Free Backyard Planning Software for Upgrading Your Outdoor Living Space

Research shows that remodeling and outdoor living projects are on the rise as homeowners feel more confident investing in their primary residence. Since many people view the outdoors as an extension of their living space, Simpson Strong-Tie offers free backyard planning software to help them design their dream backyard.

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Dream Deck Designed: Elements of an Achievable Deck Plan

It’s hard to build during the cold, wet season of winterwhich makes it the perfect time to start laying plans for that new deck you’ve been dreaming about. That’s why this winter we unveiled our new, easytouse Deck Planner Software. Deck Planner Software enables contractors or homeowners to design a dream deck in just a few minutes. To help roll it out, we asked homeowners who might be considering building a deck in 2020 to try it out and send in their deck designs. 

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Dream, Design, Win: The Deck Planner Software™ Design Your Dream Deck Contest

We want to help you make the deck of your dreams a reality. This week we’re launching the Deck Planner Software™ Design Your Dream Deck contest. 

Open to everyone, from homeowners to pros, the Simpson Strong-Tie® Deck Planner Software Design Your Dream Deck contest is easy to enter. Entrants just need to design a deck using our free, web-based Deck Planner Software. The winner will receive up to $500 of Simpson Strong-Tie products, as specified in the winning design, to build their dream deck during the 2020 deck season.  

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Deck Safety: 5 Warning Signs of an Unsafe Deck

Just like your home, your deck can’t be expected to last or keep you safe unless it’s correctly built and maintained. Most experts agree that the average life expectancy of a wood deck is 10 to 15 years, and estimate that millions of decks in the US may be presently unsafe. The good news, however, is attention to deck safety can prevent most deck collapses.

If you’re building a deck or already have one, you should know how to evaluate its construction to make sure it’s structurally sound and safe. Using the proper structural connectors and fasteners (like nails and screws) as well as regular maintenance are the keys to a safe, strong deck. It’s a good idea to inspect your deck annually to make sure all your connections are strong.
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News from IBS & WOC — What You Missed at the 2018 Simpson Strong-Tie Exhibit Booths

It was a muggy Tuesday morning, and thousands of people from all over the world were heading toward the long bank of doors to the Orlando Convention Center. The broad stream of people was just one of the signs that the International Builders’ Show® was underway.

Inside Hall C The Simpson Strong-Tie booth was impressive with a festively lit Outdoor Accents® pergola and shelves of Simpson hats and tee-shirts to give to booth visitors.
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