What is a pony wall in construction?

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.

What is a pony wall in architecture?

A pony wall is a short wall. In different circumstances, it may refer to: a half wall that only extends partway from floor to ceiling, without supporting anything. a stem wall, a concrete wall that extends from the foundation slab to the cripple wall or floor joists.

Are pony walls 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.

What is a pony wall outside?

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.

How Its Built | Pony Wall

Are pony walls outdated?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.

What is another name for a pony wall?

A pony wall is nothing more than a short wall, and the term is often used interchangeably with “knee wall” or “cripple wall.”

Can pony walls be 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.

What is a pony wall in bathroom?

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 can you tell if a pony wall is load-bearing?

To determine if a wall is a load-bearing one, Tom suggests going down to the basement or attic to see which way the joists run. If the wall is parallel to the joists, it's probably not load-bearing. If the wall is perpendicular, it's most likely load-bearing.

How much does a pony wall cost?

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 finish a pony wall?

Why is it called 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.

What is the bottom half of a wall called?

In architecture, a baseboard (also called skirting board, skirting, wainscoting, mopboard, floor molding, or base molding) is usually wooden or vinyl board covering the lowest part of an interior wall.

Why do they call it 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 stub wall?

A low wall, monolithically placed with a concrete floor (or other members) so as to provide for the control and attachment of wall forms.

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.

What is a cripple wall?

As shown in the figure, a cripple wall is a short wall that rests on the foundation and supports the floor and exterior walls. If the cripple wall is not braced, it can shift during an earthquake.