How To Make A Tree Branch Railing (Step-by-Step Guide)

Homeowners are constantly searching for new ways to bring unique features into their homes. One option you may be considering is a tree branch railing. These are charming, rustic, and easier to install than you’d think.

To make a tree branch railing, start by finding the right branch. Remove its bark, sand the branch smooth, then apply finish to it. Next, determine the height you’d like it to sit at, locate the nearest studs in your wall, and attach handrail brackets to them. Finish by attaching your tree branch railing to these brackets.

A tree branch railing could be just what you need to make your home stand out. However, it can be challenging for some DIYers to complete this project successfully.

If you’re interested in making a tree branch railing, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know to get the job done right.

One of the most challenging parts of this project is finding the right tree branch. DIYers can’t exactly visit the branch section at their local hardware store.

Instead, you’ll likely need to venture out into nature to find the right branch for your home. Consider visiting local outdoor areas and nature preserves to look for candidates. You may need to be patient before finding the right tree branch for your home.

That being said, there are only a few requirements your tree branch needs to meet. First, it should be long enough to cover the length of the handrail you’re planning. You don’t want to have to try and glue two separate branches together.

Second, your tree branch should be sturdy. The last thing you want to happen is to invest your time and energy in creating a tree branch railing just to see it fall apart.

As long as your tree branch meets those requirements, feel free to pick any option that suits you. We recommend a maple branch if you can find one that meets your needs.

If you’ve never installed railing before, you may be wondering how to calculate the angle of your new tree branch handrail. The math is a bit complex but you should be able to do it with the right guidance.

Start by determining the total rise and run of your staircase. Then, use that information to calculate the inverse tangent. Once you’ve calculated this number, you’ll know the angle that your staircase makes at its bottom. That’s going to be the same angle at which your railing should rise.

Alternatively, you can try to use a specialized calculator to do the math for you. This one may do the trick.

DIYers have many options to choose from when finishing a tree branch railing. The goal of this process is to ensure your railing’s wood has the protection it needs to last. Several different products can accomplish this.

Many homeowners choose to use wood stain on their handrails. However, you probably won’t need to do that if you want the appearance of your tree branch railing to be rustic and natural.

Instead, you can skip directly to treating your tree branch railing with a wood wax, wood oil, or varnish. These products will perform the crucial task of sealing the wood.

The general rule is that homeowners should install a new bracket every four feet. So, if you plan for your tree branch railing to be 12 feet long, you’re going to need to install three brackets.

The average railing will call for a bracket at its bottom, top, and in the middle. You probably won’t need more than that unless your railing is exceptionally long.

To make things easier on yourself, take the time needed to measure everything before beginning the installation process. Doing so will help you avoid a situation where you have too few brackets to fully support the weight of the railing.

Related Questions

How high should a handrail be?

According to United States building code requirements, all handrails must be between 34 and 38 inches. This leaves homeowners little wiggle room to determine the height of their railings.

Do all stairs need handrails?

Generally speaking, yes, most sets of stairs require a handrail. The more detailed answer is that the U.S. building code requires handrails for stairs that are more than four risers in height.

How do you dry tree branches?

The easiest way to dry a large tree branch is to place it in front of a space heater. You can do this in your garage. It may shorten the length of time you need to wait before proceeding with your tree branch railing installation project.