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.

Are pony walls outdated?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 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.

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.

What is a pony wall support?

Add Pony Power to your Walls. Steeler Pony Wall Supports bolster steel framing walls by attaching to either side of your wall's "C" stud. While engineered for shorter walls to ensure balance and prevent tipping, Steeler Pony Wall Supports can be custom-built for walls up to 10'.

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.

Why is it 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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the purpose of a knee wall?

A knee wall is a short vertical wall, roughly two or three feet high, thats used to support rafters in the roof. It also blocks off the space that's too small (due to the sloping roof) to use for anything in an attic.

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.

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 tall should a pony wall be in a shower?

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.

What goes under a sill plate?

Lay a continuous layer of 1/4-inch foam gasket or similar moisture and air barrier on top of the concrete slab before applying sill plates. The gasket must be designed specifically for use with sill plates; these are commonly sold in rolls. Look for a gasket in the same width as the sill plate you will install.

How do I support a freestanding wall?

The simplest way to add lateral reinforcement to a freestanding wall is through endwall support. Typically, this comes in the form of another small wall positioned at the end of the main freestanding wall.

How do you stop half walls from wobbling?

Add Blocking Between Joists To Stiffen Half Wall

Use 2x framing and joist hangers to ensure a solid blocking connection. Sometimes installing the joist hangers “upside down,” gives you better resistance to pulling.

Why is there a wall in my attic?

This wall can help with insulation as well as controlling air pathways. It also means to seal up areas on each side of the knee wall—there are likely studs there; make sure they are sealed off from attic air. Construct the kneewall with sufficient room for the insulation desired.

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.

What is a pony wall stud?

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.