This paper introduces a novel approach to increase the loading ability of adhesive joints by incorporating adhesively-bonded columns. Strengths of single-lap adhesive joints with adhesively-bonded columns were measured experimentally. Stress and strain distributions at selective positions in the adhesive layer were analyzed using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Failure mechanisms of the joints were analyzed. It was found that the metal-adhesive columns increased the joint strength and also the joint strength increased with increasing length of the metal-adhesive columns. Therefore, using metal-adhesive columns in adhesive joints is an effective approach for enhancing the strength of bulk adhesive joints.