DISCOVER THE POSSIBILITIES WITH OUR DECK DESIGN PROGRAM

Trex makes it simple to design a deck you’ll love. We’ve taken care of everything, from selecting your shape, to creating your shopping list—the Trex Deck Design program allows you to handpick every element of your new deck. Compare materials, explore colors, see which furniture or accessories you may want to include with our 3D software. When you’re finished, you can download a shopping list of your materials, or share a blueprint with your friends, contractor, or local planning office to obtain a permit.

• The RoomSketcher app is an easy-to-use floor plan and home design tool that you can use as a bathroom planner to plan and visualize your bathroom design. Create a floor plan, try different layouts, and see how different materials, fixtures, and storage solutions will look. Bathroom Planning Made Easy.
• The paint brush tool and the pencil tool are terrible. You “color” or “trace” in one area and the actual mark is on the other side of the page. After every paint brush or pencil move, you also have to go and click the little mouse button otherwise it will glitch out and you can’t even use the brush or pen for like 10 minutes.
• Free Vector Graphics Software Design with Vectr. Vectr is a free graphics software used to create vector graphics easily and intuitively. It's a simple yet powerful web and desktop cross-platform tool to bring your designs into reality.
• Aztek Deck Designer (Free) Through TimberTech, by AZEK Building Products you can find.

The Trex Deck Designer also gives you the full experience—use it outside to better envision your deck, take it with you to the store to purchase materials, and plan your deck whenever and wherever you have the time. Our free deck design tool helps you build a beautiful outdoor living space that’s uniquely yours.

InVision Studio. InVision Studio aims to cover all bases and be the only UI tool you’ll need.

GET INSPIRED WITH DECK DESIGN PLANS

Trex Does Right By Homeowners

“I think that it’s actually a lot better of an experience as a user, it’s not too cluttered.”

“I like it, I feel like it's pretty simple and to the point.”

“I like the degree of control it gives you, the idea that you get to see it and get a feel for it.”

HOW TO START PLANNING YOUR DECK

A gorgeous deck starts with a great plan. The Trex design tool can help you during the planning stages, too. Here are a few things to consider while you plan your dream deck:

• Size & use: How do you want to use your deck? Do you plan to do a lot of grilling and entertaining? Or do you just want a small, backyard sanctuary to soak up some sun? How you plan to use your deck will play a role in determining its size and scale.

• Budget: Do you have a set budget in mind? This may play a role in the size and scope of your deck, or extra features you want to incorporate. When planning your deck, consider not only the cost of materials, but the cost of labor.If you plan to go the DIY route, you may have some extra wiggle room in your budget, but it may take longer to build than if you’d hired a professional. Use the app to compare pricing on different components and view estimated costs for your deck—both with and without labor factored in.

• Maintenance & materials: How much time do you want to spend maintaining your deck—and how often? Composite decking gives you the look of natural wood without the drawbacks. Fade-resistant, rot-resistant, and termite-proof, composite decking requires comparatively less maintenance than wood decking. Once you know what materials you plan to use, the Trex Deck Designer can help you create a shopping list for your project. Learn more about Trex vs. wood.

• Obtaining proper permits: In most cases, yes, you will need a permit to build a deck. While adding a deck to a home can increase the value—and enjoyment—of your home, if you haven’t obtained the proper permits, it can be a problem if you ever choose to sell. Once you’re done designing your deck in the app, you can use the Trex Deck Designer to generate a blueprint to take to your local building office to be sure it meets safety codes and to apply for the proper permits. Learn more about the legal requirements for building a deck.

• Timing: The amount of time it takes to build a deck varies based on a number of factors, including: the size, shape and components of your deck, as well as how many people are building it and the skill level of those involved.For instance, if you want to enjoy your deck during spring and summer months, you’ll want to start obtaining permits during the winter months. Weather conditions may also impact the timing of your project. Wet ground due to rain or cold temperatures can make it difficult to install posts or lay a foundation. Rocky terrain and making sure the ground is level can also increase the time frame toward completion. If you live in an area that has cold winters, you may also need to account for time for the ground to thaw and drain before you can get started. The Trex Deck Designer can help you plan ahead so you have plenty of time to enjoy your deck.

