A Century of Support
for Timber Builders

Since 1912, Portland Bolt has been a trusted manufacturer of high-quality fasteners for structural wood and mass timber construction. From glulam and CLT buildings to bridges, piers, and large timber frameworks, our products are made to spec and built to last.

With 4 manufacturing facilities across the United States totaling 270,000 square feet of production space, Portland Bolt delivers the capacity and quality to support timber projects of every scale. Our Northwest and Southeast plants house state-of-the-art hot-dip galvanizing operations, offering a full suite of galvanizing services on both coasts.

Every process, from forging and threading to testing and inspection, is performed in-house for complete control over quality, traceability, and lead times. With in-house capabilities up to 6-inch diameters and a wide range of timber connection hardware, we deliver the durability your designs demand.

From historic timber bridges to cutting-edge mass timber architecture, wood construction has always represented strength, beauty, and craftsmanship.

For over a century, Portland Bolt has supplied the fasteners that hold these structures together – precision-made, built to last.

With 4 manufacturing facilities across the United States totaling more than 270,000 square feet of production space, Portland Bolt delivers the capacity and precision to support timber projects of every scale.

Our Northwest and Southeast plants house state-of-the-art hot-dip galvanizing operations, providing corrosion protection on both coasts.

Every process from forging and threading to testing and inspection is performed in-house for full control over quality, traceability, and lead times. This vertically integrated process allows us to produce both large-scale and custom timber fasteners efficiently, meeting tight construction schedules without compromising craftsmanship or performance.

Portland Bolt manufactures fasteners for every kind of timber connection – from hex and square lag screws to tie rods, shear plates, and split rings.

Our products strengthen the connections that define both traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering.

At Portland Bolt, strength isn’t just measured in steel – it’s found in every timber connection we help create.

Trust our experience, on-time delivery, and American-made quality. Trust Portland Bolt to bring your next timber project to life.

Commonly Used Products

Hex Lag Screw

Hex Lag Screw »

Used for heavy timber joints and structural wood applications, hex lag screws provide strong mechanical anchoring where through-bolting isn’t practical. Portland Bolt manufactures lag screws up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter and offers hot-dip galvanizing for added durability in exterior timber environments.

Square Lag Screws

Square Lag Screws »

Ideal for traditional or decorative timber framing, square head lag screws offer a distinctive, classic appearance while maintaining strength and reliability. Available up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter, they are often used in restoration work and exposed beam designs.

Timber Bolts

Timber Bolts »

Also known as dome head or economy bolts, timber bolts are a long-standing standard in marine and dock construction. Their large, domed head provides a wide bearing surface that helps prevent wood crushing and reduces installation time. Manufactured up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter.

Square Head Bolts

Square Head Bolts »

Before hex bolts became the industry standard, square head bolts were the primary choice for timber and structural connections. Portland Bolt continues to produce these traditional fasteners up to 2 inches in diameter, making them ideal for historic restorations and exposed timber trusses.

Hex Bolts

Hex Bolts »

A universal fastener for structural connections, hex bolts deliver dependable strength for timber, steel, and hybrid assemblies. Portland Bolt manufactures custom hex bolts up to 2-1/2 inches in diameter in multiple ASTM grades and finishes, including hot-dip galvanized, zinc-plated, and plain steel.

Carriage Bolts

Carriage Bolts »

Recognizable by their smooth round head and square neck, carriage bolts are widely used for wood-to-wood connections where a clean, tamper-resistant appearance is preferred. Portland Bolt manufactures carriage bolts from 1/2 inch to 1-1/4 inches in diameter in a variety of materials and finishes.

Structural Bolts

Structural Bolts »

When timber structures incorporate steel components, heavy hex structural bolts provide high-strength performance in accordance with ASTM F3125 Grades A325 and A490. Available from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inches in diameter, they are often used in hybrid timber-steel designs.

Tie Rods

Tie Rods »

Tie rod assemblies reinforce heavy timber beams, trusses, and frames while adding an architectural element. Assemblies can include turnbuckles, clevises, and threaded rods, all manufactured to meet project-specific dimensions and finishes.

Shear Plates

Shear Plates »

Shear plates are ductile iron connectors used in wood-to-steel or wood-to-wood joints to transfer load efficiently and reduce stress concentrations. Portland Bolt stocks a range of shear plate sizes from 2-5/8″ to 4″ suitable for mass timber and glulam applications.

Split Rings

Split Rings »

Split ring connectors are placed in pre-cut grooves between timber members to increase joint capacity and minimize bearing stress. Commonly used in glulam beams and trusses, these components provide long-term performance for high-load assemblies.

Malleable Iron Washers

Malleable Iron Washers »

Malleable cast iron washers are thick, load-bearing washers designed for dock construction. Their wide bearing surface distributes load evenly and prevents embedment in softer wood species.

All Thread Rods

All Thread Rods »

Also known as fully threaded rods, these components are used for through-bolt and anchor assemblies or as general-purpose connectors in timber structures. Portland Bolt manufactures and stocks a wide selection of diameters, materials, and finishes.

Plates

Plates »

Our plasma table can produce anchor plates, washers and templates up to 1-1/2″ thick, with multiple holes, to match exact project blueprints and load requirements.

