For those homeowners who don’t want to see any hardware, a new connector from Simpson Strong-Tie provides a strong but mostly invisible link between a beam and a post, the company says. Designed to be used with 4-by, 6-by, and larger beams and posts, Simpson’s CBTZ consists of a galvanized steel tube—which is inserted into both the beam and the post—and steel dowel pins, which anchor the tube. The connector is available in two versions: the CBT2Z with four dowels for a minimum 4x4 post, and the CBT4Z with six dowels for a 6x6 post and a 6x8 beam. Load ratings are available at Simpson’s website. Prices range from $30 to $40, depending on size. Simpson Strong-Tie, strongtie.com
