How to Get the Most Out of Combined Spaces
When you’re designing a horse barn with limited space, you can make the most out of the square footage you have with multi-use wash and grooming spaces. These multi-purpose spaces can not only fulfill your washing and grooming needs but also serve as valuable spaces for farrier and vet appointments when designed right. Here’s what to think about when creating these spaces to maximize the value you get out of them.
How to Incorporate Drainage for a Multi-Purpose Horse Barn Space
Incorporating drainage into a multi-purpose space in your horse barn makes it significantly more versatile, allowing you to use it as a wash stall, for cold hosing, and more. Creating a drain at the back of the stall adds this versatility, and it eliminates the issue of horses standing over or stepping on the drain while you work.
To implement drainage, follow the rule of thumb: create a 1% slope from the front to the back of the stall. Carefully consider the type of drain that’s best for your barn, too.
Trench drains, which are linear drains topped with a grate, are popular but require frequent cleaning to prevent clogs. 
Slot drains eliminate the need for a grate and are self-cleaning, reducing maintenance.
Before you build, it's worth knowing what can go wrong. Here's how to get drainage right from the start.
Choosing the Right Multipurpose Flooring
The flooring you choose is essential to creating a safe multi-use space. It needs to provide comfort and shock absorption when used as a grooming stall, but it must also perform well in wet conditions when used as a wash stall.
Rubber Pavers are an ideal solution for both conditions. Ideal for both grooming stalls and wash bays, these pavers offer excellent shock absorption, enhancing comfort and durability. The pavers are slip-resistant in both wet and dry conditions, and they’re available in numerous colors for an aesthetically pleasing, professional-looking floor that will truly enhance and complete your space.
The Rubber Pavers have a distinct advantage over perforated Rubber Mats commonly used in wash stalls: They create a more solid surface that you can easily sweep. That means you can keep debris from washing down the drain, keeping the space cleaner overall.
Planning Dimensions for the Most Versatile Space
The larger your grooming and wash stall is, the safer and more comfortable it will be for horses and handlers. That said, even smaller spaces can still be functional. Try to design the space to be at least 8 feet wide for safety. Most grooming and wash stalls are 10x10 or 12x12 feet, which gives you more space to work around your horses. If you’re able to create a larger space, then it can also function for vet and farrier appointments, and you’ll get even more value out of the stall.
Consider the types of horses that will be using the space, too. Your grooming and wash stall design and dimensions will be very different if you work with ponies compared to if you work with draft horses.
Compact and Safe Storage Solutions
Storage can enhance your grooming and wash space, plus it’s essential to keeping items safely out of the way while you work. Explore solutions to maximize storage while considering your horse’s safety. Racks that store items can be helpful and can keep you organized, but they need to be securely mounted in a location where your horse can’t reach them or get hung up on them. If you’ll be using the space as a wash stall, consider covered storage for items you don’t want to get wet, such as brushes.
Saddle racks and Bridle Hooks are helpful when tacking up and untacking, but make sure these are carefully positioned so horses can’t reach the tack to chew it or pull it off the rack. You can strategically place a Wall-mounted Saddle Rack for a strong, durable solution.
The most beautiful barns are also the most functional, see how five storage strategies can transform the way your space works.
Strategic Lighting to Increase Functionality
A multi-use wash-and-grooming space absolutely needs good, strategic lighting. Lighting will make all the difference in how you’re able to use the space, especially if you want it to function for vet and farrier appointments, too.
At American Stalls, we custom-design Barn Lighting fixtures for each client’s needs. All of our lighting is built to order, so we can customize everything from style to finish to dimensions. Lighting offers a fantastic opportunity to incorporate your creativity and personal style while also meeting an important safety need.
Consider fixtures such as gooseneck lamps, wall sconces, pendant lights, and more to illuminate your multi-purpose space.
Contact American Stalls Today as You Plan Your Horse Barn
At American Stalls, we custom-build horse barn components to help you realize your vision for your dream horse barn. From custom Horse Stall Systems to Horse Barn Doors, we can create components to your specifications, adding a unique, highly personalized touch to your barn-building project.
We encourage you and your contractor to connect with us early in your planning, and as you begin to build your barn, so that we can create the products that best serve you and your vision. Contact us today at (855) 957-8255 or email us at sales@americanstalls.com to schedule a sales and design consultation or with any questions.
