Software

[RobertCDF]

Any of you guys using software to help sell your decks? I use google sketchup (its free) to draw 3d decks for the customer. I then bring my laptop and show them from any angle and with furniture and accessories on the deck. I think it helps a lot. Whatever you do dont EVER print them off and give the drawings to them before the contract is signed.

If you guys are using software post some of your drawings so we can talk about ideas and such

[Andy Engel]

Hi Robert. I'm the editor of the magazine, and no software expert. I'd also love to hear about what's being used.

Expect more traffic, and answers, soon. Not many readers know that the forums are active yet.

Andy

[Kim Katwijk]

Robert

I am using DeckTools software is the best that I have found out there. I have other CAD drawing programs Soft Plan, Chief Architect, Pool Studio. By far DeckTools aids in designing and selling my decks. I am very happy to endorse DeckTools I don't think that you can go wrong. Using DeckTools they are offering a great offer for NADRA members check it out at www.nadra.org

[Bayn Wood]

We have just recently purchased Deck Tools and are very impressed.
The 3D renderings are great and we really like the reports templates

On a side note I would like to thank every one for the deck builder magazine
we look forward to each new edition'
I would also like to thank Mr. Katwijk for his articles and recommendation on the Purple Cow book by Seth Godin It was a great read

[RobertCDF]

Here is a couple of renders of some projects I hope to get here soon.

Al 1 (http://www.cdfcontracting.com/hosting/al%20render%201.jpg)

bob 1 (http://www.cdfcontracting.com/hosting/bob%20render%201.jpg)

Post some of your designs if you guys want. Its always cool to see who is building what around the country.

[Kim Katwijk]

Here are a couple Photo and Drawing

[Andy Engel]

On a side note I would like to thank every one for the deck builder magazine
we look forward to each new edition'


Thanks for the good words. We're trying hard.

[Kim Katwijk]

6 post and 91 viewings

The whole purpose of the forum is to have you join in and add your comments, questions, And knowledge. by doing so all will benefit. Don't think that you have to be a perfect speller I am a terrible speller and in the DeckTools forum. Someone as an example to me wrote a whole paragraph with every word misspelled. The surprising thing is that I can still read it and so did everybody else. So damn the spelling jump in and participate! Besides just reading

I would love see a lot of everone's designs, drawing and Photo's

[Bob Fogarty]

I am going to need some tutoring before I will be able to post a drawing and a photo.

Kim, I recently finished a deck right up your alley. It is a curved with a lower wrapping curved step and it was built using 1x4 Ipe. It certainly is sweet but it took a bit more time than I had allowed for, but it was worth the effort.

Bob Fogarty
Artistic Decks & Arbors

[Kim Katwijk]

Bob is this your first Ego deck. An Eog deck is where it strock you ego but not your walit.

[deckman]

So how much does deck tools software cost?

Kim,

That's a nice looking deck you built, I'm courious why you water it down to take the pic tho?

[RobertCDF]

Deck tools will set you back $1,495... Or $1,095 If you join NADRA. The savings more than cover the cost, so its worth it. Sketchup on the other hand is free, it wont build a material list for you or give you pricing but if you are using unit based pricing it should not take long to toss an estimate together.

[rp4410]

How accurate are the material lists from DeckTools? I have been looking for something to use with the customer, but at the same time would like something that get relatively close on material lists to shorten the estimation timeframe down.

[Steve]

Hi,

I use SU pro, and it's a great tool for selling jobs...and for figuring out construction techniques. It also helps find mistakes. One mistake that I made was buying it a year before Google did...and paying the $500. Still, one of my favorite tools.

steve

[rcgrimsh]

I just found this forum this morning. My thanks to the folks at Pro Deck Builder Magazine for the new features on the web site.

Regarding software, I like SU, but having a tough time learning to use it. And I'm not at all sure how to find good deck component libraries.

We also use SoftPlan for our new home and remodeling projects. The deck features have been adequate, but as we get in to more challenging deck-only projects we're considering different deck design software.

What's the learning curve for DeckTools like? From my quick tour of the web site my impression is that it would be relatively easy to learn. Any comments?

-Rich

[Andy Engel]

I just found this forum this morning. My thanks to the folks at Pro Deck Builder Magazine for the new features on the web site.

Regarding software, I like SU, but having a tough time learning to use it. And I'm not at all sure how to find good deck component libraries.

We also use SoftPlan for our new home and remodeling projects. The deck features have been adequate, but as we get in to more challenging deck-only projects we're considering different deck design software.

What's the learning curve for DeckTools like? From my quick tour of the web site my impression is that it would be relatively easy to learn. Any comments?

-Rich

Welcome, Rich. We look forward to your participation. And we're always looking for contributors to the magazine, so don't be shy in that regard. We need everything from questions for Q&A, to letters to the editor telling us of better techniques, to people who are willing to write articles. The editor always answers emails...

[Cliff Whitmer]

I have an old version of AutoCAD that I used for my deck designs. I have to do the material and pricing by other means. I included a couple of examples for comparison.

Cliff Whitmer
President
Whitmer Decks, LLC

[OK1]

Would you say that deck tools helps you close a good percentage of your quotes.

[OK1]

So would you say Deck tools helps you close a good percentage of your quotes.

