A 32 in square stand of four buried 4x4 posts, a 2x6 frame and plywood top, with guard rails, for a 55 gal barrel and a pig nipple.
Draft plan, generated from the model. Not yet build-tested.
55 galBarrel
32 x 32 inFootprint
48 inHeight
3 to 4 hrBuild time
$192.09Materials
Drawings All dimensions in inches
3D viewfinishedFront elevationRight elevationPlan viewfrom above
Cut list: lumber Long-point lengths; angles noted
Qty
Stock
Length
Part
Cut
1
2x4
25
Guard front
on edge, between the posts
1
2x4
25
Guard back
on edge, between the posts
1
2x4
25
Guard left
on edge, between the posts
1
2x4
25
Guard right
on edge, between the posts
1
2x6 GC
25
Support front
on edge, between the posts
1
2x6 GC
25
Support back
on edge, between the posts
1
2x6 GC
25
Support left
on edge, between the posts
1
2x6 GC
25
Support right
on edge, between the posts
4
4x4 PT
60
Post
buried 12 in
Cut list: sheet goods
Part
Stock
Size
Note
Top
3/4 ply
29 x 29
Lumber cutting diagram Lengths chosen for the lowest cost; 1/8 in kerf, 1/2 in end trim
2x4 x 10 ft
Guard front 25Guard back 25Guard left 25Guard right 25
2x6 GC x 10 ft
Support front 25Support back 25Support left 25Support right 25
4x4 PT x 8 ft
Post 1 60
4x4 PT x 8 ft
Post 2 60
4x4 PT x 8 ft
Post 3 60
4x4 PT x 8 ft
Post 4 60
Sheet cutting diagrams Dashed = openings to cut out
Sheet 1: 3/4 in plywood, 4 x 8 ft
Shopping list $192.09 checked / $0.00 estimated
Item
Store
Qty
Each
Line
Note
2x4x10 stud, SPF
Home Depot
1
$5.46
$5.46
see lumber cutting diagram
2x6x10 ground-contact pressure-treated
Home Depot
1
$12.98
$12.98
see lumber cutting diagram
4x4x8 ground-contact pressure-treated
Home Depot
4
$11.28
$45.12
see lumber cutting diagram
23/32 in (3/4 in) CDX plywood, 4x8 sheet
Lowe's
1
$46.57
$46.57
see sheet cutting diagrams
Exterior wood screws #9 x 2.5 in, 5 lb box
Home Depot
1
$29.97
$29.97
55 gal food-grade barrel, used
SD Drums or local
1
$39.00
$39.00
Poultry nipple waterers, 4 pack
Tractor Supply
1
$12.99
$12.99
Total before tax
$192.09
Filled dot: price read from a store listing on Oct 20, 2026. Hollow dot: estimate. Prices come from the master price list, so they change when it changes.
Build steps
Dig four 12 in holes 32 in apart, outside to outside, and set the 4x4 posts plumb in gravel, tops 48 in above the ground.
Screw the 2x6 supports between the posts, on edge, with the tops flush at 24 in.
Screw the 2x4 guard rails between the posts at 44 in on all four sides.
Cut the 3/4 in plywood top to fit inside the supports and screw it down.
Fit the barrel with a pig nipple 4 in above the floor of the pen, or a float valve to a hose. Fill from above.
Before you start
A nipple waterer stays clean, but pigs will bite the nipple. Mount it solidly and check it every day.
The barrel is food-grade and not included; a used barrel is $20 to $40. It weighs 460 lb full.
Keep the stand in the shade, and on gravel to stop mud. Pigs drink 3 gal a day each in the heat.
Draft drawings generated from the model. Build one before selling this plan.