The Best Deck Design Software

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A custom deck can turn a boring backyard into a personal oasis. Take your deck idea from concept to reality with one of the best deck design software programs.

A custom deck offers a comfortable outdoor space for sunny days, and designing your deck is the first step toward your own personal backyard oasis. To streamline the process, ensure you don’t skip any steps, and won’t have to hire a pricey professional, consider using a deck design software.

The best deck design software programs are user-friendly and comprehensive without breaking the bank. They help create a detailed deck layout and get you ready to build. Design your dream deck with one of the best deck design software options listed below.

BEST OVERALL: AZEK/TimberTech Deck Design Tool
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Plus
BEST PAID: SketchUp Pro
BEST PROFESSIONAL: AutoCAD
BEST DESKTOP: Punch! Landscape Design Software
BEST IN-BROWSER: decks.com Deck Designer
BEST MOBILE APP: Trex AR Visualizer Mobile App
MOST CONVENIENT: Lowe’s Deck Designer
MOST VERSATILE: SmartDraw
ALSO CONSIDER: Home Depot Do-It-Yourself Deck Designer

The Best Deck Design Software Options — Photo: depositphotos.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Deck Design Software

With a variety of options to choose from, it can be tough to narrow down the best deck design software for each individual’s backyard setup. Luckily, there are plenty of free options, trial periods, and comprehensive paid programs available. When choosing deck design software, consider its cost, modeling options, device compatibility, and usability.

Free vs. Paid

Deck design software is available in free and paid options. The ideal pick will depend on the user’s budget and needs.

As is the case with many products, paid deck design software often has a wider range of features and tools. These programs may be more reliable and functional than free versions. Most paid options go beyond deck design to offer landscape or even home design features. But for one-time users, they may not be worth the cost. Some paid software options offer a free trial, so the user can test them out and see if they add value over the free versions.
Many free deck design software programs have a wide suite of tools and features, often more than enough for the average DIYer to create a simple custom design. Keep in mind that a free version comes at a different cost. Most free programs market their products or services to users. They may advertise their products within the planner, limit available options (by only showing their products and building materials, for example), or require an email sign-up to use the software.

2D v. 3D Modeling

Deck design software comes with 2D or 3D modeling options. 2D drafts display the length, width, and height of a layout, whereas 3D models display length, width, height, and depth.

A 2D layout gives you the bare bones of deck planning; you’ll end up with a straightforward blueprint of deck dimensions. 3D modeling takes it a step further and adds a rendering aspect to the model. Most 3D modeling software allows users to view the model from a range of angles. Some 3D deck models even allow you to add example home siding and furniture for a better idea of what the deck will look like in real life.

Many of the best deck design software programs allow users to toggle between 2D and 3D options.

Compatibility

Deck design programs are available on a range of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Before downloading a deck design software program or app, it’s best to check the system requirements to see if the program is compatible. Different programs may be optimized for Mac or PC desktops or for iOS or Android devices.

Online programs don’t require download or installation, which makes them a nearly universal option. These browser-enabled design options excel at ease of use. Some editions work across platforms, so the user can view a design across multiple devices. Additional plug-ins offer added features, such as login and cloud-storage options, so the user can save a design and access it later, even from a different device.

Interface

Some design programs are easier to use than others, depending on their intended audience. Professional-grade software works well for designers and architects. While these programs may seem appealing for their range of features, they may prove too complicated to use for amateurs and DIYers. Their bevy of customizable features means a steeper learning curve, so these picks aren’t ideal for a first-time designer.

When designing a deck, most users will likely prefer software built for the average person. Beginner-friendly options have a short learning curve; they include options like premade plans, drag-and-drop functions, and easy-to-decipher controls on a simple interface. Some options even create a convenient deck-building plan with printable layouts, material lists, and cut lists.

Our Top Picks

A user-friendly deck design software makes it easy to create a detailed custom deck design. A blueprint in hand brings a user one step closer to a dream deck. The following picks are among the best deck design software options for their usability and wide range of features.

Best Overall

AZEK/TimberTech Deck Design Tool

Compatible with desktop browsers and some tablet browsers, this free deck design tool from TimberTech by AZEK is an accessible option rich in features. With a free online account, users can create a custom deck, save the design for later, download a materials list, and share deck designs with friends, family, and contractors. Its range of features covers all the basic deck-planning steps, from first concept to building prep.

Users may choose from and modify a range of free deck templates or create a custom deck from scratch. Options for 2D, 3D, and a presentation view make it easy to visualize the end result. This user-friendly interface was built with homeowners in mind. Clear graphics and detailed 3D renderings give an idea of what the finished deck will look like.

Product Specs

Compatible Systems: Windows and iOS
Compatible Devices: Laptop and tablets
Free/Paid: Free
2D and 3D Modeling: Yes

Pros

Covers all basic deck building needs
Templates and custom designs
User-friendly
Save, download, and share features

Cons

Not compatible with smartphones

Get the AZEK/TimberTech software at TimberTech.

Best Bang For The Buck

Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping Plus

For one up-front cost, DIY deck engineers can use this desktop software for deck planning and a range of future projects. Unlike subscription programs, Idea Spectrum’s Realtime Landscaping software has no month-to-month fee and allows for installation on two computers at a time. Created for landscape design, this Windows-compatible program helps users plan a range of garden and structural designs.

