
What is the best height for a pony wall?
The best height for a pony wall is approximately 18-24 inches with a minimum width of 12 inches. A pony wall defines garden spaces without obstructing views. A pony wall is nothing more than a short wall, and the term is often used interchangeably with “knee wall” or “cripple wall.”
Is a pony wall the same as a full wall?
However, these are not the same, and a pony wall has some distinct differences. Like a full wall, pony walls also have plates at the top and bottom, with vertical studs locked onto them. Similarly, the commonly-used 24 or 16-inch spacing used in other areas of the house is applied while installing these pony walls.
How are pony walls installed?
Pony walls, like regular walls, have top and bottom plates, that is, the horizontal members that the vertical studs fasten to. The studs are installed on the same 16- or 24 inch spacing used elsewhere in the house. Pony walls with exterior surfaces, such as foundation walls, get structural sheathing such as plywood or OSB just like any other wall.
What is a pony wall made of?
The pony wall rests on the sill plate of the structure’s foundation, which is made of concrete. Knee walls provide a distinct function from a pony wall. 1 Why is it called a pony wall?

What is the difference between a pony wall and a half wall?
In short, they're the same thing. “Pony wall” and “half wall” are used interchangeably to describe a wall that doesn't go all the way up to the ceiling. They're usually about countertop height, though this can vary a bit depending on what purpose the half wall is serving.
How wide does a half wall need to be?
A little more research indicates that half walls should be between 36 and 48 inches. If you're building or remodeling, have them frame the wall for 42 inches, and see how you like it.
How wide is a shower pony wall?
In general, pony walls measure 3 to 4 feet without favored measurement for the width and thickness.
How far apart are pony wall studs?
Pony walls, like regular walls, have top and bottom plates, that is, the horizontal members that the vertical studs fasten to. The studs are installed on the same 16- or 24 inch spacing used elsewhere in the house.
How short can a pony wall be?
How High Is A Pony Wall? Half the walls are between three and four feet. When building or remodeling, have them frame the wall 42 inches and see how you like it. Because the walls are short, they will help you maintain an open floor plan as the walls do not extend all the way to the ceiling.
Why is a half wall called a pony wall?
Pony walls differ from knee walls, which are generally intended to support something such as a countertop, handrail, or rafter. The supposed origins of pony walls confirms the name: It's said short walls were originally added to stables for ponies.
Are half walls outdated?
Pony walls were famous back in the 1960s, so some people may think they've gone out of style by now. But believe it or not, these short, usually non-weight-bearing walls may have lots of useful and aesthetic purposes around your house. Pony walls are actually coming back in style in some home designs.
How do you make a sturdy pony wall?
0:563:52Building A Strong Half Wall - Avoiding the WOBBLE! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSuper secure and solid. This method requires that the subfloor is open from the top so you can workMoreSuper secure and solid. This method requires that the subfloor is open from the top so you can work below or the ceiling is open from below. So you can work above.
What is a pony wall in a bathroom?
What is a pony wall? A pony wall is a half wall that extends partway from floor to ceiling, and doesn't provide any support. A pony wall provides the function of a wall, yet enables an open design and clear ceiling line.
How much does it cost to build a pony wall?
The average price of half walls is between $10 and $20 per square foot. If you are looking to install a half wall, you may want to consider the following types: Half walls. Pony walls.
What do you put on top of a pony wall?
Paneling, beadboard, and drywall are all commonly used to finish the sides of pony walls stationed in living spaces, while the top caps are often made from stained hardwood or painted finish-grade plywood. In the bathrooms, however, tile is commonly used to finish pony wall sides and caps.
Can wall studs be 24 inches apart?
Non-load-bearing walls can have vertical studs spaced as far apart as 24 inches, on-center. Since non-load-bearing walls only bear the weight of drywall and some electrical and plumbing work within, it is possible to have wider apart studs. In some homes, load-bearing walls are 24 inches apart, on-center.
How tall is a standard half wall?
Knee walls are often referred to as a half-wall or partition wall. They extend from the floor to a height of approximately 3 feet (91.44 cm) and are often constructed around or up against a shower stall or bathtub surround.
How do you frame a half wall?
1:203:52Building A Strong Half Wall - Avoiding the WOBBLE! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the question is how many wall studs would you attach from that half wall. Well. You could do thisMoreSo the question is how many wall studs would you attach from that half wall. Well. You could do this on every single stud wall stud tip the joist or every single joist. I should say or just a few.
How do you support a half wall?
Using Threaded Rod to Stiffen the Half Wall: It requires using 1/2″ to 5/8″ threaded rod from the top wall plate down to blocking in the structural floor below. The use of upside down joist hangers is reommended to add tensioning strength to the blocking.
How do I build a half wall wall?
1:496:03Cutting Into A Wall To Make A Half-Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome two by fours all the way down into the floor joist area and we tied them in with structuralMoreSome two by fours all the way down into the floor joist area and we tied them in with structural screws. And some wood blocking to stiffen that wall up and it really it significantly.
How tall is a pony wall?
For all intents, a pony wall is just a short wall that does not reach the ceiling; it need not be any particular height nor width, though it typically reaches about 3 feet tall. Advertisement. Photo: Zillow Digs home in Danville, CA.
