deck design software

Posted by Bobk207 on July 1, 2007, 1:49 am

> I am currently designing a deck to replace the deck on my house. I would
> like to find a software program that will allow me to play around with
> different configurations and size joists, beams, spacing, etc.
> Any advice would be appreciated.
> Thanks,
> David

David-

Usually your local building dept will have a simple for than gives
allowable spans depending on joist size and headers / beam sizes as
well.
You can easily pencil out a design in short order, faster than
learning the software.

Here's one from the City fo Temecula, CA

http://www.cityoftemecula.org/NR/rdonlyres/FCB2F262-D3DF-4823-BD8A-CC1766498FDD/0/RESIDENTIALBALCONYDECK6PAGES.pdf

cheers
Bob

Posted by Steve Barker on July 1, 2007, 1:55 am

Perhaps he's not involving a "local building dept".

--
Steve Barker

>> I am currently designing a deck to replace the deck on my house. I would
>> like to find a software program that will allow me to play around with
>> different configurations and size joists, beams, spacing, etc.
>> Any advice would be appreciated.
>> Thanks,
>> David

> David-
> Usually your local building dept will have a simple for than gives
> allowable spans depending on joist size and headers / beam sizes as
> well.
> You can easily pencil out a design in short order, faster than
> learning the software.
> Here's one from the City fo Temecula, CA
>

http://www.cityoftemecula.org/NR/rdonlyres/FCB2F262-D3DF-4823-BD8A-CC1766498FDD/0/RESIDENTIALBALCONYDECK6PAGES.pdf

> cheers
> Bob
>

Posted by Bobk207 on July 1, 2007, 6:42 pm

> >> I am currently designing a deck to replace the deck on my house. I would
> >> like to find a software program that will allow me to play around with
> >> different configurations and size joists, beams, spacing, etc.
> >> Any advice would be appreciated.
> >> Thanks,
> >> David

> > David-
> > Usually your local building dept will have a simple for than gives
> > allowable spans depending on joist size and headers / beam sizes as
> > well.
> > You can easily pencil out a design in short order, faster than
> > learning the software.
> > Here's one from the City fo Temecula, CA
> >http://www.cityoftemecula.org/NR/rdonlyres/FCB2F262-D3DF-4823-BD8A-CC...
> > cheers
> > Bob

> Perhaps he's not involving a "local building dept".
> --
> Steve Barker

Steve-

I just suggested he use their form as a "design aid" I offered the
PDF from city of Temecula as an example of what building dept deck
design specs look like,

If he's not getting a permit it's still a very good idea to design so
it would pass inspection hence my suggestion to use his local building
dept's deck specs as a design aid.

My guess is that simple deck design can be iterated "to death" faster
by hand with the tables in a design aid than learning & using some
computer program. Computer stuff is cool but often a "one off" job
can be done faster by hand.

Getting the deck design form from the building dept does not
constitute "involving a "local building dept" "

Bob

Posted by Chuck on July 1, 2007, 3:03 am

>I am currently designing a deck to replace the deck on my house. I would
>like to find a software program that will allow me to play around with
>different configurations and size joists, beams, spacing, etc.
> Any advice would be appreciated.
> Thanks,
> David

Contact Vulcraft Co. for steel deck or ( Try www.vulcraft.com or google
for other steel deck manufacturers ). Request the CD for their design
software. They also provide steel joist framing and steel deck.

If you are not using steel joist you can always go to 'Truss Joist' at (
www.ilevel.com ) You then will use plywood for your roof deck and floor
decking material. ( Then get an architect and engineer to complete the
work ).

CID...

Posted by David Axt on July 1, 2007, 6:00 am

>>I am currently designing a deck to replace the deck on my house. I would
>>like to find a software program that will allow me to play around with
>>different configurations and size joists, beams, spacing, etc.
>> Any advice would be appreciated.
>> Thanks,
>> David

> Contact Vulcraft Co. for steel deck or ( Try www.vulcraft.com or google
> for other steel deck manufacturers ). Request the CD for their design
> software. They also provide steel joist framing and steel deck.
> If you are not using steel joist you can always go to 'Truss Joist' at (
> www.ilevel.com ) You then will use plywood for your roof deck and floor
> decking material. ( Then get an architect and engineer to complete the
> work ).
> CID...

Chuck,

This is a residential outdoor wood deck not a comercial composite
concrete/steel deck structure.

I do have a structural engineer that will verify the beam sizes, but I don't
want to waste his time of money with me trying out different configurations.

Thanks,
David

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deck design software - Page 2