DIY Done Right - Simpson Strong-Tie

We Make Your HomeProjects Easier.StorageFencesRepairsDecks and More!800-999-5099 | www.strongtie.com

PLATELINEPLATELINESimpson Strong-Tie ® givesto take on any project withDIY is the way to go these days. You save money,and you can custom build anything to fit yourexact needs, wants and wishes. So, no matterwhat home improvement project you take on,if you want professional results, then do it theprofessional way – use connectors.Contractors have been using Simpson Strong-Tie ®connectors for years. Why? Because they knowthat if they use Simpson Strong-Tie connectorstheir projects will be faster and easier andthe end result will be long lasting, safe andstrong. Simpson Strong-Tie also offers homeimprovement inspiration, plans and tool lists foralmost any type of project, from decks and patiocovers to sheds, fences and more. So go on,take on any project with confidence. SimpsonStrong-Tie is here to help you do it right andget the professional look and results you’re after.EASY TO USEOur connectors are designedfor specific applications.No more guessing what you need!Build Anything. Your Way. Done Right.CONTENTSGARAGE ORGANIZATION................................ 4-5OUTDOOR STORAGE...................................... 6-7SHEDS............................................................ 8-9PATIO COVERS........................................... 10-11FENCES....................................................... 12-15DECKS........................................................ 16-18HOUSEHOLD REPAIRS.....................................19HOME SAFETY............................................ 20-21PRODUCT GUIDE........................................ 22-31SAFE & SECUREOur connectors add an extra layerof strength to any project, ensuringoptimal support.Heavy loads? No worries.2© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

you everything you needconfidence.ACCURATEOur connectors and fastenersare engineered to help you alignyour lumber correctly, withease. No more angled-screwand nail struggles! No morepositioning problems!STRONGOur connectors and fasteners areload tested to ensure they perform asintended and meet building code requirements.All your hard work will lastfor a long time.LIGHTHEAVYS-HOMEPRJCTS14 3

Get The Garage Of Your Dreams.Wouldn’t it be great if your garage could double as a studio space, workshop ora sleek storage center for all your gizmos and gadgets? Well, dream no more.Simpson Strong-Tie helps you build your perfect garage with ease. Our connectorsand fasteners are specifically designed for workspace and space-saving projects,so you can enjoy:• Easier installation compared to using just screws and nails• Professional looks and results that work for long-term strength• Spending less money than hiring a contractor or using a pre-built garage storage systemBuild Anything. Your Way. Done Right.For more garage inspiration and project plans visitwww.strongtie.com/diydonerightThe new Rigid Tie ® RTC2ZCorner Connector –One product with thepower to organizeyour entire garage!4© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

PET PEN, RAISED FOR SAFETY AND SHELTEROrganize Your Outdoors.From lawn mowers and fire logs to gardening supplies and homes for our furryfriends – backyards can get cluttered. Simpson Strong-Tie ® Rigid Tie ®connectors make it easy for you to get all your outdoor goods out of sight,out of mind. Here’s three simple project ideas that all:• Can be completed, from start to finish, in just one day• Can be customized to your needs• Keep things safe and organized, tucked away from weatherBuild Anything. Your Way. Done Right.For more outdoor project ideas and plans visit www.strongtie.com/diydoneright6© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

STORAGE CENTER, TO ORGANIZE TOOLS AND SUPPLIESLOGHOLDER, TO STORE MORE IN LESS SPACECreate strong, secure attachments that support almost anything.Connectors are easy to install and strong enough to support even the heaviest boxes,tools or machinery, and can be finished with paint to blend with the style of your home.RTC2Z RTB22 H1S-HOMEPRJCTS147

Create Mini Getaways.Everyone deserves a little escape, a place where they can retreat. So build your childrena clubhouse. Give Fido the doghouse of his dreams. Or build yourself a shed getawayfor your creative crafts, music, work or extra storage. Whatever you wantyour shed to be, Simpson Strong-Tie ® connectors are engineered to help you:• Easily build a strong frame and foundation that has the structural strengthto support your needs• Customize anything, so you don’t have to settle for something standardBuild Anything. Your Way. Done Right.For more shed ideas and project plans visit www.strongtie.com/diydoneright8© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

UTILITY SHED,TO KEEP TOOLSAND SUPPLIESPROTECTED AND SAFEDREAM DOGHOUSE,FOR RAIN OR SHINESHELTERBuild strong frames with ease.Rigid Tie ® RTC2Z corner connectors make it easy to put together basic frames,simplifying the assembly of the floor and walls while providing a strong structure.RTC2Z LUS26H1 ABA44ZS-HOMEPRJCTS149

