Hi, I’m Sara Bendrick, a landscape contractor and designer based in San Diego, California. From studying at Landscape architecture at Cal Poly SLO to founding Sarita Landscapes Inc., my passion has always been transforming outdoor spaces. I’m excited to have partnered with Simpson Strong-Tie to create and share DIY projects that make upgrading your living space easy and fun. Using their connectors and fasteners, anyone can build sturdy, beautiful pieces like a Mission-style storage bench, a modern octagon frame or a backyard pergola. These projects are perfect for both contractors and DIYers who want to bring a vision for outdoor living spaces to life.
Mission-Style Storage Bench
For this project, I built a Mission-style storage bench using Outdoor Accents® Mission Collection® decorative hardware from Simpson Strong-Tie. This collection is often used for pergolas, but it also worked perfectly for this storage bench. All the lumber needed to realize my design was eight 4x4s and two 2x6s.
After a quick mock-up, I built the bases with the structural wood screws and then added the 4×4 for the seat top connecting and adding hardware. I used structural wood screws in 3.5″ and 5.5″ sizes, along with decorative washers that give the bench a really finished look. Once the T-connectors were in place, I built the back of the bench and assembled everything securely.
I decided to paint the bench a bold blue for a fun pop of color that stands out beautifully against the stucco. It’s solid, stylish and just the right mix of form and function. To finish it off, I added baskets underneath for extra storage. This bench is a great example of how simple materials and strong connectors can create something both beautiful and practical.
DIY Octagon Frame
Who would’ve thought that a few pieces of wood, some succulents and Simpson Strong-Tie hardware could completely elevate a front yard? This octagon-shaped feature turned out even better than I imagined.
I started by using decorative knee braces. They’re typically used for pergolas, but I decided to get creative with their design. By cutting my boards at 22.5°, I was able to form an octagon shape using eight sections. I secured everything with Outdoor Accents structural wood screws, hex–head washers and L brackets for extra stability.
To finish, I added hooks for hanging succulents and anchored the frame to the wall for support. The result is a modern, eye-catching feature that instantly boosts curb appeal. This project is proof that Simpson Strong-Tie hardware can take a simple idea and make it look professional and architectural — all while keeping it totally DIY-friendly.
Sage Pergola Build
For a bigger backyard upgrade, I used the Sage System™ modular pergola kit from Simpson Strong-Tie to create a pergola for my cousin’s yard. Whether you’re going for a cozy 8×8 or a larger 10×10 setup, the kit comes with all the essentials — corners, feet and even optional sunshade sails if you stick with the original dimensions.
We built an 8×8 double-bay pergola, adjusting the layout slightly to fit the space. The lumber slides easily into the middle T-connectors, corner connectors and post bases, and once everything is level, you simply secure it using Outdoor Accents® connector screws.
For the second bay, we added joist hangers for the 2x4s to complete the structure. It was a fun project to build with family, and the finished pergola completely transformed the backyard into a welcoming, shaded space for relaxing and entertaining.
Long-Lasting Planter Box
Side yards are often overlooked, but they can become a place to grow your own vegetables with a bit of sunlight and the right planter box. This planter is a great project to maximize your space and is easy to build yourself.
I built it using Simpson Strong–Tie Outdoor Accents Mission Collection hardware paired with red cedar wood. The corners are created with Outdoor Accents APA 90° angle ties. I absolutely love the drama their black powder coat brings to this planter. Even better, all of Simpson Strong-Tie’s Outdoor Accents hardware comes with their ZMAX® coating for corrosion protection.
I also used Outdoor Accents structural wood screws, which install easily and beautifully along with a decorative hex-head washer to create a bolted look. This project shows that if you get creative with your narrow side yard, you can turn some unused space into one that grows with you.
Let me know what projects you’re thinking of building this spring!
