The Simpson Hidden Timber Connector Kit with Screws ETB90A-SCRB is engineered for structural beam-to-beam connections in exposed timber framing where a clean, hardware-free finish is the priority. Designed by Simpson, this interlocking connector system joins supporting and supported timber beams with a fully concealed connection - making it a practical choice for residential and commercial timber framing projects where visible fasteners would compromise the look of finished woodwork.

Key Features

• Completely hidden connection after installation - no exposed hardware remains visible once the connection is made, preserving the natural appearance of exposed timber beams
• Interlocking plate system - the lower plate and horseshoe plate lock together to form a secure, load-tested structural connection between the supporting and supported beams
• Lower plate recessed into a routed pocket - the 3/8 in. deep pocket keeps the plate flush with the side of the supporting beam for a seamless, concealed finish
• Horseshoe plate installs onto the beam end - fastened with SCRB screws driven at approximately 45 deg., securing the supported beam without any surface hardware showing from the outside
• Kit includes matching SCRB screws - the horseshoe plate screws are supplied with the connector, reducing trips to the hardware store and ensuring compatible fasteners are used from the start
• Approved for load-bearing timber connections - verified for structural beam-to-beam applications, giving builders and contractors confidence in the connection's integrity

Why This Product

• Aesthetics without compromise - because all hardware is fully concealed after installation, this connector lets timber framing speak for itself, making it a strong fit for exposed ceiling beams, timber pergolas, and architectural woodwork where appearance matters as much as structure
• Purpose-built interlocking design - the two-plate system is specifically engineered for concealed beam-to-beam connections, so builders are not adapting a general-purpose bracket to do a specialized job
• Screws included for a complete installation - the kit ships with the SCRB screws needed for the horseshoe plate, so the connector hardware arrives ready to install without sourcing additional fasteners for that step
• Structural confidence in a hidden package - the ETB90A-SCRB is approved for load-bearing structural applications, meaning the clean look does not come at the expense of a tested, reliable timber connection

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): ETB90A-SCRB
• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Country of Origin: Denmark

Approved Applications

• Structural beam-to-beam connections in exposed timber framing
• Applications where concealed hardware and clean aesthetics are required
• Load-bearing connections between supporting and supported timber beams

What's Included

• Lower plate (for installation into routed pocket of supporting beam)
• Horseshoe plate (for installation onto end of supported beam)
• SCRB screws for horseshoe plate installation

Note: 16d hot-dip galvanized nails for lower plate installation are not included in the kit and must be sourced separately.

Installation Overview

• Rout a 3/8" (10mm) deep pocket into the side of the supporting beam for the lower plate.
• Install the lower plate using 16d hot-dip galvanized nails (not included in kit).
• Install the horseshoe plate onto the end of the supported beam using the SCRB screws supplied in the kit, driving screws at a downward angle of approximately 45 deg..

Disclaimer: Product dimensions and/or screw holes may differ from picture. Please see item description for specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will any hardware be visible after the connection is installed?

No. The ETB90A-SCRB is specifically designed for a completely hidden connection - no visible hardware remains after installation. The lower plate is recessed into a routed pocket in the side of the supporting beam for a flush, concealed finish, while the horseshoe plate fastens onto the end of the supported beam and becomes concealed once the beams are joined.

Do I need to purchase screws separately for this kit?

No. The kit includes SCRB screws for the horseshoe plate installation, so there is no need to source fasteners separately. The SCRB screws are driven at a downward angle of approximately 45 deg. for optimized holding power.

What type of connections is the ETB90A-SCRB approved for?

This connector is approved for structural beam-to-beam connections in exposed timber framing, load-bearing connections between supporting and supported timber beams, and applications where concealed hardware and clean aesthetics are required. The system is load-tested for verified performance.