Based on the test results of nine timber columns under eccentric loading, the loadbearing capacity, ductility and failure modes of the columns with and without carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthening were compared and analyzed. The test results indicate that when the columns are wrapped only with transverse CFRP, the loadbearing capacity of the cracked columns is improved significantly while that of the intact columns decreases slightly. When the columns are strengthened using both longitudinal and transverse straps of CFRP, significant improvement in the strength and slight increase of the ductility of the columns can be observed. It was also found that for both the intact and cracked columns the ductility can be improved significantly even when only transverse CFRP is applied.