You can use wood joist hangers and brackets to make deck and awning construction easier. Joist hangers hold the joist and add rigidity and strength to the structure. Search for joist hangers at the DIY Network at http://www.diynetwork.com. You can use brackets for posts and roof trusses as well. Also check out http://www.doityourself.com/stry/10deckjoist1 to see how to use joist hangers
. correctly. Be sure to use the proper screws to fasten the structure.