Posted 2016-06-23 8:29 AM Subject: Barn base/flooring?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 642 Location: SD
We just built a barn (40'x30') and need to add base/flooring. We have put down black dirt, but need more or something else on top. Half of the barn will be an area for the horses to come in out of the winter weather. Other half will be used for storage/work/ect. It is not in our budget to afford cement and rubber mats.
Posted 2016-06-23 9:34 AM Subject: RE: Barn base/flooring?
Buttered Noodles Snacker
Posts: 4377 Location: NC
stone screenings maybe? My husband said they use to give them away when he worked at the Quarry. Now that I want them seems like the quarries got smart and realized how useful they are and started charging. but maybe yours haven’t!! haha
Posted 2016-06-23 12:43 PM Subject: RE: Barn base/flooring?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 642 Location: SD
I didn't know if some type of rock/stone would be hard on their feet while standing on it. We have access to crushed concrete, but would it be too hard? I don't want stone bruises or other issues down the road. I know I will have some sort of mats in the stall areas (when they are made).
Posted 2016-06-23 4:50 PM Subject: RE: Barn base/flooring?
Expert
Posts: 1286 Location: Mississippi
We just got through closing in an existing run-in barn and added 4 stalls. After a ton of research I decided to go with the crusher rock (it's called different things in different areas I think) but it's basically very small rocks and a good bit of "dust". I first dug a few holes about 2 feet deep and filled with regular gravel, then added the crusher. I wet it down and used a tamper to level. On top of that I am putting the stall saver matts. I am in the process of getting my matts installed now so I can't say how well this is all going to work out but fingers crossed
Posted 2016-06-23 5:10 PM Subject: RE: Barn base/flooring?
Bargain123 - 2016-06-23 8:29 AM
We just built a barn (40'x30') and need to add base/flooring. We have put down black dirt, but need more or something else on top. Half of the barn will be an area for the horses to come in out of the winter weather. Other half will be used for storage/work/ect. It is not in our budget to afford cement and rubber mats.
What do you suggest?
For the horse run-in .. put a load of sand in that area 6 inches or more .. if you have Texas black gumbo dirt ... add 10 inches .. lol ..
If entry is on the roof runoff side of the barn ... put in a gutter and 3-4 inch layer of big 1 1/2 - 2 inch gravel in the 6ft drip line of the barn .. otherwise you will have a boggy swamp area ... big time!! ... don't worry or be concerned with rock bruises .. gravel will make feet tuffer ...
Layer of sand in storage area would work ... lay 6 mil black plastic as a vapor barrier .... this stuff is used under concrete for that purpose ... cheap .. Lowes and Home Depot has it ...
I use it to stack hay on in a dirt floor barn ... no loss of hay due to moisture wicking from the dirt floor ..
I also use it in flower beds and a small garden over laid with wood chips ... punch a hole in it to plant tomatoes etc and a few holes where water collects to water the ground underneath ... NO WEEDS !!
I bet after you do all of this shoveling and wheel barrowing ... you will build up your barn pad before you build your next barn .. first thing is to decide on the type of floor .. lol ...
may you be blessed with a bobcat to move the sand etc .. lol
Posted 2016-06-23 5:59 PM Subject: RE: Barn base/flooring?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 642 Location: SD
BARRELHORSEUSA... The company we used would not allow us to do the base before the barn was built, unless we poured concrete. It was in the contract. Yes we have a skidsteer to use.
I was thinking thick sand but didn't know what others used.
Posted 2016-06-24 2:49 PM Subject: RE: Barn base/flooring?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 678 Location: Canada
Do 1/4, or 3/4 down gravel. You can water it down and it packs quite nicely. The gravel pieces are so small they don't hurt the feet but the material makes spreading and packing it down easy.
Barn base/flooring?
