Horse Barn Plans

You've taken stock of your barn-it's showing signs of wear and tear. Your fencing could also use a facelift. Or-you finally have that slice of horse heaven and are ready to build for the first time. Either way, a horse barn plan can help. First, we'll give you some horse barn and fencing plan basics. Then we'll give you a listing of 68 barn, barn-accessory, and fencing resources.

Building Your Barn
Today's barn options are many, from a pole barn with dirt floors to an insulated, padded horse heaven. You can build your own barn, buy a prefabricated model, or hire a company to custom-build your barn for you. Typically, building your own is the least expensive choice (if you know what you're doing), a custom barn is your costliest choice, and a prefab barn lies in the middle of the cost scale. Which type of barn is right for you? Major considerations include type/materials, size, layout/design, cost, and add-ons. Here's a quick look at each one.

• Type/materials. Barn type and materials go hand in hand. Consider a wood barn if you live in an area with a low fire risk, and would like to build the barn yourself or have one custom built. Note that wood-while cost effective for small barns-costs more and is more difficult to maintain than steel models. Prefabricated barns are made from steel, which is strong, reasonably priced, a breeze to keep up, and great for areas with high fire risk. Steel barns do, however, lack the character and warmth of a wood barn.

• Layout/design. Next, decide how many and what size stalls you need (the bigger the stall, the happier your horse will be), how much feed and hay storage you need, and the size you'd like your tack room to be (if any). Depending on your budget, you might want a wash rack/vet-care area, storage for wheelbarrows and other stable supplies, and even a bathroom or an office. Layout and design is the fun part of barn building, but if your "wants" exceed your budget, it's easy to get frustrated. Stable Wise (425/788-4676; www.stablewise.com) can translate your needs into barn plans and provide you with blueprints. It also offers ready-made barn plans and barn-building information. Homestead Design, Inc. (360/385-9983; www.homesteaddesign.com) also offers a wide selection of ready-made barn plans.

•Cost. What you'll pay for your barn varies widely, depending on the type of construction you use. A no-frills pole barn with a metal shell is around $4 per square foot. Custom barns can run you into six figures. Whatever you choose, be sure to factor in materials, insulation, excavation, grading, concrete foundation, water lines, stalls (including mats and fittings), and add-ons. Also consider location. If you build on an uneven surface, an excavator will charge more than if you build on a flat one. If you're tapping into a preexisting well, be sure that move will meet code in your area. Consider, too, how far you'll need to lay your water pipes.

•Add-ons. These include such construction features as overhangs, eaves, gutters, flooring, ceilings, artificial light, doors, windows, and skylights. Be sure to give yourself plenty of electrical outlets for clippers, tank heaters, etc. Also, decide if you'd like to budget for an automatic watering system, and/or an automatic fly system.