Get more Trex tips for planning your deck.

GET HELP AT EVERY STEP WITH THE TREX DECK DESIGNER

NEED A LITTLE MORE HELP?

Have one of our project advisors contact you.

Here’s our 15 best free & paid deck design software programs to help you create your ultimate outdoor living space.
Looking to do a DIY Deck and don’t know where to start? Check out these programs to create a unique design for your dream deck! Many of these programs will help with permitting, materials & brand selection, pricing and even quantities of material needed. Not to mention the amazing visualization tools that are included to help you see your design layout and how it will look in your backyard.

Here our the best deck design software programs we could find in 2018 listed in no particular order. If you’re looking for interior design software click here.

1. Aztek Deck Designer (Free)

Through TimberTech, by AZEK Building Products you can find inspiration and create a 3D layout. This program has 140+ products that can be chosen from using AZEK and TimberTech’s lighting, railings, decking, accessories and anything else needed when creating an outdoor deck! They allow users to test out the software and it is available in the app store for IPads.

This program has features such as the snapshot feature, which allows you to attach your own photo. There are plenty of options from previously designed templates to showing the design in an augmented reality state.

The only real downside to this program is that is only allows the products that are part of the brand and is only available for IPads. To properly use this software is it recommended to use chrome, firefox, safari or Microsoft edge. This program is free after creating an account.

See a Aztek tutorial video here:

Website: https://timbertech.com/inspiration/deck-designer

2. SmartDraw (Paid)

SmartDraw’s Deck designer gets a 5 star rating from CNET Editors. This program allows quick dragging and dropping of elements such as boards, railings, planters and you can even add furniture.

They include graphics for elevation posts, support and surface boards, planters and flowers, hot tubs and Jacuzzis, umbrellas, patio furniture, and benches. They also have a complete landscape package that can turn a deck project into an entire backyard design.

Watch the video on how to setup a Smartdraw floorplan:

Website: https://www.smartdraw.com/deck-design/deck-designer.htm

3. Decks.com Deck Designer (Free)

This Deck Designer software is also sponsored by TREX, therefore will use many similar features and materials. Deck Designer will allow you to drop in shapes for the deck, add multiple level and add stairs where needed.

This deck design software will get a plan to submit for permitting and create a material list for your project. To use this software, you will be required to register to create and save project. This is a free program and can be found at decks.com

Decks.com custom deck designer video:

Website: https://www.decks.com/deck-designer

4. Lowes Deck Designer + Planner (Free)

To use the Lowes designer and planner you must have Java 1.4 and Adobe Acrobat 3.0+, no worries if you do not, it will allow them to download.

Once downloaded you will be prompted to either start from scratch or to start with one of the pre-designed decks that are previously loaded. From there you can design your dream deck with planks, railings, stairs etc. This is a free program.

Build a deck design and layout video:

Website: https://www.lowes.com/cd_Deck+Designer+Planner_733683095_

5. The Home Depot: Do-it-Yourself Deck Designer

The home depot offers a wide variety of “Do-it-yourself” tools which means they have some experience in this department. This program starts you off with over 70 built in templates to help get started. The program will then print out a list of all the items you will need for the entire project including the price you will pay for supplies and materials.

To run this program you will need Windows system with Intel 17 Quad Core CPU, 4GB of available Hard Drive Space, and internet connection. This is a free program powered by Edgenet outdoor projects.

Home Depot’s free deck design software video:

Website: http://homedepot.bighammer.com/cqdesignstartneo/

6. SketchUp & Sketchup Pro (Free & Paid)

Sketchup is commonly used in educational and professional settings. Sketchup is available in a free version and a pro (paid) version. The free version is available in a web browser. This will allow the user to draw, push and pull extrusions, orbit the screen and add colors and objects. The free version is available at app.sketchup.com where you can immediately start sketching. It also has features that allow collaboration and sharing qualities. This can be used to leave replies and comments or assign tasks to others as well as seeing a history of changes made.

