A composite member provides support to a structure. A wooden core of the composite member has a perimeter and a length. The wooden core provides support to the structure. A metal jacket is tightly wrapped to an optimum circumferential pre-stress around the entire perimeter of the wooden core of the composite member and spans the entire length. The metal jacket provides also support to the structure. Furthermore, the interaction between the wooden core and the metal jacket provide a combination of strength that surpasses the sum of individual strengths.