Build Your Own Resort.What if you didn’t have to leave home to feel like you were on vacation?Well, it’s possible! Simpson Strong-Tie helps you transform your yard intoa resort with ease. Add a patio cover, and instantly you’ve got an extra roomin which to lounge, entertain and take shelter from the sun. Add a trellis or two,and you’ll instantly add touches of tranquility and style. Our connectors andfasteners are perfect for outdoor projects because they:• Make vital connections stronger and easier to build• Ensure you meet or exceed local building-code requirements• Optimize safety, adding an extra layer of support to key connectionsBuild Anything. Your Way. Done Right.For more patio ideas and project plans visit www.strongtie.com/diydoneright10© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

DETACHED PATIO COVER, FOR MORE ROOM TO PLAY IN THE SHADETRELLIS, FOR ADDED FLAIRBuild safer, stronger overhead structures.Connectors add the extra strength and support needed for safe, long lastingoutdoor structures.CBSQ PC44 HUC LUSS-HOMEPRJCTS1411

Fence Yourself In. Just Do It!If your fence is beyond repair or if you just don't have a fence, build one! Theyprovide big-time benefits you can’t refuse. They give you more peace and privacy.They add charm and curb appeal. They keep the kids and pets out of harms way.Best of all, Simpson Strong-Tie makes it affordable for you to build a fence thatwill withstand the test of time, so you can have the best of times. Building a fencewith Simpson Strong-Tie ® connectors:• Saves you the cost of hiring a contractor• Saves on long-term costs, adding strength that minimizes repairs,such as sagging gates and rails• Brings money back home, maximizes the appeal of your homeBuild Anything. Your Way. Done Right.For more fence inspiration visit www.strongtie.com/diydoneright12© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

STRONG FENCES, FOR SECURITY AND PRIVACYSTURDY GATES, THAT WON'T SAG OVER TIME.Build sturdy fences that stand up to the elements.Connectors engineered to be strong, corrosion resistant and easy to install.FB24Z PGT2 RTA2Z E-Z SpikeS-HOMEPRJCTS1413

Freshen Up Your Fence.From fixing rotted posts to reinforcing sagging gates and damaged rails,Simpson Strong-Tie makes it easy for you to get your fence back in shapeand your home back to looking its best. Simpson Strong-Tie offers a line ofproducts designed specifically to help you make some of the most commonfence repairs, easily and economically.Build Anything. Your Way. Done Right.For more fence repair insights visit www.strongtie.com/diydoneright14© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

E-Z MenderREINFORCESEXISTING POSTSE-Z SpikeREPLACESUNSALVAGEABLE POSTSWOBBLY OR DAMAGED POSTS are typically the result of rotting at the base, andalthough it appears to be a daunting repair, it can be fairly simple and fast whenyou use Simpson Strong-Tie ® E-Z Mender and E-Z Spike products.RTA2Z90° ANGLE REINFORCEMENTSAGGING GATES that are hard to latch shut are often a result of the gate goingout of square over time. Simpson Strong-Tie ® offers the Rigid Tie ® RTA2 right-angleconnector, which reinforces the frame of the gate helping it resist the forces of gravity formany years to come.FB24ZGALVANIZED FOR PROTECTIONAGAINST CORROSIONBROKEN OR DAMAGED RAILS typically occur due to the wood around screws or nailsrotting. Depending on how badly rotted the joint is, our corrosion-resistant FB24 fencebrackets allow you to quickly and easily mend your fence and minimize future damagewithout replacing the entire rail.S-HOMEPRJCTS14 15

Deck It Out! Safe And Strong.Double up on your spaces to sprawl out, entertain and relax while enjoying the greatoutdoors by adding a deck to your home. Simpson Strong-Tie gives you theinformation you need to build or buy a safe, strong deck so you can start doubling upon fun. All of our connectors are specially designed to:• Comply with various building codes for maximum safety• Accommodate any deck design• Ensure simplified installation• Optimize long-lasting strength and structural supportBuild Anything. Your Way. Done Right.16For more deck ideas and info visit www.strongtie.com/diydoneright© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

