Build Your Horse Barn with a Durable Timber Frame
Horse owners of the past often built timber frame horse barns to protect their prized animals. For many, horses were their main source of transportation prior to the turn of the 20th century. Modern horse owners can enjoy the lifetime durability of a horse barn made from a timber frame.
Traditional Work
The modern timber frame structure still uses many of the traditional tools and methods as those of old. Beetles, chisels and mallets help the skilled carpenters and craftsmen handcraft the structures. They couple the artistic tradition with modern technology such as computer-aided design to bring this beloved method into the 21st century.
Design Specs
Most companies design their timber frame horse barns using a 12×12 or 10×12 grid. These designs include a hayloft able to handle 100 pounds per square foot to meet the weight increases of heavier, tightly packed modern hay bales. Inside the structure, there are tack rooms, wash stalls and interior stalls.
Material Options
Choose Douglas Fir for an elegant barn that looks smooth and withstands the work you have in store for it. Hemlock is often the wood of choice for a rustic or country-style barn. Both of these wood species are not a favorite of horses. The wood has a better chance of lasting a lifetime without the chewing horses commonly do to white pine.
Support Structure
The structure uses tenon and mortise joints to hold together. While these are the most commonly used joints, dovetail, tongue and fork, brace mortise and tenon, shouldered mortise and tenon and double through mortise and tenon are other options. The joint used depends on the design process used during construction. Trusses and posts are larger than those of old to support the added weight necessary for the modern barn.
The beauty of timber frame horse barns is something that never fades. These sturdy structures provide your horses with a safe place to rest.