The Simpson 8x8 Column Base Black Powder Coated is an engineered cast-in-place post base from Simpson built to anchor 8x8 wood columns securely to concrete footings and slabs. Designed for both structural and architectural applications, this column base combines heavy-gauge construction with a textured flat black powder-coat finish, making it a reliable and visually refined choice for deck posts, pergola columns, and other top-supported wood post installations.

Key Features

• Cast-in-place installation - the base plate installs flush with the concrete surface, producing a clean, finished appearance that suits both structural and decorative post base applications
• Textured black powder-coat finish - delivers a more durable and aesthetically refined result compared to standard painted finishes, maintaining its appearance over time in demanding conditions
• 3-gauge material construction - heavy steel gauge provides the structural integrity needed for reliable column anchoring to concrete slabs and footings
• Engineered for 8x8 wood columns - precisely sized to fit nominal 8x8 posts with actual dimensions of 7-1/2 in. by 7-1/2 in., ensuring a proper, secure fit without modification
• Rotation resistance at the base - helps prevent wood members from rotating at the connection point, supporting stable, top-supported column installations
• American-made product - produced domestically under consistent quality standards by a trusted name in structural connectors

Why This Product

• Finish built to last - the textured black powder-coat goes well beyond standard paint in durability, meaning fewer concerns about chipping, fading, or corrosion affecting the appearance or performance of the base over time
• A structural and decorative solution in one - equally suited to load-bearing column connections and architectural post installations where a polished black finish is part of the design intent, eliminating the need to compromise between form and function
• Flush-mount design keeps projects looking professional - because the base plate sits level with the concrete surface, there is no raised lip or exposed hardware disrupting the finished look at the base of the column
• Engineered to meet real-world load demands - allowable loads can be increased 60% for wind or earthquake loading, giving builders and homeowners confidence that this anchor is engineered for conditions beyond everyday use

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Simpson Strong-Tie
• MPN: CB88PC
• Finish: Textured Black Powder-Coat
• Material Gauge: 3 Gauge
• Fasteners Required: Bolts - (2) 5/8" (sold separately)
• For Treated Lumber: No
• Installation Type: Cast-in-Place
• Nominal Column Size: 8x8
• Width 1: 7-1/2 in.
• Width 2: 7-1/2 in.
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Cast-in-place column base connections for 8 x 8 wood post installations
• Structural column anchoring to concrete footings and slabs
• Decorative and architectural post base applications requiring a finished black appearance
• Applications where the base plate must be installed flush with the concrete surface
• Top-supported column installations where rotation resistance at the base is required

Installation Guidelines

• Use all specified fasteners - (2) 5/8" bolts as required.
• Allowable loads have been increased 60% for wind or earthquake loading. No further increase allowed; reduce where other loads govern.
• Minimum side cover for full loads is 3" for CB models.
• Install all models with bottom of base plate flush with concrete.
• Post bases do not provide adequate resistance to prevent members from rotating about the base and therefore are not recommended for non top-supported installations (such as fences or unsupported structures).

What's Included

• (1) Simpson Strong-Tie CB88PC Column Base - Textured Black Powder-Coat

Frequently Asked Questions

What size post is the CB88PC designed to fit?

The CB88PC is designed specifically to anchor 8 x 8 wood columns. It is not intended for smaller or larger post sizes.

How is the CB88PC installed?

The CB88PC uses a cast-in-place installation method, meaning the base plate is set into concrete during the pour so that it sits flush with the concrete surface. It requires only two fasteners - specifically two 5/8" bolts - for a simplified installation process.

Is the CB88PC suitable for use with treated lumber?

No, the CB88PC is not rated for use with treated lumber. It is intended for standard wood column applications only.

How does the powder-coat finish on the CB88PC compare to a standard painted finish?

The CB88PC features a textured flat black powder-coat finish, which is engineered to be significantly more durable and aesthetically refined than standard painted finishes. This makes it well suited for applications where both structural performance and appearance are important.