Understand the Pros and Cons of Each Type of Horse Barn to Help You Choose

Planning your dream barn begins with deciding which type of horse barn is best for your property and how you plan to keep your horses. The type of barn that you choose not only affects its appearance and style, but also impacts everything from the cost to the barn’s functionality. As you start to plan out your barn build, spend plenty of time exploring the pros and cons of each barn type to make sure you choose the best option for your needs.

Shed Row Barns

Shed row barns are some of the simplest to construct, which can save you time and money. They feature a row of stalls that’s left exposed to the outside, so constructing these barns requires less materials and space than constructing a center aisle barn. Many owners outfit their shed row barns with an overhang, which provides shade and shelter from rain, snow, and wind.

Shed row barns can be ideal for areas where space is limited, or if you’re looking to create a barn relatively quickly on a tighter budget. Since the barns are open to the elements, they offer excellent ventilation, and you can use Dutch Doors to allow horses direct access to their runs. The barn design also maximizes natural light.

To make the most of this layout, many equestrians pair shed row barns with Sliding Stall Fronts. These fronts save space by eliminating the need for swinging doors, making them perfect for narrow shed row aisles. They also provide safe, easy access to each horse while maintaining airflow and visibility, both important in an open-air barn design.

That said, shed row barns do have limitations. Because they lack the protection from the elements that center aisle barns provide, they’re often not ideal for cold climates or regions with extreme weather. The layout is also fairly simple, so amenities like tack rooms or wash stalls are more limited.

L-Shaped and U-Shaped Barns

A variation on shed row barns, L-shaped barns position stalls into an angled layout that offers more space and flexibility. Some owners even build shed rows in a U-shape, creating a central courtyard that’s perfect for grooming, tacking up, handling, or even walking horses. These designs are especially well-suited for warmer climates, where maximizing air circulation is key.

In both layouts, Sliding Stall Fronts are a smart choice. Since the doors glide open without swinging into the aisle or courtyard, they help preserve space while keeping handling areas safe and uncluttered. The open designs of sliding fronts also promote better visibility and ventilation, two big advantages in barns built for warmer weather.

Center Aisle Barns

Center aisle barns, which feature a center aisle between the stalls, are some of the most common horse barn styles that you’ll see. These barns are more weatherproof than shed rows, and by strategically positioning them on your property, you can take advantage of natural breezes and ventilation. You can further promote air circulation by carefully choosing and positioning barn windows and barn doors.

While center aisle barns are more time-consuming and expensive to build than shed rows, they’re often the preferred choice in regions with colder winters and harsh weather. These barns let you care for your horses while staying indoors during inclement weather, and they provide many layout possibilities. 

For instance, you might place stalls on one side and a tack room, feed room, or storage on the other. The aisle itself serves as a practical workspace, making this design an efficient way to maximize the land available.

When it comes to stall fronts, European Stall Fronts can bring elegance and openness to larger center aisle barns, enhancing ventilation and visibility in the spacious layout.

On the other hand, Sliding Stall Fronts are ideal when space is tighter, since their doors save aisle room and help maintain a safe, uncluttered environment. Choosing between the two often comes down to your barn’s size, local climate, and how you plan to use the space.

Not sure which is right for you? Read our guide: Hinged Stall Doors vs. Sliding Stall Doors – Choosing the Right Stall Doors for Your Horse Barn.

There are many variations on center aisle barns

A monitor barn features a taller center section that’s raised. These center sections often encompass a hayloft, and sometimes incorporate apartments for staff. The sides feature lower rooflines, which visually accentuate the raised middle section.

Low country barns feature architectural styles reminiscent of the South Carolina low country style. For example, they often feature a raised foundation to protect the barn against flooding, a symmetrical layout, and beautiful architectural accents and styles for a touch of luxury.

Gambrel barns feature a distinctive gambrel roof with two slopes on each side; these barns look right at home on agricultural farms. The spacious roof is ideal for a large hayloft, offering plenty of storage.

Double aisle barns incorporate two center aisles, maximizing the stall capacity for larger operations. The two aisles provide enhanced workspace and help avoid some of the maneuverability issues that would occur by simply making a longer single aisle barn.

Custom Barns

While you might start with a traditional barn style, remember that American Stalls products allow you to fully customize and refine your space to suit both you and your horses’ needs. For example, you might design a Center Aisle Barn with our Dutch Doors on the exterior of stalls, giving you the flexibility to easily turn horses out into adjoining runs. Adding our Barn Windows can bring in natural light and fresh air while also creating a classic, welcoming look.

Incorporating a high center aisle not only provides a distinctive architectural element but also enhances the barn interior. Leaving the center aisle open to the roofline maximizes airflow and natural light, giving your barn a bright, airy, and healthier environment for your horses.

As you continue to customize, our Horse Stall Systems—whether European Stall Fronts for openness and elegance or Sliding Stall Fronts for space efficiency—allow you to balance design and practicality.

Beyond the stall fronts, details matter. Our Barn Lighting creates a warm, functional space, while additions such as Automatic Waterers simplify daily care and ensure horses always have fresh water. Even small upgrades, like Blanket Bars, Bridle Hooks, or Bedding Blockers, add convenience and a polished, cohesive feel.

If you’re in the early stages of planning and want a step-by-step resource, be sure to read our guide on Getting Started on Your Dream Horse Barn.

Design the Barn of Your Dreams with American Stalls

At American Stalls, we custom design and build not only horse stalls, but also barn components to help you envision and then create your dream barn. We encourage you to get in touch early on in your barn planning and building process, so we can work with your team and create components that will be a perfect fit for your barn and your vision.

Even as you’re still determining the type of horse barn style that’s best, you can contact us about your plans. Call us today at (855) 957-8255 or email us at sales@americanstalls.com to schedule a sales and design consultation or with any questions.  Contact an American Stalls team member today!