Belco XT Posts are treated with Wolman® AG, an EPA-approved, non-metallic preservative, penetrating deep into the wood fibers, protecting against rot, mold, and insects. By starting with a stable glulam substrate and fortifying it with preservative protection and proprietary primer, XT Posts deliver long-lasting performance in any climate. Our Treatment Process In Depth

Yes. Every Belco XT Post is factory-primed on all sides, saving time on the jobsite and ensuring optimal paint adhesion. That means installers can move directly to finishing steps without extra prep, or steps to wrap posts, cutting labor costs and keeping schedules on track.

Unlike solid sawn or hollow alternatives, Belco XT Posts are engineered for dimensional stability. They arrive straight, resist warping or checking, and don’t require costly field wrapping. Builders save labor hours, and dealers can stock a ready-to-use solution that performs consistently.

After installation, Belco XT Posts should be top-coated with two coats of high-quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint within 60 days. Field cuts must be sealed with a premium acrylic primer, and caulking or flashing should be applied at penetrations to prevent moisture intrusion. For more details on XT post installation, refer to our Installation Guide.

While this has historically been an offering, our current Belco XT Post line only includes solid posts.

Belco XT Posts are structurally engineered columns designed for load-bearing performance. They support vertical loads with greater stability and less chance of warping or splitting than solid timber. Load capacities are published in accordance with APA standards, giving engineers and builders confidence in code-compliant performance. For more information, download our Belco XT Post Fact Sheet

Belco XT Posts are suitable for porch and rail posts, gazebos, decks, knee braces, and corbels. For uplift applications, use with approved post bases and caps is required. For vertical-load-only applications, nailed connections can be used. This flexibility makes Belco XT Posts a one-and-done solution for most residential structural column needs.

The preservative treatment used in Belco XT Posts is water-based, non-metallic, and EPA-approved, making it safer for the environment and non-corrosive to fasteners. In addition, engineered glulam construction makes better use of raw wood fiber, reducing waste while delivering superior strength.

Compared to solid sawn timber, Belco XT Posts offer better dimensional stability and reduced checking. Against fiberglass or aluminum posts, Belco XT Posts are more cost-effective, easier to finish, and provide the authentic look of natural wood. Pre-priming and preservative treatment also make them faster to install than field-wrapped alternatives.

Belco recommends finishing Belco XT Posts with two coats of high-quality, 100% acrylic latex exterior paint (satin, semi-gloss, or gloss). Avoid stains, shake/shingle paints, or vinyl-based coatings, which can compromise performance. Proper finishing not only enhances appearance but also extends the life of the product.