No staircase, deck or loft is complete without a sturdy railing. In addition to serving as a safety feature, they can also add character and charm to a home. Railings can be made from all types of materials ranging from metal poles to pre-fabricated wooden rods, depending on what complements the staircase and the rest of the home. Log railings are especially popular in cabins and mountain homes.

Because each home is unique, log railings are custom-made to fit the customer's exact specifications. Most manufacturers request measurements, a drawing of the area where the railing will be installed and, when possible, a digital photo in order to provide a quote.

Selecting the Wood

Log railings can be constructed from a number of different types of wood. Three of the most common types are aspen, skip-peeled and turned lodge pole. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and you will be given the opportunity of selecting the type that you think will fit best in your home or on your deck.

Aspen: This type of wood is harvested dead standing. It is characterized by its knobby, knotty appearance and smooth texture. By harvesting trees that are already dead, the risk of forest fires is reduced and more room is available for new growth. Due to the natural grain patterns in each log, no two pieces of furniture built with aspen logs will be alike.

Skip Peeled: Skip peeled logs are created from lodge pole that is most often harvested in the high elevations of the Rocky Mountains. The craftsmen initially receive the wood with the bark still on and it is then skip peeled by hand with a draw knife. Many people prefer this style of wood because it has a very rustic appearance.

Turned Lodge Pole: Turned lodge pole furniture is created from the same trees used in skip peeled furniture. Rather than being peeled by hand with a knife, the logs are sent through a doweller giving each piece a uniform size. Only the heart wood of the tree is used to craft furniture; the outer layers are used for paper and mulch. Turned lodge pole furniture is often less expensive than other types because each piece is cut to exact dimensions, making it easier to work with.