Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents Avant Collection ZMAX, Black Powder-Coated L Strap for 6×6 (APVL6)

Key Features

Reinforces 90 Degree Corners This Simpson Strong-Tie APVL6 Outdoor Accents Avant Collection ZMAX Black Powder-Coated L Strap for 6×6 is built to strengthen wood-to-wood intersections where lumber meets at a right angle. It adds lateral reinforcement without giving up the clean finished look people want on exposed outdoor framing. Built for Exterior Use The 12-gauge steel body uses ZMAX galvanization plus a black powder coat for added corrosion resistance. That matters when the strap is going on pergolas, pavilions, and other outdoor structures made with treated lumber. Decorative Hardware Look The Avant Collection uses straight edges and chamfered corners, so the connector looks intentional instead of hidden jobsite hardware. Install it with Outdoor Accents structural screws and STN22 hex-head washers for the finished black hardware appearance.

Overview

The Simpson Strong-Tie APVL6 Outdoor Accents Avant Collection ZMAX Black Powder-Coated L Strap for 6×6 is a decorative wood construction connector for reinforcing wood-to-wood corners in outdoor structures. This is an L strap designed for fastening wood-to-wood connections at a 90 degree angle. Model number APVL6. If you are building a pergola, pavilion, arbor, or other exposed outdoor framing where the hardware will be seen, this strap gives you added connection strength and a finished black architectural look at the same time.

What makes the APVL6 matter is the job it solves. A lot of outdoor structures need reinforcement at beam-to-post and intersecting corner joints, but standard connectors can look out of place when they are left exposed. This strap is made to handle that problem by combining structural reinforcement with a cleaner design language. The 10-1/2 inch by 10-1/2 inch format is sized for 6×6 applications, so it fits the kind of heavier outdoor lumber used in backyard builds and landscape structures.

The material and finish are a big part of the value here. Simpson builds the strap from 12-gauge steel, which gives it the stiffness needed for connection reinforcement, then adds ZMAX galvanization with a black powder coat. In practical terms, that gives you better corrosion resistance for exterior use and treated wood exposure than a basic painted bracket. If the hardware is going outside and staying visible through weather changes, that extra protection matters.

The design is part of Simpson’s Outdoor Accents Avant Collection, which uses straight edges and chamfered corners instead of the more rustic, heavy ornamental style some decorative hardware uses. That gives the strap a cleaner, more modern look that works well on contemporary pergolas and outdoor living spaces. It is still obviously structural hardware, but it looks intentional rather than improvised.

Installation is also straightforward, but it is important to use the right hardware. Simpson specifies installation with Outdoor Accents structural screws and STN22 hex-head washers, both sold separately. That is not just for appearance. Using the matching fasteners gives the connection the intended decorative black hardware look and aligns with the published installation approach for this connector family. The product data also notes that no nails are required.

For builders already working within the Outdoor Accents system, the APVL6 fits neatly into the platform. It is part of the same accessory family used across decorative outdoor framing connectors, so you can keep a consistent hardware look across the whole build instead of mixing finishes and fastener styles. That matters on projects where the connector is part of the visual design, not something hidden behind trim.

This connector is best suited to contractors, deck and pergola builders, landscapers, remodelers, and serious DIYers who want exposed outdoor framing to look finished without giving up practical reinforcement. If you are building with 6×6 stock and want a black decorative L strap that is actually meant for structural wood connections, this is the right kind of hardware. If you need hidden hardware or a complete fastener kit in the box, this is not that product.

Designed to Be Seen

This strap is made for exposed outdoor framing where the connector is part of the finished look, not something you try to hide. The black finish, straight edges, and chamfered corners give a clean architectural look on pergolas, pavilions, and other outdoor wood projects.

• Part of the Outdoor Accents Avant Collection
• Decorative black finish is intended for visible hardware applications

Made for Outdoor Framing

Outdoor connectors need more than a decent paint job. The steel body, ZMAX galvanization, and black powder coat are there for exterior and treated-wood applications where corrosion resistance matters.

• 12-gauge steel construction
• ZMAX galvanization with black powder coat for added corrosion resistance

What’s in the Box

• (1) Simpson Strong-Tie APVL6 L Strap

Outdoor Accents structural screws and STN22 hex-head washers are sold separately.

Key Specifications

Tool Type	L Strap
Application	Fastening Wood-to-Wood
Compatible Lumber Size	6×6
Material	12-gauge steel
Length (in)	10-1/2
Height (in)	10-1/2
Width (in)	5
Finish	ZMAX galvanization with black powder coat

Compatibility

Material Connection Designed for wood-to-wood connections. Lumber Size Sized for 6×6 applications. Matching Hardware Install with Outdoor Accents structural screws and STN22 hex-head washers for the intended fit and finished appearance. Fasteners sold separately.

Built For

Outdoor Structures Pergolas Pavilions Landscape Timber Framing General Contracting Remodeling DIY / Hobbyist Woodworking

Pro Tip

If you want the finished Outdoor Accents look, do not mix in generic lag screws or washers. Use the matching Outdoor Accents structural screws and STN22 washers so the connection looks consistent across the whole build.

Tool Nut’s Take

Tool Nut’s Take

Clean-Looking Hardware That Still Does Real Work

The Simpson Strong-Tie APVL6 Outdoor Accents Avant Collection ZMAX Black Powder-Coated L Strap for 6×6 is the kind of connector that makes sense when the framing stays exposed and you do not want ordinary hardware ruining the look.

• Who it’s for: Builders and serious DIYers putting up pergolas, pavilions, and other outdoor wood structures with visible 6×6 connections.
• Why it stands out: You get 12-gauge steel reinforcement, exterior-ready corrosion resistance, and a black decorative finish that actually looks like part of the project.
• Worth knowing: This is not a grab-and-go kit. The matching structural screws and hex-head washers are sold separately, and they are worth using if you want the finished look Simpson designed it around.

Common Questions

• What kind of connection is this strap made for? It is designed for fastening wood-to-wood connections where one lumber piece intersects another at a 90 degree angle.
• Is this strap made for outdoor use? Yes. It uses ZMAX galvanization with a black powder coat for extra corrosion resistance in exterior and treated-wood applications.
• What size lumber is it intended for? The APVL6 is the 6×6 version and has 10-1/2 inch by 10-1/2 inch legs with a 5 inch width.
• Do I install it with nails? No. The product information specifies installation with Outdoor Accents structural screws and STN22 hex-head washers, which are sold separately.