Some of those boxes are wraped around a steel column. Also, older homes
used better wood from old growth trees, the 1 x 6 you get today is not as
strong as the older wood.

"JD" wrote in message
news:4Hheg.132077$k%3.65132@dukeread12...
I want to build a pergola on top of my deck. Instead of using 6x6 posts
I'd like to build square columns out of 1x6 treated lumber. I basically
want to build a box to support the structure. I believe that this box
column will support the weight of the structure, as I have seen these types
of columns used to support porches on older homes.
Any thoughts on this?
TIA
JD