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how do i make balusters from tree branches for my deck? What is the best diameter and how do I attach them?
I have a log home and have seen balusters made from branches in magazines and from afar in real life. I would like to know what would be the best diameter for them and how would I attach them. They will be attached to an approx. 4" round limb for the railing and to a 2x4 for the footing.
Using "raw" tree branches would be impossible to 'chuck' into a lathe to put proper ends for attaching to the top & bottom rails.
Instead, get a floor standing drill press, with a "bit-to-floor" working height slightly greater than your proposed finished balusters.
Chuck up a 1" drill bit (Forstner bits work well).
Manually center the bit over one end of the baluster & drill to a depth of 3"; repeat for the other end.
Then at the hardware store, buy 1" diameter hardwood dowels. They come in 3 foot lengths. Cut to length: 3" (goes into the baluster) + 2" (goes into the rail). So, 2 dowel pieces/baluster.
Secure them to the baluster with 1 nail each, and waterproof glue.
Note that a hand drill could be used, provided you kept a true vertical axis relative to the overall baluster; otherwise a crooked 'peg' would result and make securing it properly oriented to the rails would be hit or miss.
Now you can space your balusters evenly, and have a machined end on them that can be transferred to the rail top & bottom; which can likewise be drilled to 1" diameter holes to accept the baluster 'pegs'. Repeat nail & glue to secure.
This is a method I suggested to my neighbor who built a log home...worked like a charm.
His balusters were 4" in diameter; if yours are smaller, adjust the drill diameter & dowel size so that you don't exceed 1/2 the diameter of the baluster.
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