What does a pony wall look like?
A pony wall that’s finished out in drywall and painted to match the walls and trim will look like a natural extension of the room. Opting to finish the pony wall in a complementary or contrasting color will draw the eye and create a focal point.
Why are pony walls important?
For good reason, too: A well-placed pony wall can partition large, open areas of your home without losing all of the airiness that once was there. If you’re interested in why pony walls are worth a comeback, keep reading. We’ll take a close look at what these features are, where they got their interesting name, and how you can modernize your home with this trendy look.
Why did they build a pony wall?
Also known as a “half wall” or a “knee wall,” the pony wall label emerged more than 150 years ago in Nebraska when a farmer by the name of Walter Clydell decided to build short walls in his horse stable to make it easier to see into the stalls. Being sociable creatures, the horses probably enjoyed the upgrade as well.
What do you need to know about pony walls?
All You Need to Know About Pony Walls. Define individual spaces throughout the home without giving up the desirable qualities of an open layout, like airiness, connectivity, and a little extra natural light. Yes, these easy-to-DIY partitions offer the ultimate compromise. While pony walls aren’t new to the housebuilding scene, ...
What are the two types of walls?
Two basic types of walls are found in home construction: load-bearing walls that support overhead weight and partition walls that do not support any weight. Pony walls fall into the latter category, installed by attaching an end to an adjoining wall for support or by securing it to framing in the floor beneath the pony wall. Since it doesn’t stretch all the way to the ceiling, the visible top of the pony wall (often about countertop-height) features a cap that offers a finished horizontal ledge.
What is a short wall in a bathroom?
In a bathroom as a privacy separation. A short wall may be positioned between a commode and other bathroom fixtures or, in a custom shower, as a base on which glass panels are installed.
How tall should a pony wall be?
When designing a pony wall to act as a bench, a comfortable height for an adult to sit is from 18 to 24 inches (including any capstones used). The best width that is safe and as comfortable as can be (you are sitting on a wall, after all) is a minimum of 12 inches wide.
What is a pony wall?
Used to indicate an emai action. A pony wall is a half-height wall in a garden. The term dates to the days when it was necessary to build a barrier high enough to keep livestock from invading a formal garden without obstructing the view. Low walls were particularly popular with the Victorians who adopted ponies as cute pets ...
How can a pony wall improve my garden?
When I design a landscape for a client, sometimes my first move is to divide the garden space into outdoor rooms. One way I create the feeling of different rooms or areas is to create varying elevations , with the help of low pony walls.
What are the best materials to build a pony wall?
A solid choice for a pony wall is a cement block core with an ultra smooth stucco finish to resemble poured concrete. Why? Cinderblocks are 8 inches high, so two stacked will measure 16 inches; with a cap, you get to the desired 18 inches. Talk about perfect.
What other design details for pony walls do I need to know?
For more information on this, see Hardscaping 101: Retaining Walls. Also consider adding lighting to the walls, such as down-lighting from recessed hidden fixtures built into the seat.
Do you need a permit to build a pony wall?
Construction of a pony wall is relatively easy with some masonry experience and does not require any special permits, but always check with your local building department before starting any landscape project.
Can you capping a pony wall?
For comfort, avoid capping a pony wall that will be used as seating with rough flagstone or other irregular surfacing that can jab, poke, or snag.
Partial wall framing connection to floor
The ClarkDietrich Pony Wall is intended to support out-of-plane loading of cantilevered partial wall systems that are unsupported at the top track.
Pony Wall Lite
Out-of-plane loads are transferred to the floor system through the base-plate, which is welded to the Pony Wall stud member.
Pony Wall Heavy
Out-of-plane loads are transferred to the floor system through the base-plate, which is welded to the Pony Wall stud member.
What Is A Pony Wall?
A pony wall is a wall that begins at the floor but does not extend all the way to the ceiling. They are meant to serve as a separation between two rooms while still providing an open floorplan feel.
Where to put pony walls?
Near staircases. One of the most common places for a pony wall is next to an open staircase. Pony walls can be used to close off the broadside opening next to the staircase, acting as a safety rail to prevent anyone from falling. In bathrooms.
What happens if your pony wall is cracked?
Poor condition. If the original pony walls were built poorly or made of low-quality materials, they might need to be taken out or replaced. Pony walls that are cracked, crumbling, or damaged in any way will only decrease the appeal and value of your home. Closed-off floor plan.
Why don't pony walls work?
Reasons for getting rid of pony walls might include: Poor condition.
Why don't people care about pony walls?
Pony walls may clutter an open floor plan. Some people don’t care for pony walls because they can make a house look smaller by dividing up space. This is especially true in smaller houses or houses that are less open, to begin with.
Where did pony walls come from?
Pony walls got their start in the stables of a farmer named Walter Clydell. Decades later, they became a popular feature in homes, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, as styles started trending toward more open floor plans ( source ).
Do pony walls work in open floor plans?
They are easy to design, and they can be made to match almost any style of house you can imagine. Of course, pony walls work best in houses with open floor plans, where the large empty spaces may need something to break them up.
