is a series of "ribs" that you attach to eachother...

So, in this barn, I think we could possibly have 6 10' x 10' stalls, a wash bay and a tack room. Are 10' stalls big enough? The horses would likely only be stalled during the winter at night, and/or during bad weather...

Let me know if you have any info to help us in deciding. The person donating this building would be shelling out some dough, so I want to make sure we would be able to use it as a barn. We undoubtedly could use it as hay storage or equipment storage, if is isn't suitable for a barn...

Thanks

leadmare · 08-30-2005, 09:36 AM

I don't know if you could put windows in on the sides either. I do know they can enclose ends and can have large doors on the ends. I think they would make a good barn. There are a few around here.

A 10'x10' stall for short term stalling as you describe is in my opinion a fine size.

It would also be a great hay or equipment storage building.

God Bless

TxHorseDad · 08-30-2005, 11:14 AM

We have 2 stalls in our barn that are 10'x12', I don't see how being 2 feet shorter would hurt especially for your specific use.
As a kind of handyman myself, I can tell you it is possible to make windows in about any structure, it just depends how much work you may have to put in to it to make them function the way you want. I'd say go for it and when you get it up, post pictures and if you need advice on how to get windows put in let me know on a private post and I'll be glad to help! God works in mysterious ways, but he always seems to make it work!

EquineAlberta · 08-30-2005, 03:20 PM

What a wonderful donation!

10' by 10' stalls are common around here, even for the big show horses, but if the walls are curved/sloped then the actual interior may be smaller.

Alternatively you could put 4 bigger (10 by 12) stalls on one side, and then have the other side for tack, and a smaller wash stall, and perhaps a pony stall or two.

If I am understanding the type of barn, some places around here use that semi clear siding instead of the metal in places to get some natural light in.

Karen2

**Promise Ranch** · 08-30-2005, 03:21 PM

Thanks leadmare and TxHorseDad! I'm going to e-mail them to let them know that we can definitely use this building. It's not cheap, but they're getting a real deal! TxHorseDad, I'll let you know when we're ready to install windows...

**Range** · 08-30-2005, 05:26 PM

Wow! Cool for you! We use 10 X 10 stalls here. The only problem is with mares and babies, not big enough. We also had both ends open for a time and are going to re-open one end. Until the building gets here, watch your weather and the wind. We really only closed up the one side because the horses were playing barrel race using the barn - 100 mph in one side and then out the other. We were afraid they would hurt themselves! However, let me tell you how much we wished we'd left the one end open when the hot weather came! Any breeze coming through that barn is great! I would suggest sliding doors (possibly another donation?) that you could leave open in good weather and close in bad weather.

joustinggirl · 08-30-2005, 07:44 PM

Is this a wood building with solid sides that is held into the ground with wood posts? I only ask because we had a bad experince with a hard fabric/canvas building with the ribs. It was held into the ground with long spikes. During a windy weekend one spike worked its way out and the whole thing took off taking a piece of my filly's skull with it. She was very lucky.

**taelesean** · 08-30-2005, 09:13 PM

I looked up US buildings on the web, and I would figure that these are examples of the kind of structure you are likely to be getting:

Here is the link to the US Building website:
http://www.us-buildings.com/

since the sides and roof are made of heavily corugated overlaping steel, it would be very dificult to install windows or extra doors in the sides.

If your local climate is more hot than cold, I would advise leaving the ends either open or mostly open. Build your stalls stock style, with walls about 7' tall under the roof, with the top 3' as openwork, like a fence with the boards closer.

Here are a few more ideas on how to use the space - I prefer a 10 x 12 stall at a minimun for horses, 10x10's are ok for ponies. If you get any larger horses, you will want the larger stalls. The barn i am builing has 12'x12' stalls. the main reason i am building a barn is to have an indoor place to care for unwell horses, otherwise I would go for an open shed, which is really all the climate around here requires.

