Nothing can really be compared to the feeling when you step onto your house deck on a sunny day. The kids are playing around, your friends are having a good time and you are preparing to grill.
We want to help you create your dream deck, so we decided to look for the best deck design software we can currently find. We have made a list of some and divided them into free and paid options so you can choose the best one.
If you are looking for ideas of which of the best deck design software providers out there, this should be a must for you. See for yourself, because we believe that they can really help you to create your concepts in a clear way.
Here are our 10 best deck design software options to choose from and create your own deck ideas.
Garden Deck Design Software – What You Need to Know
Until we jump to the list here, here’s some more information on what features to expect when you get deck design software. You can choose from a variety and here are some factors to consider:
- What do you need, would you like a basic or a complete design package that will also help you with future projects?
- How much time do you have to learn? One of the main functions you should check is how quickly the program can be used or how long it can take to find out.
- Complete design packages are sure to take longer and usually cost more about $ 2,000 to $ 4,000, but basic ones are between $ 20 and $ 300.
- What tools do you get? Each software has its own standard tools, some of which are better for certain projects and some not really. Take a look at this aspect.
- How specialized is the software you are using? There are deck design software options that only focus on this type of project, but sometimes some of the best that you can find focus on architectural design or even landscaping.
Best free deck design software
Let’s take a look at the free tools we can choose from and start building the ideas we have in mind.
Azek Deck Designer
With this free deck design software, you can find inspiration and create a 3D layout. It has more than 140 products that can be selected with AZEK and TimberTech. Users can always test the software and it can be downloaded from the App Store for iPads.
If you want to use this deck design software, you must have some other programs installed beforehand. Adobe Acrobat 3.0 and Java 1.4 are the ones you need. You can start from scratch or with a pre-built deck that you can use.
Then you can design the dream deck that you imagined. So why not get started right away?
Trex deck design
One of the best deck design software you can get your hands on for free is the Trex design software, which lets you use either a desktop or a mobile device. You choose the deck dimensions, colors and a list of materials that are generated for you.
Your software explains the different parts of the deck, so you don’t have to worry about a problem. Your experts are available and can help you with anything.
Probably the only downside to this deck building software is the fact that the only materials used in the project are TREX branded, which means that you are reducing the options.
Decks.com Deck Designer
Decks.com is a great way to find out what the layout of the deck should look like. You can drop different shapes to create an overall layout and get side views to adjust the height plan.
This deck design software gives you the entire material list you need for the project. To use this software, you need to register to create and save projects. This is a free program that can be found on decks.com
BigHammer
Disclaimer: BigHammer only works with Internet Explorer
We have included BigHammer in our list of the best deck design software as it offers a great way to see your deck along with everything around it. You can add landscaping to the scene and customize it with photos of your own home and yard.
BigHammer offers over 70 deck templates to play with and create your design. After you get the design you want, you will get a complete list of all the things you need to complete the planned project.
Best paid deck design software
If you’re ambitious enough and want to build your deck on a budget, you’ll appreciate a tool that can do more for you. If you have bigger plans, you’ll get the package that suits your needs.
Spectrum of ideas
This is deck building software considered premium because it focuses on landscaping, pools, gardens, and decks. Additional functions include access to prefabricated pools, 15 different national brands. You can import models so these things really make it one of the best programs and the graphics are amazing.
They offer 3 levels to choose from. The best thing about their pricing is that the most expensive, the architect, can only be used by professionals. This means that a non-professional gets more out of their functions for a lot less money than they go to.
Chief architect
The chief architect is one of the leading developers or publishers of 3D Architectural Home Design and has also developed software for landscape design. With Chief Architect, you can easily start designing your deck.
As one of the best deck design software, it also offers a cool 360 degree panorama in 3D so you know exactly what your deck will look like.
SketchUp
SketchUp is mainly used in educational and professional environments. This means that it is available in a free and a professional version. It is one of the largest deck design software you can find.
The free version can be used to design a lot of things, but if you want something more robust and like the Sketchup platform, you can upgrade to the Pro platform. With it you can create amazing drawings and make them precise and very detailed.
SmartDraw
CNET editors gave this program a 5-star rating. So we have to consider it one of the best deck design software we can use online. You can add different elements using drag and drop.
The graphics included range from plants and flowers to all types of tubs, furniture, and more. This means that you can use it to create complex things and chances are you can get your job done when you start using SmartDraw.
Beat! Landscaping
We are very happy with Punch! This gives us great options for designing a deck, and it is also ideal if we are designing a house as it can help us design the deck. This way you can also change the landscape and see different ideas that you may be using. Give it a try, it can have exactly what you need.
Final thoughts on the best deck design software
In summary, some of the best options for deck design software can be listed above. Remember to always do the planning first to find the design that suits your needs.
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