By Dave and Mary

Mountain Laurel Porch Railings

Mountain laurel porch railings can be made from a myriad of materials. Wood is by far the most popular but can require quite a bit of maintenance. Wood porch railings made from mountain laurel; however, not only require minimal maintenance but also are artistically beautiful in design.

Railings made from mountain laurel, a dense wood, weather very well and lend themselves perfectly for creating what Mary and I call "railing works of art". Left natural, mountain laurel weathers to a silver color similar to cedar that has been exposed to the elements over time.

They offer perfect porch railing designs for log homes, cabins, mountain retreats, or for any home wanting to create an outdoor ambiance. We appreciate Mountain Laurel Handrails for allowing us to feature their unique wood porch, deck, and interior railings.

home with mountain laurel railings

Mountain laurel porch railings add natural sophistication

What is Mountain Laurel and
Why Don't Home Supply Stores Carry It?

Mountain laurel is not a wood you'll find at your local home supply store as it has limited uses in construction because of its smaller diameter. However, it is a perfect wood for specific uses like deck or front porch railings. It also takes a unique skill to select and form perfect balustrades (porch railings).

mountain laurel shrub

Laurel branches are slightly rough and have a darker reddish-brown bark (photo at right).

The wood is very dense (which increases it strength) and weathers well in different climates.

Rhododendron, which is similar to mountain laurel is occasionally used for the same purpose; however, it has a lighter brown color and is less dense.

Design Options for Mountain Laurel Porch Railings

Mountain laurel railings complement the outdoors

Because of the very nature of mountain laurel, each balustrade (porch railing) is unique in design; essentially no two are alike. In addition and unlike traditional wood railings, mountain laurel can be woven to accommodate curves, increasing your design options even more.

Note the use of the natural newel post in the photo below and how it provides a natural transition across the railing.

mountain laurel railing with natural newel post

mountain laurel railing with natural newel post

Beautifully designed mountain laurel railing on deck

As you can see in the photo below, mountain laurel porch railings (or deck balustrades) add both interest and appeal. Use them anytime you want to capture nature at its best.

mountain laurel porch railings with built in bench

Woven mountain laurel porch railings

Although the front porch below doesn't require railings (porch floor is not more than 36" above ground), the addition of mountain laurel railings adds plenty of curb appeal.

curved deck railing using mountain laurel wood

curved deck railing using mountain laurel wood

You can easily integrate other components to create a unique porch or deck railing. In the photo below, an additional top rail is added.

curved deck railing using mountain laurel wood

Use Arcs in Design Options

Mountain laurel gives you the option of using arcs or angles on your porch, deck, or the interior of your home. Straight lines are fine; however, long runs are visually more interesting if broken in some manner. Adding an arc or curve is an easy way to achieve a more appealing look.

This continuous railing has two different forms, one is round and the other is angled. The process to manufacture this type of railing involves bending the top and bottom rails to exact measurements.

curved deck railing using mountain laurel wood

Building Code Compliance

Complying with local building codes are essential for assuring the safety for your family and friends. Laurel railings made by Mountain Laurel Handrails comply with most local building codes (which vary by geographical location) in that no opening is larger than 4 inches and they can withstand 50 pounds per square foot.

Always check with your local building codes to determine your specific requirements.

Bring It Indoors

Use mountain laurel indoors too. Note how appealing mountain laurel can be for stair railings in this more contemporary home.

interior stair railing using mountain laurel wood

interior stair railing using mountain laurel wood

Use mountain laurel for stair railings as well. The wood railing complements the interior of this log home.

curved balcony railing using mountain laurel wood

curved balcony railing using mountain laurel wood

Even More Uses for Mountain Laurel

Although it is perfect for railings, mountain laurel can also be used to create furniture pieces as well such as tables, art pieces, framed mirrors, headboards and more.

branch style coffee table made from mountain laurel wood

branch style coffee table made from mountain laurel wood

If you are looking for something unique to dress up your railings, decks, or interior stairs and balconies, consider using mountain laurel porch railings.

Mountain Laurel Handrails, owned by James Pader, are custom made in pre-assembled sections that are ready to be installed upon arrival.

Mountain laurel railings adds rustic style unlike other types of porch or deck railings. Interior designers, architects, and contractors know that adding the right proportion to structures creates an aesthetically pleasing appeal.

The natural curved shapes of mountain laurel are architectural features professionals love to use in home construction.

We encourage you to contact James at Mountain Laurel Handrails with the details for your project or to learn more about his products. Contact them today!

Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More

Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.

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