I have been using this free online software for about a month now and I have to say it really works. Whether your a deck builder, salesman or homeowner the D.I.Y Online Deck Desinger is a really great tool.

Choose the size, shape and color of your deck. Add levels, stairs and railings. Create, change and save as many deck plans as you’d like. When complete, you can print out:    

    
• A 3-D model of your dream deck
• A materials list
• Installation guidelines
• Helpful construction tips

 

This is a great way to make sure all your potential suppliers are pricing apples to apples materials list. I have posted a demonstration of a simple deck so you can see how easy it is. To view in full screen you can click the button below as shown here.

Example

Here is a PDF Sample of the packet the software will generate for you.

Here is a link to a rafter table to help you figure the proper length. I was in need of this chart last week and happen to stumble onto this one.

I had a builder tell me last week about a competitor who has an estimator who can figure beams. He figured that the guy must be an engineer. I explained that figuring beams was not all that difficult and that I and many others can figure the beams on the houses we supply. Here is a good link to study if you want to become more educated on figuring door and window headers.

Check out this link to a great online span chart.

I have always been in favor of the homeowner being able to envision their home before it’s built. This Design Planner from Andersen  windows  is a good step in the right direction. Place windows on the wall, view from interior or exterior and even add furniture to the room.

Here is a really cool construction tool. If you need to know how to figure and cut out stairs then this is the webpage to visit.

Check out these cool siding coverage calculators from Edmund Allen Lumber Company. See if they can help on your next project.

Here is a great tool for figuring decks. It will give you a 3D view of the deck along with a detailed list of materials and construction drawings. Check it out at this website. Once you reach the home page click on New Deck Design Tool.

Google SketchUp 6 is a free, easy-to-learn 3D modeling tool that
enables you to explore the world in 3D. With just a few simple tools,
you can create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions,
woodworking projects – even space ships. And once you’ve built your
models, you can place them in Google Earth, post them to the 3D
Warehouse. Hey, could this be the end of drawings on napkins?

Weatherbest Decking by LP has come out with a great deck design program for planning your next deck project. The software will give you a material list and drawings needed for obtaining a building permit.

It only requires answers to a few questions and is very user friendly. Some information before you start is necessary.

• Live and static loads ( I recommend going with larger number)

• Post footer requirements (Many people sink the post in the ground)
• Footer depth ( West Michigan is 42" depth)
• Beam and Post sizes ( 2×10 beam and 6×6 post on anything over 5′ tall)

http://www.diyonline.com/servlet/GIB_Base/wbdeckbegin?projectName=1471698&firstName=&UserID=1011