Remodeling Guides
Architecture
Renovation Detail: The Knee Wall Railing
Small in stature but big on privacy, knee wall railings add a Craftsman-style element to porches and don't block the view
The term "knee wall" is derived from the association with the vertical location of a human knee, making the average knee wall railing under 3 feet in height. Known for its charming aesthetic and added privacy, this style railing is found on many old homes, especially those of Craftsman or foursquare design.
Upon close inspection, my husband and I learned that the original railing on our 1920s Craftsman home was the classic knee wall. Why the previous owner replaced it with ornamental iron railings is beyond us.
Used on porches, knee walls can help protect your residence from the elements, grant lounging privacy and dramatically dress up your home's facade. I look forward to bringing our front porch back to its roots!
Upon close inspection, my husband and I learned that the original railing on our 1920s Craftsman home was the classic knee wall. Why the previous owner replaced it with ornamental iron railings is beyond us.
Used on porches, knee walls can help protect your residence from the elements, grant lounging privacy and dramatically dress up your home's facade. I look forward to bringing our front porch back to its roots!
This gorgeous set of wicker furniture is safe and sound thanks to the extra protection provided by the porch's knee wall railings.
Together, stone piers, timber tapered columns and a stone knee wall create a stately Craftsman partial-width front porch.
These privacy-creating knee walls are finished with cedar lap siding. Consisting of boards that are thicker on one edge than the other, the bottom (thick) edge of one board overlaps the top (thin) edge of the board below it.
A wood-shingled knee wall and square railings were paired together on this waterfront home. Porch dwellers are given privacy while also being able to enjoy the view. It's coastal Connecticut beauty.
A full-width front porch is the focal point of this home's exterior. It features a wide concrete staircase and stucco knee walls and piers.
Thanks to the privacy provided by knee wall railings, Katerina Tana was able to create an intimate lounge on this California porch.
This Iowa home features a symmetrical facade. With three concrete steps flanking stone knee walls, the ideal Craftsman-style front porch is made.
A full-width front porch with brick columns and knee walls is often found on the American foursquare-style house, just as you see here.
Supporting the mother of all pergolas, a knee wall surrounds this gorgeous Palo Alto, California, patio.
A front gabled roof, triangular knee brace supports, timber tapered columns, cedar shingles and brick knee walls and pedestals combine to create this classic Craftsman.
More:
The Tapered Craftsman Column
The Craftsman Front Door
12 Ways to Prep the Porch for Summer
More:
The Tapered Craftsman Column
The Craftsman Front Door
12 Ways to Prep the Porch for Summer
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