Deck Design Software

[Andy Engel]

We're gearing up to do an article on software. What is it you guys are using to design decks? I'm a pencil and T-square guy, so I need your help to be sure we don't miss any important programs.

[ArtDeck-O]

I am also a drafting board slave, but I love drawing. Someday, hopefully this year I will be able to get a copy of DeckTools. I hear that's the cat's meow of deck software.

I have tried a few cheaper programs. I have a copy of Instant Deck Design and Better Homes and Gardens Landscape 7 Suite currently, but since I design a lot of curved decks, both are pretty much gathering dust on the hard drive. Between those two the BH&G software is more comprehensive, but the Instant Deck Design is easier to use.

Neither one are good for live appointment designs. I am headed towards being able to design and print a copy of the ideas that homeowners give me for their decks....hence the DeckTools goal.

[Andy Engel]

Thanks for the reply, Kelly.

It really does seem to be about expectations, and what people expect today is to be able to instantly see their idea.

[Bobby Parks]

Using a cad program has saved me tons of time Kelly and it allows me to not only offer more design options but I can price them out pretty quickly.

I don't completely utilize mine as I should. It helps with 3 D drawings for customers, and you can remove the decking and show structure and use them for working drawings.

I still do elevation drawings by hand for porches etc but once you use the cad, you'll be spoiled.

Bobby Parks
Peachtree Decks and Porches

[Yom's Designs]

I use Landscape Designs because of the 3D so that my customer can get an idea of the deck I am about to build for them. But all of my blue prints are done by hand. I am still looking for a "one punch" program that will do everything for me. There are some out there but quite expensive ( in the thousands). If you find the one you like, please let me know.

[Justus Lambros]

There is no going back after using Deck Tools. Very simple to learn and become efficient at. Deck Tools is especially helpful as a sales tool. The real time 3-D graphics allow you to give your clients a virtual tour of their deck. You can change decking options, rail choices, etc with the click of a button. Can't do that with graph paper! After my first meeting with a client I like to send them a teaser view of an especially appealing aspect of their design via email, prior to our next meeting . This usually gets them excited about their project; especially for those who cant visualize.

Justus Lambros
www.sigdecks.com

[redwood]

As I've mentioned before, on a previous thread, I use DataCad. It is a very good Cad program, without all the bells and whistles.

I've seen or tried a lot of the other programs, including DeckTools. They seem to have limitations that DataCad may not possess. It was created by architects for architects. Well I'm not a architect, just a builder, and I've found that it suits me just fine. I've been using it for over 10 years now.

[thedeckbarn]

Deck tools is for deck builders. All others won't even compare. Anybody who says they use this and that are not up to date with the latest relase of Deck tools which is now supported by Simpson Strong Tie.

Complete estimates, tailored to your company, driving directions to the site with with a click of the mouse, 3d renderings. Program can be tailored to your own unique designs, free form drawing, you are not made to draw from set shapes. You can customize the beam locations, etc
I now am able to charge people for their drawings and 3d renderings, something that wasn't possible with the old ruler and pencil drawings.
You are able to send 360 degree renderings to a client, with almosrt real qualitys of the drawings.
It will streamline the business of any body who does more than 1 deck a week. I edo 10-12 a week and it sure helpms me.
steve scholl
www.killerdeck.com
www.thedeckbarn.com

[ArtDeck-O]

How many crews are you running to build 10-12 decks a week? Yeah...no way you could draw that many decks by hand in a week that's for sure.

[cdac]

design with autocad, render in sketchup

[Patiosclotures]

Nice post. You can create a custom deck design that will fit perfectly with the overall design of your home. Some programs allow you to work on more than one deck level at a time without needed to create separate scenes.

[Winchester]

Deck tools is for deck builders. All others won't even compare. Anybody who says they use this and that are not up to date with the latest relase of Deck tools which is now supported by Simpson Strong Tie.

Complete estimates, tailored to your company, driving directions to the site with with a click of the mouse, 3d renderings. Program can be tailored to your own unique designs, free form drawing, you are not made to draw from set shapes. You can customize the beam locations, etc
I now am able to charge people for their drawings and 3d renderings, something that wasn't possible with the old ruler and pencil drawings.
You are able to send 360 degree renderings to a client, with almosrt real qualitys of the drawings.
It will streamline the business of any body who does more than 1 deck a week. I edo 10-12 a week and it sure helpms me.
steve scholl
www.killerdeck.com
www.thedeckbarn.com

Deck Tools takes way too long if you are doing anything custom.

I have tried many programs but always go back to sketch-up.

Before
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DSF8_uYVbdY/TaYsmnnRA6I/AAAAAAAAB5A/nlhJXsJzC5I/s640/IMG_20110412_191104.jpg

Design
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xuu-gkVFArI/Tg1aBS7XUCI/AAAAAAAACLU/M_vnbqXJmt0/s1152/Bain-a.jpg

Build
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IkEpFheBx2c/Tifw5GNvMOI/AAAAAAAACQg/3fGZG7Iq7ic/s800/pan-04-a.jpg

[Stone Mountain]

I see that this is an older thread, but since I'm just sort of getting into this forum, I thought I'd respond.
I have Deck tools, and have had it for 4 years. It's an easy, easy program to get up and running, and to do basic shapes right off the bat. More complex designs take a little longer, but are well worth it to show a client.
Where the program bogs down is in the detail.
For example, if you want to show a skirt, you have to labouriously build it, board by board. The hardest part is getting the first board in place.
If you want to put a rafter for a potential roof on, it can be very frustrating and time consuming to get it to the right angle and right place.
A bench has to be drawn as a deck. After drawing it, you then have to remove all the footings and beams, then put in some sort of support
Wrap- around steps similarly have to be built from individual decks to the shape of the stairs, and of course they don't maintain their width all the way around. You have to draw them and then manually manipulate their width.
The program does not easily do uneven lengths. If the deck is to be 10.5 ft deep, you have to draw either 11' on a side, and then manually shorten it, or 10' and then lengthen it. Of course, that then skews the other sides, which then have to be changed.
Nothing is intuitive, and once you've got the basic shape, it can take hours to get a finished product.
Still, it's gotten me sales, and it's paid for itself.

[Clemens]

Steve,
Sounds like you have your setting at 1' when you draw decks and then cut and add to your specific length.
If you go to settings you can change the grid point to any setting as small as 1/16"
Other then that you are right about the other stuff not to mention more stuff I'm not going to address.
Clemens
www.finedecks.com

[redwood]

I'm so glad I didn't jump on to the DeckTools wagon. I seriously considered it a couple of years ago, but the demo that I was shown and the cost brought me to my senses.

I eventually decided on Chief Architect, though it is far from perfect either, regarding decks, at least I can design a house with it.

[Melva91]

I use BH&G too and I love it. This software is really advanced and easy to use actually. Nevertheless, I often add my own features cuz nothing compares to custom design from scratch :)