The Best Barn Plans Are Here – Build Your Own Barn With Ease
The mention of building a barn, barn plans or loft barn plans brings to mind large open structures in the country that house horses, cows, or mounds of hay. Barns remind us of a time when life was simpler. They take us back to the time when a hayride, roasted marshmallows, and hot chocolate under the stars made for evenings that were fun for children, and romantic for adults. Many barns that were built long ago still dot the country side in a lot of places. These structures were well built, even before cranes, bulldozers and modern technology was readily available, and they continue to serve their intended purposes.
Today it is possible to build a barn that will stand the test of time. The key is to think about how the structure will be used in the immediate future, and how it might be repurposed in the distant future. When considering building a barn, it is worthwhile to think of the structure as an investment, just as one would think about erecting a house, or a building that would serve as a place of business. Thoughtful consideration prior to building a barn will result in a structure that will add value to the property.
Barn Plans Give You One Structure, Multiple Uses
Traditionally, barns have been used for agricultural purposes. Barns are places to protect horses or cows from the elements, and to store hay for feeding the animals. They are also used to store heavy agricultural equipment such as tractors and mowers. Small items like hoes, shovels, pitchforks, and rakes are some other items that are stored in barns. A barn might also be used as a work space for farm workers.
When a property owner has the financial means, a barn can be built that not only serves farming purposes, but may be emptied, cleaned, decorated and transformed into an event showplace with a rustic feel. This can be useful for country themed weddings, fall or Halloween events, or large holiday gatherings where a rustic setting adds to the festive feel of the occasion. A multi-use barn will require some amenities that make it easy to clean and accomplish certain tasks.
Barn Plans for Animal Barns
Barns that will house animals should be spacious enough so that the creatures are not crowded. Crowded conditions can be a welcoming environment for diseases. The buildings should be constructed in ways that allow for easy removal of animal wastes. They should also have places for adequate food. A barn that has its own water supply will be more efficient that one without accessible waste. Having water readily available makes it easier to provide adequate water for animals and to clean up messes that require water and detergent.
Location
If there is a chance that an operation will expand, a barn should be built with the capacity to add space. This means building the barn away from existing structures such as houses, other buildings and roads. In this situation, an addition would be easier to build. The location of the barn also should be close to the area of need. For example the ideal location for a barn that houses livestock would be close to the pasture or grazing location. A barn that is used to store equipment used for cultivating, plowing or harvesting would be best located where there is easy access to fields where crops would be planted.
Horse Barns Plans
Barns used to house horses need enough space so that each horse has a separate stall. Horse stalls should measure at least 12 feet by 12 feet. This provides enough space for the horse to eat, walk around and lay down without being too cramped. If horses are not able to exercise or walk distances often, it is a good idea to build bigger stalls. There should also be room for mucking out or cleaning waste from the horse stalls. Barn space for washing and grooming horses should also be added. The structure should have adequate space for a tack room for storing saddles and other equipment. There should be space to store hay, grain or horse feed. Many horse barns have dirt floors, but if possible, a concrete floor looks better and can be scrubbed clean and sanitized if the barn is to be used for other purposes.
Cow Barn Plans
Cow that are kept in barns have special needs. The stalls for cows need to be built so that wastes do not build up in the stalls and to allow cows space for feeding. Cows need adequate lunge room, head bob space, and cushioning. Insuring that cow barns stalls have the necessary space requires getting the latest research-based information for the type of animals that will inhabit the stalls. This is important to reduce the risk of animals contracting and spreading certain diseases. A local Agricultural Extension office can provide expertise and information regarding the space and equipment necessary for cow barns.
Loft Barn Plans
It is possible to add a loft to a barn that has a tall roof. A loft can be used as extra storage space. If the barn is insulated, weatherproof, and has electricity, it could serve as a living space for farm hands, a retreat for weekend guests or a playhouse for children. It is important to follow instructions to build a loft that is sturdy and with safe steps and stair railings.
Guardrails may be needed to prevent falls if the structure open to the area below. If a loft is built in a barn where smells are a concern, it is best that a partial loft be built to allow for dissipation of smelly air and dampness through roof vents. Lofts can be built at the back or front of a barn or along the sides. A building contractor will know how to approach building a barn loft. However, the do-it-yourself builder could put in a loft by purchasing plans for a barn that includes a loft. A good resource for loft barn plans or other barn plans is “woodworking4home.com.”
