Deck Design Software for Free?
Compared to most construction projects, designing a sun deck is relatively simple. Most are a rectangle or a combination of rectangles or other basic geometric shapes, so most are probably designed with pencil and paper. I once met a lady at the building permit office with a design on a piece of grocery bag – it seems she had a sudden inspiration while shopping, .
So why bother with a software program to design a deck? Well like most good software, it will save you time, particularly if revisions are made. With most software packages, changes are as simple as click and drag or making a few entries. In addition, most packages allow you to see the project in 3-D which really helps some people to visualize the deck on the back of their house. A deck design in “plan view” is just a set of geometric shapes to some people. Present those plans in 3-D and all of a sudden the light goes on.
Several years ago I owned an Archadeck office – a national deck and porch design/ build franchise system. When I first joined the system all of our sales presentation drawings were done by hand following a well defined format and standard drafting tools. After a few years Archadeck introduced a design software package which I quickly adopted. After I started presenting my proposals using the new software my sales increased by 20% or more. My clients could better see what I had designed for them so it was easier for them to make the decision to buy. The software saved me a lot of time as well.
Obviously anyone designing a deck should run out and buy a deck design software package, right? Not so fast. Professional design software used by Archadeck or most other deck and remodeling companies can cost as much as $5000. Even packages designed for homeowners can cost up to $100 or more. That is a bit steep to design one simple deck, never need it again.
The good news is that there is free software available that does a pretty good job for simple decks. DIYOnline.com has developed an online application that it offers to sponsors. The Trex Company and Hot Springs Spas are two companies that have adapted the program to their products. The program can be found on either of the company’s websites or on DIYOnline.
The application will allow you to design decks with up to 3 levels, select decking direction, railing style, a variety of amenities, and place adjoining walls. It even allows you to enter the local live and dead load requirements and footing depth. The finished plan includes plan views, 3-D views, a material takeoff, a cut list, tool list, and a lot more information.
Perfect? No. You cannot add overhead structures like a pergola or open roof. The amenities are limited and not scalable. But you’ll find some of these same limitations in packages that you have to pay for. But, there is one problem that you do need to deal with.
For some reason every inexpensive (or in this case free) deck software application wants you to dig more holes than are needed. Every deck carpenter that I know will tell you the worst part of building a deck is digging the holes for the footings. The DIYOnline program, like many others, does not like to cantilever the joists and therefore places a beam under the end of every one as well as the main beam. For the simple deck that I designed when checking out the program, the framing plan called for 6 more footings than is required. Not only is that a lot of extra hard work, it is a lot of extra cost.
This is a very nice tool that these companies provide for the DIY homeowner. You will be able to quickly try different designs and share them with others for their opinions. The accompanying documentation will save you a lot of time as well. I do recommend that if you decide to use this program take the framing plan to your local building department and see if they will help you simplify it to eliminate unnecessary footings and framing. Your back and wallet will appreciate their help.
For additional information on decks and porches visit www.BackyardAmerica.com
So why bother with a software program to design a deck? Well like most good software, it will save you time, particularly if revisions are made. With most software packages, changes are as simple as click and drag or making a few entries. In addition, most packages allow you to see the project in 3-D which really helps some people to visualize the deck on the back of their house. A deck design in “plan view” is just a set of geometric shapes to some people. Present those plans in 3-D and all of a sudden the light goes on.
Several years ago I owned an Archadeck office – a national deck and porch design/ build franchise system. When I first joined the system all of our sales presentation drawings were done by hand following a well defined format and standard drafting tools. After a few years Archadeck introduced a design software package which I quickly adopted. After I started presenting my proposals using the new software my sales increased by 20% or more. My clients could better see what I had designed for them so it was easier for them to make the decision to buy. The software saved me a lot of time as well.
Obviously anyone designing a deck should run out and buy a deck design software package, right? Not so fast. Professional design software used by Archadeck or most other deck and remodeling companies can cost as much as $5000. Even packages designed for homeowners can cost up to $100 or more. That is a bit steep to design one simple deck, never need it again.
The good news is that there is free software available that does a pretty good job for simple decks. DIYOnline.com has developed an online application that it offers to sponsors. The Trex Company and Hot Springs Spas are two companies that have adapted the program to their products. The program can be found on either of the company’s websites or on DIYOnline.
The application will allow you to design decks with up to 3 levels, select decking direction, railing style, a variety of amenities, and place adjoining walls. It even allows you to enter the local live and dead load requirements and footing depth. The finished plan includes plan views, 3-D views, a material takeoff, a cut list, tool list, and a lot more information.
Perfect? No. You cannot add overhead structures like a pergola or open roof. The amenities are limited and not scalable. But you’ll find some of these same limitations in packages that you have to pay for. But, there is one problem that you do need to deal with.
For some reason every inexpensive (or in this case free) deck software application wants you to dig more holes than are needed. Every deck carpenter that I know will tell you the worst part of building a deck is digging the holes for the footings. The DIYOnline program, like many others, does not like to cantilever the joists and therefore places a beam under the end of every one as well as the main beam. For the simple deck that I designed when checking out the program, the framing plan called for 6 more footings than is required. Not only is that a lot of extra hard work, it is a lot of extra cost.
This is a very nice tool that these companies provide for the DIY homeowner. You will be able to quickly try different designs and share them with others for their opinions. The accompanying documentation will save you a lot of time as well. I do recommend that if you decide to use this program take the framing plan to your local building department and see if they will help you simplify it to eliminate unnecessary footings and framing. Your back and wallet will appreciate their help.
For additional information on decks and porches visit www.BackyardAmerica.com
posted by Ernie Sears at 7:36 PM
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