Plus, Pro, and Architect versions each come at a different price and include different features. The Realtime Landscaping Plus edition will suit most first-time deck planners. It allows users to create 3D single and multistory deck plans, as well as landscape, shed, carport, pool, and patio designs.

Product Specs

Compatible Systems: Windows
Compatible Devices: Laptops
Free/Paid: Paid
2D and 3D Modeling: Yes

Pros

11,000 items; 5,300 plant varieties
Plant Growth tool
Terrain sculpting tools
Drag-and-drop function

Cons

May be hard for new users to navigate
No versions available for iOS systems
Not compatible with tablets or smartphones

Get the Idea Spectrum Realtime Landscaping software at Idea Spectrum.

Best Paid

SketchUp Pro

Integrated desktop and browser versions make SketchUp Pro a convenient pick for serious designers. This 3D modeling software creates simple to advanced products in stunning detail. The program goes far beyond just deck design and provides a range of features, including the option to create an entire outdoor space, landscape a new garden, or design an outdoor kitchen.

As for deck design, the program offers 2D and 3D views and a variety of realistic features to add to the design, such as lighting effects and a large library of outdoor objects.

SketchUp Pro also integrates with a variety of platforms. The desktop and web versions include unlimited cloud storage to store and share projects from anywhere. Its VR (virtual reality) modeling functions on a range of VR headsets. A free trial gives users a feel for this comprehensive software before they sign up for the monthly subscription.

Product Specs

Compatible Systems: Windows and iOS
Compatible Devices: Smartphones, tablets, and laptops
Free/Paid: Paid
2D and 3D Modeling: Yes

Pros

Desktop and browser versions
Creates decks, landscapes, gardens, and outdoor kitchens
Lighting and outdoor objects
VR (virtual reality) modeling functions
Free trial

Cons

Pricey compared to similar options

Get the SketchUp Pro software at SketchUp.

Best Professional

AutoCAD

AutoCAD design software takes 2D and 3D modeling to a professional level. This comprehensive paid software is a top pick of architects, engineers, and construction professionals, and it goes far beyond deck designing. It offers a wide range of design features, including specialized architecture and 3D-mapping tool sets to streamline the process. Compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, AutoCAD allows users access through the web or mobile app.

The subscription price makes AutoCAD a better pick for those who plan to take advantage of its professional-grade tools. AutoCAD costs more than other options and comes with a steeper learning curve. A free trial allows DIYers to give the program a try.

Product Specs

Compatible Systems: Windows and iOS
Compatible Devices: Smartphones, tablets, and laptops
Free/Paid: Paid
2D and 3D Modeling: Yes

Pros

Suitable for professional use
3D mapping tool sets
Desktop or app
Free trial

Cons

May be hard to navigate for first-timers
Pricey compared to similar options

Get the AutoCAD software at Auto Desk.

Best Desktop

Punch! Landscape Design Software

Punch! Landscape Design Software brings a range of desktop programs for landscaping design to both Windows and Mac computers. Each of their software options from “Essentials” to “Architectural Series” has deck-designing capabilities for a range of budgets and needs. The paid desktop program, suitable for beginners and seasoned designers alike, comes at a one-time cost.

This software helps with both landscaping and deck design. Amateurs can take advantage of its drag-and-drop features to create 2D or 3D plans for decks, pools, fences, pathways, and landscapes.

Product Specs

Compatible Systems: Windows and iOS
Compatible Devices: Laptops
Free/Paid: Paid
2D and 3D Modeling: Yes

Pros

4 versions available
Suitable for beginners and professionals
Drag-and-drop function
Automatic growth tool

Cons

Some versions are pricey
Most versions focus on exterior design and landscaping
Not compatible with tablets or smartphones

Get the Punch! Landscape software at Punch Software.

Best In-Browser

decks.com Deck Designer

Browser-enabled deck designers provide the most user-friendly options. decks.com requires only a web browser and an internet connection—no downloads and no fees. Although in-browser designers have fewer features than desktop programs, decks.com includes all the necessary features to plan out a custom deck, including both 2D and 3D modeling. Just create a free account and start planning.

Made for first-time and novice designers, the program employs an easy-to-use interface. Users may choose from over 100 free deck plans or design their own with easy drag-and-drop controls. The website also provides an array of instructional articles and cost calculators to help with buying and building.

Product Specs

Compatible Systems: Windows and iOS
Compatible Devices: Smartphones, tablets, and laptops
Free/Paid: Free
2D and 3D Modeling: Yes

Pros

Browser-enabled program
Suitable for first-time users and DIYers
100 deck templates
Cost calculators and instructional articles
Drag-and-drop function

Cons

Fewer features compared to similar software

Get the decks.com software at decks.com.

Best Mobile App

Trex AR Visualizer Mobile App

The Trex AR Visualizer Mobile App brings deck building inspiration to a smartphone. Compatible with iOS devices, this free app offers basic design features on mobile to create a custom deck from anywhere.

Note: Trex, a decking materials company, created this app, me

The Best Deck Design Software