From Playset to Paradise: A Northern California Backyard Makeover

Brian Magstadt, Chief Financial Officer of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., the publicly traded parent company of Simpson Strong-Tie, for over 19 years, shares the remarkable transformation of his backyard. Originally a space cherished by his young children, it featured a sizable play structure. As their children grew, Brian and his wife, Vicki, replaced the play structure with an inviting pavilion, perfect for hosting gatherings with loved ones. With the assistance of Simpson Strong-Tie® concealed connectors and Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware, they effortlessly converted their backyard into a captivating entertainment space. Delve into their inspiring outdoor renovation journey, uncovering the intricate details of the process that ultimately created this welcoming outdoor oasis. 

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DIY Covered Daybed Swing with Fletcher Creek Cottage

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. 

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A Workbench Build with The Awesome Orange

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. 

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DIY Projects for Furnishing Your Apartment or College Dorm Room

Furnishing a new place can get expensive. Whether it’s your first year in college or you just moved into an empty apartment, we have a variety of DIY plans that can help you furnish your place on a budget.  

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DIY Mini Whiteboard for Back to School

This free project plan offers easy, step-by-step instructions for building your very own mini whiteboard. It’s a great project to do along with your students for the back-to-school season. 

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Creating a Backyard Oasis: Building Our Dream Pavilion with Outdoor Accents® Hardware

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. 

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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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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.

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