Inside we are working on the hand railing that goes around the loft area and stairways. The first step is putting up the posts, in this case, spruce logs measuring 6 to 8 inches diameter. Then the rails are shaped to tenons on the ends and the mortise cut in the post to accept them. The spindles will be put in later.
We like to make the rails and spindles out of Aspen, (or Popple as it is most commonly referred to around here), it is a relatively hard wood, (compared to the coniferous species most popular for this type of purpose), has plenty of character, and it finishes beautifully.