[anchor24]

I have used decktools along with other software programs. Each one has it's limits but I lie softplan for several reasons. One is it doesn't limit me to just decks. We do several projects such as home additions and this is where I get the bang for my buck. You have to decide what your business will and can do, if it needs these expensive software programs then find the one best suited to you and not product specific. Bottom line is this, where are you going to get the best value for your investment.

[anchor24]

I have used decktools along with other software programs. Each one has it's limits but I lie softplan for several reasons. One is it doesn't limit me to just decks. We do several projects such as home additions and this is where I get the bang for my buck. You have to decide what your business will and can do, if it needs these expensive software programs then find the one best suited to you and not product specific. Bottom line is this, where are you going to get the best value for your investment.

[anchor24]

I have used decktools along with other software programs. Each one has it's limits but I like softplan for several reasons. One is it doesn't limit me to just decks. We do several projects such as home additions and this is where I get the bang for my buck. You have to decide what your business will and can do, if it needs these expensive software programs then find the one best suited to you and not product specific. Bottom line is this, where are you going to get the best value for your investment.

[Stone Mountain]

I have decktools. To do a faily basic deck, the learning curve is easy. To do anything else, you have a LOT to learn.

[redwood]

I use DataCad and dabble in Sketchup.

I had to manipulate these attachments to fit the upload parameters, so I don't know for sure how they will turn out. The drawing file is available as a PDF, but the file size was about twice the size allowed, so I converted it to a JPG file.

[Bruce]

Google Sketchup is indeed a great tool for building deck models but there is another product that will allow you to go a step further. Luxwood's Deck Design (beta...April 2/2008 release) can use Sketchup models in the design process and Deck Design also carries the math...meaning your 2D drawings, detail drawings (to code) and a BOM with real mfg. SKU's. If that isn't enough the renderings of the design process are as near photo-realistic as you will find in any model rendering application. The decks can be rendered into position using actual photo's of the property making the final prints frameable!! The application includes sample libraries of the most popular composite and natural rail and planking systems so the customer gets quite a dramatic look at the finnished product before he/she has to purchase.

Here is a link to some rendering created by Luxwoods product. There is no post processing here. This is straight output from Deck Design....cheers!!
http://www.luxwood2.com/album4.html

[cdac]

another vote for autocad, I like to do the 3d design in autocad, then import dwg file and render in sketchup. I just can't bring myself to go from a superior design tool like autocad to decktools, If you have all your blocks setup and are organized with your block insertions and layering, you can use list or right click properties to have all the automated take off functionallity of deck tools. most of my correspondence with hoa's and engineers is sped along exchanging dwg files

[Appletree]

I have been using Luxwood 20-20 lumber package for years now. The product does enough that I only spend a little time preping plans for permits and material lists. I can not imagine bidding or even submiting plans without it.

[JRED1]

Hi,

I recently contacted my local building department for some technical information regarding construction of my quad garage storage loft, and was advised that I would require a permit, and I was asked to submit a plan proposal to submit with my application for a building permit.

Subsequently, I spent last weekend downloading several freeware programs, including Google Sketch-up.

I was wondering if perhaps you could assist me with the design plan proposal for my loft.

Awaiting your response.

John Redmond

[thedeckbarn]

ive had deck tools since it was 1st introduced to me at a trex pro meeting 4-5 years ago i use it to show off the 3d version for people who have no vision have never used it for the material list does anybody ever do that. and also how does the google thing work? and where do i find it as i want to do some side elevations

steve scholl
killerdecks
thedeckbarn.com

[ctdecks]

decktools is nice for a rendering, but you will need an acurate full cad program (like autocad) if you plan on drawing complex deck designs and working off the plans. Time spent on acurate deck plans is well spent on time savings in the field and also oppens up a world of prefabbing components. i have used autocad forever but undertand how intimdating it can be at first, there are other 2d/3d cad programs as well.

[HappyGreg]

I tried autocad and found that there is a ton of stuff we just don't really need. Vicad or visualcad is a much more scaled down version and much easier to learn. I think it is around 400 bucks give or take

[Blocklayer]

You might find this software a bit 'light weight', but it may be handy for quick calcs and basic drawings for decks and stairs (and roofs).
It's a collection of calculators that produce plan images, free to use online.
http://www.blocklayer.com/DeckCalculatorEng.aspx
http://www.blocklayer.com/Stairs/StairsEng.aspx

There is also a mobile version of the calculators that can come in handy on-site.
http://blocklayer.mobi

All this stuff is written here in Australia, so if the imperial versions need editing, fixing or additions for use over there, please let me know.

[thedeckbarn]

The best software, bar no one is deck tools. Visit www.decktools.com easy to use, free form design, not stuck with predetermined shapes you can modify. A real program with awesome 3d capability.
steve scholl
www.thedeckbarn.com

[deckdiva]

The best software, bar no one is deck tools. Visit www.decktools.com easy to use, free form design, not stuck with predetermined shapes you can modify. A real program with awesome 3d capability.
steve scholl
www.thedeckbarn.com

I love the 3d capability of this software. It's really great, and easy to use. I highly recommend it because it's so user friendly and the ability to modify shapes.
Thanks,
Lisa
_______________________
www.amishfurniturefactory.com