Can you believe walls can also act as a décor item? Yes, you might think in a different perspective to improve your architectural style and make it visually striking. But there are simple and elegant ways that won’t ruin your budget. Such terms are knee wall and pony wall. Both are different terms, but often used to describe the same thing.
Understanding the key differences between these terms helps you choose the right one for your project. This blog post clearly defines the definitions and key differences to make an informed decision.
What is a Knee Wall?
A knee wall is a short wall, probably under three feet in height, attached at the bottom plate of a structure to support roof rafters. Its height is typically at the level of a person’s knee, from the place where it is attached, either in the attic spaces or upper floor. Unlike other wall types, they are not versatile, yet support weight. It can be an ideal choice for houses with attic spaces.
What is a Pony Wall?
A pony wall is often called a half wall, which can be used in both interior and exterior spaces but is not extended from floor to ceiling. In general, they have served as stable walls, preventing ponies from escaping. Pony walls are also used as short walls and room dividers, containing limited storage space and counters. If you are planning for an open floor plan, this can be an excellent choice to separate spaces and create extra shelves.
Key Differences Between Knee Walls and Pony Walls
With the differences mentioned, the table can give you an idea about choosing the appropriate one:
| Features | Knee Wall | Pony Wall |
| Definition | A knee wall is typically a short wall, under 3 feet in height, and can be found in attics. | A pony wall is also a short wall used in both interior and exterior walls with a height range of 3-4 feet. |
| Primary Purpose | Knee walls are primarily designed to support the structural weight of roof rafters in attics. It allows for increasing usable attic space and longer spans between supporting walls. | Pony walls serve several purposes, such as creating distinct zones within an open floor, adding unique architectural elements, breaking up the larger walls into small spaces, and supporting countertops. |
| Structural Role | A knee wall is generally a load-bearing wall, essential to support the roof structure in attics. | This is not a load-bearing wall and can be used for decorative or functional purposes. Unlike regular walls, this is not particularly designed to support significant weight. |
| Location | Knee walls can be located mostly in attic spaces. | It can be used throughout the home, such as in hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, etc. |
| Common Uses | Provide support for built-in storage and roof rafters, and create usable living space in attics. | Create privacy, divide larger spaces into smaller divisions, add visual interest to the architecture, and define areas within an open floor plan. |
When to Choose a Knee Wall or a Pony Wall
Pony Walls
As stated earlier, pony walls are versatile and can be used throughout the home. Here are those uses:
Bookshelf: You can use a pony wall in two different ways in a bookshelf. Keep the top open and use the actual pony wall as a shelf by leaving slots out. Pony walls can also be used as mini-shelves; depending on their length and thickness, the number of books they can hold can differ.
Shower and Toilet Divider: You can feel protected when you add pony walls next to the toilet. To improve the aesthetic appearance, add a glass above the wall.
Reading Nook: You can install pony walls for a pleasant and comfortable reading nook. It can be placed wherever you want and can be personalised with an additional shelf to keep your books.
Kitchen Breakfast Bar: Pony walls were used to divide the kitchen and dining area in a home to make extra spaces. Whether it is a traditional or modern kitchen, this method can give a neater and more aesthetic view.
Knee Walls
Knee walls are primarily used to support weight like any load-bearing wall. These half walls are not being used for decorative purposes and can provide a vertical backdrop in the upper walls of a home or workplace. Unlike pony walls, they will not serve several purposes; they only have one.
Pros and Cons of Knee Walls
Pros
- Creating usable living areas within the attic and allows for longer spans between the supporting walls.
- Its primary function is to support the weight of the roof rafters.
- Provides sufficient space for built-in storage like shelves and cabinets.
Cons
- You may encounter complexities in attic framing and finishing.
- Some areas may be significantly difficult to install or maintain, leading to cold spots.
- This wall type may not be aesthetically appealing to everyone.
Pros and Cons of Pony Walls
Pros
- Allow segregation of areas within an open floor plan without completely closing off the zone.
- It can be an ideal choice to use in the kitchen from dining, living room from entryway, etc.
- Creates architectural interest instantly with its unique and stylish design element.
- It can efficiently support breakfast nooks, bars, countertops, or work surfaces.
Cons
- Restrict views and natural light flow inside the room.
- You will not enjoy complete privacy, especially for visual or sound seclusion.
- It may leave sharp corners that are hazardous to children or pets.
Final Lines
The type of wall is crucial to improving the overall structural appearance and integrity of a building. With the aforementioned article, you might get an idea about knee and pony walls. Each has its own characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. By understanding these concepts clearly, you can choose the one that fits your project requirements.
FAQs
No, the pony walls are not particularly designed with load-bearing characteristics. It is just a decorative or functional element and are not meant to carry significant loads or weight of the roof.
The cost of building a wall can’t be determined exactly, which can significantly vary due to several factors such as materials, size and complexity, finishing, and labour cost. However, the basic knee wall construction may cost between Rs. 800-1,000 per square foot, and a pony wall may cost around Rs. 600 to 800 per square foot.
Yes, the knee walls can be used for storage purposes like built-in shelving, cabinets, and drawers. It is advisable to consult a professional to ensure that your desired needs are feasible.