Pony walls are trending out there. These walls can make your indoors stylish and efficient in a lot of ways. But that’s a topic for interior design. Here we’re focusing on building the pony walls.
Here’s the thing-
Kitchen pony walls are getting more popular day by day. And with this popularity comes the question-
How to build a pony wall for kitchen island?
Well, it’s pretty easy actually, select a place and build a pony wall in there. But, there’s more to it and we’re here to give you the exact process.
From here you’ll know about the equipment list of building this wall. And with that, you’ll get a step by step guide on making the wall.
Now, let’s get rolling-
Necessary Items
If you’ve done previous wall building, then this list would be pretty common to you. Now let’s get going with it-
- Measuring Tape
- Nailers
- Nails
- Saw
- Lumbers (4 inches or 6 inches)
- Levelers
- Preferred island top (Granite, vinyl, etc.)
- Support Bracket
You can choose whatever type of wood you like. Just make sure that the wood is strong enough. Because you’ll use the wall as a kitchen island. So, we suggest that you use oak woods or something stronger than that.
Besides these items, you’ll need some safety equipment too.
Steps of Building the Pony Wall
Building a pony wall is a step by step process. To be honest, it’s better if you do this thing in a planned way. Probably you’re not a professional carpenter and in that case, it’s easy to mess up the whole thing.
So, following the steps is important. Now, let’s go through the steps one at a time-
Step 1: Select the Position
For starters, we know that the pony wall will be in the kitchen (obvious). Now you have to determine where would it be in the kitchen.
Generally, there’s a rule of thumb for placing the kitchen island. You should allow at least 42 inches around the island for passage clearance. Any less than this, and you won’t be able to walk freely in your kitchen.
Now, for the height, we don’t have any regulations. But it’s better to make a waist height kitchen island. Which is between 42 inches to 36 inches.
So, how to measure the area? You can use that tape to measure from the walls or the kitchen cabinets. Mark the total suitable area for the island. To mark the height, you can either use the closest wall or you can make a dummy.
No worries. The dummy can be anything. It can be a stick with a base. Just make sure that it can stand on its own and has the perfect height.
So, your kitchen island will be anywhere in that area. By the way, this is the most important step. So, try to be careful.
Step 2: Finalize the Design
Here you have to select the exact location inside your suitable area. Moreover, you have to decide whether or not there will be an overhang.
Some kitchen islands come with two different height surfaces. One for eating and one for the rolling purpose for example.
If you have something like that, then the process would be a bit different.
Long story short, make sure that you know what to do before jumping in with the nailers and everything.
Step 3: Cut the Lumbers
Now that you have the area and design secured it’s time to start with the lumbers. We believe you’ve got yourself some 2×6 pressure-treated lumbers.
Now cut those lumbers according to the island design. However, if you have overhangs in your design then there’s a little change. It’s better to understand the whole thing with an example.
Suppose that your kitchen island length is 5 feet. So, the whole top along with the overhang will be 60 inches in length. Now, let’s say that you want a 10 inches overhang. So, minus the overhang from the total length. That is 60 – (10×2) = 40 (your lumber length).
Some will call these two pieces as the top and bottom plates.
Step 4: Build those Spacers
Here you have to cut down those lumber pieces based on the height. However, just like before, you can’t only cut two pieces in here. At first, calculate by marking on any plate.
Give two marks at the 11/2 inches from both ends. Now from that mark, start marking at every 12 inches. It’s better if the marks meet together at a middle point. It’s okay if this doesn’t happen.
(The number of marks + 2) will be your spacer number. Now, for the height, make sure to deduct the top plate height and countertop height from the planned height.
Cut some 2x6s according to that height.
Step 5: Nail All the Lumber Pieces
Now take that nail gun and start with nailing the bottom plate. Make sure that you use strong nails and a good nailer in this place. Now, once you’re done with fixing the bottom plate in place, start placing the spacers.
After installing the spacers, place the top plate on the spacers and nail it.
Now, measure the total frame area from the open sides. Bring in the drywall of that size and install it.
Step 6: Install Support Brackets
This step is applicable only if you have an overhang. These will keep your countertop free of any visible support beams. So, your kitchen island will remain strong and stylish at the same time.
Step 7: Install the Top
Now bring that countertop and place it on your kitchen island. For this follow the instructions of using a support bracket. Use a leveler to find out any slopes.
Bottom Line
These seven steps were the answer to your question. Now you know how to build a pony wall for kitchen island.
Now gather up the items and start with them. However, this is just a basic plan. You can change it according to your choices. Good luck.
Check other resources related to kitchen :
1. How To Use And Hold Chopsticks: Beginners Guide
2. How To Mesh Potato & 10 Ways You Can Use Your Potato Masher
