This spring, I finally tackled a project I’ve been dreaming about for a while—building a deck in my own backyard. And let me tell you, it was such a rewarding experience, not just because I love spending time outdoors but also because I got to collaborate with Scott Fischer, senior product engineer at Simpson Strong-Tie. With his expertise and the right structural connectors, we built a rock-solid, code-compliant deck that I know will last for years to come.
If you’re planning to build your own deck this spring or summer, I wanted to share a little peek behind the scenes — and more importantly, why every connection matters when building a safe and long-lasting outdoor space.
Let’s talk about what holds this whole thing up — literally. We used Simpson Strong-Tie CBSQ66 post bases, which sit in concrete footings and lift our 6×6 pressure-treated posts off the ground. Why? Because moisture is the enemy of wood, and these post bases help prevent rot by keeping the posts from soaking up moisture from the concrete or soil.
The bases are also hot-dip galvanized, which gives them a durable coating that helps fight corrosion. This extra protection is key for outdoor builds.
Next up are Simpson ECC46 column caps, which help connect the top of each post to the horizontal beams. These caps not only create a strong structural link but also help keep everything aligned—super-important when your deck spans multiple levels or has complex framing like mine.
Just like the post bases, these caps are hot-dip galvanized for long-term performance in the elements.
Now for the heart of the deck — joists! We used LU28 joist hangers to attach our 2×8 joists to the ledger board. These create a much stronger, safer connection than just toenailing or screwing the joists in place.
These particular hangers also feature Simpson Strong-Tie’s ZMAX® coating, which adds an extra layer of corrosion resistance. That means peace of mind as the years (and seasons) go by.
Even though we’re not in a hurricane zone, we still used H1Z hurricane ties to anchor every joist to the beam. These little connectors provide lateral resistance against wind uplift and seismic activity — basically, they keep your deck from lifting or shifting during strong weather or earth movement. It’s one of those small details that makes a huge difference.
To securely anchor the deck to my home, we used DTT1 deck tension ties. These are often overlooked, but they’re actually required by code in many areas. They help prevent the deck from pulling away from the house — which can occur over time with movement, heavy loads, or even a big party with lots of dancing (hey, it happens!).
We installed four on each side of the deck where it attaches to the house, making sure everything stays tight and secure.
Once framing was done, we moved on to the railings. For that, we used 6″ stainless-steel SDWS™ Timber SS screws from Simpson Strong-Tie. These are amazing for creating a strong connection that won’t budge. No wobbly railings here! That added stability is especially important if you have kids, pets, or just like to lean back and relax with a cold drink.
Building a deck isn’t just about slapping boards together — it’s about creating a structure that’s safe, strong, and built to last. Working with Scott and using Simpson Strong-Tie connectors made that possible for me, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
If you’re thinking about building a deck this season, make sure you check your local codes, talk to an engineer or inspector if needed, and choose products that are up to the job. Every connection really does matter.
Check out my YouTube video where I walk through each connection and explain how we built this deck step by step using Simpson Strong-Tie products. Whether you’re planning your own build or just curious about the process, it’s all there. Happy building!