Help with barn decisions?

[Jbbies]

Ok I am starting the early planning of building a barn. What I want it is a barn that has a small woodshop, separate from a storage area/ work area for things metal and my tractor. I also would like to add the possibility of horse stall or two. Do any of you have a similar set up, how big have you been ok with? I would like any thought or ideas on this topic.

Im looking in the area size of 30ish by 48ish with a partial loft for storage.

Thanks Brandon

 

[rasimmo]

Here are a few pics of mine. It is 30x48. Trusses on 12" centers, 3 12'x12' stalls, 12'x12' enclosed tack room with loft above, 12'x16' hay storage area. The open space is 18'x36'. I use it for washing, shoeing, and taking care of the horses. I could easily close it in and use for whatever, but I like it open. Building with trusses let's you lay out the inside however yu want without having to worry about supporting the roof. We built this in the spring and have really enjoyed it since. These pics were taken before it was fully finished, but not much was left to do.

 

[rasimmo]

I planned this in my head for about three years before starting. I looked at a lot of barns and picked things I liked from each. Good luck and have fun.

 

[boggen]

it might help others if they knew your general location, example state / city. or some such. so they have some idea of weather (lots of snow or lots of heat, or rain, etc...)


grandpa belt a pole barn. then rocked the inside, then in 1/4th inside, he had a concrete floor poured, then built 2x4 framing on top of it with i think a 8 or 10 feet high ceiling, then installed a regular garage door that lifts up and slides across the ceiling.

other words, he had 2 large sliding doors into the shed itself, then back in the corner he could raise yet another door to pull a car or tractor into, a heated portion of the shed.

===============
there use to be cattle on this farm. one shed use to be a cattle shed.

it had 3 sides, the 4th side was moved in about 12 to 16 feet. this allowed the cattle to come up under the shed roof to keep dry and keep wind off of them in winter.

on the inside, 1/2 was partitioned off for small little lots for cows ready to give birth, and other half straw and hay was stacked.

since we no longer have cattle. the outside area. works for a nice covered patio area. and on the inside, a 2x4 frame was put up in about 1/4th of it. and insultated so there was another work space.

 

[zzvyb6]

I'd keep the shop separate from the animals. Horses are pretty abusive to the structure and floors, put out a lot of moisture and corrosive acid into the environment. Whereas a shop is a more private place, with tools, electrical stuff, heat, refridgerator(s), a bathroom and maybe a nice couch, tv and a tractor maintenence area. And horses need hay storage which is NOT compatible with a welder or gas wrench or fuel supplies and mowers, etc.

 

[grsthegreat]

I'd keep the shop separate from the animals. Horses are pretty abusive to the structure and floors, put out a lot of moisture and corrosive acid into the environment. Whereas a shop is a more private place, with tools, electrical stuff, heat, refridgerator(s), a bathroom and maybe a nice couch, tv and a tractor maintenence area. And horses need hay storage which is NOT compatible with a welder or gas wrench or fuel supplies and mowers, etc.

1+ on this. Mine are all separate also.