The Aisle vs. Shed Row Barn: Which One is Right for Me?

Choosing the right home for your horses is essential for guaranteeing your animals a happy and healthy life! If you’re a new horse owner or a veteran in need of a refresh, researching the right barn can be confusing. There’s a lot of information out there that can easily overwhelm someone trying to make such an important decision for their beloved horses.

It just so happens that Deer Creek Structures specializes in barns and stables that make your farm or ranch run efficiently and keep your horses feeling safe and protected. Our skill and experience have made us very familiar with the advantages offered by two of the predominant structures used to house horses—the aisle barn and the shedrow barn.

Take a look at the basic qualities that each shelter comes equipped with so you can feel confident in the decision you make when it comes time to invest in the best home for your horses!

The Aisle vs. Shedrow Barn: Which One is Right for Me?

What is an aisle barn?

The aisle barn consists of two rows of stalls on either side of an open aisle. It can be one or two stories high and is considered to be a more traditional design. When you picture a classic American horse barn, the aisle barn is probably what comes to mind.

What is a shedrow barn?

A shedrow barn is a single row of side-by-side stalls that are left exposed to the outside, usually protected by a lean-to. It’s smaller than an aisle barn with a more open design. Some typical features of a shedrow barn include windows in each stall, kickboards, and a protective overhang, among others.

Why would I want an aisle barn?

An aisle barn is significantly larger and offers a lot of space to serve a number of different functions. Most obviously, it includes more stalls than a shedrow barn which allows you to house more horses. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for extra storage room or a convenient place for tacking up your horses—especially if you opt for two stories.

This structure works in any climate and is all-weather protective. An aisle barn will keep your horses well-guarded from harmful natural elements like wind, rain, a scorching sun, and much more. It also allows you to work in your barn and tend to the horses at any time, no matter what it’s doing outside.

The quintessential, traditional look of an aisle barn will give your farm the added bonus of a rustic, authentic accent. Its elegant and sophisticated style often works well for show stables too.

Why would I want a shedrow barn?

If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, then a shedrow barn is the way to go. It takes up less space and works as a great starter model for owners with fewer horses. Shedrow barns are also typically used for racing and training stables.

A shedrow barn’s open layout is highly advantageous when it comes to ventilation. The open stalls allow your horses to bask in plenty of natural light and feel a lot of breeze blow through their manes. It offers your animals gorgeous views of your ranch and their natural habitat that will keep them feeling happy and refreshed. While this barn is more fitting for warmer climates, they are sometimes available with an enclosed design.

Where can I get a quality horse barn?

Great question! Once you decide which structure is right for you and your horses, head on over to our website or give us a call. Deer Creek Structures has an excellent selection of both aisle and shedrow barns to fit your needs.

Contact us today to choose one of our pre-made models or get started on a custom design!