The Simpson Glulam Column Base CB5-4.5 is a heavy-duty structural connector from Simpson engineered to securely anchor glulam, lumber, and engineered wood product columns to concrete foundations. Designed for cast-in-place or wet-set installation, it delivers a flush, low-profile connection that provides full post bearing - making it a reliable choice for residential and commercial post-to-foundation applications, including structures in high-wind and seismic zones.

Key Features

• Cast-in-Place or Wet-Set Installation - the base plate sits flush with the concrete surface, ensuring complete bearing contact beneath the post and a clean, finished appearance at grade level.
• Broad Material Compatibility - accepts glulam, solid sawn lumber, and engineered wood product columns, giving builders flexibility across a wide range of structural column types and project specifications.
• High Structural Values for Demanding Environments - built to perform in high-wind and seismically active conditions, supporting enhanced uplift resistance where code-compliant connections are critical.
• Simpson Gray Paint Finish - provides a durable protective coating suited for both exterior and interior column base applications.
• Two-Bolt Fastening Pattern - secured with two 5/8 in. bolts, delivering a strong, code-recognized connection between the column and concrete foundation.

Why This Product

• Engineered for Structural Reliability - designed to handle high uplift and lateral loads, this glulam column base is well-suited for projects where connection performance in wind-prone or seismic regions is a priority.
• Versatile Across Column Types - compatible with glulam, lumber, and engineered wood columns, this connector adapts to common framing materials without requiring a different base for each application.
• Flush Concrete Integration - the wet-set or cast-in-place design results in a base plate that finishes level with the concrete surface, reducing trip hazards and delivering a professional, low-profile appearance.
• Domestic Quality Construction - produced in the United States and backed by Simpson's reputation for structural hardware, this column base is a straightforward, purpose-built solution for new construction post-to-foundation connections.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Model / MPN: CB5-4.5
• Nominal Column Size: Glulam 5" x 4.5"
• Finish: Simpson Strong-Tie Gray Paint
• Fasteners Required: Bolts - (2) 5/8" (sold separately)
• Installation Method: Cast-in-place or Wet Set
• Width 1: 4-1/2 in.
• Width 2: 5-1/4 in.
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Connecting glulam, lumber, and engineered wood product columns to concrete foundations
• Residential and commercial post-to-foundation connections requiring high structural values
• Structures located in high-wind or seismic zones requiring enhanced uplift resistance
• Exterior and interior column base applications where flush concrete installation is required
• New construction applications utilizing cast-in-place or wet-set concrete methods

What's Included

• (1) Simpson Strong-Tie CB5-4.5 Column Base
• Note: (2) 5/8" bolts are required for installation and are not included.

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders

Note: Product dimensions and/or Screw or Bolt holes may differ from picture. Please see item description for specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of posts and materials is the CB5-4.5 compatible with?

The Simpson Strong-Tie CB5-4.5 is engineered to connect a wide range of lumber, glulam, and engineered wood product sizes to concrete foundations, making it suitable for solid sawn posts, glulam columns, and other engineered wood columns.

How is the CB5-4.5 installed - does it require special concrete work?

The CB5-4.5 is designed for either cast-in-place or wet-set installation into concrete. In both methods, the base plate sits flush with the concrete surface, ensuring full bearing contact beneath the post and providing a clean, low-profile finish.

Is the CB5-4.5 suitable for use in high-wind or seismic regions?

Yes. The CB5-4.5 is specifically engineered to resist elevated uplift forces associated with wind and seismic loading conditions, making it well suited for structural applications in wind-prone and seismically active environments.

What finish is applied to the CB5-4.5, and where is it manufactured?

The CB5-4.5 features a factory-applied Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish that provides a durable, uniform coating for structural connector applications. It is manufactured in the United States to Simpson Strong-Tie's quality standards.