While the original Madison-era railing was most likely constructed out of heart pine, the Restoration Team decided to use mahogany for the reconstructed rail.  Mahogany was chosen because from a distance it would be indistinguishable from the heart pine once it was painted and because it is a much more rot resistant wood.  Once all the pieces were milled, the restoration carpenters used a plywood template in order to quickly and accurately assemble the railings.  After the railing was assembled, it was painted to match the Madison-era paint found on the brickwork around the masonry pocket.