What is a pony wall in a house?

A pony wall is nothing more than a short wall, and the term is often used interchangeably with “knee wall” or “cripple wall.” Pony walls, like regular walls, have top and bottom plates, that is, the horizontal members that the vertical studs fasten to.

What is the purpose of a pony wall?

A pony wall creates a visual and functional barrier between two areas of a large room or open floor plan, without closing them off from one another and leaving either segment feeling cramped. Because it doesn't extend all the way to the ceiling, the newly created spaces retain an open look and feel.

Why are they called pony walls?

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 pony walls good?

As room dividers, in houses with open floor plans, pony walls are sometimes used to create partitions between rooms. They are especially great for breaking up the space between the kitchen, dining room, and living room without losing the open feel and airiness of this type of floor plan.

Is a pony wall structural?

Pony walls are non structural walls often used to separate spaces. A pony wall is for when you want an open floor plan. The short walls divide rooms, create extra shelving, and offer ways to redesign living spaces.

How Its Built | Pony Wall

Are pony walls load-bearing?

The term pony wall is used to refer to a load-bearing wall that rests on the sill plate of a foundation and supports the joists of the floor above it. These walls are sometimes called cripple walls, and they carry the load of the entire structure and transmit it to the foundation.

What can I do with pony walls?

Use a pony wall to separate the sleeping space and the closet, home office or a bathroom. Use this wall as a headboard, add storage inside and attach shelves or lamps and sconces. If you want a sleek look, opt for a non-storage pony wall. This is a great idea to zone the bedroom and keep it spacious and light-filled.

How much does it cost to add 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.

How do you get rid of pony walls?

Remove the drywall from the framing of the half-wall. Grab the larger pieces and pull them off the wall by hand. Use a pry bar to remove the pieces attached to the framing.

How thick should a pony wall be?

If framed with 2x4s, the framing itself will be 3-1/2" wide. Half-inch drywall on each side of the framing will balloon it to 4-1/2" wide.

What is a pony wall shower?

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.

What is a low wall called?

The low wall is also called a parapet, a half wall, or a knee-wall.

What is the top of a pony wall called?

A pony wall is nothing more than a short wall, and the term is often used interchangeably with “knee wall” or “cripple wall.” Pony walls, like regular walls, have top and bottom plates, that is, the horizontal members that the vertical studs fasten to.

How much does it cost to remove a pony wall?

Removing a wall can cost anywhere between $300 and $10,000 depending on the scope of the entire project. Non-load bearing walls run between $300 to $1,000 according to HomeAdvisor. Cost factors include the size of the wall, expert advice and repairs to your ceiling, floor and adjacent walls post-removal.

How much does it cost to knock down a partial wall?

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Wall? Removing a wall costs between $300 and $1,000 if it is a non-load-bearing wall. On the other hand, removing a load-bearing wall costs $1,200 to $3,000 for a single-story home. The price increases to $3,200 to $10,000 for homes with more than one level.

Can a short wall be load bearing?

Is a Partial Wall Load-Bearing? If the wall is a partial wall, meaning it stops short of an adjacent wall, it may or may not be load-bearing. For example, the builder may have installed a microlam beam to span across the opening and carry the load above.

How much does it cost to put up a wall to divide a room?

Whether you want to divide a room into two or put a wall in your open plan for privacy, putting up a wall will cost you $980 to $2,900, with most homeowners paying $1,900 on average.

How much does it cost to remove a window and make it a wall?

Although prices can vary, it is usually between $10 and $20 per square foot (0.09 sqm).

What is code height for a half wall?

A half wall, also called a knee wall or pony wall, differs from a regular wall in height alone. Technically, a half wall can be any height short of the ceiling; realistically, pony wall height is usually about 3 to 4 feet tall, depending on the wall's purpose and location.

How do you cover a pony wall?

Cover the wall using drywall or half-inch medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Paint the wall, then finish it out with trim. For a functional, attractive finish, consider attaching a top plate of 3/4" poplar with crown molding underneath.

Why is it called a knee wall?

The term is derived from the association with a human knee, partly bent. Knee walls are common in houses in which the ceiling on the top floor is an attic, i.e. the ceiling is the underside of the roof and slopes down on one or more sides.

What is a hip wall?

A hip roof (or hipped roof) is a type of roof design where all roof sides slope downward toward the walls – where the walls of the house sit under the eaves on each side of the roof.