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Horse SheltersSUPPLIES
- Lumber
- 4-by-4 posts (at least 10 feet long)
- Post-hole digger
- Power tools
- Concrete
- Sand
- Nails
- Roofing nails
- Aluminum siding
- Stakes
- Metal roofing materials
Overview
Owning and caring for horses can be an expensive undertaking. Taking care of the animals is much more costly than the initial purchase price. One thing horses need is a shelter where they can get out of the bad weather and the sun. A simple shed with three sides and a roof will suffice.
Step 1
Choose the building spot for your shed. It needs to flood free and well drained.
Step 2
Build your pad. Bring in sand with a truck or by wheelbarrow loads and spread until the pad is 18 inches higher than the surrounding ground.
Step 3
Stake out your corners by marking every 12 feet of length and width. Use a measuring string between stakes to create straight lines.
Step 4
Dig your post holes at least 24 inches deep where you've marked. Put concrete mix and water according to directions in each post hole before installing the 4-by-4 posts. Let the concrete cure for at least 72 hours.
Step 5
Frame with treated lumber. For security, install a brace post at every 12 feet of length. Install a bottom plank, middle plank and top plank. This will create a basic frame of your shed, which you will then fill in with lumber.
Step 6
Fill in the frame with siding and lumber. Use 2-by-4 boards, 2-by-6 boards, or 2-inch plywood from the ground to at least 4 feet up, to prevent the horses from kicking through exterior siding. You may use either lumber or siding on the top half. If you use lumber all the way up, cover it with siding or paint to protect it from the elements.
Step 7
Build the roof. Metal roofing is the most economical and lasts longer than wood and shingles. You can purchase the metal pieces in standard precut sizes. If you have a custom-size barn, have your roof measured and the metal cut to fit. This can get costly, but it is imperative to install a sturdy roof that will withstand the full force of wind, rain and snow.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Measure and prepare your site properly. Building on a faulty design will cause endless maintenance issues.
Rent an auger drill for an easier time digging the post holes.
- WARNING : Always follow precautions when using power tools. Use protective gear, such as safety goggles, whenever recommended.
