Simpson Strong-Tie APLH26 Light Hanger is a concealed-flange joist hanger for connecting nominal 2x6 or 2x8 wood joists to a beam in exposed outdoor framing. This is a concealed-flange joist hanger designed for wood-to-wood joist connections in decorative exterior structures. Model Number: APLH26. If you are building a pergola, pavilion, patio cover, or other outdoor project where the connector will be seen, this hanger gives you the structural function you need without the bulky look of a standard face-mount hanger.

The big selling point here is appearance without giving up purpose. The straight-edge concealed-flange design keeps the hardware tucked in tighter at the connection, so the finished framing looks cleaner from below and from the sides. That makes a difference on projects where the beam and joist lines are part of the finished look, not something getting covered later.

For the APLH26 size, Simpson lists this hanger for nominal 2x6 or 2x8 joists. The published dimensions are a 1-9/16 in. seat width, 5-1/8 in. height, and 1-7/8 in. base dimension. In plain terms, it is built around common dimensional lumber sizing used in outdoor wood framing, while staying narrow enough to keep the connection looking tidy.

Material matters on outdoor hardware, and this one is made from 14-gauge steel. That gauge gives the hanger the stiffness needed for its intended joist-connection role, while the finish package is what makes it fit exterior work. Simpson uses ZMAX galvanized steel with a black powder coat, so you get corrosion resistance suited for exterior and treated-wood applications plus a flat black appearance that matches the rest of the Outdoor Accents line.

This hanger is also part of a larger decorative framing system, which is useful if you want consistent-looking hardware across the whole build. It is designed to complement the Outdoor Accents Mission Collection and Avant Collection, so it does not look like a random structural part mixed into a decorative project. If you are already using Outdoor Accents straps, angles, washers, or other connector hardware, the finish and styling stay consistent.

On installation, the main thing to know is that Simpson calls for the Outdoor Accents SD10112DBB connector screw, and the product requires using all specified fasteners. Fasteners are sold separately. That is worth paying attention to before checkout, because this is not a grab-and-go kit with screws in the box. The benefit is that you get the correct fastener and the intended finished look, but you do need to order those screws with the hanger.

In practical use, this is a good fit for builders who care about both structure and appearance. General contractors, deck and patio builders, carpenters, and serious DIYers working on custom outdoor living spaces will get the most out of it. If the connection is going to stay visible and you want it to look deliberate instead of purely utilitarian, the Simpson Strong-Tie APLH26 Light Hanger is the right kind of hardware for that job.

Simpson Strong-Tie APLH26 Light Hanger for Better-Looking Joist Connections

This is the one to buy when you want a real structural hanger for outdoor framing but do not want the connection to look like an afterthought.

• Who it's for: Builders and serious DIYers putting up pergolas, patio covers, pavilions, and other exposed wood structures with nominal 2x6 or 2x8 joists.
• Why it stands out: The concealed-flange shape and black Outdoor Accents finish make it look cleaner than a standard joist hanger, especially when the framing stays visible.
• Worth knowing: It is just the hanger. You need the specified SD10112DBB connector screws, and those are sold separately.

• What size lumber is this hanger made for? The APLH26 is sized for nominal 2x6 or 2x8 joists.
• Is this hanger intended for outdoor use? Yes. It has a ZMAX galvanized base with a black powder coat for exterior and treated-wood applications.
• What fasteners does it use? Simpson specifies Outdoor Accents connector screws, model SD10112DBB, and states that all specified fasteners must be used.
• What kind of connection is it designed to make? It is designed for wood-to-wood joist-to-beam connections.