Floor material for barn lean-to?

   / Floor material for barn lean-to? #1  

lhfarm

Veteran Member
Joined
May 17, 2002
Messages
1,320
Location
Central Indiana
Tractor
NH TC40DA
Our new pole barn is just about finished. We had 10' lean-tos added to both sides. Plan to park implements. Should I leave the sod or haul in gravel? If gravel, is there a good size for this application?
Thanks,
 
   / Floor material for barn lean-to? #3  
Sod indicates grass to me. I'd remove all organic material and leave it as smooth dirt. The roof over the leen-to will keep it dry, and in a short amount of time, the dirt will become extremely hard.

Mine are on preasure treated blocks on dirt in my leen-to.

You can always spend extra money on it, but I'd rather buy another implement or a tool instead.
 
   / Floor material for barn lean-to? #4  
I'd use 3/4" AB granite. This is a mixture of size from dust up to about 3/4" pieces. The material pieces pack together tightly to form an almost solid surface. If you think that water can get in, you might consider crowning the surface so the water will drain to the outer perimeter. I'd scrape away at least the grass surface beforehand. After spreading the material, consider compacting it with a roller. During the first couple of years, if any weeds come up, apply Roundup. As you continue to drive tractors across it, it will pack to the point that weeds have a hard time getting roots down.

Now if you can afford it, I'd recommend paving the surface with asphalt (concrete's too expensive and chip-n-seal too rough surfaced). With a smooth surface you can custom build a dolly for each implement. It is amazing how easy and fast tractor implements are to attach to the 3ph when you can roll them right up to the tractor and make minute adjustments with just the nudge of a pinkie. The dollies are just lumber and casters, so really inexpensive. After all you've invested in the barn, the cost of asphalt might not be that much more to turn this into a very time and labor saving project.

One more thing to think about is suspending a hoist (elec. if you have power, otherwise, chain) from the center of the structure ceiling (assuming strong beams). Then you can lift implements if needed, or an engine if you need to pull out & overhaul, etc.
 
   / Floor material for barn lean-to?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
I asked the builder and he said that he would remove the sod and put down a gravel mix - all as part of the package. The builder has been great. Should be finished in a week.
Thanks
 

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   / Floor material for barn lean-to? #6  
ihfarm, looks nice ,yeah gravel would probably be my choice as well....maybe larger than 3/4" though to keep it put.

nice barn /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

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