Rustic Log Railing: Traditional Styles

Hey, Logheads! It's a cold and dreary day here in Kentucky so we thought we'd send you warm thoughts of spring. Continuing our discussion on the various log railing options we offer for your rustic deck or stair projects, today we bring you our most traditional styles. 

Beautifully-crafted of Northern White Cedar, these log railing options feature smooth-sanded rails with a simple profile. 

Our 2-Rail option builds on our Standard option to create a traditional, ranch look. This style is commonly used for fencing or containment. Our 3-Rail option takes the look another step.

Our Lodge style is truly stunning and is a popular choice for cabins, lodges and resorts. It's rustic yet refined, making it the perfect choice for a luxury retreat.

Which style do you prefer?

Log Railing Styles: Mountain Timber

Hey, LogHeads! We've had a touch of warm weather here in Kentucky but it looks like winter will be back again tomorrow. Still, we're thinking spring and we know many of you are, too. This time of year, we get a lot of questions from folks who are thinking about building a log deck but have concerns. Please know that our knowledgeable staff is available to answer any of your questions and walk you through the process. If you're in the "browsing stage," we recommend starting here.

Continuing our discussion from last week of the various log railing styles we offer, we thought we'd shine a spotlight on one of our best-loved styles, the Mountain Timber. This rustic and bold style boasts thick-cut, spindles, rails and posts. Made from northern white cedar, the Mountain Timber style is also available in stair railing and with or without tenon ends.

What do you think? Is this style perfect for your dream deck?

Log Railing Styles: Logheads

Hey, Friends! Hope your week is off to a great start! In anticipation of spring, we've been talking about the many options for rustic, log railing we offer here at Rocky Top. Yesterday we talked about the four texture options we offer, which range from a more refined, smooth-sanded look to our most rugged look. Today, we thought we'd highlight the first of six railing styles.

As we mentioned yesterday, we strictly use Northern White Cedar for all of our rails and spindles. It has a high resistance to moisture storage and is naturally resistant to decay and rot. Cedar also adjusts well to all environments. This is why it has been a popular choice for builders for years. Our most natural log rail, the Logheads style, highlights all of the natural detail of the Northern White Cedar. It is richly-charactered with rustic knots, bends and twists. It is available in stair railing and with or without tenon ends.

If you're ready to get to work on your rustic, log railing project, give us a call and we can help you get started! Also, check in with us every week for our railing "Deal of the Week." Here's this week's deal:

With spring around the corner, we're getting a lot of questions about our rustic, log railing from folks who are eager to get out of the house and get to work! When it comes to choosing the best log railing for your deck or staircase project, there are so many things to consider from style to size to type of wood. Here at Rocky Top, we strictly use Northern White Cedar for all of our rails and spindles. It has a high resistance to moisture storage and is naturally resistant to decay and rot. Cedar also adjusts well to all environments. This is why it has been a popular choice by builders for years. We offer numerous textures and styles of railing as you'll see in our log railing gallery. Being a manufacturer, we have the capabilities to produce on small or large scales, residential or commercial. To help you get started, we thought we'd spend some time this week highlighting our log railing textures and styles. Please don't hesitate to send your questions our way or to give us a call! Our team is ready to answer your questions and get your projects started!

First, let's talk texture. Our rustic, log railing is available in four textures:

1. Logheads
Our Logheads texture boasts a truly-rustic appearance with natural curves, knots and bends.

2. Sanded Smooth
Our Sanded Smooth texture is more refined yet retains the natural beauty of the wood. It is smooth to the touch.

3. Hand-Hewn
Our Hand-Hewn railing features draw-knife accents. It is not quite as rustic as our Logheads railing but boasts a richly-detailed appearance.

4. High Country
Our High Country rustic log railing is characterized by a more coarse and rugged texture.

Which is your favorite?

Rustic Rx: Get Well Soon

Hey, Friends! We hope you all have a great weekend ahead (one with less rushing and more relaxing) but just in case you're couch-bound this weekend with a box of tissues and cough syrup, we thought we'd share this delicious chicken soup recipe from Sophistimom. Here's hoping you get well soon...and that spring is just around the corner!

