Lally columns (lolly columns), floor jacks and plates
A lally column, often spelled lolly column, is a steel tube filled with concrete that stands under a beam or girder to carry the floor above, usually in a basement. Yankocy stocks 16 gauge, 4" lolly columns wholesale in eight lengths from 6' to 12', by the bundle of 10, with adjustable floor jacks, 6"x8"x1/4" steel plates and 6" bollards for lumber and mason yards.
Lally columns: what we stock
| Product | Sizes and options |
|---|---|
| Lolly columns, 4" | 6', 7', 7.5', 8', 8.5', 9', 10', 12' |
| Floor jacks (adjustable jack posts) | #36 1'7" to 3'0", #55 2'10" to 4'7", #84 4'8" to 8'4" |
| Springfield plates | 6"x8"x1/4" |
| Bollard | 6"x8' |
| Column shell | 16 gauge steel |
| Order unit | Bundles of 10 columns only |
| Caps and bases | Sold separately, in packs of 20 only |
Lally column sizes we stock
Every column we carry is a 4" diameter, 16 gauge steel shell in one of eight fixed lengths, sold in bundles of 10. Measure the clear height from the bottom of the beam to the floor or footing, allow for the plates, and order the length the plans call for.
| Length | Inches | Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 6' | 72" | 4" |
| 7' | 84" | 4" |
| 7.5' | 90" | 4" |
| 8' | 96" | 4" |
| 8.5' | 102" | 4" |
| 9' | 108" | 4" |
| 10' | 120" | 4" |
| 12' | 144" | 4" |
What is the difference between a lally column and a jack post?
A lally column is a fixed-length, concrete-filled steel post meant to stay in place as the beam support the plans call for. The concrete takes part of the load and keeps the thin shell from buckling.
A jack post, which we sell as a floor jack, is a hollow steel tube with a screw. It adjusts over a range of heights, so crews use it to shore a beam or hold a floor while a column goes in. Jack post makers publish the same three height ranges we stock and rate them for temporary or secondary support, not as the permanent primary column.
| Lally (lolly) column | Floor jack / jack post | |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Steel shell filled with concrete | Hollow steel tube with a screw |
| Height | Fixed length | Adjusts within its range |
| Typical use | Permanent beam support per plans | Shoring, temporary or secondary support |
| Sizes we stock | 4" x 6' to 12' | #36, #55, #84 |
Floor jack height ranges
| Floor jack | Shortest | Tallest |
|---|---|---|
| #36 | 1'7" (19") | 3'0" (36") |
| #55 | 2'10" (34") | 4'7" (55") |
| #84 | 4'8" (56") | 8'4" (100") |
Makers rate jack posts by height: capacity falls as the screw and tube extend. Check the rating on the product label for the height you set it at.
Plates, bollards and what to order together
Columns are set with a steel plate at the top and bottom to spread the load onto the beam and the footing. Our columns don't come with them: caps and bases are sold separately, in packs of 20. We also stock 6"x8"x1/4" steel plates, so columns and plates ride on the same truck.
For a basement beam job, a typical order is a bundle of columns in the lengths on the plans, caps and bases for each end, and floor jacks to hold the beam while the columns go in. Anchor bolts, angle iron lintels and 6"x8' bollards can ship on the same delivery.
Who sets the size and load
Load capacity depends on the shell gauge, the diameter, the length and how the ends are fixed. Makers publish load tables for their own columns, and they tell buyers to size columns from calculations by a registered engineer. Order from the plans, and call us if you need the maker's data for the columns on your order.
Questions about lally columns
Why is it called a lally column?
It is named for John Lally, a Massachusetts builder who made concrete-filled steel columns in the late 1800s and held several patents on composite columns. Many in the trade say and spell it lolly column. Both names mean the same concrete-filled steel post.
What is the difference between a lally column and a jack post?
A lally column is a fixed-length steel tube filled with concrete, installed as permanent beam support. A jack post is a hollow tube with an adjusting screw. Its makers rate it for temporary or secondary support. Yankocy stocks 4" lolly columns from 6' to 12' and #36, #55 and #84 floor jacks.
How much weight can a 4 inch lally column hold?
It depends on the shell gauge, the length and how the ends are fixed. Capacity drops as the column gets longer. Yankocy's 4" columns have 16 gauge shells; check the maker's load table for that gauge and length, and ask inside sales if you need it. The plans or an engineer set the size.
Are lally columns adjustable?
Standard lally columns come in fixed lengths. Some makers sell columns with a screw base for fine adjustment. For adjustable temporary support, crews use floor jacks. Yankocy stocks three: #36 (1'7" to 3'0"), #55 (2'10" to 4'7") and #84 (4'8" to 8'4").
Where can yards buy lally columns wholesale?
Yankocy sells 4" lolly columns by the bundle of 10, floor jacks and 6"x8"x1/4" plates wholesale to mason and lumber yards. We deliver on our own trucks across Connecticut, southeastern New York, northeastern New Jersey, Long Island, western Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. Call (203) 261-4955 or email info@yankocy.com.
Last updated
Yankocy sells lolly columns, floor jacks and plates wholesale to lumber and mason yards. Buying for your own home? Your local lumber or mason yard can order it for you.
Lally columns data sheets and sources
- Lally Column: 4 inch columns, load table and engineering note
- Portland Stone Ware: Lally Lock Column specs
- Tiger Brand Jack Post: floor jack height ranges and use
- Akron Products: floor jack height ranges and use
Related to lally columns
Wholesale pricing on lally columns
Tell us the products, sizes and quantities, and where the order is going. Inside sales will get back to you with pricing and availability.
- Delivery
- Weekdays on our own trucks to Connecticut, southeastern New York, northeastern New Jersey, Long Island, western Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. Delivery area
- Pick-up
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm in Monroe, CT
- Accounts
- New to Yankocy? Open a wholesale account
Prefer the phone? Call inside sales at (203) 261-4955.