FAQ

Click here for the Glossary of Terms.

Si, se habla español.

Mountain laurel handrails are a traditional form of artistic expression that I discovered while living in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. These handrails use the branches of the mountain laurel tree which are naturally curved in wonderful shapes.

Handrails are typically made with a red cedar 2×4 board on the top and bottom. Mountain laurel sticks are fastened to these boards and woven together with each other.

Preassembled sections arrive ready-to-install. The handrail sections are one side of boards with the mountain laurel sticks attached. The boards on the other side and the top handrail are installed on site. This is so that your installer can hide fasteners in the railing.

For a preliminary quote, please provide your total railing length and a zip code for delivery.

To complete your order, please provide:

  • Name
  • Delivery Address
  • Delivery Phone Number
  • Lumber Type — typically smooth western red cedar
  • Lumber Dimensions — typically 1×4 or 2×4 depending on post dimensions
  • Finish Type — Paint, Stain or Unfinished
  • Finish Manufacturer
  • Finish Color
  • Regular Section Lengths
  • Regular Section Height
  • Stairs Section Lengths
  • Stairs Section Height
  • Stairs Section Angle
  • Stairs Section Side of Stairs

A phone number for delivery is needed so that the delivery driver can schedule delivery.

Yes, delivery is available nationwide. Delivery is made via a full-size 53′ tractor-trailer. Please ensure that your address is accessible to a vehicle of this size.

Delivery is usually to a residence. Larger orders can require access to a loading dock and forklift or orders may be picked up at a local freight terminal.

Delivery cost varies with the size of the order. All shipping crates are custom built to fit the specific order.

For large orders of more than one crate, I recommend receiving delivery at a location equipped with a loading dock and forklift. This will give you time to dismantle the crates at your leisure. Delivery can also be received at a local freight terminal if you have access to a trailer.

Before signing to accept delivery, please inspect the contents of your package carefully. If there is any damage, document it with multiple pictures showing the delivery truck if possible. Make sure that the driver notes the damage on the receipt before you sign. If you believe the damage is irreparable, please call immediately before taking any other action.

Each railing order is unique. Cost depends on many variables including quantity, delivery destination and optional upgrades. Prices start at $70/lf plus shipping.

Due to the custom nature of the work, no returns are accepted and there are no refunds.

This depends on the size of the order, current production schedule, and other factors like special order lumber or paint/stain. It’s typically four weeks from when we finalize your order to when we ship.

Your handrails arrive ready-to-install. Installing wood railings requires basic carpentry skills like cutting boards and driving screws. Installation is best performed by a skilled carpenter. We work closely with your chosen installer to ensure a perfect fit!

  1. Remove sections from package
  2. Place 2×4 blocks on edge by posts
  3. Place sections on blocks by posts
  4. Mark ends of sections and cut to fit
  5. Slide sections into place
  6. Screw to post with appropriate size screw
  7. Cut 1x4s (not included) to size
  8. Use finish nail gun to nail 1×4 into fatter diameter sticks
  9. Screw or nail 1×4 to posts
  10. Cut 2×6 top cap (not included) to length
  11. Use trim head screws and angle upwards through the 2×4 and 1×4 into the bottom of the 2×6 for a fastener free top
  12. Also screw the 2×6 into the posts as possible

See Installation Instructions page here

Building code varies by jurisdiction and can be very different from one place to the next. All railing sections are built such that no opening is greater than 4″ sphere, a common building code requirement. Sections are also built to withstand a 50 pounds/square foot force, another common code requirement. Typical section height of 31″ plus 3.5″ clearance from floor plus 2×6 top plate yields 36″ finish height.

The railings require little maintenance. The branches will weather to a silver color that is similar to a piece of weathered cedar. If you want to preserve the original reddish color of the sticks, we can apply a natural stain to the sticks here in the shop.

I started building handrails with mountain laurel in 2004 after seeing installations that were 25+ years old. Laurel is a dense wood that handles weather well. The area where this style originates, in and around Highlands, NC, is considered a rainforest for an average 90″ of rain per year.

The boards that hold the mountain laurel sticks are usually painted or stained to match your requirements but can also be left unfinished. Though generally left unfinished, railings can also have sticks painted or stained as an optional upgrade.

I generally recommend against using any kind of poly or varnish on the sticks outside. The finish will always start to weather well before the sticks. First it yellows then it starts to flake and peel. If you want to maintain the natural red color of the sticks, we can apply a natural stain in the shop. This is a clear stain that is also a penetrating sealer. Stain will have to be reapplied to maintain the color.

1×4 boards at the top and bottom are usually western red cedar, smooth surface. Multiple different options are available: rough sawn cedar, rough sawn pine, cypress, oak, yellow pine, black locust, barn wood, ipe, teak, pretty much any wood that is available as a board can be used in the typical design.

Branches used for balusters are mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia.

The top and bottom pieces can be round logs and the mountain laurel branches can be fastened to the round logs by either mortise and tenon joints or by flush cutting the sticks and nailing. Common wood species for the round logs include pine, poplar and black locust. Mortise and tenon joinery is recommended for interior use only to avoid collecting water in the bottom mortises.

Mountain Laurel Furniture comes in all shapes, sizes and styles including: framed mountain laurel art pieces, rustic headboards, coffee tables, side tables, end tables, sofa tables, framed mirrors, benches chairs, magazine racks, and pretty much any item you can think of. We’ve made a custom nightstand that is also a dog bed.

The best way to measure the height of the stair railing section is to have the posts installed. Clamp a 2×4 to the level sections with the top at the bottom of the top 2×6. Mark the newel post on top of the stairs. Set a 2x on the leading edge of the tread. Measure the height from the board to the mark. Use this number and measure and make a mark on the bottom newel. Use a framing square to measure perpendicular to the angle of the stairs, either to the leading edge of the tread or the side of the stringer. Use the 2x set on the leading edge of the tread to measure the section length and angle in degrees.

Yes. Architects and designers can use these drawings to easily incorporate Mountain Laurel Handrail into the wood deck plans. Rendering Mountain Laurel Handrails in 3D modeling software can be difficult due to the complexity of the shapes in these rustic branch and twig railings. The picture below can be used in 2D elevations and sections of the architectural drawings to help get a feel for how the handrails will look.

These files (Instant Download – 4.6 MB) are in the .3ds format which is used commonly by different programs. They are fully stretchable and modifiable 3D symbols for use in most architecture and design software.

Wood Railing CAD Drawing
Wood Railing CAD Drawing

 

 

 

 

Request a Product Guide and Pricing Info

Request A Product Guide and Pricing Info