Log Railings: Rail Against the Machined

One of the many tasks on the list here at the lodge is to replace a second floor deck railing that had been removed by the previous owners yearsago.

The 16′x16′ deck also serves as the roof for the master bedroom below.

The previous owners had removed the railing most likely at a time when they resurfaced the roof with a rubber membrane probably in an effort to waterproof.

The rubber roofing had eventually deteriorated, cracked and failed and I resurfaced it but this time with an asphalt material.

The rail has never been replaced. The deck is not available for general use but is a nice place to go sit and relax and enjoy the view. I’ve been taking a look at to what it would take to replace the rail. Its not just a matter of installing a few posts as there are a few tasks that will need to be attacked to do it the right way.

The master bedroom below is the coldest room in the house for a couple of reasons. One of which is that the insulation in the roof is inadequate.

Before replacing the railing I’d like to remove the roof platform and install new insulation. Once properly insulated, a thick exterior and structural grade plywood should be used to create the sub floor. This should be topped with an appropriate durable roofing material. A decking platform can be built upon this to which the railing would attach. (the third photo here to the right is a bit distorted – the roof is indeed flat – there is no dip)

I’ve been considering floating the deck upon the roof by building the deck with removable floor sections so that I can access the roof to maintenance the roofing material should that be necessary. But I don’t quite know if that is the way to go yet. The floating deck would be bolted down at key points to prevent any potential shifting. This would also provide a proper surface for foot traffic as well as outdoor furniture as opposed to walking directly on top of the roof material.

Once I have figured out the floating deck concept I’ll post the design. Perhaps a reader can share their expertise.

I have sketched out a number of designs for the railing and have narrowed it down to two or three so far. My sketch shown here is the design toward which I lean. I have no desire to have a machined railing, as the standard square posts and balusters style is not appropriate for the lodge.

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