Load Bearing Chart for Wood Columns

Wood Round Column Load Bearing Chart

Column Diameter
(inches)

Column Length
(feet)

Load Bearing
Capacity (lbs)

6"

4'-9'

4,000

8"

4'-10',12'

6,000

10"

4'-10',12'

7,000

12"

4'-10',12',14',16', 18'

8,000

14"

10',12',14',16', 18'

8,000

16"

4'-10',12',14',16', 18',20'

10,000

18"

12',14',16', 18',20'

14,000

20"

12', 14', 16', 18', 20'

16,000

22"

18', 20', 22', 24'

16,000

24"

18', 20', 22', 24'

16,000

26"

18', 20', 22', 24'

16,000

28"

18', 20', 22', 24'

16,000

30"

18', 20', 22', 24'

16,000


All load capacities are based on axial loads with no moments. Allowable wood stress in compression parallel to grain is 850 PSI. Loads must be concentrically distributed evenly over the top of the column shaft. Capacities are per post/column and allow for a safety factor of 5.