How to Build a Pony Wall to Make an Entryway

Identify the location of the pony wall so that you leave enough room in the entryway for the door to open and close and without taking away too much space from the room. Hold a piece of cardboard cut to the size of the wall you plan to install along the installation location. This gives you an idea of how much space you will have and how the room will look with the divider wall in place.

Take measurements based on the location of the wall. Measure the length from the wall next to the door out to where you want the pony wall to end.

Cut top and bottom boards from 2-by-4 lumber to the length you want the wall to extend.

Determine how tall you want the wall to be. Subtract 3 inches from this height to account for the thickness of the top and bottom boards. Cut the number of 2-by-4 boards needed to create the studs that connect the top and bottom pieces. You'll need a stud at each end of the wall and additional studs placed 16 inches apart.

Mark the locations of the studs on both the top and bottom boards. Measure and mark so the studs are placed evenly along the wall. Nail the studs in place with 3-inch finishing nails.

Position the frame of the wall on the floor where it will go. If the floor is carpeted, cut away the carpet in the area of the wall. Drill holes through the bottom board of the wall frame and into the floor joist below. Attach the frame to the floor using 3 1/2-inch screws through the holes you drilled.

Cut drywall to fit all exposed sides and the top of the pony wall. Nail the drywall into the studs of the pony wall. Nail metal corner strips along the edges where the drywall pieces meet.

Spread joint compound over the metal corner pieces. Smooth the compound so it blends into the drywall. After the compound dries, sand it lightly to smooth it.

Paint the drywall to the desired color. Paint it the same color as the rest of the wall to help it blend in with the room.

Cut a piece of wood so it overhangs the pony wall at least 1 or 2 inches on all three edges. Use a router to round the edge of the board for a finished look. Paint or stain the wood.

Position the board so it overhangs equally over the edges of the wall. Nail the board to the top of the pony wall.

Attach quarter round crown molding or similar decorative wood trim where the wall meets the wood top piece. Nail the trim into place so it butts up to the wall and to the wood top.