SUPPLIES
- Level
- String
- 5 4-by-4s
- 10 sheets of ¾-inch plywood
- Tar paper
- Shingles
- Paint
- Hammer
- Nails
- Circular saw
- 2 heavy-duty hinges
- 1 door clasp
Overview
If you own just one horse, you do not need to spend a fortune on a huge barn. You will want to provide him with a clean, dry shelter that you can keep him in if he's sick or if you need to have access to him immediately for training, showing or just daily loving. You can give that to him with a simple-to-build single horse barn that you don't have to be an expert craftsman or construction worker to build. All it takes is a few simple tools, a good plan and an afternoon or two of effort for a home your horse and you will enjoy. These plans will build an 8-by-8-foot enclosure. To build larger buildings, simply add the additional materials following the same procedure outlined below.
A Beautiful New Barn You Can Build Yourself
Step 1
Check with your local zoning commission to find out whether it has regulations regarding distances from existing buildings or roads required for new building projects, whether you need a building permit and whether a building inspector needs to visit the site. Some areas require a building officer to check the site itself before any construction begins to ensure proper placement according to laws, then again when the holes are dug for the support posts, again when the framing is up and then once more at the final completion of the project. Other areas have no restrictions whatsoever, but if you check before you begin, you'll be able to go ahead with the peace of mind of knowing you won't have to pull down all your hard work when you find out later you violated a ruling.
Step 2
Plan the placement of your new horse barn well. Do not put it underneath trees where branches can cause damage in a storm or growing roots can cause the building to heave over time. Make sure you place it in an area that is easy to get at for feeding, cleaning and everyday horse care.
Step 3
Clean the area well, remove all sod and make sure your ground is as level as possible. It is much easier to build a balanced and level building if the ground is not full of ridges or mounds.
Step 4
Measure carefully and mark the four corners of your building perfectly square on the ground with all postholes 8 feet apart. Drive a wooden stake where you are planning your corner posts (or in a pinch, thrust screwdrivers into the ground), and run a piece of string around the complete perimeter, measuring and leveling carefully to be sure the planned corners are perfectly square. For your entryway, excavate one additional posthole in the front wall section of the building area 4 feet from one corner.
Step 5
Dig holes for your four corner supporting posts. Holes should be at least 4 feet down to ensure being below any frost line and to prevent heaving as well as for stability. Cut two 4-by-4 posts to a 9-foot length and three 4-by-4 posts to a 10-foot length (shorter posts for the rear corners, longer posts for the front corners and doorway).
Step 6
Sink the two 9-foot posts in the rear corners so that they rise up 5 feet from the ground. Sink the 10-foot posts at the two front corners so that they are 6 feet above the ground. This will provide a decent slant to your roof from front to back to ensure good drainage and more strength in heavy snows or rains. Plant your additional 10-foot 4-by-4 in the spot you dug out for your door support. If you live in an area with a more arid climate and prefer a flat roof, cut all of your 4-by-4 posts to a 10-foot length and plant them so that they are 6 feet above the ground. (Zoning laws may differ and require deeper planting as well as larger posts.)
Step 7
Pack your support posts well, using a level in the upright position to gauge the straightness of each post. Pouring quick-setting concrete into the holes is even better to be sure of a solid foundation for your building, though this is not absolutely necessary. Use 2-by-4s to frame in the sides with a support across the bottom, top and middle of all sides (the top being level with the rear 5-foot-high posts).
Step 8
Nail one 2-by-4 from the front corner post to the rear corner post on each side of the barn (will be slanted toward the rear of the building). Nail 2-by-4s across the width of the roof from side to side in 2-foot increments from top to bottom for roof support.
Step 9
In the direction of the width of a sheet of plywood, cut a slant comparable to the roof slant, and then place the plywood up flush with the roof braces and nail to the side of the building. Repeat for opposite side. Finish applying a plywood sheeting cover all around the building. Use one solid sheet on the bottom for all sides except the front where the door is, and cut the top pieces to size.
Step 10
Attach hinges to the corner post where the door opening is located. Use 2-by-4s to build a square door frame with one cross brace. Attach door to hinges and screw on door clasp. Nail on plywood sheeting to roof and cut to size. Cover with tar paper, and shingle for weather resistance.
Step 11
Paint building any color you choose, and it is ready for your horse.
