The Simpson ECB88HDG ECB Hot-Dip Galvanized 2-in. Standoff Column Base for 8x8 is engineered by Simpson to simplify the installation of waterproofing material on stacked balconies in multi-family buildings. It is the only post base available off the shelf with a 2-in. standoff, giving installers enough room to fit a moisture barrier and a thin finish surface while still satisfying the code-required 1-in. standoff that helps prevent post decay. Compatible with hollow columns and solid-sawn posts, and finished with hot-dip galvanization for lasting corrosion resistance, this elevated column base is built to perform in demanding exterior and treated-wood environments.

Key Features

• 2-in. elevated base accommodates moisture barrier and surface material while still providing 1-in. standoff - gives you the clearance needed for waterproofing layers on stacked balconies without sacrificing code compliance or post longevity.
• Compatible with hollow columns or solid-sawn posts - offers broad installation flexibility so one connector works across multiple post types and project configurations.
• Flexible anchorage options - 4 corner holes for wood substrates or 1 center hole for concrete - lets you anchor to the right substrate for your project using a 1/2-in. diameter Titen HD, Stainless-Steel Titen HD, or Titen Turbo anchor into concrete, or 1/4-in. diameter Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws into wood.
• Hot-dip galvanized finish - delivers extra corrosion resistance for exterior applications and installations involving treated wood, helping the connector hold up over time where standard finishes fall short.
• Cup gauge 12; base and tube gauge 7 construction - provides a sturdy, purpose-built structure designed to handle the mechanical demands of elevated post base applications.

Why This Product

• The only off-the-shelf post base with a 2-in. standoff - no custom fabrication or workarounds needed; this connector is purpose-built to meet the specific clearance requirements of waterproofed stacked balcony construction in multi-family projects.
• Keeps you code-compliant without compromise - the 2-in. standoff accommodates both a moisture barrier and a finish surface while preserving the 1-in. code-required gap that protects posts from moisture-related decay, removing a common installation headache.
• Hot-dip galvanization means long-term durability in tough conditions - the HDG coating is specifically suited for exterior post base use and treated-wood contact, reducing the risk of corrosion-related failure over the life of the structure.
• Two anchorage methods in one connector - whether the substrate is wood or concrete, this base adapts to the job site without requiring a different product, saving time and reducing the chance of specification errors.

Specifications

• MPN: ECB88HDG
• Member Size: 8x8
• Gauge: Cup 12; base and tube 7
• Coating: Hot-Dip Galvanized
• Finish: Hot-Dip Galvanized
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Stacked balconies in multi-family buildings requiring waterproofing material installation
• Exterior post base applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance
• Installations using treated wood where corrosion-resistant hardware is required
• Anchorage to concrete substrates via center hole
• Anchorage to wood substrates via 4 corner holes

Downloads and Resources

• View Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the ECB88HDG different from standard post bases?

The ECB88HDG features a 2-in. standoff, making it the only post base available off the shelf with this dimension. This extra height accommodates both a moisture barrier material and a thin finish surface while still maintaining the code-required 1-in. standoff that helps prevent post decay.

What types of posts is the ECB88HDG compatible with?

The ECB88HDG can be used with hollow columns or solid-sawn posts with a nominal column size of 8x8.

What are the anchorage options for the ECB88HDG?

The ECB88HDG offers flexible anchorage options. It can be anchored to concrete using 1 center hole with a 1/2-in. diameter Titen HD, Stainless-Steel Titen HD, or Titen Turbo anchor, or it can be fastened to wood using 4 corner holes with 1/4-in. diameter Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, along with 0.148-in. x 1.5-in. nails into the column.

Why is the hot-dip galvanized finish recommended for this application?

Hot-dip galvanization (HDG) provides extra corrosion resistance, making the ECB88HDG especially well suited for exterior installations and applications involving treated wood, where exposure to moisture and corrosive preservatives can degrade standard hardware over time.