Hand rails are pretty standard these days and we usually just think of them as shaped wood or metal. While they can be a decorative design detail, it's not typical that they really stand out in any spectacular way. We showed you a rope hand rail that was certainly original, but now, we've seen it all in this log turned hand rail.
The idea shouldn't be as surprising as it is, after all, cabin builders have most likely been doing this for years. This particular hand rail is shown in a country cabin and while it definitely looks right at home, this project is extremely versatile. The hand rail would be a welcomed rustic surprise in a modern, urban environment — it would ease the sterility of clean lines and redundant textures.
See lots more of this lovely home: Country Living
Images: Country Living
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I'm not sure how I'd feel about grabbing onto that if I started to slip down the stairs. It's probably too large to get a good grip on, plus - ouch! - splinters. Interesting, but impractical.
No splinters with birch, at least not in many years. This particular piece seems to have just enough roughness to provide grip if necessary but not rough enough to be annoying. I love this. It's important to choose the right wood for this and I think this was a great choice.
Where would that mounting hardware be found? Do you think it's custom made?
Birch bark left on? No. Otherwise, a branch for a rail is very pretty. I've seen them used as curtain rods, towel bars, and lamp bases as well.
Looks kind of rough. I wouldn't want to grab that rail.
Yeah I'd agree with other posters if it was stripped of the bark maybe or it had been treated a little more. Also yeah, to rough for a railing. Half the time that I use railing it is to lightly grip it as I go quickly down a set of steps. Not just for emergency falling situations.
My grandparents used to have this in their summer home. My grandfather installed it decades ago, and I was always afraid of falling down the stairs because of it. I'll have to let him know that he is a trendsetter...
Love the Fruits of the Spirit artwork.
yeah even without splinters it would hurt badly to grab the log while falling. Yuck... just thinking about it.
The second thing that came into my mind was, and don't giggle, an episode of Magic School Bus when they all travel inside of a log to see all of the bugs and things living inside of it. It would be pretty funny to wake up and find tiny piles of sawdust here and there :D
Too rough? Splinters? Seriously, are you kidding me? Haven't you people ever touched a tree trunk before? Didn't you ever climb trees as a kid? I'd hate to live in a world where everything is perfect and smooth. Get in touch with the tactile world people!
The limb is oak. Not birch. I want that hardware though.
My friend has a log installed as a handrail at his furniture store. Initially he had spay painted it white and it looked amazing. For a change, he later sprayed it black and it looked even better.
I've been to places with this kind of hand rail and have had no problem. I agree with @rexrayfan, where do all you complainers live? In a sterile, smooth container? Its tree bark, man has worked with and played on trees for thousands of years- it won't harm you. The bark probably adds to its grip.
lol, this is funny reading!
If you cut fresh tree & dry it away from other wood (like your garage/roof top, etc), you won't have the bug problem. bugs only get in when cut & left outside in the rain. That is my experience chopping & storing wood the last 9 years anyway. lol, people, how do you think we get kiln dried furniture? Mimic the procedure. Do not be afraid.
signing off from my rough and tumble germy world...