There’s something special about spending time outdoors during the summer. Whether it’s for sharing meals with family, gardening or simply relaxing in the backyard, outdoor spaces are a part of our homes and our lives. As a product manager for Simpson Strong-Tie’s Outdoor Accents® line, I spend a lot of time thinking about how we can help homeowners and DIYers create their dream outdoor spaces.
That’s why I was excited to see one of our latest DIY projects come to life, an Outdoor Accents Essentials Arbor. Even better, you can download the free plans from our website. It features our brand-new Outdoor Accents Essentials hardware line. This was a product expansion that I helped develop from concept to launch.
You might be familiar with our Outdoor Accents Avant Collection™ or Mission Collection®. The black powder-coated connectors and fasteners have become popular because they combine structural performance with a finished look that homeowners and DIYers alike want to showcase.
This new line includes a wider range of connectors and fasteners, including joist hangers, post bases, angles, hurricane ties and other structural hardware. The goal was to give builders, contractors, homeowners and DIYers more options to create custom outdoor structures using decorative hardware that is load rated, easy to install and designed to complement the overall look of the project.
One of the most rewarding parts of product development is seeing how people use products in ways you may not have originally imagined. Homeowners are investing more in their outdoor living spaces and creating areas where they can entertain, garden, relax and spend time with family. We wanted to provide hardware that supports those projects while also contributing to the overall style.
This arbor is a great example. The black powder-coated hardware creates a clean, finished look that complements the wood and highlights the craftsmanship of the build. It demonstrates that structural hardware can play an important role in the overall aesthetic of a project.
As someone who has spent my career in the building industry, I find it incredibly rewarding to help bring products like this to market. Seeing an idea evolve from conversations with customers and builders into a finished product that helps people create something meaningful in their own backyard is one of the best parts of my job.
If you’re looking for a summer project, an arbor is a great place to start. I hope this project inspires you to think about what’s possible in your own outdoor space. Whether you’re building a simple garden feature or planning a larger backyard transformation, Outdoor Accents Essentials was designed to help bring your landscaping ideas to life.
If you create something new that enhances your space, we’re hoping you’ll share some pictures with us. I can’t wait to see what you build!
