Has anyone used star plate connectors to build a barn for horses? I need a barn, but funds are limited...this sounds like a quick inexpensive way to build; would like input from someone who has built one for livestock.

-- Alexa Krain (DrMom5775@aol.com), August 10, 2001

Answers

Hi Alexa. We built a starplate house for our golden lab, MayBelle, last year. Quick, easy, and very FUN! We set up an assembly line for cutting and drilling; the basic frame was complete in less than a day. We used recycled lumber for both frame and sheathing and had tarpaper on hand. Also re-used plexiglass from old garage door to give May several triangular windows. We did buy new shingles, pressure treated lumber for a base platform (Several coats of paint on platform), caulk, and we sided it this spring with vinyl siding.

The directions that come with the starplates are very complete, but may take a couple readings to fully comprehend. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of nine foot studs, a table in the instruction sheet will give you the final building dimensions based on stud length. For the longer lumber, though, cross bracing is required.

If I were to build another Starplate shelter (and I may!), I would increase the length of the rafers beyond the 'plus 25%' they recommend. Rain hits the lower part of the walls. I might also try building the vertical wall option.

All in all, we had fun, got to try a new-to-us building technique, and used some of that old lumber. And MayBelle has a house that screams "Spoiled Dog Lives Here!" Sandy

-- Sandy in MN (onestonefarm@hotmail.com), August 13, 2001.