No backyard is complete without a versatile entertaining space. We teamed up with Jamison Rantz, also known as Rogue Engineer, to build a multifunction dining table for the backyard. This is part of his yard improvement series, where he upgrades the backyard space one DIY at a time. His latest project works as an outdoor table and grill prep space, making it one of his most practical builds yet. Designed to save space and add versatility, this cart became a key piece of his friend’s backyard grilling area. Here’s how he brought it all to life.
Jamison Rantz, aka Rogue Engineer, continues his backyard improvement series with a project focused on practical storage. After using Simpson Strong-Tie® fasteners and connectors to build an Adirondack-style chair, a rolling grill prep table and a pergola for the space, he decided they needed a custom firewood shed. Designed to hold stacked wood, a pizza oven, heat deflector, outpost grill and firepit lid, the shed helps keep everything in it organized and protected from the elements.
Over the years, we’ve teamed up with Jamison Rantz, also known as Rogue Engineer, on a wide variety of DIY builds. From chicken coops to privacy fences to pergolas and more, Jamison continues to demonstrate his creativity and his ability to make DIY projects approachable for anyone. His latest project in his backyard improvement series is a comfortable and affordable Adirondack-style outdoor chair, assembled using Simpson Strong-Tie DSV wood screws. See how Jamison continues to upgrade his outdoor space one DIY project at a time.
When it comes to tackling DIY projects that turn outdoor spaces into something special, Jamison Rantz, aka Rogue Engineer, knows how to blend creativity, craftsmanship and smart design. Over the years, he’s partnered with Simpson Strong-Tie on several backyard builds that combine function and style from using Simpson Strong-Tie® E-Z Spike™ fence post spike to create a quick and sturdy DIY privacy fence to building a backyard fence with APRTR connectors. Most recently he began a backyard improvement series designing a full outdoor entertainment area complete with a new pergola, a rolling prep and dining table, and a firewood rack
At Simpson Strong-Tie, giving back is more than a seasonal initiative. It’s part of who we are. Throughout 2025, the Stockton branch came together month after month to support our communities through hands-on service, donations and meaningful partnerships. From disaster relief and hunger support to education, housing and holiday giving, our employees showed up with heart, teamwork and purpose. Here’s a look at how our Stockton team made an impact throughout the year.
This year, our branch in Riverside, California, had the privilege of partnering with Lennar and HomeAid Inland Empire for Operation Grace — an initiative dedicated to addressing homelessness in San Bernardino by providing emergency shelters, transitional housing and supportive services that help families regain stability. Hear from warehouse manager and volunteer Fernando Cabrera as he shares his experience participating in this meaningful event.
Hear from Corynn De La Garza, a Simpson Strong-Tie dealer sales representative serving the San Antonio market, as she shares her experience volunteering with Habitat for Humanity’s annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Corynn was among the Simpson Strong-Tie team members who came together in Austin, Texas, to help build affordable and sustainable homes for families in need. She reflects on what it meant to be part of this life-changing project and how the teamwork and shared commitment to giving back she witnessed brought Simpson Strong-Tie’s values to life in a powerful and inspiring way for her.
Hear from Simpson Strong-Tie field engineer Kamryn Froehle as she shares her experience participating in our annual Do What You Can Day, a company tradition centered on giving back to our communities. This year, our Colorado team partnered with Habitat for Humanity to support a local build. Take a look at how they served, what they learned, and the impact they made together.
With more than 25 participating locations, employees contributed more than a thousand volunteer hours across the globe, making a meaningful impact on the people and organizations they served. Each year, Do What You Can Day reminds us that even small actions, when taken together, can create meaningful change. This annual event honors our founder Barclay Simpson’s guiding principle: “We’re all connected in some way and are all part of a greater community … Help out your neighbor, make time for others, do what you can.”
Hear from Dan Hesington, branch engineer at our office in McKinney, Texas, as he shares his experience at StickBuilt ‘25 — a hands-on, design-build event with considerations of sustainability and mass timber. Hosted in the woods outside Birmingham, Alabama, the event offered a unique opportunity to connect with current and future architects and explore innovative uses of wood with Simpson Strong-Tie fasteners and connectors.
