How to Make Log Railings From Hickory

Locate the joists and other wooden floor supports with the stud finder. Mark locations every 4 feet to install the vertical hickory posts. Position the bottom part of a post anchor over each location. Drill holes in the screw attachment holes and attach the post anchors to the floor with 3-inch wood screws.

Drill a hole in the center of the bottom of the post, making it the required width and depth of the top half of the post anchor. Set the top half of the post anchor within the post, hammering it in place if necessary. Position the post on top of the bottom part of the post anchor and screw the post in place. Repeat to install all necessary posts.

Lay out two 48-inch hickory logs with 2-inch diameters, parallel to each other about 24 inches apart. Drill 1/2-inch-diameter holes ever 6 inches into both logs, on the side of the logs that face each other. Drill the holes 1/2 inch into the logs.

Set 24-inch hickory logs with diameters of 1/2 inch into the holes between the two longer logs, connecting them together. Pull each of the longer logs off the setup one at a time once all the logs have been installed and apply a bead of wood glue to the end of each 24-inch hickory log. Retighten all the logs.

Set the two ends of the 2-inch diameter logs against the vertical post, evenly spaced. Mark their position and drill out two holes in the post with a 2-inch-diameter hole saw. Use a chisel and hammer to cut out the drilled holes. Repeat for the post on the other end of the railing section.

Cut the railing section ends down if necessary to make it fit between the posts, then slide it into the holes in both posts by loosening the posts, then tightening them to secure the railing in place. Apply wood glue to the holes prior to installation.