Using Software and High Tech Tools to Design Your Virginia Deck

Landscape design is a specialized field that involves various skills. Knowledge in horticulture is an asset, as is an understanding of how drainage, soil conditions and plantings come together to form a beautiful, functional landscape. Your Virginia deck will fit into a well planned yard. And using software and other high tech tools will help you develop a seamless design.

What Type of Deck Design Software Is Best?

Many of the deck designing programs on the market are limited in their function. Look for software that will provide the most flexibility, allowing you to sketch out and plan for a deck that includes unique shapes and custom features.

Have a look at reviews online to get a better idea of how the program functions. Getting feedback from those who have actually designed their deck or patio using the program is invaluable. Unbiased opinions will help you to see which software developers are delivering systems that work well and which programs are a waste of time.

The ideal deck design software will provide multiple views of the finished design – including a bird’s eye view (from the top) and side view (usually from ground level). You may also find it useful to have close ups of the railing systems, framing and stairs. These closer views will provide the detail needed to assemble the structure as required. Taking a look at the deck from a broader scope will help determine the best size and shape for your yard.

Information That Should Be Inputted

In order to design the ideal Virginia deck you will need to input various pieces of essential information. The dimensions of your yard are important, as are any local building code limitations. Perhaps you must keep the deck a certain distance away from the property line. Or there may be railing height requirements and limits placed on the width or number of rises in the stairs.

Look for a software program that will ask for this information before your design begins. Then you can be assured that the final design falls within the local building codes and will fit well on your property. A bird’s eye view helps to assess this scenario.

High end software and landscape design programs will also allow you to place furniture and accessories onto your deck drawing. This lets you virtually decorate your outdoor living space – it’s also handy when you are shopping for patio furniture.

Devices That Help

Tablets and smartphones are especially helpful when designing your yard. These portable devices can be carried out into the space, allowing you to get a physical view at the same time as you’re designing on the screen.

Look for deck design programs that work on your preferred device. You may even come across decent online applications that utilize the features of your device, such as touch screen capabilities and file sharing. Send your latest design to the decking contractor for a quotation. Or bring the device with you to the lumber yard to help field questions and create an accurate material list.

Consider how a computer program can help you to design the ideal Virginia deck. Planned out to meet the specifications of your property and the needs of your family, decks designed using the latest technology are on the cutting edge of this industry.