Here are three ideas for a 30x40 barn with up to 7 stalls:

if you really feel the need for a tack room or indoor wash area, one of the stalls can be used that way. Or, you could build a smaller shed (like one of the inexpensive 10x10 x 7' tall ones made to be garden barns) right next to it for tack - a tack shed wouldn't have to be nearly as well built as a stable, since it wouldn't have to withstand horses.

**Promise Ranch** · 08-31-2005, 06:26 AM

Taelesean! Thanks. That is indeed the exact type of building that is being discussed! I love the floorplans, and will definitely consider each one when designing the barn! I do feel it's necessary to have a wash bay, as the horses get very dirty in the winter, and we've got to keep 'em clean for the kiddos. I was able to get a tankless water heater system donated last year, for a barn we didn't even have yet!!!

The climate here in Texas is brutal. It's super hot all summer, and the winters can be very harsh, cold, muddy and wet. We have two HUGE fans to put in the barn to help with air circulation in the summer. We will probably make each end have very large doors which we can open up for air flow, or close to keep warm...

I spoke with the person who is considering the donation, and they are not fully committed, but we'll see. They are excited about what we're doing, and have been behind us all the way. Their son has come here several times to help out, and to ride (he's disabled).

Thanks again, everyone for the input! I'm going to share this information with hubby. Taelesean, I'm going to save your floorplans...

08-30-2005, 09:08 AM
Promise Ranch Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,537	Question about stall size and U.S. Buildings Hi all, We have been asked if a 30' x 40' x 14' US Building would be appropriate for a barn. We were asked, because someone is interested in donating one... I have 2 questions... Has anyone used this type of buildings for a barn? They are a kit, and the front and back are open, but I do not know if you can put windows in the sides. I believe the building structure is a series of "ribs" that you attach to eachother... So, in this barn, I think we could possibly have 6 10' x 10' stalls, a wash bay and a tack room. Are 10' stalls big enough? The horses would likely only be stalled during the winter at night, and/or during bad weather... Let me know if you have any info to help us in deciding. The person donating this building would be shelling out some dough, so I want to make sure we would be able to use it as a barn. We undoubtedly could use it as hay storage or equipment storage, if is isn't suitable for a barn... Thanks __________________ Crafty Cowgirl - We have the perfect gift for the "Horse Crazy" girl in your life! Handmade Horse Treats also available! Cowgirl-a-GoGo - For fun & fabulous Cowgirl Western Wear, Art & Home Decor!

08-30-2005, 09:36 AM
leadmare Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,099	I don't know if you could put windows in on the sides either. I do know they can enclose ends and can have large doors on the ends. I think they would make a good barn. There are a few around here. A 10'x10' stall for short term stalling as you describe is in my opinion a fine size. It would also be a great hay or equipment storage building. God Bless __________________ *When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7*

08-30-2005, 11:14 AM
TxHorseDad Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Deep Woods near Houston Posts: 156	We have 2 stalls in our barn that are 10'x12', I don't see how being 2 feet shorter would hurt especially for your specific use. As a kind of handyman myself, I can tell you it is possible to make windows in about any structure, it just depends how much work you may have to put in to it to make them function the way you want. I'd say go for it and when you get it up, post pictures and if you need advice on how to get windows put in let me know on a private post and I'll be glad to help! God works in mysterious ways, but he always seems to make it work!

08-30-2005, 03:20 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,682	What a wonderful donation! 10' by 10' stalls are common around here, even for the big show horses, but if the walls are curved/sloped then the actual interior may be smaller. Alternatively you could put 4 bigger (10 by 12) stalls on one side, and then have the other side for tack, and a smaller wash stall, and perhaps a pony stall or two. If I am understanding the type of barn, some places around here use that semi clear siding instead of the metal in places to get some natural light in. Karen2

08-30-2005, 03:21 PM
Promise Ranch Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,537	Thank you Thanks leadmare and TxHorseDad! I'm going to e-mail them to let them know that we can definitely use this building. It's not cheap, but they're getting a real deal! TxHorseDad, I'll let you know when we're ready to install windows... __________________ Crafty Cowgirl - We have the perfect gift for the "Horse Crazy" girl in your life! Handmade Horse Treats also available! Cowgirl-a-GoGo - For fun & fabulous Cowgirl Western Wear, Art & Home Decor!

