6 Popular Types of Horse Barn Structures

When it comes to horse barns, there are countless design and building material options. However, there are only a handful of different types of structures. Read on to learn about the various horse barn types and how to decide what is best for your future barn. This helpful blog post is brought to you by American Stalls.

Post & Beam Barns

One of the most common barn structures is post and beam. It is also referred to as a pole barn, framed barn or panelized “prefabricated” barn. Popular on the East Coast, a post and beam barn is cost effective for several reasons. Usually the barn is pre-engineered for most land sites or not engineered at all. A pre-engineered building is a metal building that includes a structural frame and standard roof and wall support. Pre-engineered simply means that it is pre-built in a factory and then erected on the site. In contrast, a “non-engineered” barn would be where the builders use materials to build the structure onsite.

These barns are usually made with 6’x6’ or 4’x4’ timbers on 12’ or 14’ centers, covered using a single wall construction of tongue and groove lumber (T&G).

Often a general contractor can put up the shell and leave the remaining work to the builder which saves money. Luxury barn builders will go one step further when insulation is required. In these cases, the barn’s exterior will be framed with a sheer wall and a finished wall on the barn interior.

There is a little less flexibility with a post and beam barn. Wood is a great choice for these barns, but it’s important to acknowledge that these barns have a limited lifespan. This is because the wood needs to be protected from the horses who may chew, crib or eat the exposed edges. Column spacing limits what can be done with the barn’s interior which means this single use structure is limited by its configuration.

Panelized/Prefab Barns

Above, a new prefab barn at True North Show Horses.

Panelized barns are also known as “prefab barns”. These barns kits are commonly sold under brand names and are often found in California, Oregon, Washington and Texas. Panelized barns are cost-effective structures that do the basic job of housing your horses. These structures can also be built quickly without much permit issues. That being said, sometimes these barns offer little to no flexibility for custom design options.

Framed Barns

Above, a framed barn at Arbor Hill Stables.

Framed barns provide the most flexibility and functionality when it comes to post and beam construction, they are a more substantial version of a post and beam barn. These particular buildings are commonly used when there must be an upper story to the barn for an apartment, office, or other application.

Framed barns are built similarly to homes because they use a double wall construction. This construction allows for more architectural detail and creativity in building materials. The sky (and a client’s budget) is truly the limit in these buildings.

Clear Span Buildings – Steel & Wood

Clear span barns (both wood and steel) may or may not have a framed wall. They do use a truss to clear the span in the shorter side of the building. Trusses are usually one of three types: timber trusses, metal tube trusses or scissor trusses. These engineered buildings require experienced builders due to the need for a foundation.

Once permitted and the foundation is done, a clear span building can be built quickly offsite and “assembled” (bolted) together on the job site. In terms of budget, clear span buildings can be utilitarian – using inexpensive siding and roofing materials. They can also be extremely costly if you add stone walls, slate roofs, and steeper roof pitches.

Clear span steel barns are fantastic in terms of longevity since horses do not have places to chew.

Block Barns (CMU)

CMU is commonly known as cinder block. Block or CMU barns are becoming increasingly popular in geographies with warmer climates, prone to inclement weather. Block barns are very popular in Florida because of their strength against hurricanes and tropical storms.

CMU barns provide a durable structure that will last against the elements – including weather and horses’ day-to-day wear and tear. American Stalls recommends you to find a high-quality builder for any barn structure, but especially block barns. This is because there are certain details that need to be done right to ensure your barn is safe for your horses and built to last.

For example, some horse owners express concerns about the block’s hardness in stalls. Cinder block walls can be covered with padded rubber in the stalls. Additionally, block edges and corners must be either ground down or covered with a steel angle iron.

If you are considering a block barn, it’s important to let American Stalls know well in-advance to ensure there is sound communication between the builder, their team and the architect(s). This is to make sure the openings are accurate for the stalls, doors, partitions, windows and other components in the barn.

Indoor Arenas with Stabling

Covered or fully enclosed arenas are growing in popularity – especially in regions that have a harsher climate. Although you might have a barn in addition to the arena, it can be worth it to also plan limited stabling with the arena. Horse stalls can be installed off the arena’s long side or short side depending on your quantity needs. An indoor arena also offers flexibility as the side spaces can accommodate everything from stalls to office space to vehicle storage.

Do you need help with a barn project? Contact American Stalls at (855) 957-8255 or complete their inquiry form. The American Stalls team is here to be a resource to help you build a barn that is elegant, safe, and built to last.

For even more helpful blog posts from American Stalls be sure to read Tips for Finding the Right Contractor for Your Barn, 4 Tips for Designing a Safer Aisle for Your Horse Barn, The Benefits of Mesh Stall Fronts and How to Select the Best Lumber for Your Horse Stalls & Barn Doors on Stable Style.