Best deck building software? (CAD based)

[Luke'sScreenName]

Built a few decks in the past but this one will be much bigger and more complicated. 3 levels with the highest being about 10ft off the ground and one level built to support a future hot tub. I'd also like to be able to estimate a build list to estimate cost.

Anyone have experience with a consumer grade software package for this purpose? (eg Home Designer etc)

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm old school. I still like to use graph paper and a calculator

 

[davesl708]

Look at SketchUp. It is free and easy to use. Does 3D and rendering.

 

[blackdog2086]

Plus 1 for SketchUp. I've designed several outbuildings, a kitchen and bath remodel, and a ton of smaller projects and it does everything I would ever need and then some. There's also the huge plus of it being free so if you don't like it, no loss. For tutorials, check out the harwood podcast channel on youtube. They break it down into simple steps to make using it quick and easy.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Never saw software that could build a deck, but maybe you can print one with a 3D printer.

For design, paper and pencil is the cheapest and fastest. For cad i prefer microstation, than autocad. They all have a learning curve. Sketchup a little harder, but the price is right. Chief architect isn't bad either.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Thanks for the input y'all but I was hoping to find someone who had used one of the commercial software packages to design a deck. Sketchup is great but I'am looking for more "functionality."

 

[Mendonsy]

If you want a full grown CAD package then download Draftsight. It is free and works basically the same as Autocad.
DraftSight - Dassault Systèmes

 

[MMagis]

If you want a full grown CAD package then download Draftsight. It is free and works basically the same as Autocad.
DraftSight - Dassault Systèmes

I was going to suggest this as well. Had to switch to Draftsight from AutoCAD over a year ago. It’s almost a clone to AutoCAD but free rather than costing thousands. It’s not quite as “fluid” for those used to AutoCAD, but for a new user it’s great. I haven’t tried its 3D capabilities however. I have much better 3D software and do all my design in it. But at over $20k/year, it’s not for the DIY guy.

 

[davesl708]

Thanks for the input y'all but I was hoping to find someone who had used one of the commercial software packages to design a deck. Sketchup is great but I'am looking for more "functionality."

I have worked with AutoCAD but why would you need something that can design a city or space station for decks.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Thanks guys but I'm not smart enough for those professional CAD programs. Definitely just looking a consumer grade such as 'Home Designer', 'Chief Architect', 'Punch', 'TuboCAD' for dummies... Etc.