Joel Houck of Simpson Strong-Tie shares the journey he took transforming his backyard into a family-friendly oasis with a pool and a stunning pavilion using Simpson Strong-Tie® Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware. In this post, Joel unveils the design process, delves into the construction details and shares the passion and effort that brought his outdoor space to life.
Category: Building Strong
DIY a Hammock Stand That Doubles As an Outdoor Movie Screen
Make the most of your backyard during the day and at night with this transformative pergola. Simpson Strong-Tie had the opportunity to work with DIYer Jen Woodhouse of The House of Wood on building a transformative outdoor structure for her backyard. Learn how she built this multipurpose pergola with the help of our Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware.
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Quiet Strength of the Strong-Drive® SDPW DEFLECTOR Screw for Partition Wall Connections
The Strong-Drive® SDPW Deflector screw from Simpson Strong-Tie fastens non-load-bearing, full-height partition walls to trusses and joints in roof and floor systems. Easy to install, the SDPW is designed to compensate for vertical deflection in the joist or truss due to live load or to seasonal material contraction and expansion. With tested lateral-load ratings that meet building code requirements, the SDPW is value engineered for strength, installation speed and jobsite safety.
E-Z DIY Projects: Sprucing Up Your Home Has Never Been E-Z-er
Looking for an easy DIY project to knock out this summer? We’ve got some great ideas that can help you spruce up your home — from a little library or a birdhouse to a sturdy hose reel. One thing all these projects have in common is the fact that they use our E-Z products — the E-Z Spike™, E-Z Mender™, and E-Z Base™. These products were designed to help make it quick and easy for anyone to install or repair wood posts. You can also read more about each of these products and how to install them with our EZ flyer. Learn more below about how our E-Z products can help you build these any number of cool, simple DIY projects.
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DIY Renovation Project: Rebuilding a Coastal Dock with Rogue Engineer
We worked with DIYer Jamison Rantz, also known as Rogue Engineer, on a dock rebuild project. Our Strong-Drive® SDWS Timber SS screw and Titen HD® heavy-duty screw anchor provided strength and durability for his new dock. Learn everything that went into this costal dock rebuild, from replacing the existing structure to expanding the area for an outdoor entertainment space.
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Hands-On Learning: How an All-Female Engineering Class Built a Rest Station for Those Who Grow and Harvest Our Food
Katie Hickey, a graduating senior from Carondelet High School in Concord, CA, and a future student at San Diego State University, participated in an all-female Engineering for Social Good class. Their ambitious endeavor involved designing and constructing a personalized rest station for nearby farmworkers, relying exclusively on their own abilities and available resources. Despite their limited background, the students demonstrated unwavering determination and successfully delivered an outstanding product that will have a profound impact on the local community.
From Bar Inspiration to Backyard Elevation: How to DIY a Cantilevered Swing
Kurt Krasavage, owner of Residential Imagineering, LLC, constructed a cantilevered swing in his backyard using Simpson Strong-Tie hardware. Inspired by a bar in Mexico with an attached swing-set, Kurt and lead builder Shawn Bealla created an exceptional outdoor entertainment center that became a popular gathering spot. Learn about his project and get inspired for your own creative backyard DIY.
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Employee Safety Day at the Simpson Strong-Tie West Chicago Plant
Safety is our number one priority for our employees, especially in our manufacturing facilities and warehouses. By conducting safety exercises, we can mitigate risks, promote a safety culture, improve emergency preparedness, and enhance employee well-being. Earlier this year, Simpson Strong Tie’s West Chicago warehouse organized a Safety Day, where the team engaged in interactive training to promote safety awareness. Learn about the various training exercises conducted during the event and how they both fostered camaraderie and enhanced safety knowledge.
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Unique DIY Builds with Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents® Hardware
Discover the endless possibilities of incorporating Outdoor Accents decorative hardware into your next DIY project! Our connectors and fasteners are commonly used in construction, but did you know they can also be used to create unique outdoor DIY projects? From a space saving planter to a breathtaking wedding arch, our Outdoor Accent products are perfect for adding both elegance and structural strength to any outdoor living structure.
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DIY A Modern Privacy Fence with The Awesome Orange
We are excited to share this DIY project with Sadie Mae John aka The Awesome Orange. Her latest project is a great solution for concealing unsightly pool equipment. Get inspiration from Sadie Mae and learn how to build your very own privacy fence today!
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