If you own horses or other livestock, a loafing shed is one of the most versatile, useful structures you can build.
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This post is going to introduce you to what you need to know about metal loafing shed kits. We will discuss the benefits of building a loafing shed out of metal, loafing shed sizes, and where to buy a metal loafing shed kit.
What is a Loafing Shed?
First of all, you might not even know for sure what a loafing shed is. It is a small shed with three sides and a roof, with the fourth side left open. It is also called a “run-in shed.”
Even if you have never heard of loafing sheds before, you will no doubt recognize them from pictures, as they are very common features on farms and equestrian properties.
You will usually find a loafing shed in a dressage training area or a paddock.
Here are the purposes it can serve:
- Animals can take shelter in the loafing shed from inclement weather, or even just midday heat.
- Some people store riding tack and other equipment in the loafing shed, though this is not its main purpose.
- Some people store feed in their loafing sheds. Just remember that doing this could expose the feed to pests. So, you will need to be fairly confident that the feed will not be disturbed.
A simple variant on the typical three-sided design of a loafing shed is a four-sided design. But if you go with a four-sided design, one of the sides will need a large enough entrance that animals can walk in and out of the shed on their own with no issues.
What is a Metal Loafing Shed Kit?
Now you know what the purpose of a loafing shed is. What is a metal loafing shed building kit?
This is simply a type of prefabricated building kit for erecting a metal loafing shed. The prefab components are manufactured in a controlled factory environment. They are then shipped to you for final assembly on your property.
Why Choose Metal For Your Shed?
Here are a few reasons metal is an ideal building material for a loafing shed.
- Strength: Metal loafing sheds are stronger than their wood counterparts. Steel is an especially strong metal to choose for a loafing shed. You need a strong shed to stand up not only to the weather (see below), but also the wear and tear that the animals themselves can put on the structure.
- Ideal for all weather conditions: Steel loafing sheds can take all that nature can throw at them, be it wind, rain, hail, sleet or snow. Steel resists rust admirably, so this is one of the features that can make a metal shed last a long time.
- Fire-resistant: A steel loafing shed is not going to catch on fire the same way that a wood shed might. It can still get to be very hot, and fire can damage it, but your animals should be able to get out, since the structure will not combust.
- Pest-resistant: Another advantage of metal loafing sheds is that they are resistant to pests. Those such as termites that like to chew through wood are not going to damage metal the same way. This is especially fortunate with loafing sheds because they are open to the outdoors, rather than closed off like most buildings. So, pests will get inside. That is just going to be part of life. It is reassuring to know they are not going to do damage to your structure, inside or out.
- Easy to maintain: Metal buildings need very little maintenance compared to wood buildings. Considering that the interior of your shed will be exposed to the elements, this is particularly beneficial for a loafing shed. One made out of wood might wear out a great deal faster. Spending less time repairing your structure means more time for other pursuits, including animal care. Plus, you can save money with fewer repairs.
- Excellent longevity: Metal loafing sheds can stand in great condition for many, many years to come.
- Quick and cost-effective construction: It takes less time and expense to build a prefab metal loafing shed than it would to construct a traditional stick-built shed.
- Easy to customize: There are ample customization options for metal loafing sheds. Just because they are prefabricated, that does not mean that they are all the same. You can personalize the features and appearance of your shed
- Eco-friendly: You can build a metal loafing shed out of recycled materials. These materials are also recyclable, in case you no longer want the shed. In addition, the prefab process tends to be more efficient than building entirely outdoors, which generates less waste. This makes a metal shed environmentally-friendly.
What Size Loafing Shed Do You Need?
Once you are ready to buy a new livestock shed, one of the first things you will need to figure out are the dimensions for the loafing shed.
Here are two sizes that are popular for metal loafing sheds:
- 10×18: 1-2 horses
- 12×24: 3-4 horses
If you have other large or small farm animals who might use the shed, you will just need to consider their sizes, and how many of them the shed will be able to accommodate. If you have more than the equivalent of 3-4 horses, you may want to construct a larger loafing shed than even a 12×24.
How Much Does A Loafing Shed Kit Cost?
Metal prefab loafing sheds are very cost-effective structures. At the lower end, you could get away with just $3,500 or so. For a larger shed, you might pay closer to $7,000.
The overall design and layout can also affect the costs. So can the features you choose. For example, if the structure has four walls, you will need to ventilate it. Most of the time, some well-placed windows or vents are sufficient for this purpose. You might even want to install a window in a three-sided loafing shed, as that can allow for a cross-breeze on hot days.
There are pros and cons to both 4- and 3-sided shed designs. You will need to figure out what suits your weather and your animals best.
Most loafing sheds do not require much more in the way of features. In some climates, it may be a good idea to add some insulation. You could also incorporate some built-in storage features. Finally, the decisions you make about the appearance of your shed could also affect the costs.
Questions to Ask When Choosing Any Type Of Livestock Shelter
Asking yourself the following questions can help you choose the right shed and customization options:
- How many animals will need to use the shed at once? What types? How much space do they need?
- Will I store supplies or seed in the shed?
- What weather conditions will my animals be sheltering from? What is a bigger priority, ventilation and openness, or protection from the wind and precipitation?
Steps for Building a Loafing Shed
If you want to build a prefab metal loafing shed, here are the basic steps.
1. Choose a metal building supplier.
First, choose a reputable and reliable metal building company that has ample experience with metal loafing sheds.
2. Decide on a product.
Go through the product catalog on the metal building company’s site, and choose a loafing shed that will suit your needs.
3. Customize the design.
Depending on the builder and the particular product you are buying, you may be given some customization options. You may be able to specify how many doors and windows you want and where they will be located, for example, or choose the color of the loafing shed.
4. Order the kit.
After you finalize the design, you can place your order for the loafing shed kit.
5. Prepare the site.
While you are waiting for your shed kit to be delivered, you can get your site ready. If there are large rocks in the way, for example, you can have them removed. If the ground is not flat, you will have to level it.
You do not need to worry about a foundation; this is a structure designed for animals to move in and out of. They will appreciate being able to rest on grass, dirt, etc.
6. Assemble the shed.
When your metal equine shelter kit arrives, you will need to complete the final assembly on the site. This is usually just a matter of bolting together the components. You should be able to get it done with basic tools, and should not require any specialized expertise.
Where to Buy Your Metal Loafing Shed?
Prefab metal loafing shed kits are economical, quick and easy to build, and can provide safe and comfortable shelter to your animals. With minimal maintenance, they can last for many years, even through harsh weather conditions. To customize your metal loafing shed kit, click any of the links below to visit our recommended metal building companies.