What is a Pony Wall ?
We don’t get a lot of railing requests from customers that are fans of the “pony wall” construction element. The pony wall is an old trend mostly from 90s constructed homes that were used as “open concept” designed half walls. Other names used for pony wall could be “knee wall” or “half bannister” wall. True open concept designs today are completely open, modern adaptations to the older and dated open concept layout ideas. Currently we hear from a lot of potential customers that want to remove their pony wall. Pony wall removal projects create light penetration while modernizing the aesthetic of the interior of an older home.
Renovation Phases When Removing Pony Walls
Many remodels start with a demolition phase, and removing a pony wall to install a modern railing system is no different. Wall projects often start by cutting down and removing the existing wall. After the mess is removed, any re-framing or structural retrofit needs to happen prior to re- capping the wall. While framing is open; add any structural backing needed for a solid bolt up of the new railing posts. A “double top plate” is a solid way to ensure 3″of backing for a surface mount to your new cap.
What if I have an electrical outlet on my pony wall?
There is a good chance of encountering electrical outlets and wires when removing bannister walls. It’s important to assess this prior to demolition and have a plan and possibly a professional electrician or contractor to terminate or relocate the outlet. This is actually a good time to consider other possibilities or additions when everything is opened up after demo phase.
Finish Work and Flooring Possibilities
A flooring repair or new edge member may be necessary prior to installing the new railings. Cap pieces can be stain or paint grade and flooring can be patched in where walls are removed prior to installing new railings.
–Paint Grade Trim is a clean way to hide imperfections and requires very little finish work.
–Stain Grade Trim–will usually need to be custom made to match existing flooring out of a wood species similar or the same as the flooring.
-Carpet Repair – is often required when carpet floors abut pony walls that will be removed.-
Hiring a Contractor to Perform a Pony Wall Railing Renovation
Our preferred railing professionals carry a general contractors license and specialization that allows us to provide turnkey railing products and retrofit such as the work described in this article. Removing a pony wall on an existing staircase is often a project that will require a professional contractor. Some customers may choose to perform their own tear out or use different trades to perform each facet of the project which can work as well. A pony wall removal will require drywall, paint, carpentry, and railing construction experience. Our sales team at SDCR is available by phone to answer questions or provide quotes for railing remodel projects via the QUOTE REQUEST form.
