Simpson Strong-Tie HDU Holdown Now Replaced by New HDUE

At Kerrisdale Lumber, we know that even the smallest hardware changes can have a big impact on your jobsite — especially when those products are used on nearly every single home you build. That’s why we want to share an important update from Simpson Strong-Tie: the long-trusted HDU Holdown (the model builders have been using for years) is being officially replaced by the new HDUE Holdown.

This may seem like a small change, but for Vancouver’s builders, it’s a big upgrade. Holdowns are used heavily and consistently in wood-frame construction — especially on single-family homes — so the shift to a new model matters.

We now have HDUE holdowns available through Kerrisdale Lumber so you can keep your framing schedules moving without interruption.

What’s Being Replaced?

The classic Simpson HDU Holdown is being phased out and replaced with something even better.

HDU has long been one of the most widely used holdowns for:

• Post-to-foundation connections

• Shearwall anchoring

• Uplift restraint

• Seismic and lateral load resistance

If you’ve built a home in Vancouver, chances are you’ve used dozens of these.

Introducing the New Simpson HDUE Holdown (Replacement Model)

The HDUE Holdown is the new upgraded product taking its place — and it’s designed for higher performance, easier installation, and improved load efficiency.

Key Improvements with the HDUE:

• Higher allowable loads: Larger HDUE sizes use angled + perpendicular fastening, increasing capacity while reducing the number of screws required.

• Fewer fasteners: This is a major benefit for framers — fewer screws, faster installs, less fatigue.

• Compatible with modern engineered lumber: HDUE’s optimized fastener pattern reduces splitting and preserves net section in both dimensional lumber and engineered wood (LVL, PSL, etc.).

• Faster install with SDS screws: Like the HDU, the HDUE uses Strong-Drive® SDS screws, but its pattern is optimized to speed things up and improve performance.

• Pre-deflected seat

Built-in preloading reduces deflection under load and provides long-term stability. For Vancouver’s seismic region and today’s engineering requirements, HDUE is a stronger, more efficient connector built for modern wood construction.

Why This “Small Change” Matters for Vancouver Builders

Because holdowns are used heavily — often dozens per house — even a small update affects:

• Takeoffs

• Engineering specs

• Jobsite installation

• Fastener requirements

• Inspection processes

• Material planning and inventory

Many of our clients go through thousands of HDU holdowns each year. With HDUE now replacing HDU, it’s important to understand the changes, the improvements, and how the new product fits into your workflow.

And we’re here to help.

Need Help Understanding the HDUE Swap-In? We’ve Got You.

Whether you’re a builder, contractor, or engineer, our team can walk you through:

• Which HDUE replaces which HDU size

• Load changes

• Fastener requirements

• Availability and pricing

• How to include HDUE in future framing packages

We're here to support your builds — from the foundation up.

Get the New HDUE Holdowns Today at Kerrisdalel Lumber

The new HDUE is now fully stocked at Kerrisdalel Lumber & Building Supply. If your framing crews are used to HDU, HDUE is the improved, updated replacement — and we’re ready to get it to your site quickly.

• Local inventory

• Fast jobsite delivery

• Full range of building materials and hardware

Visit kerrisdalelumbercd.ca or contact our team to order your HDUEs today. Download the Simpson flier for full product details.