PFC/PFCB Post Frame Column Bases

PFC/PFCB Post Frame Column Bases

Post frame construction runs on a simple promise: get the post connected right, and everything built on top of it stays solid. Simpson Strong-Tie's PFC and PFCB column base brackets and angles were built around that promise, with a dry-set design that skips the wet concrete and through-bolting altogether. If you're framing a pole barn, agricultural building, or any post frame structure that calls for a fast, code-listed column connection, this is where you'll find the right size and configuration for the job.

What Are PFC and PFCB Column Bases?

PFC and PFCB brackets connect wood posts to concrete footings without embedding the post or waiting on a wet-set pour. Instead of through-bolting the post to the bracket, these connectors pair with Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which speeds up install time and cuts out a step crews have historically had to fight through on site.

Each bracket is built from heavy-duty steel with reinforced corner embossments and stiffeners, and finished in a G90 galvanized coating for corrosion resistance in exposed post frame applications. They're designed to work across a range of post types, including glulam, nail-lam, planed nail-lam, and solid sawn posts, so whether you're building with engineered or dimensional lumber, there's a size that fits.

Most connectors in this line include a built-in, hand-removable washer, so crews aren't digging through a parts bin or losing loose washers in the dirt at the base of the post. A few connectors in the family use a separate plain washer instead of the built-in style, so double check the spec sheet for your exact model before you order anchors.

Choosing the Right PFC or PFCB Bracket

PFC and PFCB brackets are sized and configured differently depending on post dimension, load direction, and whether the connection sits at a standard wall line or a corner condition. Before ordering, check your engineered plans or local building department requirements for the specific bracket size and anchor pattern your project calls for. Anchorage values, uplift capacity, and shear ratings vary by model, and those numbers should come from your project's engineering documents rather than a general product description.

If you're not sure which bracket matches your post size or application, our team can help you sort through the lineup, or you can reference Simpson Strong-Tie's technical documentation for load tables and installation details specific to each model.

Built for Post Frame, Backed by Code-Listed Testing

PFC and PFCB connectors are tested and code-listed for uplift and shear performance, which matters when you're the one standing behind the structure after the crew leaves. That said, code listings and load tables are project-specific. Always confirm the bracket you're ordering matches the load requirements and installation details called out in your project's engineering, local code, or inspector guidance before you finalize an order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do PFC and PFCB brackets require through-bolting the post?
No. These are dry-set connectors designed specifically to eliminate through-bolting, using Strong-Drive SDS Connector screws instead.

What post types work with PFC and PFCB brackets?
The lineup covers glulam, nail-lam, planed nail-lam, and solid sawn posts, with sizing that varies by bracket model.

Do these brackets come with washers?
Most models include a built-in, hand-removable washer. A small number of connectors in the family require a separate plain washer, so confirm the spec for your specific bracket before ordering anchors.

Are PFC and PFCB brackets code-listed?
Yes, they're tested and code-listed for uplift and shear performance. Actual load requirements depend on your project's engineering and local code, so always verify against your project documents.

What's the difference between PFC and PFCB?
Both are part of the same post frame column base family, offered as brackets and angles in a range of sizes and configurations. The right choice depends on your post size, corner versus standard wall condition, and project load requirements.