In today's market, we understand that there are so many options to choose from regarding Horse Stall Doors. Each day, we get a wide variety of questions regarding our Horse Stalls and our stall doors. Here is a handful of common questions answered about stall doors.
QUESTION: Is this Stall Front and Stall Door's kick plate enough to keep shavings inside the horse stall?
The Stall Doors and Sliding Horse Stall Referred to in the Question.
ANSWER: That above “kick plate” is what our team would refer to as a "shavings guard." When the stall door is closed, the shavings guard is enough to keep 90% of shavings inside your horse stall. However, just like any stall, a client will need to manage shavings outflow when the door is open and their horse comes in and out of the stall.
In the photo, it shows a custom sliding horse stall front with a double shavings guard. This is actually quite uncommon and it was a custom request by the client. It is much more common to do simply one shavings guard – either in a steel insert or wood insert.
QUESTION: How much spacing is appropriate for my stall doors' round bars?
ANSWER: For starters, there are two primary ways to measure bar spacing on a horse stall. The first option is "on center" (OC) or "end-to-end" (also referred to as a gap." For example, a 3" OC with 1" round bars means that there is a 2" gap.
There are many customers who may see a horse stall on Pinterest, Instagram, or somewhere on the internet. At a glance, the horse stall might look very nice – however, it is important to see the details with a closer eye. When you are looking at a horse stall, it is easy to think that a 3" (4"OC) or 4" (5" OC) is plenty safe. You might even think that there is no way a horse can get its foot in that opening. However, our team sees it time-after-time that 3" end-to-end spacing is TOO much spacing.
1" Round Bars (Top) Spaced no More Than on 3" Centers (Maximum 2" Spacing)
At American Stalls, we understand that horses can apply a tremendous amount of force upon their horse stalls. That is why we go to great lengths to space our 1" round bars on 3" centers – meaning 2" space between bars on top. Any bottom 1" bars are spaced on 2.5" centers with a 1.5" gap on the bottom. Rest assured, our bar spacing ensures that not even the smallest of hooves can get stuck in our bar spacing.
QUESTION: What kind of yoke should I choose for my sliding horse stall door? Should I leave it just open as a v-yoke or should I consider a hinged drop down yoke?
ANSWER: If possible, we always recommend our clients to consider adding a yoke to their Sliding Horse Stall's doors. The yoke adds an extra dimension to your stall by allowing your horse to hang their head out of their stall. This allows them to socialize and feel included in the barn.
When it comes to yokes, there are three primary options:
- Yoke Opening – Commonly in v-shaped yoke or rectangular yoke
- Hinged Drop Down Yoke
- Removable Yoke Piece to Fill Yoke Opening
- French Yoke - An innovate option that can open/close as needed
French Yoke (Left), Removable Yoke (In the middle on top), Hinged Drop Down Yoke (In the middle bottom), V Yoke (Right).
Curious about which yoke style is right for your barn? Take a closer look in this quick guide: 4 Types of Yokes in Horse Stall Doors
The first option, the Yoke Opening – is a great option for private barns where each horse gets a long with the other horses. Yoke openings work great for private barns especially because the horse owner will know their horses' personalities.
Yoke Openings can also be fantastic for commercial facilities such as boarding facilities, training barns, and show barns. That being said, we do understand the concern that facility owners might have about their horses having too much access to other horses. This is especially a concern when the barn's horses might not get along. In these cases, we can manufacture a removable yoke piece (the third option) that fits into your yoke opening to fill it. This provides flexibility so you can choose to fill any number of yokes and keep some yokes open for well-behaved horses. 
Stall Door (Left) shows rectangular yoke opening filled with a removable yoke piece. Stall Door (Right) shows completely open rectangular yoke opening.
The second option is the most costly upgrade – the Hinged Drop Down Yoke. This yoke option includes both the opening and a secondary yoke piece that operates upon a welded hinge. A client can then open and close the drop down yoke with a plunger latch. This provides all of the benefits of a removable yoke piece, but it is instead attached (welded) to the actual stall door.
And finally, the French yoke operates as a sleek, hinged door integrated into the top portion of a horse stall door. It swings open independently, allowing your horse to comfortably hang its head out into the aisle while keeping the bottom portion of the stall securely closed. This design offers flexibility, ventilation, and social interaction—while maintaining safety and containment when needed. It's a popular choice for barns looking to combine functionality with refined European aesthetics.
QUESTION: Can I customize the size of my sliding stall door to fit my existing barn opening?
ANSWER:
Yes, absolutely. At American Stalls, we specialize in custom-sized stall doors to match your barn's existing openings. Whether you're working with a unique layout or retrofitting older stalls, our team can fabricate doors to the exact width and height you need. During the design process, we’ll also account for door hardware, floor slope, and overall movement to ensure a smooth and safe installation. No barn is too custom—we’re here to make the fit just right.
QUESTION: How do I maintain the powder coat finish on my stall doors?
ANSWER:
Our premium powder coating is built to last, but regular maintenance will keep your stall doors looking beautiful for years. Just wipe down the doors with a damp cloth and mild soap when needed—no harsh chemicals required. If your barn is located near the coast or in high-humidity areas, consider rinsing doors with fresh water once a month to prevent salt buildup. Avoid pressure washing too close to the surface, and always check for signs of wear around latches or hinges for early touch-up opportunities.
QUESTION: Can I match my stall doors to the rest of my barn design?
ANSWER:
Yes—aesthetics are a big part of what we do. We offer dozens of powder coat colors, wood fill options (like tongue-and-groove Southern yellow pine or tropical hardwoods), and hardware finishes to help your stall doors blend seamlessly into your barn’s overall style. Whether you're seeking rustic elegance, clean modern lines, or a timeless equestrian look, we can help you create doors that complement both function and form.
Do you have any questions regarding your decision about your sliding Horse Stall Doors? Are you unsure where to start? Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the best sliding stall doors for your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us by email at sales@americanstalls.com or by phone at (855) 957-8255. Alternatively, you can also complete a Contact Us Form.
