Building stables - help to design concrete platform please!

[Deborahm]

Hi All

I have just got planning permission to build stable on our garden. I have never built my own yard before.

The person who supplies the stables (which are wooden) doesn't do the concrete. I will need to get in local builders to lay a concrete pad.

What tips does everyone have about ensuring the concrete is the correct thickness and has the right slope etc to make sure that the horse's pee is effectively soaked up by the bedding?

Also I want to create a small 3-4m 'yard' out in front of the stable doors where I can wash off the horses - how do I stop the water running back into the stables?

Is there any guidance on ridging the concrete outside on the apron so that the horses don't slip when its frost or when I'm washing them down?

I am going to lay rubber flooring (perhaps even using liquid rubber) inside the stables so I guess I don't ridge that part of the concrete?

Any advice of help would be much appreciated, as I don't want to get this part of the building wrong.

 

[Dry Rot]

The short answer is to employ a builder who knows his job. Don't forget to get references! Discuss with him what you want and how it is to be achieved. Do you want to drive a vehicle across the concrete? Where will the drainage water from your washing, the stables, roof water, etc. eventually end up? You will need to think about laying the concrete to a certain slope (fall) so that any water runs in the correct direction (hopefully to drains). Do you plan on having water laid on? Electricity? Your builder should know someone who can draw up plans for you as this really is something that needs a bit of thought -- now rather than later.

You might find it useful to make a trip to your local public library. The librarians can be very helpful and if they haven't got the right book, they can get it for you through Inter Library Loan for the cost of postage. The concrete manufacturers used to produce some very useful guides and there are also books on building construction (especially farm buildings) that will answer all your questions.

 

[pottamus]

We have just had some built and used a building friend to help with the concrete. Your stable company will tell you what thickness it needs to be - failing that Prime Stables have it on their website too. Use the metal road forms for the concrete - much better than wooden ones and easier to get off too.
Best to use a concrete company that mixes on site as that way you only pay for what you use.
For the hardcore base you need 6F2 which is a mix down to dust or recycled aggregate. For the concrete you need something of agricultural type to cope with the urine - the concrete company will help if you tell them what it is for.