Design Your Tie Rod System

Architectural steel tie rods for awnings and canopies, wall-to-wall and column-to-column spans, and vaulted ceilings. Enter your measurements and we'll build every rod, plate and bracket to fit, made to order in Texas.

Tie rod system questions

What kinds of tie rod systems can I design?

Three kinds. Awning and canopy systems hold up an awning or canopy from the wall above it. Wall to wall or column to column systems tie two walls, columns or posts together. Vaulted ceiling systems tie the two sides of a pitched roof or ceiling together, with horizontal, vertical and diagonal rods meeting at a steel center plate.

What rod sizes are available?

Steel tie rods in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" diameters, each up to 20 feet long. A run with a turnbuckle joins two rods, so it can span farther. The wizard works out every rod length from your measurements.

How do the rods attach?

Either with a clevis and pin to a steel bracket, or through the timber, held by an ogee washer and heavy hex nut. We make round, square and rectangular face-mount brackets, pitched brackets for rafters and beams, and diagonal brackets for vaulted ceilings. You can also use your own brackets and tell us where their pins are.

Do I need a turnbuckle?

A turnbuckle gives 6" of takeup, so the rod can be adjusted and tightened after it is installed. Each clevis also adds about 1 1/2" of adjustment. Without a turnbuckle, each rod is a single fixed length, adjusted only at its clevises.

What finishes are available?

Matte black powder coating can be added to the whole system in the cart.

How long does a system take?

Every system is made to order in Texas from your measurements. The current lead time is 16–18 business days, not including shipping.

Are tie rod systems engineered or load-rated?

No. Tie rod systems are architectural hardware and are not engineered or load-rated for a particular structure. Review the technical specifications, and have a qualified engineer confirm the system suits your building before relying on it to carry load. Measurements are yours to take on site.