In outdoor design, every detail matters. From the choice of materials to the arrangement of furnishings, each element contributes to an outdoor space’s overall style and ambiance.

One often overlooked aspect of outdoor design is the successful integration of the hardware used in buildings like pergolas and decks with their structural members. The hardware needs to function flawlessly and complement the overall design scheme to enhance the visual appeal of an outdoor space.

For builders, this attention to detail ensures customer satisfaction and sets their work apart, leading to greater success and more referrals in a competitive market.

Coordinating Hardware Is Key to Your Structural and Visual Design

Hardware accents are decorative elements such as brackets, bolts and fasteners that serve functional and aesthetic purposes in outdoor structures like decks and pergolas.

Cohesive hardware selection allows for aesthetic integration of components, creating a visually harmonious environment where every design detail complements the next.

Whether choosing brackets that mirror the architectural style of the pergola or fasteners that match the connectors, attention to hardware details ensures that the project not only functions optimally but also enhances the beauty of the outdoor space.

Why Coordinated Hardware Matters

Properly selected hardware is the backbone of structural reliability and longevity in outdoor construction projects.

The right hardware ensures that a structure can withstand the test of time and environmental elements, providing a safe and durable outdoor environment for years to come.

How to Match Hardware to Its Setting

Matching elements to a visual design is ideal when selecting hardware for an outdoor space. However, choosing high-quality materials that will withstand their environment is even more important.

Consider Your Location

The region you live in will help determine which types of hardware you should use for your outdoor project:

• Northeast: In the Northeast, where winters are cold and harsh, hardware must be corrosion resistant to withstand exposure to snow, ice and road salt. Stainless or galvanized steel connectors, fasteners and anchoring systems are commonly used to ensure durability and structural integrity.
• South: In the hot and humid South, hardware must withstand high temperatures and moisture. To prevent corrosion, hardware with UV-resistant coatings or made from materials such as aluminum or stainless steel are preferred.
• West Coast: The aesthetics and design flexibility of hardware can be prioritized in regions with mild, Mediterranean-like climates. Decorative hardware options such as powder-coated finishes or architectural-grade fasteners are popular choices for adding visual interest to outdoor structures.

Adhering to local building codes and standards is also crucial for legal and safety reasons. High-quality fasteners and anchors that meet these codes ensure that the structure is built to the required specifications, avoiding potential legal issues for both business and clientele while ensuring the safety of the occupants.

Select Cohesive Materials

When designing a project for a client, opt for deck hardware components that match the deck and pergola. Don’t mix your metals. Whether it’s stainless steel, brass or powder-coated aluminum, matching the material ensures a visually cohesive look that ties the structures together and enhances your reputation as a design-oriented business.

Coordinate Finishes

Choose deck hardware finishes that complement or match those used elsewhere in the outdoor space. Coordinating the finish creates a unified look that enhances the overall design scheme. This is the time to consider Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware to give your project a pop of personality.

Embrace Design Continuity

Select deck hardware with design elements that echo the style of the pergola and deck. For example, if the pergola members feature ornate scrollwork, choose deck hardware accents with similar decorative motifs to maintain design continuity across the space.

Blend Seamlessly With Surroundings

Choose hardware accents that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of an outdoor environment. For instance, if the deck is surrounded by lush greenery, opt for hardware finishes that doesn’t distract from the colors of the woods or foliage, creating a harmonious blend between the built environment and nature.

Attention to both the details and the larger setting demonstrates that your business thinks and plans for the long term and will impress clients.

Ensure Functional Integrity

While style is important, functionality is always the priority in selecting outdoor hardware. Choose hardware that enhances the visual appeal of the pergola and deck while meeting the structural requirements and performance expectations of the project.

Achieve Strength and Aesthetic Distinction with Simpson Strong-Tie

The Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents® hardware line offers construction managers connectors and fasteners created in two very distinctive styles — the Mission Collection® and the Avant Collection™ — designed to help you unify and elevate the appeal of your outdoor structures.

With Simpson Strong-Tie, professionals can confidently select hardware solutions that contribute to the structural integrity of outdoor structures and enhance the overall design.

To get more information on how to stay ahead in the market, become a StrongPro where you can learn more about industry trends, installation and helpful resources.