Custom Cedar Railings: A Blanco Porch Transformation

Here in Blanco, we know a thing or two about rustic charm. So when my neighbors, Gary and Kim, wanted custom cedar railings for their newly finished casita porch, I knew it would be a fun challenge. Their porch features chunky cedar beams and a beautiful stone base with a cap, so the goal was to create something that looked like it belonged, but also provided safety and style. This project was a journey, involving a whole lot of custom work and just about every tool I own.

Building the Vision: Hog Wire Railing

Gary and Kim had a clear vision: a hog wire railing. This style uses a 2×4 frame with a 2×6 cap, offering a modern, open feel while still keeping that rustic aesthetic. To connect the railings to their existing chunky cedar beams, I used a combination of masonry bolts and construction adhesive. This ensures a rock-solid connection that will stand the test of time, even with Blanco’s occasional wild weather. Each panel had to be custom-cut to fit precisely into the rough, uneven stone—no two sections were exactly alike, which meant a lot of precise measuring and careful adjustments. And because the cedar boards were rough-cut, I spent a good amount of time sanding them down. A lot.

The Stair Challenge: Precision and Patience

The stairs, as always, presented the most interesting challenge. They required some serious brainpower and a lot of “weird math” to make everything fit just right. I started by setting 4×4 posts in concrete to create a sturdy foundation for the stair railings. This is where I really put my tool collection to the test, using everything from drills and levels to saws and sanders. It’s amazing how many tools you can accumulate for one job! I pride myself on clean finishes, so as much as possible, all the screws are hidden. For the few that couldn’t be concealed, I patched them with a mixture of glue and sawdust, blending them seamlessly with the wood.

The Finishing Touches

Once all the panels and stair railings were in place, it was time for the final details that truly make a project shine. I meticulously caulked all the wood where it met the stone, on both sides, to create a clean seal and protect the wood from the elements. Then came even more sanding—especially on the caps and banisters—to achieve that buttery-smooth finish you want for hands-on surfaces.

Gary was clearly happy with the results. He shared on our local group chat, “I want to share with you guys the patio railing that Scott Bronstad did for us. He did a fantastic job and the railing is very well built. I highly recommend Scott as well!!” Hearing that makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a project come to life and to know that my neighbors are enjoying their new custom cedar railings.

Thinking Ahead

Now that this project is complete, I’m already looking forward to the next one. There’s always something to improve or build, especially around here. What kind of project are you thinking about tackling next?