Log cabins can be a bit tricky to design around. They use whole logs--or at least materials that look like whole logs--giving them an organic, timeless, of-the-land look. This is perfect for a home in the woods or mountains but can make it hard to find a modern deck railing that looks natural with this style. Chunky wooden railings match well but get in the way of the view. They also require significant ongoing maintenance.  

You may not have considered metal railings or balusters for your log cabin deck, but it’s not as far-fetched an idea as you might think. Metal railings don’t have to look like they belong on a modernist glass house. Some manufacturers are making metal balusters that can be used with wood rails and posts, which helps them blend with the wood of the cabin, and there are now a number of styles to choose from.

Let’s start by talking about what you should look for in railing materials for your mountain home.

Considerations for Your Log Cabin Deck Railing

Every detail matters when it comes to picking the right railing for your log cabin deck, including aesthetics and durability. Mountain climates can be extreme, so the material you choose is important. But you’ll also want something that complements, rather than clashes with, the look of your unique, rustic home. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Flexible aesthetic: Your focus should be on your view, which is why you want a railing system that will obstruct as little of it as possible. Metal balusters will give the strength you need with less bulk, allowing you to maximize your view while minimizing the size of your balusters. Don’t want to go all metal? Choose a happy medium with metal balusters with wood rails and posts. This helps marry the two materials together and integrate the railing with your log home. Glass can also be a good choice for a railing in the mountains, since it ensures a perfectly preserved view.
• Low maintenance: Anyone who lives in a mountain climate knows that it’s nearly impossible to keep a perfectly tidy deck. Leaves, dirt, and other debris will make railings look dirty quickly. Higher elevations also mean fewer UV rays are filtered out by the atmosphere, which can cause paint and bare wood to degrade more quickly. For these reasons, powder-coated galvanized steel railings make good choices, as they are easy to clean and don’t require repainting, sanding, or sealing, like wood does.
• Durability: Mountain climates can be harsh on housing materials. Depending on the location, temperatures in the mountains can jump from far below zero in winter to the 90s in summer. Mountainous areas see more snow, fog, and rainfall and have less protection from wind. This makes it especially important to choose a material that can stand up to what the mountains dish out, and that won’t rust, rot, fade, or crack. Glass is a very tough, durable material which stands up well to UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes, and high-quality, powder-coated aluminum or steel is also an excellent choice for these conditions, and can be used in conjunction with vinyl, wood, or composite rails and posts.

You may be wondering about wood alternatives like vinyl and composite. While it’s possible to find a good quality railing made entirely of vinyl or composite, using them generally results in a bulkier look, which can detract from the view. In addition, these materials don’t tend to be as long-lasting as metal. But if you’re worried about the look of metal alongside your log cabin, you shouldn’t be. There are lots of metal railing and baluster styles that can add charm and beauty to your cabin without looking out of place.

Style and Color Choices for Metal Railings That Make Mountain Views Pop

When it comes to setting up a railing on your log cabin deck in the mountains, I think it’s best to go with a shade that looks as natural as possible. You want it to complement the view, not overpower it. Match your railing color to the earth tones around you with bronze, black, or rust colors. It doesn’t have to make the railing blend in with the surroundings, but it should look organic, rather than industrial or man-made. 

Where you can afford to get a bit more creative is with the design of the railings, particularly the balusters. Three designs for metal balusters you might see are:

• Basic square/round: These are simple, straight balusters which don’t feature any intricate design. Alternating them with more intricate balusters can soften up the look.
• Basket: Basket balusters will have one or two flourish designs in their center, shaped like small twisted baskets. These work well as an understated accent. You can alternate one with every couple of simpler balusters to keep a clean design that works in a mountain setting.
• Twists: The straight line of these balusters is broken up by a corkscrew twist, either at the center, or one on each end. These work well if you want to have a design on every baluster, but don’t want your railing to look too busy. They have a classic, wrought iron-type look to them that goes well with practically any deck, even that of a log cabin.

Curved Baluster Choices for Your Log Cabin

One big concern people looking for a railing for their cabin often have is that the railing will look too stiff--too man-made and industrial to complement the traditional log cabin. But a railing’s balusters don’t have to be perfectly straight. Some manufacturers are now selling curved balusters in different shapes, like:

• Bow: In this style, the balusters have a curve that offers a softer, more organic look than a standard straight baluster. This subtle option can be a great complement to a mountain view in a log cabin.
• Belly: This style is a bit more decorative than the bow style, with two curves, and would work best on larger, more intricate log cabins.
• S-Shaped: This is the most decorative of the three and features a dramatic S-curve. This type is likely a bit too ornate for most log cabins, but might work well in a stair railing, either indoor or out.

 All these design options mean that you can mix and match your deck railing to make it perfectly suit your log cabin. Personally, I think galvanized steel is the best choice because of its durability, appearance, and low maintenance in a mountain climate, but options like glass can be equally appealing. The key is not going too ornate or too industrial and distracting from the natural scenery around your home.

By using a classic design in unobtrusive colors, you can create a railing for your log cabin deck that will enhance the view, not obstruct it, and will add value and beauty to your deck. And with the right materials, you can make sure your railing is low maintenance and long-lasting, even in a harsh climate. A unique railing is a great way to put that final touch on your home in the mountains.

One place you can find that unique combination of tough and beautiful is Fortress Building Products. They only use the highest quality coatings, and use a special process that involves coating galvanized steel with zinc phosphate, an e-coat (for moisture resistance), and a powder coat (for UV resistance) to create a railing that will stand up to the worst mountain weather. And they sell pre-welded railing systems as well as individual balusters in various styles, which can be attached to your deck or rail using a simple system like a fascia mount or a peg that the baluster slides over. If you’re redoing your mountain deck or fence, Fortress® has unique and super tough products to make your mountain home projects beautiful and long-lasting.