Column & Post Compare

    Compare structural columns and posts, Douglas Fir Timbers, Glulam, LVL, PSL, and LSL, by height, load capacity, and cross-section. Free and instant.

    Products Compared

    DF Timbers

    Douglas Fir solid sawn timbers. Traditional post-and-beam construction. #1 & Better, FOHC grading.

    Glulam Columns

    Glued laminated timber columns. High load capacity with architectural-grade appearance options.

    LVL Columns

    Laminated Veneer Lumber. Consistent performance, multiple widths, readily available.

    PSL (Parallam)

    Parallel Strand Lumber. Highest engineered wood load capacity. Weyerhaeuser Parallam® brand.

    LSL Studs

    Laminated Strand Lumber. Tall-wall studs and light column applications.

    Steel Columns

    HSS and pipe columns for comparison against wood alternatives when loads demand it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What column products can I compare?

    Douglas Fir solid timbers, Glulam columns, LVL, PSL (Parallam), and LSL, all compared by height, load, and cross-section.

    Is this tool free?

    Yes. The standard Column & Post Compare is completely free. Pro features including PDF/Excel export are available with a subscription.

    How are load capacities calculated?

    Allowable loads are based on manufacturer published data and NDS (National Design Specification) guidelines. Always verify with a licensed engineer for structural applications.

    Can I compare treated vs untreated posts?

    The tool focuses on structural capacity. Treatment affects durability, not load capacity. Consult your supplier for preservative treatment options.

    What heights are supported?

    Standard heights from 8' through 20' for most products. Custom heights can be analyzed in the Pro version.

    Need timber columns sourced?

    Bardowl Timber Supply sources Doug Fir timbers, glulam, and engineered columns. Delivered clean, on spec.

    Get a Quote

    Ready to build?

    Tell us about your project. We'll tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.

    Bardowl Timber Supply
    timber@bardowl.co
    Zac Mansker
    Founder, Bardowl

    Twenty-five years in lumber, engineered wood, and structural timber. Nineteen of them at the engineered design desk for one of the Midwest's leading wholesale lumber distributors.

    Bardowl, and every tool on this site, came out of that work.

    zmansker@bardowl.co|314-897-7649