Horse Shelter Plans - Review Needed

[bigballer]

I am constructing a simple 12x24 horse shelter which consist of 6 posts and a metal roof at a 1/12 slope. We don't get alot of snow in this area and what little we get is only a few inches per year. We do, however, get alot of rain so gutters on the low side will be installed. I plan to use metal roofing cut to size. The posts will be 4x6 and the everything else will be 2x6, I have used the online calcs for joist span and these seem to be in range for the lengths based on hem-fir. Roof joists will be attached via hangers. I have attached an aerial view of the framing and a side view. those of you who have experience putting up outbuildings/leanto's, sheds, barns, feel free to share your experiences and your opinions (of materials and general design) based on the attached drawings.

cheers,
bigballer

[tallyho8]

I built a horse shed very similar to that one but with less rafters. My rafters were 4' apart. The only other difference was I cut some 3/4" emt into 30" sections and used it to brace all the corner posts to the rafters. My shed made it through Katrina with no problems in an area where many barns were completely destroyed.

[higgy]

Look reasonable.

I just built four last fall that are basically the same dimensions. I built mine a bit different and I finished the insides with 3/4 t&g to stop any chewing. I would be happy to send pics, let me know if you would like some.

Dane

[alchemysa]

A bit more front overhang maybe? It helps to keep the front door area drier.

[Mike120]

A few things:

1. I agree with the comment about needing an overhang. It will help to keep it drier depending on your orientation, prevailing winds, etc.

2. You are using a lot of extra lumber. You can get by with single front to back 2X10 joists (blocking is unnecessary then) and side to side joists on 2' centers (put your hangers on each side of the center joist).

3. I would raise it up to a minimum of 10' in front (all of mine are 12'). Horses are born looking for ways to hurt themselves and will rear up in sheds or anywhere else. So unless you have ponies......

4. Check with your metal supplier before you finalize your dimensions. Most stock 12', 18', & 24' PBR panels and charge for cutting and waste. Build to the metal....

5. Buildup the area before you build the shed....it will get trampled down and you'll have a hole that holds water otherwise.

6. Use galvanized nails/bolts/screws into anything that is treated (4x6s).

Good Luck!

[bigballer]

thanks for the replies and the suggestions. I augered the holes and set the posts last night. I should be able to get 8' on the back side and something over 9' on the front. I also moved the front overhang out to 2'. On the connectors (to the treated posts) what is the best way to secure the front to back beams to the posts? Should I drill through post and beam and use long carriage bolts or should I use a long lag bolt? Will make sure they are galvanized, whatever I end up going with.


higgy - would be great to see pics of you shelters. always good to see lot's of examples.

cheers,
bigballer

[higgy]

Will post them tonight

[HappyCPE]

Originally Posted by bigballer

We do, however, get alot of rain so gutters on the low side will be installed. cheers,
bigballer

In addition to the previous comment re. building up the area, you will need to find a place for that water to go, otherwise it will be mud city.

Can you post a picture of the site?

[Mike120]

I like lag bolts with big washers myself.....I know they won't pull out.

You're going to need to pre-drill holes in your metal as the wood screws are not self-drilling. If your joists are straight you can mark one panel and pre-drill the whole stack....A lot easier than drilling/screwing individual panels.

[bigballer]

Here are a couple pics of the site. The cross beams you see are temporary to check level and height. It looks like i'll get a bit over 8ft of clearance on the back side and 9 1/2ft on the front. The site drops about 12" in the 24' span from side to side. The low side dumps into the pasture where it drains off pretty good since it's sloped all the way to the bottom of the property. I plan on trenching around the high side and the back, laying in some perf pipe with drain rock to help with runoff. I will also bring in some crushed gravel to build the footing up 4-5" and then will top with hogfuel. The goal is to create 2 runs each at 75'x20' with the shelters on the end. The shelters will be seperated by a panel which will split it between the 2 runs. Basically this area will be used when the pastures are too wet in the winter, etc.

cheers,
bigballer