Product Application
Porch Post
Belco XT® POST
Glulam Posts and Columns
Belco XT Post delivers unmatched strength and performance while maintaining the classic aesthetic appeal of natural wood. Providing a smart, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution, Belco XT Posts supports both structural integrity and visual appeal. Marrying curb appeal with cutting-edge durability, our engineered glulam preservative-treated porch posts don’t just weather the years—they defy them. They blend seamlessly into any architectural design, promising a structure that will remain beautiful and sturdy long after the last nail is driven. Our posts are lighter and easier to install than solid wood, yet stronger and more durable thanks to our glue-laminated design. Plus, with an eco-friendly, non-corrosive preservative treatment and pre-primed finish, our posts require no additional wrapping or treatment, saving time and money. Whether supporting large overhangs or adding decorative appeal, Belco XT Posts offer the perfect blend of form and function, promising greater stability and reduced potential for checking than solid timber or hollow posts.
FORM MEETS FUNCTION
Beautiful Load Bearing
Strength and beauty don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With Belco XT Posts, you get the best of both worlds—exceptional load-bearing capacity combined with timeless appeal. Each post provides superior structural integrity, capable of supporting heavy loads without warping, splitting, or twisting over time. Unlike traditional solid wood posts that are prone to weaknesses like knots or cracks, our glulam posts are engineered for reliable and consistent strength, making them up to twice as strong as solid-sawn wood of the same dimensions.
Designed to stay straight under pressure, Belco XT Posts distribute weight more efficiently than standard materials, ensuring long-term stability for porches, decks, gazebos, and other structures. Our posts are the ultimate win/win solution when it comes to durability and charm.
INSTALLATION BEST PRACTICES
Application & Installation Information
Installing Belco XT Posts is straightforward, efficient, and adaptable to various structural requirements. Whether the project requires an uplift application or is designed to handle vertical loads only, Belco XT Posts provide the flexibility and strength to get the job done.
Uplift Application
When Belco XT Posts are used in an uplift application, post bases and caps are required to ensure proper performance. We recommend Simpson Strong Tie products, but other connectors with equal properties are also acceptable. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both the post base and cap to ensure accurate load capacities and secure attachment. This setup guarantees stability, especially in conditions where uplift forces, such as wind, need to be countered.
Vertical Load Only Application
For projects where Belco XT Posts are used in a vertical load-only application, a simple nailed connection can be implemented. This offers a quick, effective installation method when uplift is not a concern, allowing builders to easily secure the post while still benefiting from its excellent structural integrity.
Finally, for posts requiring electrical routing, we offer models with a built-in conduit chase, simplifying the process of integrating lighting or other electrical elements. With Belco XT Posts, you get a versatile, reliable product that makes installation easy while providing long-lasting stability and performance.
COMMON SIZES
Typical Porch Post Sizes
Belco XT Posts are available in a range of sizes to fit a variety of architectural designs and project needs. This ensures our customers’ versatility across several ideal applications from porches, decks, balusters, newels, gazebos, knee braces, corbels and more.
View our standard porch post sizes below.
- 4x4
- 6x6
- 8x8
COMMON MATERIALS
Porch Post Material Options
While the market offers many porch post options, each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Solid wood exudes timeless charm but can fall prey to nature’s whims, warping and cracking under pressure. Cedar, with its natural resistance to decay, puts up a valiant fight against the elements but may surrender to insect invasions. Fiber cement boasts durability but lacks the warm, organic feel of wood. Brick or stone-wrapped columns are often sturdy sentinels but add to labor and material expense on the job site.
Enter Belco XT Posts. Imagine the strength of multiple wood layers, fused together with innovative adhesives, then fortified with preservative treatments that will make a termite weep. The result? A glue-laminated anti-rot solution that shrugs off moisture, and sends insects packing. Belco XT Posts offer a rare blend of longevity, beauty, and fiscal sensibility.
DESIGN INSPIRATION
Porch Post Design Styles
The style of your porch posts can dramatically influence the overall appearance of your home. From sleek, modern designs to more traditional, decorative styles, there are endless possibilities. Belco XT Posts are versatile enough to complement any architectural style, whether you’re aiming for a simple, understated look or a more ornate, classic design. With a comb-face finish, XT Posts are designed to significantly enhance curb appeal while providing solid, dependable support.
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THE BELCO DIFFERENCE
Built to Last
Belco XT Post offers long-lasting performance thanks to our proprietary 2-step treatment process. First, Belco’s non-metallic, EPA-approved wood preservative treatment (Wolman AG) penetrates the wood fibers and is then properly dried before priming. This key distinction is what sets us apart, ensuring our wood is fortified from within. Our proprietary, industry-leading water-based primer protects the surface and resists water penetration. The end result? Post and columns with unmatched durability that exceed the highest industry standards for coating consistency and wood substrate quality.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Belco XT Post is Backed by an Industry-Leading Warranty
We wholeheartedly stand behind the quality of our products. We go the extra mile when it comes to ensuring the longevity of our products. Belco XT Post is a durable one and done anti-rot solution that undergoes a proprietary 2-step treatment process to protect the wood against damage from moisture, decay, and insects. Our products are so durable and long-lasting that they come with an industry-leading, non-prorated 20-year warranty. Protect your investment by registering your products with us after purchase.
