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.
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.
When your garage needs more space but you’re not ready to compromise on capability, a customized solution is the way to go. In this post, team member Robert Shirley walks us through his weekend project: transforming a large, outdated workbench into a sleek, space-saving design inspired by The Family Handyman’s “Super Bench!” With clever modifications, repurposed materials, and a toolkit full of Simpson Strong-Tie fasteners, Robert Shirley shares his process—and the final result is equal parts practical and personal.
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.
In this post, Allison Chang shares how her son Jacob and his friend Arjun, seventh graders on a STEAM competition team, decided they needed a workbench for better organization. They chose the Simpson Strong-Tie WBSK workbench and shelving hardware kit, which provided everything they needed. With some guidance, they finished the project in two hours, customizing it to fit their preferences. This experience helped them gain practical skills and increased their confidence for future endeavors.
Building or repairing a deck, fence or subfloor can be a great way to enhance and maintain your living space for safety and enjoyment while potentially adding value to the property. And if you’re like a lot of us, you’d prefer to tackle some of the more straightforward jobs yourself.
Recently, for a Kansas City golf event, Simpson Strong-Tie engineer Nehal Patel teamed with territory sales representative Thomas Haight to DIY two arcade-style games featuring Simpson Strong-Tie products in a backyard-friendly setup. Their ski-ball chip game and Plinko board are easy builds that anyone can recreate for outdoor fun.
Lacy Patino, our CRM Strategy Manager, is focused on using Salesforce to help grow our business. Alongside her role, she has given her family cabin a facelift with a brand-new deck. She used our Deck Planner Software to plan, design, and print out plans for her contractor, making the deck-building process easy and efficient. Learn more about her experience in her role and how she's enjoying her deck.
Discover Mother Daughter Projects, a dynamic DIY duo that embarked on their journey in 2015, dedicated to sharing their expertise and serving as a valuable resource for anyone tackling DIY projects. They champion inclusivity, affirming that women of any age or skill level can thrive in DIY activities.
Discover the versatility of our Simpson Strong-Tie products as they find application in a diverse range of projects, spanning from DIY endeavors to professional-level creations. Whether you're exploring the simplicity of a Plinko game or the intricacies of a sophisticated golf course, our products offer endless possibilities. Take inspiration from this varied assortment and unleash your creativity by showcasing how you uniquely incorporate our products into your own projects. Let the innovation begin!
Follow Mark Geary, a DIY enthusiast and graphic designer, as he takes you through a fun and easy winter project: building a firewood holder with 2x4s and Simpson Strong-Tie hardware. In just a couple of hours, you can create a durable and practical addition to your outdoor firepit. This beginner-friendly project is an easy way to add a touch of cozy charm to your space.
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.
Simpson Strong-Tie senior field engineer Nehal Patel decided recently to create a customized swing set for his child and their friends, with a focus on durability. Instead of hiring someone, he preferred to DIY the project so he could manage costs and allow for personalization. Throughout the construction, Nehal used Simpson Strong-Tie's black powder-coated Outdoor Accents® connectors and fasteners, contributing both strength and style to the final product. Discover the details of his project and its outcome.
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
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.
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.
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.