Sophistimom's Chicken Soup


1 tablespoon olive oil
three large carrots
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
2 stalks fresh thyme (optional)
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 large sage leaves (optional)
4 cups low sodium chicken stock
2-3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
pinch cayenne pepper, to taste
salt and pepper, to taste
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1/2 pound small pasta, such as farfalle or rotini, cooked for about 1 minute fewer than the recommended cooking time
fresh parsley

In a large pot set over medium-low heat, combine olive oil, carrot hearts, diced onion, celery, thyme (both kinds), bay leaf, and sage. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add in stock, a cup of water, and vinegar. Add in cayenne pepper, and bring to a boil. After about 20 minutes, check the soup for flavor, and add more water, salt and pepper, as necessary.

In each individual bowl, place the desired amount of chicken and pasta, cover with a ladle of the soup, and top with parsley.

 

Rustic and Romantic Tablesettings

Soften the look of your rustic, log table for your Valentine's Day with these romantic and earthy tips. For more inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

 
Create a stunning centerpiece with Mason jars. Fill them with candles or flowers and add simple touches of burlap, twine or lace to soften the look.

Photo from Pinterest

Invest in a striking candle-holder that will look beautiful on your rustic table all year long.

Fill jars with inexpensive bouquets of Baby's Breath for a soft look with a big impact.

Photo from Pinterest

Create a memorable table runner with your favorite photos. Light soft votive candles to give the photos a dream-like glow.

Photo from Pinterest

Rustic and Romantic Bud Vase

Have you fallen for the rustic and romantic look? We have, too! Just in time for Valentine's Day, this week we'll be bringing you some of our favorite projects, recipes and decorating tips that show the softer side of "rustic." Today we thought we'd share this lovely log bud vase featured by Style Me Pretty. Perfect as a place to display pretty flowers or vibrant votive candles, this project would make an excellent gift for your Valentine or centerpiece on your rustic table. To create one for yourself, simply drill a hole into a log with a spade bit wide enough to accommodate a small bottle or jar.

We can't help imagining how gorgeous an entire row of these would look on Tommy's latest project, this custom log table. What do you think?

Rustic Baby

Hey, Friends! We've been getting a lot of questions lately about cribs and baby furniture, which is thrilling for us because we're all too excited to swap stories (and photos) of the newest additions to the Rocky Top family. While we do not make log cribs, we've long been a source for rustic furniture that will grow with your family. Here's a round-up of some of our most-used furniture for creating a rustic nursery or kid's room:

Armoire

Our rustic, log armoires are a favorite among new moms who want to create extra space for clothes, receiving blankets, toys and more. We have many customers who have used our log armoires with a contoured changing pad to create a hidden changing table. A great investment piece, the armoire will withstand the roughest toddler and will follow your child all the way to his first apartment.

 

 

 Dressers or Entertainment Centers

Another favorite for new parents is our line of log dressers and entertainment centers. Often overlooked for its versatility is our Log Cabin Entertainment Center. What we love about this rustic piece as a nursery addition is the open shelving in the center. It's a great place to keep diapers and other essentials within arm's reach and as your child grows, it creates storage for books and toys.

  Log Futon

Our cedar log futon is a gift we see many parents give themselves! Without taking up a lot of space in the nursery, it creates extra sleeping space for house guests and allows you to sleep nearby on those rough nights.

Log Rocker

Often purchased as a special shower gift, our log rockers are heirloom-quality. Each chair features a full-wrap for the back and time-honored mortise and tenon construction. Our custom finish is also included to protect the wood and highlight every natural knot and grain. Compressed foam cushions are used for the seats, to make for the ultimate upholstered log rocking chair.

For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest!

Rustic Romance

Today, in honor of the upcoming holiday, we though we'd share a little of our softer side. Sure, here at Rocky Top, we know our way around a chain saw and we're pretty tough when it comes to getting a job done right but don't let that fool you! We are a tender-hearted bunch and we love nothing more than an excuse to celebrate.

That was the inspiration behind this stunning, custom-piece we created. Measuring 16 feet long, the table is crafted of carefully-chosen reclaimed wood from right here in Kentucky. Bold in scale and brimming with natural character and time-worn patina, this table was made for lively celebrations. We love a long dining table like this for a rustic wedding. Can you imagine? Your first meal as husband and wife could happen at the table you dine at for the rest of your lives. Now, that's rustic romance!

Photo from Pinterest

For more rustic tablescapes and wedding inspiration, follow us on Pinterest!