Thinking about building something in your backyard or ready to take on a late-summer project? Get inspired by these creative DIYers who recently completed fun and functional backyard builds — from a cornhole game set to a storage shed and a firewood rack.
When it comes to creating inviting spaces for gathering, relaxing and enjoying time outdoors, Dena from Fletcher Creek Cottage has a true gift. We recently teamed up with her once again — this time to bring her latest backyard vision to life using our new Sage System™ DIY pergola kit. With help from her family, Dena built a beautiful and functional pergola that now anchors their outdoor kitchen and dining area, creating the perfect space to enjoy meals, make memories and soak up summer in style.
Steve Arnold, owner of Arnold Handyman Services , brought over 30 years of experience to a custom pergola pavilion build for his sister-in-law in New Braunfels, Texas. Designed for both beauty and strength, the project featured Simpson Strong-Tie® Outdoor Accents® hardware — chosen for its structural integrity and decorative appeal. Built in just two days (despite heavy rain), the pavilion is a testament to Steve’s craftsmanship and careful planning, creating a space the family will enjoy for years to come.
Learn more from Kris Rowberry of the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives about how Simpson Strong-Tie helped resurrect a piece of roller coaster history with the strength and precision it takes to support an icon. When a retired corkscrew inversion needed a new home, our structural hardware made it possible to stand tall once again. It’s a high-speed blend of engineering, legacy, and lasting impact—preserving the thrills for generations to come.
We teamed up with Shereen Wahba of Pretty and Functional to build a budget-friendly DIY storage shelving unit that’s durable, beautiful and beginner-friendly. Shereen used Simpson Strong-Tie® Outdoor Accents® connectors to create a custom solution that turned her cluttered patio into a neatly organized space. She’ll walk through every step — from cutting and painting to final assembly — making it easy for any DIYer to follow. If you’re looking to build something strong and stylish, this project is the perfect place to start.
Meet Tracey Hartzler aka Little Country Mama, a Canadian DIYer, wife and mom who’s embracing a fresh chapter of creativity and connection. Her latest and biggest DIY — a beautiful screened-in porch built with Simpson Strong-Tie’s Mission Collection® hardware — has quickly become her family’s favorite gathering spot. With a passion for inspiring women through hands-on projects and everyday beauty, she brings heart and skill to everything she does. Learn how she brought this space to life and created a place where memories are made.
Simpson Strong-Tie was proud to support a veteran in need by donating materials and expertise to help rebuild a collapsing porch in Mount Vernon, NY. In partnership with Homes for Veterans, we helped restore safety and stability to Nick’s home. Giving back is one of our core values, and we’re honored to have played a role in this meaningful project.
Discover Efrain Ramos’s 27-year journey of growth and career development at Simpson Strong-Tie. From press operator to engineering supervisor, he illustrates the company’s supportive culture, professional growth opportunities and commitment to its employees.
Roofs of commercial buildings are often cluttered with equipment and skylights. The equipment (HVAC units, generators, exhaust fans, etc.) keeps the building interior comfortable and functional, while skylights add to the ambience of the space. But have you thought about how those elements are supported?
We’re thrilled to announce that Simpson Strong-Tie is partnering with Renovation Hunters for the brand-new Season 3 of this exciting home renovation series! As a sponsor, we're proud to support the renovation of family cabins that will be passed down through generations, ensuring these outdoor retreats stay safe, functional, and full of memories for years to come.
DIYer Dena of Fletcher Creek Cottage is back with another exciting project, this time building a porch for her new dream home. From the CPTZ™ concealed post tie to the LRU28Z face-mount rafter hanger, Dena shares how these products helped her create a sturdy, long-lasting porch that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Read on to learn how Simpson Strong-Tie made this DIY project easier and more efficient for Dena, all while providing the strength needed to withstand the high winds of Michigan.
