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Horse Barn Site Preparation

When it comes to site preparation for your Horse Barn or Shed, it's important to hire an experienced contractor to get the job done right.  Most horse sheds and barns require either a well compacted stone base or concrete foundation (if required by local codes).  We can recommend few contractors or you can try to find a local one in your area.

When preparing stone pad yourself, make sure it's level, well compacted and extends at least 24" past the barn on each side.  For example, if your barn is 12'x36', your stone pad should be at least 16'x40' or larger.  Also, make sure your pad is accessible with the truck or Shed Mule from at least one short end.  The barn will be rolled onto your pad from the end, not lifted in place.  Please use compactable crushed stone such as 2-A Modified.  We do not recommend the use of stone dust since it cannot be compacted and the wheels of trailer or Shed Mule might sink into the pad.  You can always add stone dust later on inside of stalls or on the outside, after barn is in place.  Also, when choosing your pad location, make sure that drive-away area extends at least 60' from one end of the pad.  The truck needs enough room to drive onto your pad and pull away from your pad from at least one short end.

RUN IN SHEDS:

Most of the time, Small Run In Sheds (10' - 30' in length) do not require any foundation and can be placed out in the field on bare ground, providing the site is fairly level.  For bigger run-in sheds (30' - 48' in length) and all run-in sheds with storage rooms, it's recommended to have a level crushed stone pad.  If your site is off level, you should level it with crushed stone, no matter the size of shed.

SHED ROW BARNS:

All sizes of Shed Row Barns must have well compacted and level crushed stone base.  Level pad is needed to make sure your barn doesn't get twisted and cause doors not to function properly.  In fact, if after some time, you start having trouble opening or closing one of your Dutch doors, it's most likely due to ground settling.  If your site becomes unleveled due to ground settling or movement, you will need to level the barn by either placing shims or stone under sill plates.

LEAN TO BARNS:

In addition to stone pad, a Lean-To Barn also requires concrete pillars foundation.  One pillar, approximately 18" in diameter is placed at each corner and at each partition.  Lean-to overhang posts can either be placed on top of pillars or in ground.  When you order lean-to barn from us, we will provide you with CAD drawing showing exact dimensions and location for pillar placement.

Concrete Pillars Foundation
Barn Pad
Shed Stone Pad

If concrete pillar foundation is required by local codes, we will supply CAD foundation plan showing specs and dimensions.