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
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.
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.
Jen Woodhouse, known for her inspiring DIY projects, teamed up with Simpson Strong-Tie to create an amazing backyard oasis for some friends. The project involved transforming a beloved firepit area into a more functional and beautiful space, complete with a custom pergola and three swings surrounding the firepit. Jen wanted to ensure the space reflected the warmth and hospitality of her friends, all while building something durable and safe.
Summer is the perfect time to hit the water with your kayak or canoe — but do you have the right storage for all that gear? Luckily, Sadie Mae from The Awesome Orange partnered with Simpson Strong-Tie to create a smart, durable solution. She built a freestanding kayak and canoe rack that’s sturdy, weather-resistant and easy to access. It’s the perfect weekend project to keep your gear organized and ready for your next adventure.
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.
Summer is the perfect time to unlock the potential of your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your garden or enhance the functionality of your backyard, DIY projects using Outdoor Accents hardware from Simpson Strong-Tie offer endless possibilities. Check out projects from our partners and Simpson Strong-Tie employees to get inspired.
Build the pergola of your dreams with the help of Simpson Strong-Tie's Pergola Planner and Outdoor Accents decorative hardware. For this project, we partnered with DIYer Shereen of Pretty and Functional to upgrade her backyard space just in time for summer fun!
We worked with DIYer Jamison Rantz aka Rogue Engineer, who recently transformed his barn area with a fresh paver patio. Faced with an unsightly AC unit nearby, he turned to our Simpson Strong-Tie E-Z Spike™ to help build his DIY privacy fence solution. These spikes eliminate the need for digging or concrete pouring. What follows is his description of the build.
Lounge away in a covered daybed swing built with our Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware. This project was carried out in partnership with DIYer Dena of Fletcher Creek Cottage. Her new daybed is an ideal spot for reading, napping or simply savoring the pleasant weather. This outdoor structure offers year-round enjoyment and is the perfect addition to her homestead. Learn more about the details behind Dena's build and the elements that went into bringing it to life, from the lumber and hardware choices to the step-by-step process.
Are you looking to enhance your garage or workspace? We've collaborated with Sadie Mae John, aka The Awesome Orange, to bring you a practical workbench design. This sturdy workbench offers additional workspace and convenient tool access. Follow Sadie's instructions and utilize our connectors to create a customizable workbench that fits your space perfectly. Ideal for DIYers, enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a well-organized garage.
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.
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.
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!
Are you looking to take your backyard pool deck to the next level? Look no further than the Makers All-Star Challenge team! This talented group of DIYers, contractors, and content creators have taken on the challenge of renovating and revitalizing a backyard pool deck in Tampa, Florida. And we are thrilled to have partnered with them to bring this amazing project to life!
Sadie Mae John, aka The Awesome Orange, put together a DIY firewood rack built with Simpson Strong-Tie APRT connectors. Add basic tools and materials, and you can make a sturdy rack to keep your firewood organized and easily accessible.
DIYer Joana Bianchi created these stylish barstools with the help of our Simpson Strong-Tie hardware. Not only do they look cool, but they add a bit of extra seating at her kitchen counter. This project is a great way to furnish out your kitchen without breaking the bank.
We love partnering with Jamison because his DIY projects are beautiful, well designed and always have the look of a polished vintage piece. In fact, we worked with Jamison previously to create an industrial style DIY coffee table.
