The Simpson Outdoor Accents Avant Collection ZMAX Black Powder-Coated Knee Brace Connector from Simpson makes installation of 45 deg. bracing supports fast and easy, helping builders and DIYers add both structural integrity and decorative appeal to custom outdoor living structures. Featuring the straighter edges characteristic of the Avant Collection, this connector brings a more contemporary aesthetic to knee brace connections while attaching securely to posts or beams with nominal 4x lumber. The ZMAX galvanized finish beneath the black powder coat delivers extra corrosion resistance for exterior applications and treated-wood environments where standard coatings fall short.

Key Features

• Quick and easy installation with compatible Outdoor Accents fasteners - installs using the Outdoor Accents 3-1/2 in. structural wood screw and Outdoor Accents hex-head washer (sold separately), so you spend less time on hardware and more time on building.
• Designed specifically for attaching knee braces to posts or beams - provides a secure, purpose-built connection point that eliminates guesswork and improves structural consistency across your project.
• Decorative Avant Collection profile with straighter, contemporary edges - adds a finished, modern look to knee brace connections so the hardware becomes part of the design rather than something to hide.
• Sized for nominal 4x lumber - fits the exact member size without shimming or improvising, ensuring a clean and properly supported connection from the start.
• Constructed from 12-gauge steel - provides a solid, heavy-duty foundation that holds up under the stresses typical of outdoor structural bracing applications.
• ZMAX galvanization with black powder coat finish - the dual-layer corrosion protection makes this connector well suited for exterior use and direct contact with treated lumber, helping it resist deterioration over time.

Why This Product

• Form and function in one connector - the Avant Collection's contemporary straight-edge design means this hardware enhances the visual appeal of pergolas, pavilions, and other outdoor structures while still delivering the structural support knee brace connections require.
• Built for demanding exterior environments - the combination of ZMAX galvanization and black powder coat goes beyond standard corrosion protection, making this connector a reliable choice for open-air applications and projects using pressure-treated lumber.
• Streamlined installation with a defined fastener system - because this connector is engineered to work with specific Outdoor Accents screws and hex-head washers, builders get a coordinated, tested hardware solution rather than piecing together mismatched components.
• A scalable solution within the same product line - for projects involving larger framing members, the APVKB45-6 accommodates nominal 6x lumber using the same Avant Collection design language, making it easy to maintain a consistent look across a structure of any scale.

Specifications

• MPN: APVKB45-4
• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Collection: Outdoor Accents Avant Collection
• Member Size: 4x
• Length: 3 in.
• Width 1: 5-5/8 in.
• Width 2: 5-5/8 in.
• Gauge: 12
• Coating: Powder Coating, Black
• Finish: ZMAX Galvanized with Black Powder Coat
• Install With: (4) STN22 Outdoor Accents hex-head washers and (4) SDWS22312DBB Outdoor Accents structural wood screws
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Knee brace connections on custom outdoor living structures
• Attaching knee braces to posts or beams
• Exterior applications requiring corrosion-resistant hardware
• Applications involving treated lumber where extra corrosion protection is required

Frequently Asked Questions

What lumber size is the APVKB45-4 designed for?

The APVKB45-4 is designed for nominal 4x lumber. If you need a connector for nominal 6x lumber, the APVKB45-6 is the appropriate size.

What fasteners are required to install the APVKB45-4?

Installation requires (4) SDWS22312DBB Outdoor Accents structural wood screws and (4) STN22 Outdoor Accents hex-head washers, both sold separately.

Why does the APVKB45-4 feature ZMAX galvanization with a black powder coat?

The ZMAX galvanization combined with the black powder coat finish offers extra corrosion resistance, making this connector well-suited for exterior applications and use with treated wood where standard coatings may not provide adequate protection.

What makes the APVKB45-4 part of the Avant Collection?

The Avant Collection is distinguished by its straighter edges, giving the connector a more contemporary design aesthetic. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor living structures where both structural performance and decorative appearance are important.

Related Products

• SDWS22312DBB Screws
• STN22 Washers

Note: The structural screws, hex head washers, and concrete anchors are not included.