Ironiln$ Ihe [o]Gh

Iarget matket for ttGated laminated columns will lH?-'::f L :'#?il il - r::'Tf.T:t:l'.",:

Orangeburg, S.C., has carved a nice niche for itself by pursuing more visible applications, such as columns for porches, trellises and decks.

Best known for its 10 Southeastern pressure treating plants, Cox expanded in 1991 with its purchase of a laminating plant.

"We saw a need for a structural pressure treated column that could be price competitive against solid timbers, aluminum, fiberglass and site-built products," said Don Hunter, leader of Cox's remanufacturing group. "We felt this product needed to be a load-bearing column utilizing the proper adhesive, gluing techniques, grade, aesthetics and kiln drying techniques. These critical steps provide a laminated timber column that is structural. functional and architecturally pleasing."

After extensive research, development and testing, the Cox Laminated Column was developed, with a host of advantages over solid timbers. They test up to 7O0Ea higher in strength, according to National Design Specifications. They're treated for ground applications. They're kiln dried after treatment to greatly reduce movement, twisting and cracking after installation. They're ready to paint or stain immediately.

Most noticeably, rather than sandwich the boards face to face, Cox uses a high-performance structural glue to bond four boards in a box, creating a hollow opening through which can be run electrical wire or even downspouts.

"New markets, product sizes, and uses continue to be developed," Hunter notes. "The future for Cox Columns continues to be one of growth and market penetration."

Cox competitor Great Southern Wood Preserving recently introduced its own hollow, laminated column for porches and decks.

*ryStill. other manufacturers- such as Universal Forest Products, Northern Crossarm, and Midwest Manufacturing-continue to target more utilitarian applications, such as dairy barns, machine sheds, garages and small commercial buildings.

"We believe the laminated column will continue to grow in popularity," said Northern Crossarm president Pat Bischel. "The many advantages of the column over the sawn timber will continue-straighter, stronger, lighter, often less expensive-and they will benefit from the increasing rise in energy prices. Columns are lighter and less expensive to transport and can be manufactured closer to the project site."