The Simpson OCB46 Ornamental Column Base 4x6 Black Powder Coated is a cast-in-place column base engineered to prevent wood members from rotating at the base connection while delivering a polished, architectural look suited to both structural and decorative applications. The base plate installs flush with the concrete surface, creating a clean transition between post and footing that works equally well on covered patios, pergolas, porches, and light commercial structures. A flat black powder-coated finish - significantly more durable and better looking than standard paint - gives this post base a refined appearance that holds up in exposed outdoor conditions. Built by Simpson, this column base is designed for projects where load performance and visual presentation carry equal weight.

Key Features

• Cast-in-place rotation restraint - the design actively prevents wood members from rotating at the base connection, improving structural stability and long-term post alignment
• Flush base plate installation - the bottom of the base plate sits flush with the concrete surface, producing a clean, finished look at grade level without exposed hardware gaps
• Black powder-coated finish - a more durable and better-looking alternative to standard paint, this ornamental coating resists chipping and fading while complementing architectural trim details
• Wind and seismic load rating - allowable loads may be increased 60% for wind or earthquake loading, making this base suitable for installations in high-load or code-regulated environments
• Sized for nominal 4x6 lumber - W1 and W2 dimensions correspond to the actual size of a 4x6 wood post, ensuring a precise, secure fit without field modification
• Requires only two fasteners - connects with (2) 5/8" machine bolts, keeping installation straightforward and reducing hardware variables on the job site

Why This Product

• Structural and ornamental in one unit - rather than choosing between a purely utilitarian base and a decorative cap, buyers get a post base that meets engineering requirements for rotation restraint and wind or seismic loading while presenting a finished, architectural appearance at the column base
• Powder coating built for longevity - the flat black powder-coated finish is purpose-applied for durability, making this column base a practical choice for covered outdoor structures where finish quality matters over the life of the project
• Confidence in load performance under code conditions - the 60% allowable load increase for wind or earthquake loading means this base is a viable selection for projects in regions where seismic or high-wind design criteria apply, reducing the need to source a separate heavy-duty connector
• American-made construction from a trusted connector brand - produced domestically by Simpson, a brand with deep roots in structural connector engineering, this post base carries the manufacturing consistency that professional builders and inspectors expect on permitted work

Specifications

• Model Number: OCB46
• Gauge: 3
• Width 1: 3 9/16
• Width 2: 5 1/2
• Coating / Material: Powder Coating, Black
• Required Fasteners: (2) 5/8" Machine Bolts
• Minimum Side Cover for Full Loads: 3" (for CB models)
• Wind / Seismic Load Increase: 60% increase allowed for wind or earthquake loading
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Cast-in-place column base connections where wood members require rotation restraint
• Installations requiring the base plate to sit flush with a concrete surface
• Applications subject to wind or earthquake loading where a 60% load increase is applicable
• Architectural or decorative structural applications requiring an ornamental black powder-coated finish
• Projects demanding a minimum 3" side cover for full load capacity

Installation Notes

• Fasteners required: (2) 5/8" Machine Bolts
• Install all models with the bottom of the base plate flush with concrete.
• 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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What size post is the OCB46 designed to support?

The OCB46 is sized for a 4 x 6 wood post. The W1 dimension is 3 9/16 inches and the W2 dimension is 5 1/2 inches, corresponding to the actual dimensions of a nominal 4 x 6 lumber member.

How is the OCB46 installed relative to the concrete surface?

The OCB46 is a cast-in-place column base, meaning it is set into the concrete during the pour. The bottom of the base plate is designed to install flush with the concrete surface, resulting in a clean, finished appearance at ground level.

How durable is the finish on the OCB46?

The OCB46 features a flat black powder-coated finish, which is significantly more durable and better looking than standard paint. This coating helps protect the heavy-gauge 3-gauge steel construction over the long term in both residential and light commercial applications.

Does the OCB46 have a wind and earthquake load rating?

Yes. The allowable loads for the OCB46 have been increased 60% for wind or earthquake loading. No further increase is allowed, and loads should be reduced where other loads govern. Additionally, minimum side cover for full loads is 3 inches for CB-style bases.