pony wall railing remodel

What is a Pony Wall Railing ? San Diego Cable Railings receives a lot of railing requests from customers that are fans of removing the “pony wall” construction element.  The pony wall is an older trend mostly from 90s track homes that were used as “open concept” designed stub walls. Other common names used for pony walls- “knee wall” or “half bannister” wall. Some times parapet walls are mistaken for pony walls. True open concept designs today are completely open, modern adaptations to the dated open concept designs. We hear from a lot of potential wall railing customers that want to remove their pony walls. Pony wall removal projects create light penetration while modernizing the aesthetic of the interior of an older home. Construction Phases When Removing Old Railings Most remodels start with a demolition phase, and removing the pony wall in order to install a modern railing system . Wall projects often start by cutting down and removing the existing wall. After the debris is removed, any framing or structural retrofitting needs to happen prior to re- topping the wall. While the framing is open; installers can add any structural backing needed for a solid connection mount 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. A double top plate refers to multiple 2x planks sandwiched and fastened for extra structural connection. Relocating Electrical May Be Necessary There is a solid chance of encountering electrical outlets and wires when removing pony walls. It’s important to assess this prior to any 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. Our installers are licensed contractors and can easily incorporate this action into the railing installation plan. Finishes and Flooring Repairs A flooring repair or wall top member may be necessary prior to installing the new railings. Sometimes we are forced to leave a small stub wall >3″ and install a new wall cap. Cap pieces can be stained or painted  and new 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. Ask one of our sales associates about our premium finishes and bare finish options. -Carpet Repairs – are often required when carpet floors abut pony walls that will be removed. Our preferred installers have you covered with every aspect of the process from demo to floor repairs, moving outlets, even re- framing if needed. Hiring a Pro for a Pony Wall Railing Remodel Our preferred  railing professionals  carry a general contractors license and specialized experience that allows SDCR to provide turnkey railing products; and retrofit capabilities as 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 have mixed results. 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. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE! Safe Deck Railings Pony Wall Railing Remodels MavenJuly 24, 2025 Cable Railing News What is the Best Material for Cable Railings? Cole RouseJuly 16, 2025 Cable Railing News Understanding Cable Railing: Addressing Potential Disadvantages Cole RouseJuly 16, 2025 most used cable railing system The Sleekest Minimalist Railing Systems MavenJuly 3, 2025 cable deck railings, Cable Railing News Are There Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Railings? Cole RouseJune 24, 2025 Browse More Posts