shed floors

wvdexters · #1 05/16/12, 06:04 PM

I want to build a small shed for my dexter cows and I am trying to decide if I should pour a concrete slab or just leave it dirt. The one-story shed will be made of 1" rough lumber. It will be located on a slope so I'll have to get a friend with a dozer to flatten out a spot. A separate section will be used to store garden equipment. Any Suggestions?

myersfarm · #2 05/16/12, 06:32 PM

Dirt in the shed it will pack itself....be easier to scoop things up off the floor....less slipage...cows will feel more comfortable..in the winter not as cold as concrete..

topside1 · #3 05/16/12, 07:49 PM

If you're looking for something more solid than dirt, use 1/2 inch size gravel as a base/drainage on top of dirt. The cattle will fill in the gravel cracks and pack the base in no time. Concrete is a pitiful option....Topside

genebo · #4 05/16/12, 08:34 PM

If you put in a french drain through the middle, then a couple of inches of stone screenings, the floor will stay dry and will have a perfect parting line to use a manure rake. The rake will glide along the top of the screenings, letting you pick up everything above.

I've done that and a couple of pre-teen neighborhood girls muck out my barn for me. Takes them about 4 hours to do 24' square. Looks like a million dollars when they get through.

I vote against concrete.

wvdexters · #5 05/17/12, 05:21 PM

Thanks for your help. Dirt it is. Sounds good to me. Some of my neighbors said to go with concrete for drainage but it just didn't seem right. It is good to ask people who have cows themselves and know the best way. This will give the girls a good place to go in the winter. Very short legs - 3 ft snows - not a good match. Thanks again!