How to use my barn loft

FarmerDavid · #1 05/04/15, 06:25 PM

Don't use it for hay anymore, and not currently usung it at all. Curious if anyone has any alternative uses or ideas. Its 30'x30' so its a decent space under a roof, just inconvient to get up there.

DaleK · #2 05/04/15, 07:56 PM

Build some stairs and use it for rabbits

Bearfootfarm · #3 05/04/15, 10:42 PM

I wouldn't put any animals upstairs.
If it's not heated and cooled it's probably best used for storage

FarmerDavid · #4 05/04/15, 10:58 PM

I feel like there is a better use then storage. Idk why I feel that way, that maybe best but I'm interested in other options. Maybe a grow room?

gibbsgirl · #5 05/04/15, 11:21 PM

Might be a really nice place for hanging things to dry? onions, garlic, herbs, flowers. although, I don't have experience doing that, so i'm not sure if the air temp or conditions would be right for that.

FarmboyBill · #6 05/05/15, 07:59 AM

In SW Mo, Its not going to get too warm OR too cold up there. You would likely need proper ventilation tho in the summertime. BUT If its inconvenient to get to, then id say animals are out.

Bellyman · #7 05/05/15, 08:23 AM

Most of those kinds of barns I've seen have a bank of dirt up against the side of the barn such that you can drive a tractor or other equipment right up into the upper level of the barn. Not sure that's all that practical in your case but was what came to mind.

Ceilismom · #8 05/05/15, 09:45 AM

When we moved, my kids gave up an awesome playhouse that DH built for them, so our barn loft has become their new playhouse. We had to install stairs to make that work, but since the floor had to be torn out and replaced anyhow, it wasn't a huge deal. Eventually, I'd like to use the space for incubating, or possibly starting seeds.

lazyBum · #9 05/05/15, 11:47 AM

My barn loft was set up for chickens by previous owners. They put in stairs and made an elevator for taking egg crates and cages up and down. Im going to use part of the loft for hay. The caged off area im going to use for storing antique tractor parts.

Bearfootfarm · #10 05/05/15, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FarmerDavid

I feel like there is a better use then storage. Idk why I feel that way, that maybe best but I'm interested in other options. Maybe a grow room?

I was figuring with "inconvenient access" that it wouldn't make sense to use it for things that require easy access, but you know the exact setup better than anyone.

If you have electricity and running water a grow room could work

Patchouli · #11 05/05/15, 01:14 PM

Ours gets way too hot in the Summer for anything other than storage and drying herbs. We do still store hay up there too.
What sort of access do you have to it? Ours has a ladder and then a pulley to lift big stuff. I agree with Bearfootfarm that access would be a big factor.

FarmerDavid · #12 05/05/15, 02:00 PM

Water and electricity are already there so aren't issues. Right now it has a laser for access. If I find a use that I like I think stairs could be added easily enough. There are enough old doors to open to get ventilation in the summer.

Forcast · #13 05/05/15, 03:17 PM

make it an apartment and rent it out

Jim Bunton · #14 05/05/15, 03:28 PM

I added stairs to mine and put a basket ball court on one end, and a pool table, dart board, ping pong table, and some furniture on the other half. Great place for the kids to play with friends when they were in school. Now that they have gown and moved out it isn't used as much, but we still get up there when we get together. Would be great for parties if that is your style.

Jim

Declan · #15 05/05/15, 04:23 PM

If you use it, definitely give yourself better access like stairs as was mentioned. Other than that, use it for whatever you want. Make it a multi-purpose room i.e. your own man cave

Truckinguy · #16 05/07/15, 07:19 AM

Man Cave! If access is an issue it makes it less likely someone will come and bother you.

Declan · #17 05/07/15, 08:26 AM

Having to carry a keg-erator and big screen TV up a ladder could be difficult.

ihuntgsps · #18 05/07/15, 08:33 AM

I am in the same boat and decided since the loft isn't necessary for support of the barn I would take it out and re-use the flooring and floor joists in another project. Best use of the wood in my opinion.

Declan · #19 05/07/15, 07:27 PM

Wondering if one could line the floors with heavy plastic or something to protect them and turn a loft into a bat roost. Lots of fertilizer I would think once they migrate away.