The Simpson LCE4SS Stainless Steel Light Post Cap for End Condition is a two-piece connector engineered by Simpson to secure a wood beam to the top of a wood post at an end bearing condition. By transferring structural loads from the beam into the post and ultimately into the foundation, this end post cap delivers a reliable, load-rated connection for both new construction and retrofit projects. Its stainless steel construction makes it a practical solution for exterior beam-to-post connections and applications involving treated lumber, where long-term durability against corrosion is a priority.

Key Features

• Always install in pairs; universal design eliminates need for rights and lefts - a single cap type covers both sides of the connection, simplifying ordering and reducing the chance of installation errors on the job site.
• Stronger than angled nailing or screw fastening; eliminates nailing into end grain - the engineered bracket connection outperforms traditional field-nailing methods, giving you a more structurally sound beam-to-post joint.
• Tested and approved for mitered end conditions - verified performance in angled installations means you can use this cap with confidence beyond standard square-cut beam ends.
• Compatible with nominal 4x or 6x lumber - the versatile two-piece design accommodates two common member sizes, making it adaptable across a range of post-and-beam configurations.
• Stainless steel construction offers extra corrosion resistance - purpose-built for exterior and treated-wood applications where standard steel hardware may be susceptible to corrosion, helping the connection maintain integrity over time.
• Made from 20-gauge steel - provides a balance of structural strength and ease of fastening without adding unnecessary bulk to the connection point.

Why This Product

• Built for demanding exterior and treated-wood environments - stainless steel construction resists corrosion in conditions where standard hardware breaks down, making this end post cap a dependable long-term choice for decks, pergolas, and other outdoor structures.
• A stronger alternative to traditional fastening methods - by eliminating nailing into end grain and providing a tested, load-rated connection, this post cap delivers structural performance that field nailing and angled screw fastening simply cannot match.
• Flexible enough for new builds and retrofits alike - the two-piece design works with nominal 4x or 6x members and is approved for both standard and mitered end conditions, so it adapts to a wide variety of project requirements without requiring multiple connector types.
• Simplified installation with a universal design - because there are no separate right-hand or left-hand parts, installers can work faster and with fewer errors, reducing labor time on beam-to-post connections in any setting.

Specifications

• Model Number: LCE4SS
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Finish: Stainless Steel
• Gauge: 20
• Height: 5-3/8 in.
• Member Size: 4x or 6x
• Install With: (12) 0.162 in. 3-1/2 in. stainless-steel nails or (12) #10 x 1-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SD Connector SS screws for each LCE4SS part (sold separately)
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• End bearing conditions where a beam bears on the top of a wood post
• Mitered end conditions - tested and approved
• New construction beam-to-post connections
• Retrofit construction beam-to-post connections
• Exterior applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance
• Treated-wood applications where standard steel hardware may be susceptible to corrosion

Frequently Asked Questions

Why must the LCE4SS always be installed in pairs?

The LCE4SS is load rated only when installed in pairs. The universal design is engineered so that one cap is placed on each outside face of the post-and-beam connection, ensuring balanced load transfer from the beam into the post and foundation. Installing a single cap does not achieve the allowable rated loads.

What lumber sizes is the LCE4SS compatible with?

The LCE4SS is designed for use with nominal 4x or 6x lumber. Its versatile two-piece design accommodates both member sizes, making it a flexible choice for a range of post-and-beam configurations in both new and retrofit construction.

What fasteners should be used to install the LCE4SS?

Each LCE4SS part should be installed with either (12) 0.162 in. 3-1/2 in. stainless-steel nails or (12) #10 x 1-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SD Connector SS screws. Using stainless-steel fasteners maintains the corrosion-resistance integrity of the connection, which is especially important in exterior and treated-wood applications.

Why choose stainless steel over standard steel for this post cap?

Stainless steel offers extra corrosion resistance compared to standard steel finishes, making the LCE4SS particularly well suited for exterior environments and applications involving treated lumber, where contact with preservatives and moisture can accelerate corrosion in standard steel hardware.

Note: This product must be installed in pairs.