Anchor Bolts & Rods

Anchor Bolts & Rods »

Anchor bolts and rods secure timber and steel to concrete foundations, ensuring strength and alignment from foundation to frame.

Why Timber Professionals Trust Portland Bolt

Dependable Lead Times Icon

Dependable Lead Times and Production

Timber projects demand precise scheduling. With fully integrated U.S. facilities and extensive domestic inventory, Portland Bolt efficiently delivers both custom and large-scale orders—meeting deadlines without compromising quality.

Custom Capabilities Icon

Custom Capabilities for Complex Designs

From tie rod assemblies to oversized bolts, every part is built to precise specifications and tested for performance.

Expert Guidance and Engineering Support Icon

Expert Guidance and Engineering Support

Our team collaborates directly from drawings and specs to ensure proper fit, function, and finish. We provide submittals and technical guidance to help engineers and contractors streamline approvals and reduce field issues.

Precision Icon

Precision & Performance

Our manufacturing tolerances are maintained through rigorous quality control, ensuring every fastener fits precisely and performs reliably in timber assemblies.

Domestic Quality Icon

Domestic Quality and Full Traceability

Portland Bolt fasteners are U.S.-made with certified materials and complete digital traceability. Each component is inspected in-house to ensure precise performance and compliance.

The Structural Fastener Guide for Timber Construction

Understanding the Right Hardware for Wood and Mass Timber Projects

From glulam beams to hybrid timber-steel assemblies, choosing the right fasteners is critical to strength, safety, and aesthetics. This comprehensive guide covers the most common timber fasteners, connection hardware, and best practices for long-term structural performance.

Download the Guide

Checkout our Tools & Resources »

The Structural Fastener Guide for Timber Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Timber construction relies on a wide range of fasteners, including timber bolts, carriage bolts, lag screws, and tie rods. The appropriate fastener depends on the load requirements, connection type, and whether the joint is structural or architectural. Portland Bolt manufactures all these products in-house, allowing for custom dimensions, head styles, and coatings tailored to your specific project.
Yes. All Portland Bolt products are manufactured and tested to meet applicable ASTM, AASHTO, and SAE specifications. Our quality assurance team provides full certification and traceability for every order, ensuring compliance for public infrastructure and engineered timber projects.
Absolutely. We regularly supply custom and standard fasteners for glulam and CLT assemblies, including long-length bolts, tie rods, and hardware designed for concealed or exposed architectural connections. Each product is precision-machined to meet the performance requirements of engineered wood systems.
Yes. Our vertically integrated manufacturing facility allows us to forge, machine, and thread custom bolts and assemblies up to 6 inches in diameter. Whether you need a modified head style, extended shank length, or specialized coating, our team can produce fasteners to exact specifications and provide detailed submittal drawings.
For outdoor or marine-exposed timber applications, we recommend hot-dip galvanizing, which provides superior corrosion resistance and a thick zinc coating that adheres to the fastener’s surface. We perform all galvanizing in-house to ensure consistent quality and proper thread protection. Stainless steel options are also available upon request.
All forging, threading, and galvanizing processes occur in one of our 4 manufacturing facilities across the United States totaling more than 270,000-square-feet. This level of vertical integration allows for complete process control, rigorous inspection at every stage, and reduced lead times, resulting in unmatched quality and reliability.
We produce standard and custom bolts and rods up to 6 inches in diameter and virtually any required length. Our tooling and production capabilities also accommodate large-diameter tie rods, oversized washers, and specialty wood connectors.
Yes. Portland Bolt supplies shear plates, split rings, along with dapping and grooving installation tools for heavy timber and glulam applications. These components help distribute loads evenly across wood joints, enhancing long-term structural performance.
Our experienced sales team can prepare detailed submittal packages, including dimensional drawings, certifications, and test reports. We work directly from project specifications to ensure your submittals are approved quickly and accurately.
Lead times vary by project size and finish requirements, but our in-house production capabilities enable rapid turnaround, often faster than distributors who rely on third-party manufacturers. Rush orders can frequently be accommodated without sacrificing quality or certification integrity.
Team Member

Have a question? Get expert guidance.

Don’t spend hours trying to work through specs and submittals on your own. Our knowledgeable representatives help timber professionals every day with bolt selection, coatings, and lead-time planning. Let us take the guesswork out of your project and make sure you get exactly what you need, on time.

ProjectPROJECT AT A GLANCE

Blackwood Covered Bridge

PRODUCTS USED:

The Blackwood Covered Bridge, also known locally as the Red Bridge, is a cherished historic landmark in Athens County, Ohio. Spanning Federal Creek near the town of Athens, this timber structure was originally built in 1881 and remains one of the few covered bridges still standing in the state. Over time, it has been carefully maintained through multiple restoration projects to preserve its craftsmanship and cultural value.

In spring 2023, Portland Bolt supplied custom fasteners to support vital bridge repairs. Our team manufactured precision thread-each-end rods and structural bolts—complete with matching hardware—delivered on an accelerated eight-day turnaround. Through advanced in-house production and a vertically integrated process, Portland Bolt is equipped to handle specialized and time-sensitive fabrication with exceptional accuracy and consistency.

Our ability to replicate historically accurate fasteners while meeting modern performance standards makes us a trusted partner for restoration and preservation projects across the country.

Let us help with your project

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Blackwood Covered Bridge