Deck Do’s AndMust KnowsWhether you’re looking to build a deck yourself orhire a contractor to build one for you, there are severalvital steps you should take to ensure you end up witha structurally-sound deck that will safely support yourfriends, family and furniture.OUR DECK FRAMING CONNECTIONAND FASTENING GUIDE OFFERSSTEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ONUSING CONNECTORS TO BUILDSAFE, CODE-COMPLIANT DECKS.1.2.3.Ensure A Continuous Load Path is CreatedA system of key connections throughout the deckframing, known as a continuous load path, is essentialto building a safe deck. This will transfer the weighton the deck to the ground and an adjacent structure,like the home.Make Sure It’s Built To CodeYour local building department will have buildingcode information available to help you build yourdeck for optimal safety and code compliance.Get A Building PermitThis will ensure you have a workable design, whichcan save time and minimize potential problems.S-HOMEPRJCTS14 17

Is Your Existing Deck Safe?If your deck is more than ten years old, or missing key connections, it’s agood idea to inspect it to make sure it’s safe for you and your family. Here are somecommon signs you can look for to determine the overall safety of your deck.• Rot around the edges of your deck frame• Soft or spongy spots on your deck surface• Missing, loose, or improper connections• Weak or loose rails or posts• Corroded connectors and fasteners• Large cracksIf you are still unsure about the safety of your deck, consult with a professional.Build Anything. Your Way. Done Right.For more repair solutions visit www.strongtie.com/diydoneright18© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

Little Fixes, Big Savings.Stop putting off those small repairs you'vebeen meaning to tackle. Simpson Strong-Tie ®connectors make it easy and simple for you torejuvenate rickety, weak and wobbly householdfavorites, saving you the cost of replacing them.• Loose table or chair legs• Rickety picnic tables, outdoor furniture• Wobbly stair treads• Unstable cabinets or bookcasesLook for the connectors below, chances are, oneor more of these will help you fix up any householditem where two pieces of wood come together.Build Anything. Your Way. Done Right.HRS12 Strap A21 Angle MP36 Mending PlateTP35 Tie Plate ML26 Angle 66L AngleS-HOMEPRJCTS1419

Protect Your FamilyAgainst Natural Disasters.Natural disasters can happen anytimeand anywhere, so if protecting yourfamily and home are your top priority,Simpson Strong-Tie can help.Build Anything. Your Way. Done Right.For more info on how to reinforce your home visit www.strongtie.com/diydoneright20© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

When Building Or Remodeling, Ensure YourHome Is Built To Be Disaster Resistant.From high winds to earthquakes,the most important step youcan take to protect your familyagainst the effects of naturaldisasters is to ensure your homeis securely anchored from roofto foundation. This is calledbuilding a “continuous load path,”and requires the use of structuralconnectors at key points within thestructure, increasing strength andresilience.Strengthen Your Existing HomeWithout Major Construction.If you are not looking to build new or remodel, here are severalaffordable, simple things you can do now to reinforce the areasof your home most vulnerable to high-wind and seismic events.• Secure the roof to the top of the wall (high wind).• Anchor the mudsill to the foundation andreinforce cripple walls (seismic).• Strengthen entryway and garage doors (high wind).• Replace existing windows with impact-resistantwindow systems, or install storm shutters (high wind).Whatever reinforcement precautions you want to take,Simpson Strong-Tie offers you the best high-wind andearthquake-resistant solutions available. All products aremade with strong, high-quality materials and meet or exceedcode requirements for safety.S-HOMEPRJCTS14 21

• DESIGNED FOR •ANGLESStrengthen and join twopieces of wood at an angle.Strong solutions ideal for 45° or 90° angles.Not only do angles make joints stronger, theyalso provide more consistent, straight corners.We offer a wide variety of angles in various sizesand thicknesses to handle light-duty jobs orprojects where a structural connection is needed.Some can be bent (skewed) to match the project.For outdoor projects, or those where moisture ispresent, use our ZMAX ® zinc-coated connectors,which provide extra resistance against corrosion(look for a “Z” at the end of the model number).C O N N E C T O R SA44 AngleA23 AngleInstall our connectors withour Strong-Drive ® SD screwsfor added installation ease.See page 30.LS70 Skewable Angle ML26 Angle A35 Angle22© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.For more connector product options, installation insights and

