Deck Design Software Brings Your Ideas to Life

The first step in designing a deck is to get all your ideas down on paper. Do a rough sketch to help visualize what you want. In fact, do lots of rough sketches and walk-throughs to get a feel for the space. Then, once your design ideas are on paper, consider using deck design software to try out all the different variations. If you want a patio instead of a deck, check out this review of Patio Design software.

When you've settled on the basic layout, deck design programs can help finalize the details like deck railing designs and decking materials.

When you can see an example of the finished product before you even lift a hammer, you'll be confident that you're building a custom deck that is designed precisely the way you want it.

More deck design software

Here's an example of a multi-level deck created with Deck Designer, an easy-to-use Windows deck building program that sells online for under $40.

Deck design software has the following advantages:

Provides you with sample deck styles you can use as-is or modify to suit your backyard
Lets you add deck features easily, such as deck railing designs, multi-levels, and angles with the click of a mouse
Lets you display your deck designs from a variety of viewpoints
Helps you calculate the material quantities and generate a tools checklist
Creates printed plans to use during construction or to give to a builder

Review: Do-It-Yourself Deck Designer (on sale for $34.95)

Do-It-Yourself Deck Designer is a reasonably priced deck design software program available online. You can download it right away, or order the CD and have it shipped to you. Click here for a review of Deck Designer version 6.5.

The new version has the following new features:

Import your home photos
CAD design and photo imaging are combined into the software, you can actually see your new custom deck on your very own home!
Display your deck and railings in lifelike 3D with material texturing
Place the finished deck design on your home to preview your finished project
Cut corner notches to your required dimensions
A Free eBook on building your own deck

Click to see screenshots and more details!