Sketchup Pro has even more features and even a free trial version of that. Pro can be used on Windows or MAC operating systems. Pro requires 3D class video graphics by NVDIA or AMD, they do not recommend Intel based graphics just yet but are working to include that. Sketchup Pro can create endless drawings, including scaled drawings, sealed drawings, presentation documents, walkthroughs, as well as having them be highly accurate and detailed.

Sketchup Pro can be purchased for $695. There are also options for upgrades, renewals, and discounts for educational licenses.

Watch the building a deck with Sketchup Pro video:

Website: https://www.sketchup.com/buy/sketchup-pro

7. MoistureShield Dream Deck Designer (Free)

Moisture Shield Dream Deck Designer is another program that is quick and easy to use and will allow you to print a list of the materials needed for the designed project. The software will be a tool in creating and saving multiple designs if you are unsure the best choice, it also will let you choice the size, shape, and color of the deck.

You can also place the deck on an image of your home to see the true impact of adding a deck. This program is only available in windows, a minimum of 64 MB of memory, Java, Javascript, and Adobe Reader 5.0 or better.

Website: http://www.moistureshield.com/deck-design-tools/design-a-deck/

8. Menards Deck Estimator (Free)

Menards Deck Estimater will allow you to create your dream backyard in 3D on any computer or in any Menards store. This program will create a list of materials needed for your backyard project. This is an online software and will require a Java application, which can be downloaded on the site listed later.

Menards Design it Center Deck Estimator is a free program.

Website: https://www.menards.com/main/menu12/design-it-center/deck-estimator/c-13779.htm

9. Punch! Landscaping Design (Paid)

Punch! Landscape Deck and Patio version 20 can be used to create and design outdoor living spaces with a complete set of tools to plan, design, and visualize the desired space. This program has some new features including high quality rendering for 2D geometry and text, customizable drawing styles, the ability to import and export from AUTOCAD 2018, custom rich text options and a modify tool bar.

This software requires 1GB of RAM and 3GB of haard disk space. Internet service is required to use the program. Punch! Landscaping software will run you about $39.99.

Website: https://www.punchsoftware.com/punch-landscape-deck-patio-v20-download-windows

10. Home Designer Landscaping Software by Chief Architect (Paid)

Chief Architect is one of the leading developers and publishers of 3D Architectural home design, and have also developed a software for landscape design that is just as up to par. This is often used by architects, interior designers, landscape designer and home designers, even DIYers. As this is a large program it requires a PC or Mac with at least 4GB of memory and 5 GB of available hard disk space as well as internet access.

This program can be rented for $49/mo and can be found at https://www.homedesignersoftware.com. This program is also available as a trial version as well as for purchase. Prices range depending on which version you choose Pro being $495.00.

Decks and Landscaping can be done in the versions Suite, Architectural and Professional, professional and architectural being rated better. https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/products/product-chooser.html is a good reference for deciding which program best works for you, detailing features that are available per each version of the program.

Website: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com

11. Idea Spectrum (Paid)

Architect Programs For Mac

Idea Spectrum is an easy to use program that the Architect version will create 3D landscape designs, design over a photo of your current landscape, add water features (pools ponds, waterfalls) and create landscape plans as well as CAD drawings and includes 17,000 design items.

Other features (but are not limited too) that all versions have access to are: pre-built pools and spas, 15 national brands, ability to import sketchup models, designing single and multistory decks and adding patios, retaining walls and edging. By far one of the programs with the most opportunity.

This is a free trial or paid version that can be found at https://www.ideaspectrum.com/. The Architect 2018 software will cost $399.95, Pro $99.95 and Plus $79.95. This will be a one time purchase, with future upgrades usually being available for a discount.

