Building stalls with a loft

[absrio]

I am thinking of building 8x16 stall to house pigs in the barn. This will be mostly freestanding inside of a lean-to. One of the ways I am thinking of doing this is using 4x4x8 post in the corner and at the center of the 16' run where the gate is. One end would have 4x6x8 post to add another stall when ready. The bottom section I want to use 2x12's three rows high spaced apart to make the fence (total height around 42-45" for fence.)

Would I then be able to run 2x12 spanners across the top from the 4x4's and place 3x6 joist (joist from the old loft that was torn down) at 16" on center's to create the loft. Decking would be plywood or OSB most likely. I don't plan on storing much more than 100 bales total. However I am sure other stuff will end up there. The floor is concrete will I need to secure the post to the floor?

 

[dave1949]

I would anchor the posts. Pigs like to rub on things for a good scratch. If you accidentally bump the post with your tractor anchors would keep it in place. A little nudge from a tractor can do a lot of damage.

Have you considered hog panels rather than 2x12's? Hog panels would be cleaner, better visibility and maybe cheaper too. Also, hogs will test things by lifting them with their snout.

 

[absrio]

I have thought about the hog panels. I haven't figured out how to secure them on concrete yet. With the 2x12's they should weigh more than the pig can lift.

 

[lutt]

Mine is anchored to the floor, used a Hilti gun and put 1/2 inch anchors to hold 5x5 posts, tied to the rafters on top. I have 2x6 treated for the that ties posts to post with everything screwed together with large decksrews and lag bolts. I am adding lofts for storage possibly this winter. I would definetly tie the post to the concrete. We raise pigs me they will wreck stuff without meaning to, and ours are tame showpigs. Hear our some pics. They are not real good but maybe they will help! LUTT

 

[absrio]

Thanks for the pictures. That is basically what I want to do. What is the spacing between your boards and pen size?

 

[dave1949]

I have thought about the hog panels. I haven't figured out how to secure them on concrete yet. With the 2x12's they should weigh more than the pig can lift.

These would work as a way to provide between posts support for panels or 2x12's:
2 in. Black Malleable Iron Threaded Floor Flange-521-608HN at The Home Depot

If the pipe was threaded at each end, a cap could screwed on the open top.

U-bolts would work to tie either wood or panel wire to the pipe screwed into the floor flange. You could also use short pieces of cable tied into a circle with cable clamps in place of the u-bolts.

National Hardware 3/8 in. Zinc-Plated Wire Cable Clamp-3230BC 3/8 WR CBL CLMP at The Home Depot

 

[lutt]

Thanks for the pictures. That is basically what I want to do. What is the spacing between your boards and pen size?

Abriso, I don't remember and I am off at work right now, I will be in Friday and take some measurements. I would not use pig panels, there not tall enough and too flimsy without good backing. Pens are roughly 10 wide, I used the exsisting 6x6 timbers that are part of pole barn structure, which are 10 feet apart. They are about 8 wide, it leave plenty of space to get the tractor in for cleaning the stalls. We use pine shaving for the bedding. The building is 30x50. Steel is another option or what I'm gonna do in the future is polly poured concrete walls. More sanitary and sometimes pigs really don't new to see each other. And they cannot tear them down. I have had trouble with a couple of market guilts chewing on the lower boards. They are fins to go to the slaughter house though. LUTT