How to Build Stalls in a 20x40 Barn

A 20-by-40-foot barn is a great asset to any property, particularly if you have animals that need shelter. A barn of this size will be even more useful if it is fitted with stalls so that horses can be housed without having to worry that they've gotten themselves into trouble. A combination of standing stalls and box stalls can provide horse owners with a variety of options for housing and controlling horses.

Things You'll Need

  • Lumber
  • Level
  • Measuring tape
  • Hammer
  • Nails, 3 inches long
  • Circular saw
Show More

Instructions

  1. Build a Box Stall

    • 1

      Lay out the stall in the area of the barn that provides the greatest ease of access. The stall should be out of the way of frequent foot traffic and provide a window for light and air. A box stall should be at least 8 feet square.

    • 2

      Frame the sides of the stall with heavy-duty lumber. Horses are very strong, and if they get upset they can easily break down a weak wall. Use 4x4 timbers as verticals, running them from the floor to a joist in the ceiling and bolting them at top and bottom.

    • 3

      Secure horizontal crosspieces onto the verticals to create the sides of the stall; 2x6 planks work well for this. Run the planks on the inside of the verticals so the horse won't rub up against or get caught on the vertical members. Be absolutely certain not to leave any bolts, nuts, screws or nails protruding on the inside or outside of the stall.

    • 4

      Build a sturdy door to fit into the face of the box stall, and affix it to the wall with heavy-duty hinges. Attach a sliding latch to the outside of the door. Be sure to build the door so it opens outward.

    Build a Standing Stall

    • 5

      Build a standing stall in the same way as the box stall, but make the width of the stall about 4 feet. A standing stall provides more control over a horse because the horse can't turn around in it.

    • 6

      Put two standing stalls in the space that would be occupied by one box stall. Even if you have only one horse, this will give you the flexibility of cleaning one stall while the horse is housed in the other, or of boarding a visiting horse.

    • 7

      Provide access to both ends of the stall by way of a hall or passageway if you have the space in your barn. This will allow you to feed and water the horse without actually entering the stall, which is useful if you have an aggressive or excitable horse.