Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents: Applications for Strength and Style

Simpson Strong-Tie’s Outdoor Accents decorative hardware opens up a world of possibilities for outdoor projects by combining architectural style with load-rated performance.

These black powder-coated steel connectors and fasteners are designed to be both structural and beautiful, so you don’t have to compromise on safety or style when building your dream outdoor space.

We’ll explore the many applications of Outdoor Accents hardware, from common backyard structures like pergolas to creative DIY projects you might not have considered. Whether you’re starting a new build or upgrading an existing structure, Simpson Outdoor Accents can help you add strength and elegance in equal measure.

Outdoor Accents hardware is ideal for a wide range of outdoor structures. In fact, it was developed specifically to bring both stability and style to popular backyard builds. Here are some of the most common applications where these decorative connectors shine:

• Pergolas and Pavilions: Sturdy post bases, angle brackets, and decorative straps make it easy to build open-air pergolas or covered pavilions that are not only robust but also visually appealing. The hardware’s black finish provides a striking contrast against wood, turning a simple timber frame into a centerpiece of your yard.
• Covered Patios and Gazebos: Transform a plain patio cover or gazebo into a work of art by using Outdoor Accents post-to-beam connectors and knee braces. These connectors deliver full structural support for overhead roofs while adding an attractive finished look. Your outdoor entertaining areas will benefit from the extra stability in high winds and the decorative touch that ties the whole design together.

• Decks and Porches: If you have an exposed deck or porch framing, swapping standard joist hangers and ties for the decorative versions can dramatically improve the appearance. Outdoor Accents joist hangers and strap ties can support heavy deck lumber and guard against racking, all while complementing the style of your deck railing and furnishings. It’s a great way to make structural elements part of the design rather than something to hide.
• Garden Structures and Trellises: For smaller-scale projects like garden arbors, trellises, pergolas, swings, or even a custom fence gate, Outdoor Accents connectors provide the necessary strength for long-term durability. At the same time, their decorative look (reminiscent of hand-forged black iron) lends a classic, crafted feel to your garden structures. They’re perfect for rustic archways, trellis frames for climbing plants, or even a stylish mailbox post.

• Custom Timber Framing: Building a one-of-a-kind timber structure? These connectors are well-suited for custom timber framing and decorative projects where the hardware will be visible as part of the design. From porch entry arbors to log cabin-style carports and beyond, the Outdoor Accents line has plates, T-straps, and angles to join hefty timbers securely. Every bolt, bracket, and screw is “built to be seen,” offering both form and function in structural connections.

Because Simpson Outdoor Accents connectors are load-rated and rigorously tested, you can use them confidently in structural applications. They meet the same performance standards as other Simpson Strong-Tie hardware, which means your gazebo or pergola built with these decorative brackets will be just as safe and sturdy (if not more so) than one built with plain steel hardware.

In fact, one DIY remodeler found that replacing her porch’s original plain metal straps with Simpson’s Outdoor Accents ties not only improved the look but actually made the connections stronger than before.

Not only are Outdoor Accents great for new projects, they’re also a fantastic solution for upgrading or reinforcing structures you already have. If you have an existing porch, patio cover, pergola, or even fence that could use a facelift, swapping in Simpson’s decorative hardware can deliver a dramatic transformation.

One example comes from DIY blogger Elisha Albretsen of Pneumatic Addict, who gave her front porch a much-needed makeover using Outdoor Accents.

In her case, the builder-grade metal straps connecting the porch posts and beam were structurally effective but unattractive. 

Over a weekend, she removed the old galvanized straps and replaced them with Simpson’s sleek black strap ties and matching hex-head washers – and the “end result is night and day” in terms of curb appeal. 

The porch went from looking like a neglected afterthought to having a sharp, custom-crafted appearance. As Elisha noted, “the best part of using Outdoor Accents connectors – not only are they beautiful, but they’re actually even stronger than the old straps!”. In other words, her posts and beams were strengthened and updated at the same time.

This idea can be applied to many structures:

1. Decks or Patio Covers: If your deck’s pergola or patio cover has plain metal connectors or angle bracing, consider upgrading to decorative Outdoor Accents post bases, angles, and straps. You’ll instantly add a high-end, crafted look while maintaining (or improving) the structural integrity. The hardware’s black powder-coated finish also often hides better against shadows and wood grain than shiny metal, providing a more seamless look. And since the Outdoor Accents line is fully structural, you won’t lose any strength by switching over – these connectors are tested and load-rated for structural performance

2. Gazebo or Trellis Enhancements: Maybe you have a gazebo with aging hardware or a garden trellis that wobbles. Replacing or adding Simpson decorative L-straps, T-straps or angle braces at the joints can both tighten up the structure and give it a chic refresh. The added support can reduce sway in wind, while the visible hardware lends a touch of elegance (imagine a classic black iron look on a cedar gazebo).

3. Porch and Carport Upgrades: As with Elisha’s project, porch coverings or carports often have exposed connectors that can be unsightly. Upgrading to Outdoor Accents APL strap ties, APT T-straps, or APDJT deck joist ties is a straightforward project most DIYers can tackle in a weekend. Because the structural screw-and-washer system is so user-friendly (more on that later), installing the new hardware is typically easier than removing the old hardware! With a little effort, you can give an older structure a fresh new look and ensure it stays solid for years to come.

