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HallwaysHome RepairRenovating
jo_suckling

changing pony wall to banisters in hallway

Jo S
last month

Help! I want to get rid of the solid pony wall on our staircase and replace with with banister and spindles. Any idea where to start? Or any reading I can do? I know it’s ok as our next door has theirs removed. We need to do it ourselves if possible.

Also anyone know if the ledge at the top of the stairs is structural? I think it is so will leave it but i hate it!what to do with it?!

Comments (4)

  • Angie
    last month

    For the section on the left as you look up the stairs, I think that may well be spindles covered with hardboard. Use a pry bar to see if you can peep behind. If it is, that’s an easy fix. The bit at the top, not sure. But again, you could see if there’s anything covering old spindles. The handrails are somewhat “bitty”. Could you replace with a continuous rail? Or could you do without the second rail? We don’t have a rail at all, narrow staircase, enclosed with solid walls both sides, so I’d have no problem with only one rail! If there are no spindles hidden away, you can buy sets from specialist firms, and there are plenty of YouTube videos showing you how to do jobs like that. It’s certainly DIYable.

  • Angie
    last month

    Ok, I’ve been educating myself on pony walls! There’s some useful info on the Checkatrade website. They mention the possibility of electric cable being bedded into the wall, and suggest getting an expert to check re supporting walls before going ahead with any work to remove. Once those things are checked, I still think it’s something that can be done DIY, just needs careful research and checking beforehand. It’d certainly open up your hallway nicely.

  • Sonia
    last month

    I would definitely get a builder or structural engineer to advise before knocking down any walls whatsoever. It doesn’t look structural but would you really take the opinion of someone on Houzz? We might be wrong! And where will you put all the children’s art? 😊

  • Jo S
    Original Author
    last month

    Thank you for the messages - it’s definitely solid - no hidden spindles for us I’m afraid!
    Yes - I think I’ll have to ask a builder again - we had one over that put in gallows brackets for us… he told my partner it’s fine to take out…, but I wasn’t there to ask the details… like how 🙈! So think I need to ask around again.
    The handrail on the right will also go… it was an elderly man that lived here for years before. But I’ve never needed a bannister and a hand rail.

    Children’s art (and adults! - it was a team effort) will definitely have a place! They’ll make sure of that 🤣

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