Things You Should Know When Selecting Rustic Log Railings

A rustic log home is never complete without rustic log railings to complete the country look.  Rustic log railings are good accents for the porch, the deck, the stairways, the sunken floors, for loft edges and even as room dividers.

Pine and cedar wood are the most commonly used wood species for railings.  These are used because of their proven strength and durability.

What is good about rustic log railings is that these are custom made according to your specifications.  Therefore, you can be sure that the rustic log railings that you will purchase will fit the size of the room, the stairway or the porch.

You can also specify the sizes of the logs to be used so you wouldn't have railings, in which the logs are too big that the house seems to look smaller than what it really is.

Rustic log railings also come in different designs.  The most common arrangement is that in which the logs are arranged vertically.  You can also specify the distance from one log to another so the design is in coordination with the design of the house.

Another rustic log arrangement for railings is that where the logs are positioned horizontally in a fence-like design.  Likewise, the homeowner can specify the distances between the logs to be used.

When giving the specifications, you should also include the measurements to be used for the balustrade, so this can be considered when making the log railing.

Balustrades can be as simple as the designs of the railings or can also have carved designs to make an artistic statement.

When choosing a railing, also consider the treatment process done on the wood.  Although most wood products, particularly rustic log products, were already treated to protect it from insects such as termites and ants, ask if these were also treated or coated with water repellent substances.

This is important when the rustic log railings are to be installed outside the house where it will be exposed to humidity and rain.  Also, ask on how long it takes before the coating would wear away.  Being exposed to sunlight and UV can make the coating wear away faster than that on rustic logs that are situated inside the house.

Some people, on the other hand, prefer to make their own rustic log railings instead of ordering them.  This, however, can require skill in wood crafting and designing.  Also, when it comes to railings, a little mistake can mean so much.  Aesthetically, the railing is one of the furnishings commonly noticed.  Functionally, railings prevent accidents by safeguarding the ledges.  Therefore, railings have to be well constructed to bear the weight of a person.

There are requirements on the railing construction and these vary in different places.  Some states require having a railing for porches over thirty inches above the ground.  The bottom rail is required to be four inches or less from the decking and the top rail should be thirty-six inches or more high.  And the spaces between the logs are also not to be more than four inches.

This rule is due to the fact that babies may have their heads stuck in between the railings if these are more than four inches, which is about the size of the baby's head.

If you have decided on whether to order a made-to-order rustic log railing or to make one yourself, just keep in mind to purchase the materials from a shop as proximate to your location as possible.  Freight charges for rustic log railings can be expensive!