Metal Barns

A well-configured barn is a joy to work in and a happy place for the animals who board inside it. Setting up your barn correctly will maximize the space you have. It will also save you countless hours of unnecessary work. Planning and foresight are the keys to setting up your barn. So, what’s the best way to configure my barn?

Planning and Placement

Plan ahead for all types of weather when considering where to place your barn. Avoid low-lying areas where runoff will accumulate. The barn should be faced in a direction that won’t be battered by cold gusts of wind and rain, but it should also be well-ventilated and breezy for hotter temperatures in the summer. 

Openings and Doorways

Your barn should ideally have dual openings on either side that are wide enough to back a truck up into. This will help with unloading large bales of hay and other materials. It will also be a boon during the summer when your animals need to cool off.

Wash Area, Supply Storage, Feed Room, and Aisleways

You don’t need a ton of space for your wash area. In fact, a smaller wash area can actually be advantageous, as it will help you control your animals. Plan your supply storage space so it is easily accessible, near the middle of the barn usually works best. The feed room should be sizable enough for multiple animals. 

You will want a middle aisle that’s wide enough to let animals roam freely, so the dimensions of your barn should be large enough to accommodate stalls, work areas, and a spacious aisle down the middle. Diagram out these areas before you start planning the stalls so you don’t overestimate the amount of space you have for boarding. 

Animal Stalls

The size of your stalls will depend on what type of animals your barn will be housing. 12’ x 12’ is a good size for a large horse. Walls should be overhead, high enough so horses can’t get a foothold on top. Gates should be able to swing either way for ease of use. 

Outdoor Areas and Awnings

After the inside of your barn is diagrammed out, start thinking about the area surrounding the barn. Awnings are helpful for letting the animals out of their stalls on rainy days. They also provide an overhead covering for an outdoor trough, should you choose to install one. Plan your barn so it is easy to lead animals to and from any fenced areas outside.

VersaTube has barn kits that are simple and fast to construct, with slip-fit connections that snap into place and never come loose. All of our steel building kits are made with American steel, and they are backed by a 20-year warranty. VersaTube buildings are America’s choice for DIY steel building kits. Give us a call today if you have any questions at (888) 559-8762.