Things to consider when buying a Timber Stable

The use of timber as a building material in construction has been momentous. Timber is an easy material to work with as it can be shaped specifically into its desired use and offers strength and longevity. Unfortunately, timber is also extremely attractive to various insects and also fungal infestation which can weaken its structure – making for a less than solid build.

Wood boring insects can seriously damage wood structures as they eat their way through, literally tunnelling through the very core structure of the timber. Once inside adults will lay their eggs which, once hatched, continue to eat through the material as they develop. Once fully mature, these beetles then repeat the process; making for easily infested wood. Most timber boring insects prefer damp wood conditions and so any external timber structures are more prone to an ‘attack’.

The other major destroyer of timber is fungal decay; or more specifically dry rot and wet rot. This decay is, again, able to grow better in damp conditions. These fungal infestations can cause the timber to split and often shrink making any structure extremely weak. If undetected, fungal rot can causes masses of structural damage that, at worst, could result in a collapsed structure.

If opting for timber as a building material it is important to take every precaution to prevent such destructive infestations occurring – particularly if using it externally where it is more prone to damp conditions. If you are looking at a timber stable structure, you should opt for a product that uses pre-treated timber. Timber stables, such as those sold by Jon Williams Stables, are usually protected against both insect and fungal decay with a high pressure treatment called tantalising. This treatment preserved the timber making it less likely to be attacked by such intrusive destroyers.

If you are looking for a new timber stable and want to be assured that it will withstand against possible decay and insect infestation, please speak to a member of the Jon Williams Stable team by calling 01380 850 965 to find out more about their timber treatments. Alternatively, please visit the company’s website to view a wide range of timber stables that use tantalised timber as standard to add to the longevity of your structure.

Timber Stable Construction and Maintenance

Getting a suitable timber stable built to shelter your horse or pony is something you want to do quickly and efficiently. Fortunately this is what this guide hopes to give you a hand with with a series of basic steps for you to follow.

Step 1) Survey the Ground

The first step is to survey the ground that the stable is to be built on. Ideally the ground should be soft enough that preparing foundations does not take longer than it needs to. At the same time, it should also not be so soft that it could sink or list after construction. The grounds immediately outside and within the timber stable should also be relatively flat and even, to make movement easier for your horses.

Take a look at surrounding plants too. Scour the ground of any weeds that may be harmful to your horses and remove them thoroughly with weed killer. This will help ensure that the stable and the surrounding area are safe places for your horses and won't cause them any unnecessary harm.

Step 2) Plan Your Timber Stable’s Layout

The function and capacity of your stables are two important things to consider. A simple shelter to keep your horses out of the wind and rain while out in the paddock to graze and stretch their legs will not be the same as a stables intended for them to sleep overnight in.

The former can literally just be a small shed tucked away in the corner of the paddock, while the latter will be a fairly large structure with numerous rooms, storage areas and amenities.

Timber stables intended for bedding down in will also need to take into consideration other factors, such as....

• The stable should be designed to make evacuation of horses fast and painless in case of emergencies, like a fire or a bad storm. 

• Ensure that you have factored in high ceilings and broad throughways, with at least two large exit doors that swing open from the inside. 

• Another important detail to work into your timber stable are more general elements relating to the horses’ health and sanity -- they should be bright, airy and have good access to clean water. 

• Electronic lighting for the evenings would also be a good investment. 

• Storage rooms should be large, dry and air-tight, while easily accessible by the stables at large.

Step 3) Materials and Construction

Construction materials should, of course, be durable and strong. A horse, when bored or frustrated, may lash out with its hooves at the stalls. While no wood can last forever against iron-shod hooves and strong hind legs, stronger woods will allow the stables to last longer. Oak is a traditional building material for English-style timber stables. However stronger, heavier woods tend towards the expensive and not everyone can afford thick oak beams or panelling.

An important thing to consider is the possibilities of the wood splintering, try to line any wooden areas with ply, to further protect the horses. Concrete is a good all-purpose base for your foundation, although you should cover the floor with hay or wooden floor beams to help soften the ground for your horse’s hooves and legs. Hard floors may cause them injury.

For further information about timber stables, or for a selection of affordable flat-pack stable sets, you can always visit the website of Jon Williams Stables, a provider of professional timber stables and equine supplies. You can also contact them directly by phoning 01380 850965.

Storage Ideas with Stables for Sale UK

A horse is known for needing lots of care and attention to keep them happy. With this comes plenty of equipment from riding tack to grooming and feed which is all necessary to maintain a horse. Not only is this equipment fairly expensive, but the large bulk is often difficult to store – especially if it needs to be easily accessible.

Finding a storage option that can easily accommodate such a large amount of equipment and store it in a convenient way is often very difficult. Designing your own storage space may be just the alternative to ensure all of your needs are met.

Companies such as Jon William’s Stables offers a wide variety of stables forsales in the UK which can be uniquely tailored in design specific to your storage needs. Additional ‘storage rooms’ can also be added to all stables for sale UK, offering a safe and protected space to house all of your equipment including feed.

Many stables for sale have options for additional internal doors which can be completed with a lockable system just to give you that added piece of mind that your horse’s equipment will be safe. These stables are also well protected against insect and fungal infestation which could otherwise ruin your equipment.

If you are looking for a tailored storage solution in the UK and would like to view the range of products that Jon Williams Stables has to offer, please visit the company’s website which will also give full details of stable specifications and ‘additional extras’ that may be available to help make the design work best for you. If you would like to find out any further information or would like to speak to a member of the team for a little advice on the types of stables for sale that may suit your needs best, please contact them by telephoning 01380 850 965.