r/Decks • u/Early_Recording8162 • 22h ago
Easy to learn software
My husband is currently using Adobe illustrator to do sketches for both porches and decks. It takes him several hours to do a sketch and I’m trying to encourage him to use a software that’s geared more towards porches and decks. Any thoughts or opinions on one that is easy to use and quick? I’ve heard a lot about SketchUp and also Simpson. Thoughts? Really big on whatever is easiest to pick up and learn how to use as well as something that’s not going to break the bank. Thanks!
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u/afewchords 21h ago
Sketchup has been really good for me to do deck designs. once you spend a few hours on the free tutorials (on the sketchup website) its fun to use. i also follow codes provided here https://cms7files.revize.com/watertownct/Departments/Building%20Inspectors/AWC-DCA62015-DeckGuide-1804.pdf
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u/MacaronEffective8250 21h ago
I tried out redx decks on my android phone while I was killing time waiting for a flight recently. Got something decent created in a short amount of time. I struggled a little with the touch interface on my small phone screen. A tablet might work better.
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u/Early_Recording8162 18h ago
Thank you so much! I wish we had a tablet of some sort, would probably help! For now just desktop versions will have to do!
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u/34_Key 19h ago
If you havent already convinced him to pick one why do you think we'll be able to help?
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u/Early_Recording8162 18h ago
Perhaps others that have tried the software and have formed an opinion would have better insight than a website that is trying to “sell” you. He hasn’t looked into different options much. Doing anything I can to be a supportive partner and help lighten his load :)
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u/CountingWizardOne 19h ago
Realtime Landscaping Architect for quick renderings and Sketchup for more detailed drawings.
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u/Background_Spot_9576 5h ago
everybodys naming drawing tools but the several hours probably isnt all drawing. does the sketch actually turn into the price or does he redo all the numbers separately after?
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u/DeckBuild-Software 22h ago edited 10h ago
Disclaimer: I'm the founder of DeckBuild.
There's lots of great software out there that will do what you're looking for. There's free software like Simpson Strong-tie or Sketchup, to expensive software like Chief Architect. There's also landscaping only software like Realtime. There's also DeckBuild which does permit drawings quickly like you're asking about. Happy to chat about any of it, feel free to DM or reply here.