Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accent Kits: Complete Hardware Bundles for Pergolas, Pavilions, and More

Planning an outdoor structure build can be overwhelming, especially when you need to pick the right post bases, joist hangers, straps, screws, and more just to get started. To simplify this process, Simpson Strong-Tie has introduced an Outdoor Accent Kit, which is a convenient all-in-one bundle of decorative hardware for projects like pergolas, pavilions, and shade arbors.

These kits take the guesswork out of ordering by including matched sets of connectors and the required fasteners to go with them, all with the same corrosion-resistant black finish and structural strength.

Whether you’re a pro contractor on a tight schedule or a DIYer tackling your first backyard project, Simpson’s Outdoor Accent Kits help you build confidence and achieve a professional, cohesive look from the ground up.

Each Outdoor Accent Kit is designed around a common project or framing configuration. The idea is that you can buy one kit and get most, if not all, of the hardware needed for a typical structure. 

While the exact contents vary by kit design, you can generally expect two main things in every kit:

1. Decorative Structural Connectors: These are the metal connectors, like post bases, post caps, angles, straps, or hangers, needed for the project.

2. Matching Fasteners (and Hex-head Washers): The kit provides the correct type and quantity of screws or bolts, as well as the decorative washers, to install all the included connectors.

All the components in a kit share the same Simpson ZMAX galvanized steel with a black powder-coated finish, ensuring you have a consistent look and excellent corrosion resistance across your whole structure. Because the parts are pre-matched, you won’t have to worry about picking the wrong screw length or forgetting a critical bracket – it’s bundled for you.

For example, an Outdoor Accent Pergola Kit might include: four post bases (for the four corners), four post caps or angles (to tie beams to posts at the top), a set of T-straps or flat straps for extra bracing, and all the screws and hex-head washers needed to install those pieces.

If it’s a larger pergola, the kit could also include joist hangers for the rafters. Simpson essentially did the engineering and planning upfront, so the kit has hardware selected to work together for that type of build.

By purchasing a kit, you ensure that nothing is missing when you go to assemble your structure. This is especially helpful for DIY builders who may not be sure how many of each connector to buy. Even seasoned builders appreciate the convenience – it reduces the chance of an overlooked connector, and everything comes in one package ready to go.

You might wonder, “Can’t I just buy the individual connectors I need?” Of course, Simpson’s Outdoor Accents line is available as well. 

However, the kits offer several advantages that make them much more appealing:

1. Pre-Matched Components:  Kits are engineered to work together in real-world framing configurations. You don’t have to guess if a particular joist hanger goes with a certain screw or if the post base you picked has the right size washer – the kit ensures compatibility. This is especially important with decorative hardware, where using the wrong size fastener might ruin the look or strength.

2.  Visual Consistency:  Every piece in the kit has the same finish and style, giving your project a clean, uniform appearance. When you open the kit, you’ll see all black hardware designed to go together. This consistent look can be harder to achieve if you’re picking items individually (where you might accidentally mix in a different finish or style).

3.  Simplified Ordering: With a kit, you essentially have fewer items to order. This reduces the chance of forgetting a component or ordering the wrong quantity. It’s one-click (or one SKU) for a bundle that covers many parts. That can save time during the planning phase. For a contractor, it means less time creating a materials list and fewer line items on the purchase order. For a DIYer, it provides peace of mind that you won’t be running back to the store because you missed something critical.

4.  Builder-Friendly (Time Savers):  Kits are designed to help you build faster and smarter. You don’t have to sort through catalogs or websites to find each hanger, each bolt, each washer – it’s already curated. This is particularly beneficial if you’re on a tight timeline or if you’re not completely familiar with all the Simpson part numbers. The kit can also be a lifesaver when budgeting a project, as it gives you a fixed cost for a set of hardware rather than many small costs that add up.

5.  Expertly Designed: The kits are often put together based on common designs recommended by Simpson Strong-Tie. For instance, Simpson offers a DIY Pergola kit for up to 10 ft. x 10 ft. pergolas, which includes all the necessary hardware for that size (this kit is even sold through some retailers with an accompanying plan). This means by choosing the kit, you’re indirectly following a Simpson-vetted construction approach.