4. Outdoor Furniture and Features: Don’t overlook smaller structures like pergola swings, arbors, or even fence gates. Often, these have just bolts or lag screws holding them together. By adding some decorative corner brackets or small T-straps from the Outdoor Accents line, you can strengthen critical joints and also coordinate the look with larger elements in your yard. For instance, if you built a pergola with Outdoor Accents, using the same style hardware on a custom gate or arbor nearby creates a cohesive design theme.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Simpson’s Outdoor Accents line is how it empowers DIY builders to get creative. Beyond the usual decks and pergolas, people are using these decorative connectors in all sorts of unique builds – adding both elegance and strength to projects that might otherwise seem unconventional.

Simpson Strong-Tie themselves have showcased many such examples. From a space-saving planter to a breathtaking wedding arch, Outdoor Accents hardware is perfect for adding both structural strength and stylish flair to any project you dream up.

Let’s look at a few inspiring applications:

1. Swings and Outdoor Seating: There’s something magical about a gentle swing on a summer day, and with the right hardware, you can build your own swing structure that’s both sturdy and stylish

2. Planter Stands and Benches: Even modest garden projects can benefit from Outdoor Accents. A great example is a multi-tiered planter stand or potting bench.

3. Outdoor Kitchens and Bars: Building an outdoor kitchen or bar structure? This typically involves a wood frame to support a countertop, roof, or appliances, and Outdoor Accents can be a perfect fit.

4. Unique Decorative Structures: The possibilities are truly endless. Simpson employees and customers have used Outdoor Accents to build things like a wedding arch, a barn door, and more.

In all these examples, a common theme emerges: Outdoor Accents hardware ensures that your creative project isn’t just held together but they’re built to last. The connectors, angles, and screws undergo extensive testing to verify they can handle real structural loads.

So even if you’re building something a bit unconventional (like a swing pergola or a hefty planter bench), you can trust that using Simpson’s load-rated hardware will keep it safe and sturdy. At the same time, the refined design of the hardware elevates the finished product far above what ordinary construction brackets would achieve.

As Simpson Strong-Tie puts it, these accents let you “incorporate elegance and structural strength to any outdoor living structure” you create. Your DIY project won’t just look professional, it’ll perform like a professional build, too.

Every outdoor project has its own aesthetic, and Simpson recognizes that. That’s why the Outdoor Accents line comes in two distinct style collections, so that you can choose the look that best complements your design, while getting the same reliable performance.

The Mission Collection features a rustic, traditional look: it has a Southwestern-inspired profile with arched, half-circle ends and layered beveled edges on the connectors for extra detail. If you imagine an old Spanish mission or a mountain lodge, this hardware style fits right in, adding a touch of classic ornamental flair.

On the other hand, the Avant Collection offers a more modern, streamlined appearance: these connectors have straight edges and chamfered (beveled) corners, giving them a strong yet minimalist appeal. Avant hardware is perfect for contemporary designs or if you prefer clean lines that let the wood be the star.

Importantly, both Mission and Avant connectors are made to the same specifications – ZMAX® galvanized steel with a durable black powder-coat finish – and they install in exactly the same way. The choice between them is purely about style.

In fact, you could even mix and match them on different structures in your yard (for example, a pergola with Avant hardware and a garden bridge with Mission hardware) and still know each structure is solid. Many builders choose Mission vs. Avant to echo other design elements: Mission’s decorative curves pair well with rustic wood textures or wrought iron fixtures, whereas Avant’s crisp form suits modern homes or decks with cable railings and other contemporary touches.

Beyond the connectors themselves, Simpson’s Outdoor Accents “Essentials” and accessories are designed to work with both collections. The hex-head washer and structural screw combo is common to all Outdoor Accents and provides that signature bolted look.

You’ll also find that post bases, angles, straps, etc., come in models for both Mission and Avant styling, so you can maintain a consistent look across all the hardware in your project. Whichever style you choose, you’re still getting hardware that is engineered for strength, weather-protected for outdoor use, and easy to install.

Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents hardware truly unlocks endless possibilities for upgrading your outdoor living areas. By combining decorative design with serious structural strength, these connectors enable homeowners, DIYers, and contractors alike to build with confidence and creativity. Whether it’s a grand pergola or pavilion to define your patio, a set of stylish planters and benches for your garden, or a one-of-a-kind feature like a swing pergola or wedding arch, you can trust Outdoor Accents to hold it all together (and turn heads in the process).

Remember that all Outdoor Accents products are made from tough steel with a weather-resistant finish, so they’re ready to handle year-round exposure to the elements without rusting or weakening. They’re rigorously tested for strength, ensuring your structure will be safe and sound for years to come, and with the ease of installation and flexibility (working with different lumber sizes, etc.), tackling projects with these connectors is very achievable even if you’re not a pro.

From the simple to the elaborate, Simpson’s Outdoor Accents line invites you to reimagine what you can do in your backyard. Instead of plain 2x4s and uninspiring brackets, you have the tools to create outdoor structures that are uniquely yours – reflecting your style while standing strong against time and weather. So go ahead and dream up your next project. With the right hardware in hand, you’ll be amazed at what you can build.