I would love to know how most builders out there design and figure up materials for a deck. Are most of you using software, and can you rely on the materials list generated by these programs, or do you work out your plan on graph paper and then count up materials without computer help? I’d love to get a sense of the planning process experienced builders go through…
Dave
Replies
Espo,
The design can be anywhere from a sketch on a napkin to 3d modeling. You would get many varied answers if you asked around.
As far as material lists, I would guess many just use quick rules of thumb and a calculator or spreadsheet. The number of posts, joists, etc. can quickly be figured out. Balusters and deck boards can be estimated by their lineal and square footage, respectively.
Are you designing a deck?
Jon Blakemore
Yes I am, about 17' by 20' and about 2 feet off the ground with two levels and twos sets of steps and possible a hot tub to sit on top of it at some point. I've read through the long thread on supporting a hot tub and know that stout is the order of the day on that one. This is still in the planning stage and I'm trying to gather as much info on the design an estimating process as I can...
What are your requirements for the design. Do you need to communicate with the builder of the deck? Or do you just need plans for a permit?
Jon Blakemore
Lowes.com has a free deck design program you can use. I was poking around tonight and noticed it. Don't know how good it is but it's free.
"A problem cannot be solved by the same thinking that created it." Albert Einstein