In summary, choosing a kit can streamline the process, ensure a polished look, and potentially save you money by packaging the components. It’s like having a “hardware recipe” for your project – all the ingredients in the right proportions to build a safe and beautiful structure.

Just like the individual Outdoor Accents parts, the kits are built for longevity in outdoor conditions. All hardware in the kits is made from ZMAX galvanized steel with a black powder-coat finish, providing a robust two-layer defense against corrosion.

This is important because outdoor structures face rain, sun, and sometimes contact with ACQ-treated lumber (which is corrosive to metals). The zinc galvanization and powder coat together mean the hardware resists rust even in high-moisture or coastal environments.

Additionally, the structural capacity of kit components is on par with Simpson’s standards. When you buy a kit, you’re not getting “light-duty” versions of the hardware – you’re getting the real, load-rated connectors. So a pergola built with an Outdoor Accent Kit isn’t just pretty, it’s structurally sound and safe for your family and guests. Each bracket, plate, and screw is designed to hold up over time and keep looking good while doing so.

For example, consider an attached patio cover kit. It might contain post bases, post-to-beam connectors, and angle braces. All those parts are zinc-coated and powder-coated, so even years down the line, the base of your posts won’t have rust creeping in at the bottom, and the braces won’t be weakening from corrosion. You can have confidence that the beautiful shade structure you built will remain solid through many seasons. 

This durability is a hallmark of Simpson Strong-Tie products, and the convenience of a kit doesn’t compromise that in any way. In short, Outdoor Accent Kits are designed for outdoor performance from the get-go. They recognize the challenges of the environment and meet them, so you can focus on the build itself rather than worrying about whether your hardware will last.

Outdoor Accent Kits are tailored for the kinds of projects where decorative hardware makes a difference. Some common applications include:

1. Pergolas and Pavilions: Kits are perfect for open-air pergolas or larger pavilion shelters. These structures usually require several types of connectors (post bases, caps, angles, etc.), which kits conveniently bundle. Using a kit for a pergola means you’ll have everything needed to tie four posts to beams and secure the rafters, all in the same style.

2.  Freestanding Shade Structures: If you’re building a freestanding arbor or trellis for a garden, a kit can provide the hardware to make it sturdy. For instance, a kit might be geared towards a freestanding trellis with four posts and a lattice top – including all the little corner braces and post anchors in one package. This takes the headache out of figuring out how to brace something that doesn’t attach to a house.

3.  Attached Patio Covers: Many people extend their living space with an attached patio cover or lean-to roof. Simpson’s kits can support these projects by supplying hardware that connects the cover to the existing structure as well as supports the outer edge. A typical attached-cover kit might have a ledger attachment, post bases for the outer posts, and angle or T-straps for tying joists to the new beam.

4.  Backyard Bars or Grill Gazebos:  Outdoor kitchen structures have become popular – these are small pavilion-like frames that shelter a grill or bar area. An Outdoor Accents kit can be an ideal choice here. It will include the decorative hardware to make a mini-pavilion that complements the deck or patio. The result is a cohesive outdoor entertainment space where even the hardware on the bar pergola matches the main pergola or deck.

5.  Entry Arbors or Garden Arches: Smaller kits are even available (or you can use leftover kit parts creatively) for archways and arbors. These might use a couple of post bases and some decorative angle brackets to create a charming entry to a garden path. The black hardware against natural wood often looks great amidst greenery, giving a classic wrought-iron meets timber feel.

These are just a few examples; essentially, any project listed in the earlier section for individual Outdoor Accents can potentially be built with a kit if one is offered for that configuration. The kits shine when used in DIY projects or jobs where efficiency is key. They package the solution for you.

When you receive an Outdoor Accent Kit, you’ll typically have a set of components and a basic instruction or content list. Installing with the kit follows standard building practices, with a few things to keep in mind:

1. Follow the Provided Hardware Layout:  The kit might come with a diagram or at least a listing of what each part is for. For example, if it’s a pergola kit, identify which pieces are post bases, which are caps for the top, etc., before starting. Lay them out relative to your project so you know which hardware goes at which connection point.

