5 Best Free DIY Deck Design Software Programs

As summer is quickly approaching, now is the time to get your backyard summertime ready. Whether you’re wanting a pool installed or to start your very own vegetable garden, now is the time to do it. A very popular backyard addition to a home is a deck. The awesome thing about decks is that they not only increase the value of your home but they also add to your overall quality of life.

Just imagine having a gathering at your home and inviting close friends and family over. Those types of gatherings typically revolve around the kitchen and living room area… Well, with a deck, you’re able to extend the fun of your indoor living space to your outdoor living space.

The only thing about decks is that they are a fairly large home addition… Having one installed without some type of design plan could cause layout issues, ultimately, not producing the results your desired.

That very reason is why if you’re planning on installing a deck in your backyard yourself, you should look into some of the best free DIY deck design software programs to help make your vision a reality… People use some of the best home design software programs when building their home so it makes sense to look at some of the best design programs when building your deck.

5 of the Best DIY Deck Design Programs That Don’t Cost You a Dime

5 Best Free DIY Deck Design Software Programs

1. Trex

Trex is a free deck design tool that’s available for both desktops and mobile devices. This will allow you to bring your creativity with you wherever you go. The software gives you access to various tools, allowing you to look at different deck dimensions, railings, and even different finishes.

Upon designing the deck of your dreams, the program will then draw up a list of the items you’ll need to build your deck. There’s even an area within the program that has a section for ordering sample boards! Because the software is so easy to use, you’ll be fully prepared and well-informed on how to tackle your deck project.

2. Dek-Vision

Dek-Vision is a tool that’s primarily centered around vinyl decking plans versus wood decking plans. You have the option of uploading a picture of your current deck, or you can use one of the custom default decks to bring your deck to life. From there, you can explore how your deck will look with various vinyl decking designs, patterns, and colors.

The great thing about Dek-Vision is that’s it’s very easy to use and it doesn’t force you to sign-up to use the program.

3. Aztek Deck Designer

Aztek Deck Designer is a wonderful tool for potential DIY deck builders. It features 3D layouts, over 140 products, and offers a number of accessories, including lighting and railing options… you can even add furniture to really make your vision more of a reality. In fact, this particular program allows you to see and experience your deck in an augmented reality view.

One important thing to know about the Aztek Deck Designer program is that it’s only available on IPads, so make sure you have the right device to utilize the program.

4. Fiberon Deck Designer

Fiberon Deck Designer is a free tool that produces 3D deck designs with easy drag and clip options to design the custom deck of your dreams. It offers users a plethora of deck plans as well as a list of products, retailers, and contractors in your local area. The way it really helps users is by offering a deck planning guide with budgeting tips, materials you’ll need based on the deck you designed, and your design options.

5. MiTek Deck Designer

MiTek Deck Designer is a fully customizable software program that gives users so many options to choose from. Everything from choosing the size and color of your deck to plank directions and adding multiple levels, this program is one that allows you to visualize the full construction of your deck.

To use this tool, you will have to create a free account, which can be a little time-consuming but the multitude of options you have available makes the process well worth the wait.

When to Call the Pros

Although these DIY software programs are very helpful in bringing your deck design ideas to life, it doesn’t give you a true feel of what it will be like to actually go through the labors of actually building your deck. It’s fun to look at your ideas on a screen but actually building your deck is more labor-intensive than the programs can display… that reason alone is why it’s important to consult with a custom deck builder.

Of course, you want to build your deck on your own but this particular project can be very dangerous and pose many safety concerns if you don’t know what you’re doing. According to the Ashi Reporter, building your deck and having it inspected is the difference between life and death.

A deck can collapse from rotted beams to loose or missing screws, nails, or anchors…With a custom deck builder, your deck will be built by experts using only quality materials. Don’t take on a project of this magnitude if you don’t have to… it’s just too risky. Entrust your deck dreams to the pros.

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