• DESIGNED FOR •STRAPS & PLATESJoin and reinforce joints.Simple, versatile solutions for a widerange of connections.Available in many lengths, widths and thicknesses,straps can be used on the wide or narrow face oflumber for light repairs or heavy-duty projects.Many straps are designed to be used back-to-backon a piece of lumber without fastener interference.For outdoor projects or those where moisture ispresent, use our ZMAX ® zinc-coated connectors,which provide extra resistance against corrosion(look for a “Z” at the end of the model number).C O N N E C T O R SHRS12 StrapHRS416 StrapInstall our connectors withour Strong-Drive ® SD screwsfor added installation ease.See page 30.TP35 Tie Plate MP36 Mending Plate 66T ‘T’ Strapinfo on corrosion resistance visit www.strongtie.com/diydonerightS-HOMEPRJCTS1423

• DESIGNED FOR •JOIST HANGERSJoin wood members that needto resist downward force.Ideal for floors, decks and roofs.Joist hangers are designed to provide supportunderneath the joist, rafter or beam to provide astrong connection. Simpson Strong-Tie ® offersa diverse line of hangers to handle almost anyapplication with top flange, concealed flangeand field skewable and slopeable options.For outdoor projects, or those where moisture ispresent, use our ZMAX ® zinc-coated connectors,which provide extra resistance against corrosion(look for a “Z” at the end of the model number).C O N N E C T O R SLUS Joist HangerPF26 Joist HangerInstall our connectors withour Strong-Drive ® SD screwsfor added installation ease.See page 30.RR Ridge Rafter Connector LUC Joist Hanger LSU Joist Hanger (field adjustable)24© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.For more connector product options, installation insights and

PLATELINEPLATELINE• DESIGNED FOR •HIGH-WIND TIESConnect rafters or trusses tothe tops of walls and whereone member crosses another.Designed to increase structural integrityof decks and roof connections.High-wind ties are versatile, easy to install andstronger than angled screws and nails. Whilecommonly used to connect the roof rafters ortrusses to the top of the walls, these versatileconnectors are suitable for a variety of projectswhere one member crosses another. From modelsthat support one side of the beam to those thatsupport both sides, Simpson Strong-Tie ® offersan extensive selection of tie solutions that willhelp you achieve any connection you need.For outdoor projects or those where moistureis present, use our ZMAX ® zinc-coatedconnectors, which provide extra resistanceagainst corrosion (look for a “Z” at the endof the model number).C O N N E C T O R SInstall our connectors withour Strong-Drive ® SD screwsfor added installation ease.See page 30.H1 Tie H2.5A Tie HS25 Tieinfo on corrosion resistance visit www.strongtie.com/diydonerightS-HOMEPRJCTS1425

• DESIGNED FOR •POST CAPSConnect tops of posts to membersfor a secure connection.Ideal for new or retrofit applications wherestructural support is needed.Post caps are available in a variety of one-piececaps for new construction and two-piece optionsfor retrofit of existing connections.For outdoor projects, or those where moistureis present, use our ZMAX ® zinc-coatedconnectors, which provide extra resistanceagainst corrosion (look for a “Z” at theend of the model number).C O N N E C T O R SBC4 Post Cap (single 4x beam)BCS Post Cap (double 2x beam)Install our connectors withour Strong-Drive ® SD screwsfor added installation ease.See page 30.AC4 Post Cap LCE4 Post Cap PC44 Post Cap26 © 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. For more connector product options, installation insights and

• DESIGNED FOR •POST COLUMN BASESSecure bottom of postsor columns to concrete.Perfect for decks or patio covers.Models are available for attaching to existinghardened concrete, wet concrete, as well aswood. The AB series also offers adjustabilityaround the anchor bolt to achieve optimumpost placement. And many models providea 1" standoff from the concrete to help avoidpost-end rot from moisture.For outdoor projects, or those where moistureis present, use our ZMAX ® zinc-coatedconnectors, which provide extra resistanceagainst corrosion (look for a “Z” at the endof the model number).C O N N E C T O R SABA Post Base(hardened concrete)EPB44T Post Base(hardened concrete)Install our connectors withour Strong-Drive ® SD screwsfor added installation ease.See page 30.CBSQ Column Base(wet concrete)EPB44A Post Base(wet concrete)BC40 Post Base (wood)info on corrosion resistance visit www.strongtie.com/diydonerightS-HOMEPRJCTS1427

