Simpson Outdoor Accents

Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents: Where Function Meets Form

When you're building outdoor structures that need to look as good as they perform, Simpson Strong-Tie's Outdoor Accents line delivers engineered strength with architectural appeal. These aren't just hidden connectors doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes – they're designed to be part of the finished look while meeting full structural requirements.

Why Choose Simpson Outdoor Accents?

The reality is simple: most structural hardware gets buried or hidden because it's purely functional. But when you're building pergolas, gazebos, or exposed-beam structures, those connection points become part of the design. Simpson engineered these connectors to handle the loads while adding to the visual appeal, not detracting from it.

Each piece is made from galvanized steel with optional black powder coating that stands up to weather while providing clean lines and professional appearance. These aren't decorative covers over structural hardware – they ARE the structural hardware, tested and load-rated for real-world applications.

Simpson Decorative Angle Brackets

Function: Provide diagonal support at corner connections and joints where lateral forces are a concern. Essential for maintaining square and preventing rack in exposed framing.

Common Applications:

• Corner bracing on pergola beams
• Reinforcing deck frame corners
• Supporting angled cuts where two members meet at non-90-degree angles
• Adding stability to gazebo corner posts

Installation Notes: Size these brackets to match your lumber dimensions. The visible face should align with your framing layout – these aren't meant to be tucked away. Pre-drill pilot holes, especially on treated lumber, to prevent splitting near bracket edges.

Load Capacity: These are engineered connectors with specific load ratings. Always reference Simpson Strong-Tie's technical documentation or catalog for exact load values for your specific model and application.

Simpson Decorative Deck Ties and Flat Straps

Purpose: Connect wood members in a straight line, preventing separation and controlling movement under load. Critical for maintaining alignment in long spans or where thermal expansion is a factor.

Where You'll Use Them:

• Splicing beams over longer spans
• Connecting doubled joists or headers
• Reinforcing butt joints in decking frames
• Preventing twist in large dimension lumber

Selection Guide: Match the strap width to your lumber width for best appearance. These ties work in tension and compression, so proper fastening is critical. Use the specified fasteners – generic screws won't provide the same performance.

Pro Tip: On exposed applications, plan your strap locations during layout. Random placement looks amateur, but evenly spaced straps become part of the design rhythm.

Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accent Kits

What They Are: Complete hardware packages with matched components for specific project types. Think of them as a parts list that's already been figured out for you.

Best For: Contractors who want consistent appearance across a project and DIYers who don't want to piece together individual components. Popular for pergola builds where you need multiple matching post connections, beam ties, and decorative elements.

Key Benefits:

• Pre-matched finish and sizing
• Reduces ordering time and potential mix-ups
• Includes fasteners specific to the kit components
• Typically covers standard spacing and load requirements

Trade Tip: These kits work well for bid situations since pricing and quantities are straightforward. Just verify the kit matches your actual beam sizes and post spacing before ordering.

Simpson Decorative Gable Plates and Gazebo Ties

Application: Specifically designed for connecting angled members at peak connections, ridge lines, and complex joints common in gazebo and pavilion construction.

Why They Matter: These joints take loads from multiple directions and often become focal points in the structure. Standard brackets don't handle the geometry well, and improvised connections rarely look professional.

Design Considerations:

• Size plates to handle your actual roof loads, not just dead load
• Consider wind uplift in your area – these connections are critical
• Plan the visual impact – gable plates often become architectural features
• Verify angles match your actual roof pitch before ordering

Installation: These typically require precise cuts and careful layout. Double-check your angles before drilling, since corrections are difficult once holes are made.

Simpson Decorative Joist Hangers

Function: Support joists and beams in exposed framing applications where standard hidden hangers would detract from the appearance.

Best Applications:

• Pergola and gazebo beam connections
• Exposed ceiling joists in covered areas
• Decorative beam pockets in timber framing
• Situations where the hanger becomes part of the visual design

Technical Notes: These carry loads similar to standard joist hangers but with finished appearance. Proper bearing and fastening per manufacturer specifications is critical – the decorative aspect doesn't change the structural requirements.

Sizing: Match hanger depth to your joist size. Undersized hangers create weak points, while oversized ones look disproportionate and may interfere with adjacent members.

Simpson Decorative Post Bases

Primary Use: Anchor posts to concrete foundations, existing decks, or other surfaces while elevating the post bottom to prevent moisture contact and rot.

Installation Requirements:

• Properly sized anchor bolts set to correct embedment depth
• Level surface for full bearing contact
• Adequate concrete strength for anchor loads
• Consider drainage around base to prevent water pooling

Design Benefits: Elevating posts off direct ground contact significantly extends lumber life. The finished appearance integrates better with architectural elements than standard post anchors.

Load Path: These bases transfer vertical loads and lateral forces directly to the foundation. Proper anchor bolt sizing and placement is critical for structural performance.

Simpson Decorative Rigid Ties and Knee Braces

Structural Purpose: Handle significant loads at critical connection points, particularly where posts meet beams or where diagonal bracing is required for stability.

When to Use: Heavy timber construction, large span applications, or where building codes require specific bracing. These are serious structural components that happen to look good.

Engineering Considerations:

• Often require calculations for custom applications
• May need specific anchor bolt patterns
• Consider connection eccentricity in your design
• Verify lumber grades can handle the connection loads

Visual Impact: These components typically become prominent design elements. Plan their placement to complement the overall structure rather than treating them as afterthoughts.

Simpson Decorative T Straps and L Straps

Applications: Connect perpendicular members, brace intersections, and provide reinforcement where beams change direction or intersect posts.

T Strap Uses:

• Post-to-beam connections in pergolas
• Reinforcing beam intersections
• Bracing at direction changes

L Strap Applications:

• Corner connections
• Right-angle reinforcement
• End connections where standard brackets don't fit

Installation: Position straps to align with member centerlines where possible. Off-center loading can create unwanted stresses. Pre-drill all holes to the manufacturer's specifications.

Simpson Outdoor Accents Decorative Hardware

What's Included: Matching fasteners, washers, and specialized hardware designed to integrate with the connector line. This isn't generic hardware – it's engineered to work with the specific connectors.

Why It Matters: Mismatched fasteners stand out visually and may not provide the intended performance. The powder-coated heads blend with the connector finish, and the threading and dimensions are optimized for the connection loads.

Types Available:

• Hex-head structural screws
• Specialty washers for specific applications
• Bolts and nuts for through-bolt connections
• Cap screws for clean finished appearance

Why Choose Simpson Strong-Tie

For nearly 70 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has combined hands-on knowledge with in-depth research to create connectors you can count on. Each piece is made under strict quality standards to deliver strength, consistency, and lasting performance. Whether you need framing angles, straps, or heavy-duty girder hangers, the extensive product lineup makes it easy to find the right connector for the job and helps you build with confidence every time.