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Once the deck beam is designed, transfer its load into a supporting column. The deck example uses an exposed outdoor isolated wood column.
  • Add a column calculation and open load linking again.
  • Pick the source: you can link from the deck beam or the deck joist, depending on what should drive the column.
  • Pick the support location: specify which end of the beam bears on the column. That matters when loads are asymmetrical or trapezoidal, or when point loads differ by end.
  • Review the design and use Member Selector if the first size is conservative, for example stepping down from an 8×8 to a 5×5 when utilization allows.
One video covers the whole path from beam to column to footing, including live updates. This article covers the beam-to-column step.