08-30-2005, 05:26 PM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,887	barn Wow! Cool for you! We use 10 X 10 stalls here. The only problem is with mares and babies, not big enough. We also had both ends open for a time and are going to re-open one end. Until the building gets here, watch your weather and the wind. We really only closed up the one side because the horses were playing barrel race using the barn - 100 mph in one side and then out the other. We were afraid they would hurt themselves! However, let me tell you how much we wished we'd left the one end open when the hot weather came! Any breeze coming through that barn is great! I would suggest sliding doors (possibly another donation?) that you could leave open in good weather and close in bad weather. __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

08-30-2005, 07:44 PM
joustinggirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boones Mill, Virgina Posts: 3,386	Is this a wood building with solid sides that is held into the ground with wood posts? I only ask because we had a bad experince with a hard fabric/canvas building with the ribs. It was held into the ground with long spikes. During a windy weekend one spike worked its way out and the whole thing took off taking a piece of my filly's skull with it. She was very lucky.

08-30-2005, 09:13 PM
taelesean Administrator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 5,756	I looked up US buildings on the web, and I would figure that these are examples of the kind of structure you are likely to be getting: Here is the link to the US Building website: http://www.us-buildings.com/ since the sides and roof are made of heavily corugated overlaping steel, it would be very dificult to install windows or extra doors in the sides. If your local climate is more hot than cold, I would advise leaving the ends either open or mostly open. Build your stalls stock style, with walls about 7' tall under the roof, with the top 3' as openwork, like a fence with the boards closer. Here are a few more ideas on how to use the space - I prefer a 10 x 12 stall at a minimun for horses, 10x10's are ok for ponies. If you get any larger horses, you will want the larger stalls. The barn i am builing has 12'x12' stalls. the main reason i am building a barn is to have an indoor place to care for unwell horses, otherwise I would go for an open shed, which is really all the climate around here requires. Here are three ideas for a 30x40 barn with up to 7 stalls: if you really feel the need for a tack room or indoor wash area, one of the stalls can be used that way. Or, you could build a smaller shed (like one of the inexpensive 10x10 x 7' tall ones made to be garden barns) right next to it for tack - a tack shed wouldn't have to be nearly as well built as a stable, since it wouldn't have to withstand horses. __________________

08-31-2005, 06:26 AM
Promise Ranch Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,537	Taelesean! Thanks. That is indeed the exact type of building that is being discussed! I love the floorplans, and will definitely consider each one when designing the barn! I do feel it's necessary to have a wash bay, as the horses get very dirty in the winter, and we've got to keep 'em clean for the kiddos. I was able to get a tankless water heater system donated last year, for a barn we didn't even have yet!!! The climate here in Texas is brutal. It's super hot all summer, and the winters can be very harsh, cold, muddy and wet. We have two HUGE fans to put in the barn to help with air circulation in the summer. We will probably make each end have very large doors which we can open up for air flow, or close to keep warm... I spoke with the person who is considering the donation, and they are not fully committed, but we'll see. They are excited about what we're doing, and have been behind us all the way. Their son has come here several times to help out, and to ride (he's disabled). Thanks again, everyone for the input! I'm going to share this information with hubby. Taelesean, I'm going to save your floorplans... __________________ Crafty Cowgirl - We have the perfect gift for the "Horse Crazy" girl in your life! Handmade Horse Treats also available! Cowgirl-a-GoGo - For fun & fabulous Cowgirl Western Wear, Art & Home Decor!