2.  Use Included Fasteners for Load Rating: It’s worth repeating – use the screws or bolts that come with the kit to attach the hardware. They are specifically chosen to achieve the listed load capacities. If you substitute different fasteners, you could compromise the connection strength or void any warranty. The kit makes it easy by giving you exactly the right number of each fastener.

3.  Check Alignment and Level Before Locking Down: When installing components like post bases and beam hangers from the kit, ensure everything is properly aligned before you fully tighten. For instance, set all your post bases loosely first, put the posts in, and check that the posts are plumb and positioned as per your layout marks, then anchor the bases fully. Similarly, when you place beam-to-post connectors, have someone hold the beam in place and use a level or measuring tape to ensure it’s all even before driving all the screws in. This prevents ending up with a slightly crooked frame – the kit hardware is precise, but it will follow whatever positioning you start with.

4.  Mind Local Code Requirements: Using a kit doesn’t exempt you from local building codes. If your structure is attached to a house or exceeds a certain size, you may need permits or specific footing sizes, etc. The hardware in the kit is structural (yes, the kits are fully structural-rated, but you should still ensure the whole project meets requirements. For example, some codes might require additional hold-downs or straps for hurricane resistance that aren’t included in a basic kit. Evaluate if your situation needs a few extra ties (which you can buy individually to supplement the kit).

5.  Pre-Drill when Recommended:  The screws usually don’t require pre-drilling, but as noted earlier, if you’re driving screws near the very end of a board or into a hardwood, pre-drilling can make life easier. The kit’s instructions might mention this as a tip. It’s a small step that can prevent frustration like snapped screws or split wood.

6.  Use Common Tools: No special tools are usually required for these kits – a good cordless drill/driver with the appropriate bit (often a Torx T-40 for Simpson structural screws), a hammer drill if anchoring post bases into concrete, a level, a square, and measuring tape are your staples. Simpson notes that standard tools are sufficient and perhaps having clamps or a helper is beneficial for alignment on larger kits. Make sure your drill’s battery is charged because there will be a lot of screws to drive!

7.  Step Back and Admire (Quality Check): One nice thing about assembling with a kit is that once done, you can step back and visually inspect that you’ve used all components. Because the hardware is prominently visible, you can quickly check if every planned bracket is in place and if all the decorative washer heads are there (for example, you’d notice if you forgot to put the washer under a screw because it would look different). This doubles as an aesthetic check and a safety check. If something looks off or was missed, you’ll likely spot it and can correct it before calling the project complete.

Overall, builders find that Outdoor Accent Kits are very user-friendly. They come with the essence of Simpson’s structural know-how distilled into a package, and as long as you use the kit as intended, you’ll end up with a robust structure. It’s a bit like assembling a piece of high-quality furniture in that you would follow the steps, use all the provided pieces, and you’ll get the expected result without hassle.

Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accent Kits are a game-changer for builders and DIY enthusiasts looking to create outdoor structures with minimal hassle. They encapsulate the benefits of the Outdoor Accents line, strength, durability, and beauty, into convenient packages that can be ordered with a single click. By choosing a kit, you ensure that every connector and screw will work in harmony, both functionally and visually, resulting in a structure that is safe and stylish.

For a professional contractor, kits can save time and reduce errors on the job site, which translates to cost savings and a happy client when the project wraps up on schedule. For the homeowner-builder, kits provide reassurance that you’ve got everything you need and that you won’t be stuck mid-project because you missed an obscure bracket or ran out of the proper screws. 

This level of support means you’re not only buying a box of parts; you’re also getting the backing of industry professionals who understand how these pieces fit into the bigger picture of construction.

Overall, if you’re planning to build a pergola, pavilion, or any similar outdoor structure, consider leveraging a Simpson Outdoor Accent Kit. It will simplify your preparation, ensure you have top-quality hardware throughout, and give your project a unified, professional look that stands out. With the structural reliability sorted and the style points scored, you can focus on enjoying the build – and the finished space – with confidence.