Watch the Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Architect video:

Website: https://www.ideaspectrum.com/

12. Planner 5D (Free & Paid)

Planner 5D is a versatile program that can be used to design backyard decks as well as patios, landscaping and other areas within the home. The program itself offers the ability to design in 2D and then see your work in full 3D for a complete picture of how the design will look.

Best Architecture Software For Mac

There is also a large database of user created designs for ideas and inspiration. The app can be downloaded to your device via Apple Store or Google Play.

Website: https://planner5d.com/?prcode=53ca04

13. TREX Deck Designer (Free)

TREX is a designer tool that is available in both desktop version as well as a mobile app. This will create easier access and more options for users to use. To use either of these tools you will, choose deck dimensions and railings, then pick out TREX materials and finishes. The system then makes you a list of the items you will need. This program also has a section for ordering sample boards to help make sure you get exactly what you want!

The only con of this tool is as most others the only materials and finishes loaded into the project are TREX brand, which can cut down the options. To run the desktop version you must be using a windows operating system. Also required is adobe reader 5.0 or higher, Java 6 update 10, Javascript, and a 3D capable graphics card with a minimum of 64 GB of Memory. This program is free and can be found at

Website: https://www.trex.com/build-your-deck/envision-your-deck/

14. Fiberon Deck Designer (Free)

This program includes easy drag and clip options to create a quick and easy custom deck that will allow you to add color materials to the 3D drawing.They offer a gallery of deck plans, a contractor gallery and product gallery to help with your design ideas.

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Fiberon tool will produce 3D deck design, installation checklist, and a list of local retailer and contractors near you. This is a free program. You can also download a free deck planning guide with information including deck design options, materials needed and budgeting.

Watch the video on using the Fiberon deck planning tool:

Website: https://www.fiberondecking.com/design-tools/deck-design-tool

15. MiTek Deck Designer (Free)

This deck design software program is easy and fully customizable. MiTek Deck Designer will allow you to add multiple levels, plank direction, size and color, plus many other options. At the end you will be provided with printouts of required materials, cut lists as well as permit submission.

This program does not require any added plug ins and can be saved as a CDV file. This is a free online program

Website: http://tools.diyonline.com/servlet/GIB_Base/usp_startpage.html

Bonus Pick: Simpson Strong-tie Deck Planner (Free)

This simple program will allow you to complete deck designs quickly. It is an easy to use program as well as completely web based to avoid large downloads. The program allows you to design a deck, and then from there print the materials list and permits.

Deck Planner will give recommendations and allows you to see the materials you wish to use for the deck. This program is available on Mac or windows operating systems, and must have a graphics card with at least 64 MB of memory. This is a free program.

Here’s a video detailing the Simpson deck planning software in action:

Website: https://www.strongtie.com/products/go/software/deckplanner

What is the Best Deck Design Software Program?

After reviewing the attributes of each of these software programs one of the biggest factors of deciding which works for you is what you need it for. If you are just planning on completing one deck project for a residential, personal back yard, one of the free software programs offered by one of the big general home construction brands will probably work best for you.

Ui Design Tool For Mac

These deck design software programs tend to be more structured to individuals with a little less of a background on designing and building things. This will mean that the software will require less manual work and will be quicker and easier for users, but that takes away a little of the customization, and directions that you can go into.

Two of the most popular standout programs are Smartdraw and Sketchup, while Planner5D is versatile for designing not only decks, but backyard landscaping and patios as well.

For architects, or professional deck builders, the programs that are paid to use or paid by subscription will be better utilized. These will give experienced users access to more customization and options to complete many different projects including deck design. Often the paid versions are used by people who will be designing decks, patios and even landscapes in a professional capacity.

Design Tool For Kitchen

As you notice in the descriptions get more advanced and have more loaded I features, the price goes up. Even some professionals will not need all the possible features, which is why some programs offer different levels at different pricing, to further cater to the individual and individual’s projects. Big or small, any project can be tackled quick and easy with the help of computer aided design and these ones in particular are the top of the market and worth checking out.

Ikea Kitchen Design Tool For Mac

For even more design inspiration check out our gallery of backyard deck designs and ideas here.