DIY Outdoor Projects, Plans, and Inspiration
Ready to tackle your next outdoor project? With Simpson Strong-Tie® and Fasteners Plus, you’ve got everything you need to build it strong, build it right, and build it beautifully. Below are hand-picked project ideas - each with downloadable plans and materials lists to guide you from start to finish.
10x10 Backyard Pergola
One of the most popular DIY builds, the backyard pergola adds instant charm and usable shade to patios, decks, or garden corners. Simpson’s plans make it simple to install with heavy-duty connectors and clean architectural lines.
Outdoor Potting Bench
This handy potting bench brings workspace and storage to your garden. Designed with a sturdy frame and a wide work surface, it's perfect for preparing plants or organizing tools using Simpson black fasteners and angle brackets.
Raised Garden Bed
A beautiful and functional upgrade to any yard or patio. This easy-to-build raised bed is ideal for herbs, vegetables, or flowers, and features reinforced corners with Simpson’s corrosion-resistant brackets for longevity.
Lattice Arbor
Add vertical interest and a touch of elegance to your garden or walkway. This arbor design uses Simpson decorative connectors for clean lines and strong support across its overhead trellis structure.
Picnic Table
This timeless outdoor table is perfect for backyard meals and weekend projects. The build is simple but strong, using Simpson structural screws and brackets to ensure it holds up for years of use.
Rustic Bar
Create the ultimate backyard entertainment station. This rustic-style bar uses heavy-duty fasteners and decorative accents for a sturdy frame that doubles as a statement piece.
Garden Gazebo
This classic gazebo design offers 360° shade and structure, great for patios, pools, or open yard spaces. The plan uses Simpson’s rigid ties and gable connectors for secure framing from top to bottom.
Shade Arbor
Cool off your outdoor space with a freestanding shade arbor. Its open design offers light filtering without full enclosure, using decorative fasteners to elevate both strength and style.
Attached Patio Cover
Extend your living space with a stylish patio cover mounted to your home’s exterior. The build uses structural connectors and ledger hardware to ensure safe attachment and strong load distribution.
Party Pavilion
This large open-air structure is perfect for entertaining. The plan includes a spacious roofline and heavy post framing, all supported with Simpson black hardware that performs as good as it looks.
Premier Pergola
Elevate your backyard with this premium pergola plan. Featuring wide spans, deep overhangs, and clean architectural cuts, this build uses high-capacity connectors and Simpson’s decorative accents for maximum impact.
Grill Station
Build a standalone outdoor kitchen and impress at your next BBQ. This plan features a framed-in countertop and integrated storage, all designed around Simpson’s corrosion-resistant hardware for lasting durability.
Each of these projects is designed for durability using real framing hardware, not just nails or glue. By incorporating Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and Fasteners Plus fasteners, you ensure that your DIY build isn’t just for show, it’s built to last.
Download the plans, grab your tools, and get to work. Your next outdoor project starts right here. Be sure to check out all of our Simpson Outdoor Accents products to help complete your project.
