Saddle rack fitting in Exeter
Professional saddle rack fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Saddle racks fitted securely to stable or tack room walls. Proper fixings, right height, solid enough to hold your most expensive tack safely off the floor.
Stop Dumping Saddles on the Floor
If you're stacking saddles on the floor or balancing them precariously on doors, you're asking for damaged trees and mouldy leather. A properly fitted saddle rack costs bugger all compared to replacing a £1,500 saddle.
💡 Pro tip: Mount racks at chest height - saves your back every time you lift a 20kg saddle, and stops you bending double in the tack room.
Why DIY Saddle Racks Fail
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Fixed into solid wall or studs | Screwed into plasterboard - rips out first time |
| Heavy-duty screws and plugs | Cheap fixings that work loose |
| Level and at working height | Wonky, too high or ridiculously low |
| Takes the weight without flexing | Bends under load, saddle slides off |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check | Find solid fixing points in your wall |
| Position | Mark level at comfortable working height |
| Fit | Secure with proper fixings for the wall type |
| Test | Load it up, make sure it's bombproof |
📦 You're Left With
- Saddles stored properly off the floor
- Easy access - no back-breaking lifting
- Peace of mind your expensive tack is safe
Pricing Guide
| Scenario | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single rack fitted | 1 hr | £60 |
| 2-3 racks | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| 4+ racks (full tack room) | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Multiple racks are quicker - I'm already there with tools out.
Perfect For Your Stable If...
✅ Multiple horses - keep each saddle organised and accessible
✅ Damp tack rooms - get leather off the floor and aired properly
✅ Awkward spaces - I'll find the best wall positions even in tight stables
✅ Selling up - properly fitted tack room adds value for viewers
Why Choose Us for Saddle rack fitting in Exeter?
Mounted to solid wall structure - won't rip out
Positioned at comfortable working height
Keeps expensive saddles off damp floors
Multiple racks fitted in one visit for multi-horse yards
What to Expect
Step 1: Find Solid Walls
I check your walls to find solid fixing points - brick, block, timber studs, whatever you've got. Old stable blocks can be interesting, but there's always somewhere solid.
Step 2: Position and Level
We agree on the height (I'll suggest what works best), then mark them out level. If you're doing multiples, I space them evenly so it looks neat.
Step 3: Fit Securely
Proper fixings for your wall type - wall plugs and screws for masonry, coach screws for timber. Each rack gets tested before I leave.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fancy doing it yourself? Here's how to avoid the common cock-ups:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Drill with masonry and wood bits
- Spirit level
- Tape measure and pencil
- Screwdriver or impact driver
- Proper wall plugs or timber screws
- Stud finder (if mounting on timber walls)
📐 Finding the right spot
- Chest height is usually best - about 140-150cm from floor to rack
- Make sure there's clearance below for the saddle to hang
- Check nothing's in the way when you swing the saddle up
- Space multiple racks 60-70cm apart (centre to centre)
🔩 Secure fitting
- Brick/block walls: use 8mm wall plugs minimum with proper screws
- Timber stables: find the studs - don't just screw into cladding
- Concrete: use frame fixings or expanding bolts
- Always level your rack before drilling final holes
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Mounting into plasterboard or thin cladding - will rip out under load
- Too high - you'll strain your back every time
- Not level - saddle slides sideways off the rack
- Undersized fixings - loosens over time with repeated weight
💡 Pro trick: Put a small piece of rubber matting on the rack arms - stops the saddle sliding and protects the leather. Old conveyor belt works perfectly.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🐴 Got a full yard? I'll fit all your racks in one visit - much more efficient than me coming back multiple times. Most yards need 2-6 racks depending on how many horses you have.
Tack room makeover? If you're doing bridle racks, shelving, or other stable storage, let's do it all together. You'll save time and money.
Old stable buildings? Common around Exeter and rural Devon. I'm used to working in wonky old farm buildings - we'll find solid spots even if the walls are a bit agricultural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the best place to mount a saddle rack?
Ideally on a solid wall at about chest height - makes lifting the saddle on and off easier, especially if it's a heavy dressage or western saddle. In tack rooms I usually space them about 60cm apart if you're doing multiples. I'll check the wall first to make sure we're going into something solid, not just plasterboard.
Will it hold a heavy western saddle?
Absolutely. I use proper fixings into solid walls or studs - a well-fitted rack will hold even the heaviest saddles without any worries. I've fitted racks in stables across Devon and never had one fail.
Can you fit racks in my stable block?
Yes - whether it's brick, block, timber stables or converted barns, I'll use the right fixings for whatever you've got. Old farm buildings need a bit more care finding solid spots, but that's half the job.
Do I need to buy the rack first?
Either way works. If you've already got them, brilliant. If not, I can advise on what type suits your setup - swing-arm, fixed, or corner racks - and where to get them locally or online.
How many can you fit in one visit?
As many as you need - it's quicker doing multiple racks together. Most people want 2-4 for a small yard. Just adds 20-30 minutes per extra rack once I'm set up.
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