Iron Railings for Log CabinsIron and wood – the perfect combination. Iron railings for log cabins are the ideal complement to the massive timbers and logs in the structure. You can use wrought-iron balusters in a variety of shapes and patterns, either equally-matched, or save a little money by going with a simple box shape for most of the balusters and mixing in one or two more elaborately-rendered balusters to catch your eye.
Panels and SilhouettesAnother option is to fill in your railings with panels of black iron with cut-out scenes. Here are a couple of places to check out:
These places can create animals, forest scenes, trees and leaves or just about anything you can dream up for a custom job. Bear in mind that building codes typically call for baluster spacing of 4” or less so that little toddlers can’t poke their heads through and get stuck. 
Aluminum BalustersAn inexpensive alternative that still gives that striking black iron look is powder-coated aluminum balusters. These are available from many big-box stores in traditional round shapes, square, spiral twist and more.They can be set into pre-drilled holes in wooden stringers or installed on screw-in mounts that fit into the ends of the baluster tubes. Also available are screw-in mounts set at an angle so you can install the aluminum balusters on stairways.
Wrought IronOne place with many styles of wrought iron elements to choose from is Outwater. They carry both powder-coated wrought iron elements and unfinished wrought iron stair components. You can mix and match the different styles to get the look you want.Among log cabin accessories, iron railings are a great choice. The solid look not only provides a complement to your rustic logs, they are also a rugged and safe option for stairway and loft railings without obstructing the view with large wooden members. We’re fortunate to live in an area of Western North Carolina that has a number of local blacksmiths, thanks in large part to the John C. Campbell Folk School, based nearby in Brasstown, NC. They can create custom pieces or entire railings made by hand with a traditional hammer and forge. One local iron-working resource is Lynda Metcalfe Ironwork, where she designs and makes hand-forged ironwork, from furniture to balcony railings. Some other sources for ironwork: Almont Forge - Wrought iron products and wrought iron components. If your quest is for iron railings for log cabins check out the resources listed here or keep an open eye and an active imagination for suitable alternatives that will give you that classic black iron look that goes so well in a log home.
|
