FAQs
- Can you supply me with a plan for my builder?
A brickwork plan will be sent to you on receipt of an order. This will allow your builder to complete the construction of your base ready for the installation of your stables.
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- Do I need to have planning permission for my building?
Yes, more often than not you will require planning permission for your building from your local authority for stable blocks and field shelters. There are exceptions such as a couple of stables located within the boundaries of your garden and 4 metres from your house. It is best practice to consult your local authority in any event.
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- Do you charge a fee to supply plans to submit to my local authority?
- We charge a fee of £95 plus VAT which is fully refundable when you place an order with us. We require a copy of an ordnance survey map showing your land and its boundaries. This will allow us to provide you with a drawing of your stables based on the council’s requirements.Back to top
- How do I decide the best design to suit me?
- Most of this information we can assist with in our telephone discussion with you. One of the most important considerations is to avoid placing your building into a north wind. It would also be advisable to ensure that when siting a building at the foot of a hill that the ground is well drained. This will avoid placing your building on a potential pond!Back to top
- What happens if my planning permission is refused?
- If you are refused permission we would recommend a Mobile Field Shelter with a Stable Conversion Pack as these do not require planning permission.Back to top
- Will you need to visit my site before installation?
- Most of the information we require can be answered over the phone with you, therefore, we do not generally need to visit your site. However, if you feel this would be beneficial we can make arrangements for a site visit to be carried out at your convenience.Back to top
- Are you able to build my concrete base for me?
- We are not able to build the base for you; however we are able to recommend a builder from your area if they have built a base for Prime Stables before. We always suggest to our clients that a minimum of three quotes are asked for before proceeding.Back to top
- How deep does my concrete base need to be for my building?
- In most circumstances your concrete base can be prepared with a 150mm hardcore sub-base, with a 100mm of concrete.Back to top
There are some situations where reinforcement of the concrete base is required and possibly up to 150mm of concrete is necessary.
We would always advise that you seek the advice of an experienced ground work contractor.
- How much will it cost to build a concrete base?
- As a guide you should budget a similar amount for your concrete base preparation as you would for the purchase of your timber stables. However, this very much depends upon the sites location and therefore we cannot give you an exact cost for the base. A minimum of three quotes from builders will ensure that you have found the most competitive price for the work that is required.Back to top
- How soon after my concrete base has been laid can you come and install my stables?
- Generally we recommend two weeks after your concrete base has been laid and one week after the bricks. The weather plays an important part in this timing as the wetter and colder the weather is the longer it takes for the base to go hard and the bricks to set.Back to top
- Is a special mix of concrete required?
- We recommend that an agricultural mix of concrete is used as the acid in a horse’s urine could affect and breakdown ordinary concrete.Back to top
- Is it necessary to lay one course of bricks to site the stable on?
- When a course of bricks is laid onto your base it stops any rain water working its way under your stables and thereby soaking the bedding within.Back to top
- Is it necessary to reinforce my concrete base?
- It is often not the case that your concrete base requires reinforcement. However, your builder will be able to advise you further on this.Back to top
- Is it necessary to use Semi-Engineering bricks for my base?
- Semi-engineering bricks are preferred as they are non-porous and are less likely to crumble and break in hard weather conditions.Back to top
- Will I need to install drains inside my stables?
- We recommend that your concrete base is laid with a slight fall towards the door for drainage purposes. Installing a drain inside the stable could be a hazard to your horse.Back to top
- Will I need to put drains in for the rainwater down pipes?
Generally it is not necessary on smaller designs, however, on a large installation it maybe a requirement of your local planning authority.
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- Will you install the electricity & lighting for me?
- We recommend that you seek out an electrician to install electricity and lighting to your building.Back to top
- Will the roof truss be open when it is next to my tack room?
- No. We ensure that the roof truss is lined for you to provide security to your tack room.Back to top
- Will there be any low roof trusses inside my stables?
- All of our roof trusses sit on top of the partition walls giving your horse plenty of headroom. If this is not possible we are able to manufacture elevated trusses to give maximum headroom.Back to top
- I would like to use tanalized timber cladding, do you supply this?
- Tanalised timber contains extremely toxic substances and we prefer not to use this treatment method. However, some of our clients have specifically requested this treatment and we are able to provide this if required.Back to top
- What treatment will you use on my stables against the weather?
- Our stables are treated with an animal friendly product called ‘Protec’ which does not contain any arsenic or salts which may encourage your horse to crib bite.Back to top
- Will I need to treat my buildings later?
No matter what type of initial timber treatment your buildings have i.e. Protec protected or Tanalised, all timber becomes bleached over a period of time with bright sunlight.
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Therefore we recommend that you refresh the look of your buildings with a fresh coat of wood stain every 3 to 5 years.
- If I want a higher/wider roof is that possible?
We are able to provide bespoke roofing. Just fax or post us your plans and we will provide a quotation for you.
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- What is Onduline?
Onduline is an extremely tough, lightweight, corrugated roofing material manufactured from bitumen saturated organic fibres. It has a 15 year insurance backed water proofing guarantee, withstands wind speeds up to 120mph, it does not rust, rot or become brittle and has high insulation and sound absorbency values.
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- What roof finishes are available for my stables?
- Onduline – This is our standard roof finish in black. For an extra cost it is also available in Green, Brown and Red.Back to top
‘Big 6’ Corrugated Cement Roof*
Felt Roofing*
Timber Shingle or Felt Roof*
*all available at an additional cost

