Building stables of concrete blocks - need steel reinforcing?

[Dry Rot]

As we're all horse people and are supposed to looking out for each other. I have to add my two penneth.
Your builder seems to be taking the proverbial. He sounds like he wants to make the job a nice little (big) earner. Plus his percentage mark up on all the materials. He'll probably recommend plastering, heating and electrics next : )
Only the doorways and lintels need reinforcement and re-bar. Agree with footings though. I have seven boxes built this way with 150 and 200mm blocks. Even with big heavy horses, no probems at all. As long as your builder knows how to put a building together and selects the correct blocks you will go beyond the requirements needed for a stable.

One thing though, if you do go for the over overkill, you'll have a ready made nuclear bunker : )

My thoughts too though I am a coward and preferred not to stick my neck out by saying so earlier! There are 4 inch (or 100m) and 6 inch (or 150mm) blocks. They are usually laid on edge but 4 inch can be laid flat to make a 9 inch wall. I'd have thought a 150mm thick wall would be strong enough for most horses and 100mm laid flat (so a 9 inch wall) would be over kill. But then what do I know? 6 inch blocks too heavy for the mason to lift? Ah, bless!

My advice, get recommendations, multiple specifications, and prices from different builders and don't trust one because he's a "nice chap".

 

[happyclappy]

ours has been standing for many years, used daily by large and small, shod and unshod. never had any damage, we used those hollow blocks.

 

[NeilM]

My advice, get recommendations, multiple specifications, and prices from different builders and don't trust one because he's a "nice chap".

^^^^ This ^^^^