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Timber column base

Where a timber post meets the ground. Stand it on a boulder with a stainless pin or on one of five steel shoes, then cut through the middle to see how each one holds it.

IllustratedDioramaClay

Setting the post on its base…

NormalCross sectionSection drawing

StyleView

Drag to orbit · Scroll to zoomDrag to orbit · Pinch to zoom150 mm square post · end grain 200 mm up · Normal view

FROM STONE TO STEEL

Stand the post

01

Choose the base

Boulder and stainless pinThe post end is scribed to a stoneConcealed knife plateA steel blade hidden inside the postU-strap stirrupTwo flanges bolted through the postAdjustable threaded baseSet the height after the concrete curesSteel pedestalA steel tube lifts the timber highEnclosed post shoeA steel box the post sits in

A large stone is bedded on rammed gravel with most of its bulk below ground. The foot of the post is scribed to the top of the stone so it bears across the whole end, and a stainless steel pin set in resin stops it sliding off. Japanese ishibadate framing stands whole houses on stones like this.

Switch the view to Cross section to cut the post, base and ground through the middle, or Section drawing to look straight at the cut.

02

Size the post

SquareRound

Post widthmm

OakLarchCharred

Pins, plates and footings grow roughly in step with the post. Green oak shrinks and checks as it dries, so bolt holes and slots are cut with some tolerance.

03

Lift the end grain

Ground to end grainmm

Set by how far the stone stands above the ground. Deeper stones need a bigger hole and a wider bed.

End grain takes up water far faster than the sides of a post. Keeping it 150 mm or more above the ground keeps it out of most rain splash.

GravelGrassPaving

Gravel drains quickly and throws up less splash than paving.

04

Look inside

Lift the postRaise the post 220 mm to see the pin, blade or seat it sits on

Label the partsName each part, with a leader to where it sits

Show the groundSwitch off to see the buried stone or footing whole

Show the splash zoneThe lowest 150 mm above the ground, which stays wettest after rain

05

Read this base

End grain clear of splash

End grain: 200 mm above the gravel at the centre of the stone
Fixing: Ø20 mm stainless pin, 120 mm into the post and 100 mm into the stone
Steel on show: None. Only stone and timber show.
Holds down: None from the base itself.

The pin only stops the post sliding. Bracing, the weight of the roof or ties elsewhere in the frame have to resist wind uplift and sideways load. Dig down to firm ground and ram the bed so the stone cannot rock or settle.

Pattern 36 · Timber column base

Illustrative details with indicative sizes. Pins, plates, bolts, anchors, footings and the frame's stability need an engineer's design for a real building. Changes last for this session.

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