Description
8x8 Engineered Western Red Cedar Column – Surfaced Four Sides (S4S)
Our 8x8 Engineered S4S Column offers the perfect combination of architectural elegance and engineered performance. Surfaced on all four sides for a clean, uniform appearance with square edges, this column is ideal for high-end structural and decorative applications where dimensional consistency and surface refinement are priorities.
Constructed from finger-jointed and laminated Western Red Cedar, each column is kiln-dried for improved stability and strength. This engineered design reduces the risk of warping, twisting, or checking over time—making it a dependable choice for demanding environments, including coastal regions when installed with proper treatment and corrosion-resistant hardware.
Applications: Commonly used for large porch columns, timber-framed entries, pergolas, pavilions, and other architectural features where premium wood and visual uniformity are essential.
Size Note and Load Capacity: The actual finished size of an 8x8 S4S column is 7 1/4" x 7 1/4", with a manufacturing tolerance of ±1/16". Available lengths include 6', 8', 9', 10', and 12'. These columns are load-rated for structural use, with a maximum eccentric load capacity of 20,458 lbs at 10' and 18,068 lbs at 12' (tested at 19% moisture content).
Length Adjustment Note:
All AbsolutePosts™ are manufactured 1 inch shorter than the stated length. For example, an 8′ post will measure 7′11″.
Appearance Note: The S4S finish provides a smooth surface ready for painting or staining. No wood filler or surface repairs are applied, allowing the natural beauty of cedar to show through. A protective topcoat is required upon installation to maintain long-term durability and warranty coverage.
Warranty: Backed by a 20-year limited manufacturer’s warranty against structural defects and delamination.
Important Installation Note from Timber Build:
All materials must be carefully reviewed prior to installation. Installation of any product will be considered final acceptance. Once installed, Timber Build (in partnership with Woodtone) will not honor claims related to material quality or appearance.
Finish Requirement:
AbsolutePosts™ are supplied uncoated. A site-applied topcoat is required after installation to ensure long-term protection and to keep the manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Custom Finish Option – Smooth Finish for Columns (By Quote)
Timber Build offers a custom Smooth Finish upgrade for both engineered and solid columns, across all wood species, as long as the column is milled with an S4S (Surfaced Four Sides) finish. This signature custom process matches the look and feel of our standard Smooth Finish column line and is ideal for projects where a high-end, paint- or stain-ready appearance is desired.
This premium finish includes thorough surface preparation: all visible faces are inspected and repaired, wood putty is applied where needed, and all surfaces are sanded to a 100-grit smoothness. Edges are eased to match the profile of our standard Smooth S4S column finish.
Ideal For: High-end porch posts, timber-framed entries, and other exposed architectural applications requiring a clean, uniform, and refined finish.
How to Order: This Smooth Finish is a custom, made-to-order service available by quote only. To request pricing or place an order, please contact our sales team directly by phone.