POST BASE INSTALLATIONEasily install a post base.Commonly used for decksor raised structures.Post bases are fully adjustable and offermoisture protection and a finishedappearance. Installing posts correctlyis one of the most important stepstoward ensuring you are building safe,long-lasting decks, patio covers orany projects that require attachinga post to concrete. It’s a fairly easyprocess, if you follow the foursimple steps below.Post Base InstallationInstall the anchor bolt.(See website fordiameter and requiredembedment.)Place the base, loadtransfer plate and nuton the anchor bolt.Finalize base position,tighten nut andinstall the standoff.(If your post basefeatures an open-sidedstandoff, the nut canbe tightened after thepost is installed.)Insert post intothe base and installthe correct fasteners,filling all holes.(Some models mayrequire that the fourthside of the base be bentup before fastening.)28© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.For more connector product options, installation insights and

ANCHORING INTO CONCRETE OR MASONRYEasy-to-install anchoring solutions.When you need high-strength anchorage in concrete and masonry.Simpson Strong-Tie makes it easy to use anchoring adhesive to fasten the threadedrod into existing concrete and masonry.Mechanical AnchorsThese anchors offerheavy-duty performancewith simple installation.Once installed they canbe used right away.Wedge anchorsexpand in the holeas they are set,providing a stronganchorage point.Titen HD ®screw anchorsprovide high strengthwith simplifiedinstallation tosave time.Adhesive AnchorsWhether you need to fasten threaded rod for an anchorbolt or a piece of rebar to add new concrete to existing,Simpson Strong-Tie has the anchoring adhesive you arelooking for. Depending on the application, adhesives aretypically stronger than mechanical anchors, and they canalso be used to repair larger cracks in concrete.SET-XP10 ®cartridgeis ideal forsmaller projects.Installing Adhesive Anchors is EasyDrill: Drill hole to specified diameter and depthClean: Remove dust from hole with oil-freecompressed air. Clean with nylon brushand blow out the remaining dust.Fill: Fill hole 1 ⁄2 to 2 ⁄3 full starting frombottom of hole to prevent air pockets.Withdraw nozzle as hole fills up.Insert: Insert anchor, turning slowing untilanchor contacts the bottom of the hole.Do not disturb during curing time.For complete installation instructions, see package.1 2 34 5 6info on corrosion resistance visit www.strongtie.com/diydonerightS-HOMEPRJCTS1429

FASTENERSSuperior alternatives to boltsand lag screws — Strong-Drive ®SDWH, SDWS and SDS ScrewsIdeal for indoor and outdoorwood-to-wood fastening.These screws were engineered with a unique designthat allows for installation without pre-drilling inmost applications. These innovative fasteners areeasy to drive, have a corrosion-resistant coating,and are load-tested to ensure optimal performancein heavy-duty projects.SDWSEngineered for structural applications,this screw features an extra large 6-lobewasher head for optimal holding power.SDWHDesigned for heavy-duty fastening, this screwfeatures an extra large hex-head washer foroptimal holding power.SDSIdeal for a wide variety ofwood-to-wood andsteel-to-wood applications,this screw features a smallerwasher head for projectswhere the head is exposed,and appearance is important.30© 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.For more connector product options, installation insights and

FASTENERSA better alternative to nails,for stronger, easier installations —Strong-Drive ® SD ScrewsVersatile solution for a wide rangeof connector projects.These screws were engineered to replace nails andprovide more installation control. They can be easilyremoved if needed, making them the ideal solution fora wide array of home improvement projects. It’s theonly screw approved to work with and stand up to thestandards of some Simpson Strong-Tie ® connectors.For the latest list of connectors approved for installationwith Strong-Drive ® SD screws, see our website.Advanced fastening solutionsfor every kind of deck.Simpson Strong-Tie offers a variety of premiumfastening solutions for wood, pressure treatedwood or composite decking. Our fasteners aredesigned specifically to perform based on yourpreferred material, and many are available invarious colors to blend in with the color of yourdeck. For virtually invisible fasteners, try ourEB-TY ® hidden deck fastening system.info on corrosion resistance visit www.strongtie.com/diydonerightS-HOMEPRJCTS1431

Helping You Build Anything.Your Way. Done Right.DIY is the way to go these days. You save money,and you can custom build anything to fit yourexact needs, wants and wishes. So, no matterwhat home improvement project you take on,if you want professional results,then do it the professional way –use Simpson Strong-Tie ®connectors and fasteners.For more home improvementideas, insights and plans visitwww.strongtie.com/diydoneright©2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. • P.O. Box 10789, Pleasanton, CA 94588 S-HOMEPRJCTS14 2/14 exp. 12/16