Timber skids on mobile stables - how long do they last?

K

kit279

Well-Known Member
Joined
31 January 2008
Messages
3,612
Visit site
I have a set of mobile stables that are on timber skids, bought as an emergency temporary measure so the horses could come home for christmas. They are great and although i originally planned to replace them with permanent ones, i really like them as the earth floors make brilliant free draining stables. I was wondering about laying a concrete area in front of them but i don't want to do this if the skids won't last long.

How long will tanalised wooden skids last? The soil is fab sandy stuff that doesn't really stay wet or get muddy. Any thoughts? I.de happily put concrete down if they'll last more than 5-10 years.
 
Mine are on concrete and still like brand new after 4 years, but I don't know anyone who has had them longer than that so can't comment on 5-10 years I'm afraid. I do treat them with Cuprinol every year.
 
I think it depends on the quality of the wood used and how it has been preserved/treated - high pressure treated timber will last longer than something that's only got a painted on preservative (hope I've got that the right way round). If it's possible you could enhance the life by soaking the skids in a high quality preserver. The other thing to consider before putting down a concrete pad is the dreaded planning permission ie if you have planning for stable you'll probably be ok but as I understand it, if the shelter is meant to be mobile then it has to be moved around now and again with no permanent base.
 
Sorry kit279 just re-read and saw you had tanilised skids - I think they are the good ones. I guess they'll last a long time as fence posts last for years and they are permanently in the gound. The moving around (if you have to) is likely to do the most damage.
 
They should last a while if the ground is dry. If they were sitting in mud they may rot.

We had a metal edge put on ours. A local metalworker did it, and it didn't cost too much. The metal has loops at each corner, which makes towing easier.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top