The strength of 102 wood box columns of air-dry dense select southern pine was investigated in order to determine formulas for their design. Constructional variables such as column slenderness; plank thickness, fastening, and arrangement; and the use of spacers for individual plank stiffening were studied as to their effects on column strength. The analysis shows that those formulas currently used for the design of other column types are suitable for box column design if properly modified. Short box columns develop (1) a strength equal to that of solid columns of equal slenderness if of 2-in. Lumber and (20 85 percent of the solid column load if of 1-in. Lumber. The Euler formulas for long columns and the constant (K) in the fourth-power Forest Products Laboratory formula for intermediate columns must be revised to account for the load capacity of long box columns which is less than that of equivalent solid columns as a result of the lower stiffness of a nailed cross-section. The incorporation of box columns rather than solid columns in timber frameworks results in savings of material. Furthermore, with standard lumber sizes a wider variety of cross-sectional areas for box columns can be built than is possible with standard timber sizes for solid columns. / Master of Science