When my girlfriend bought her new home, one of the changes she wanted to make was removing the pony wall by the front door. I'd never heard the term pony wall before, so I confirmed what she was referring to. Then I decided to learn more about the term and where these half walls are most often used.
What is a Pony Wall?
So the only way to answer the question was to find some pony walls to measure. Unfortunately the one at Maria's house is gone (see our demolition story). Then I realized I had a pony wall in the kitchen outside my office (shown above). So with my tape measure, here's what I found.
- Ceiling height is 96 inches (8 ft).
- Pony wall height is 42 inches, which is lower than 48 inches or half the ceiling height.
- Kitchen counter is 34 inches high, so the half wall protects eight inches.
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.
Once you see where these half walls are used, you'll realize they're everywhere. We simply don't notice these walls because they're below our visual space most of the time.
- Half walls at the top of stairs, used instead of railings.
- Pony wall separating the kitchen/eating nook from the family room.
- Half wall in the bathroom, separating the toilet but leaving visual space open.
- When removing load bearing walls to create an open floor plan, homeowners can save money by building half walls with support columns.
There are lots of things you can do with a half wall. One idea is make the wall play two rolls, both a wall and a bookcase – see my bookcase wall used to separate the eating nook from the family room. Here the back is closed but I've seen open bookcases where homeowners displayed things. Because I wasn't sure if I'd like the half wall, my handyman team built this one so it could be taken off later.
Resources to Help You Build a Half Wall
Building a pony wall is similar to building regular walls with one exception. They're not anchored to the floor joists overhead. That means you have to be more careful about the structural integrity of the wall and it's attachment to the adjoining wall and floor below it. For the pony wall up top, they used three inch screws which is why we needed to remove them with a drill.
- How to Frame a Half Wall at the Top of the Stairs.
- HGTV video showing you How to Build a Pony Wall.
- Great article by a DIY blogger, showing lots of details building her pony wall.
Complete Guide to Walls & Ceilings: Framing to Trimwork
Trim Ideas: Walls, Ceilings, Doorways, Windows, Stairs, Built-InsFraming Floors, Walls & Ceilings
(For Pros By Pros)
How would I build a pony wall with pull out drawer on the end?
If you want to add a pull out drawer that extends from the end of a pony wall, the wall needs to be thicker. You would build the wall the same way (here’s an article) but instead of ending the wall with a 2×6 board facing out, you’d need to use two 2×6 boards, one on each side of the drawer. You’ll need support at the back of the drawer & the wall studs and top of the pony wall will all need to be wider.
As this might get rather complicated, let me offer an alternative which I’ve seen and like a whole lot better than pony walls. Some homeowners have used a short bookcase that can act like a pony wall, separating a room or stairs from the adjoining space. You can leave the shelves open, face one side with wood or my favorite … mix up some open spaces, some closed. Instead of a small drawer you can use baskets on the shelf or if a drawer is critical, add a drawer that opens out away from the shelf/wall.
Hi Tina,
I love the image above on the pony wall dividing the dining room from kitchen area.
I have small kitchen with a nake shift pony wall from the previous owners.
We are about to remodel the kitchen and I want to redesign it. The question I have is what color did paint the side facing the kitchen?
My kitchen will have blue cabinets and I’m not sure if I should match the kitchen side with the cabinet color.
Tanya, I looked at the pony wall photos (2 of them were my house) and the pony walls were the same color as the surrounding walls. If you’ve picked blue cabinets, I’d say let them stand out & don’t dilute their impact by trying to match the blue color on any walls.
This is actually the first time that I have heard of a ‘pony wall’ before. I think that it’s nice to add character to a room.
Yona, I agree that they can add character & help define different spaces within a large, open floor plan.
I actually like the idea of adding a pony wall in the front entrance way of our home. It would be perfect!
LOL…okay, I had no idea that had a name. I learn something new everyday on these pages…#Bloggersrock
Mardene, I too thought it was funny & a new word for me, LOL
I don’t have any in my house but if I did these are all good tips. Knowing my family, though, it would just collect something.
We have one of these and I would be lost without it. I think every home needs one!
Sometimes I really like those walls and other times I don’t. I love the one in the bathroom with the glass shower though!
wow. you learn something new everyday. I never knew it was called a pony wall.
I never knew it was called a pony wall. I do beleive it looks good in certain areas of the home but not all. Beautiful rooms you displayed
I have honestly never heard the term Pony Wall. Interesting to finally learn what those short little things are called!
I never knew it was called a pony wall. I don’t have one but I have seen them in other places. xx
I’m really glad that you shared this amazing idea, I dont have pony walls but this is great to save.
I think it’s quite nice to have a pony wall, depending on the room or area in the house of course. I didn’t know much about it to be honest so thanks for this insightful post.
I think pony wall looks good as a divider. It also can be transformed into a shelf. It can also be a center for decorations during the holidays.
I don’t have pony walls in my house but you have shared some of the good uses of pony wall.
Oh so a pony wall is a short wall. Never knew the terminology. Cool!
We actually have a couple of pony walls in our house. They do a great job of separating rooms but keeping everything open and airy.
Oh how cool! I never knew this term either! We have two of these in our house! I have considered removing one of them. I am going to show this to my husband when he gets home and also first tell him that they are called pony walls. Then when he rolls his eyes at me and says that they are not – I will pull up your article! Haha!
Joely, I’m laughing as I imagine how that conversation might go. Good luck
I have a pony wall in my bathroom between the potty and the sink. I like it for storage.
Tara, I’m curious about what type of storage you have in the pony wall. Are there shelves?
I store things on top of it. I have a small basket with my beauty products in it.
I don’t have one in my house, but I have a feeling that if I did, it would become a coat rack. Especially if it was right by the door :)