Columns are compression members used for supporting beams and headers. Columns are primarily designed for axial compression.

Based on the material used columns can be classified into following types:

1. Wood Column - Single Post
2. Wood Column - Multiple Post
3. Wooden Bearing Wall
4. Concrete column
5. Steel Pipe Columns

Columns can be designed by following methods:

1. Allowable Stress Design Method: This method is based on the principle that actual stress in the material should not exceed the permissible stress permitted in the material. The member is designed for working load condition. Post and steel column are designed by this method.

2. Ultimate Strength Design Method: This method is based on the ultimate load theory. In this method factored load is used to design the member for strength, and working load is used to check for the serviceability condition. Concrete columns are designed by this method.

Wooden columns for different tupes can be designed using the following column design modules:

• Single Lumber Post
• Multiple Lumber Post
• Lumber Bearing Wall
• Steel Pipe Column

Special attention is given to the following factors for framing column design:

1. Axial Compression
2. Bending