A sundeck can increase not only the value of your home, but the quality of your life. A deck extends your living space to the outdoors, allowing you to live your life more ideally and take full advantage of every square foot. If you’re dreaming of adding or renovating a deck, these free deck design tools and apps can inspire your creative side and help make your vision a reality.

You don’t need to waste your time trying out multiple deck design apps. To help you know exactly where to begin, we’ve tried them out for you. Here is our report on the perks and drawbacks of each free deck design tool:

7 Free Deck Design Tools Compared

1. Decks.com Deck Designer

A long-time favourite for DIY homeowners, Decks.com lets you design a basic deck shape, choose dimensions, and generate free blueprints. You can download permit-ready drawings, a material list, and 3D renderings.

Best for: First-time deck planners

Check out this video overview of the deck design software:

This app has lots of perks, including the ability to download a permit plan, order list, breakdown list, and plan specs. However, as you can only choose between a generic composite or pressure treated pine as building materials, the usability of these perks is somewhat limited if you’re planning to build with another material. Despite the materials limitations, you can get a strong idea of the general shape and design features you’d like to have in a deck.

2. Trex Deck Designer

Trex’s online tool is geared toward composite decks, with preloaded options in Trex colours and layouts. Great for seeing what your Trex or TimberTech-style deck could look like.

Best for: Composite deck visualizations

You can choose from one of three pre-designed deck layouts and change the total square footage, but not the dimensions. While you only have the option of designing with Trex composite, you can check out their various colours and railing styles to see what combinations you like. The software also gives you a materials list and Trex can point you in the direction of a local retailer or deck builder to make your dream design a reality.

3. TimberTech Deck Designer

This one has a slick 3D interface, material estimator, and great customization for boards, railings, and even lighting.

Best for: High-end composite deck planning

Although it shares other design apps’ limitation on building material selection, this deck designer’s robust building features are super intuitive to use. It offers a range of customizability from deck height, dimensions, and railings to board rotation, lighting, and accents. You can even add furniture and accessories to complete your dream design.

Even better: Your bill of materials is available to review at any time. When you’re ready to get started, you can print off a PDF copy of everything you’ll need.  Whether you’re serious about designing a new sundeck, or just looking for some productive entertainment, this deck design tool is worth a click.

4. Fiberon Decking

Fiberon’s tool gives you a clean, mobile-friendly interface for deck layout, board direction, and even railing types.

Best for: Visualizing multi-level or angled decks

Check out this video summary of the Fiberon Deck Design tool:

5. Big Hammer Deck Designer by Home Depot

Home Depot Canada offers a free design tool that’s easy to use and includes direct links to local materials. Great for sourcing what you need right here in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland. If you’re serious about designing beautiful decks (or if you’re a deck builder) this software is a strong contender. Although they advertise being able to use this software online, it doesn’t seem to be possible. Unlike previous options, you need to download and install this software to use it. However, it only works on Microsoft operating systems, so Mac users are out of luck.

Best for: Homeowners sourcing through Home Depot Canada

See if it seems worth the trouble, based on this video:

6. MiTek Deck Designer

This tool from MiTek gives you 3D design capability and lets you generate blueprints for permitting. You’ll need to create an account, but it’s worth it for serious planners. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a professional deck builder, this tool will help you visualize your deck construction.

Best for: People planning to submit for permits

MiTek primarily supports wood and composite deck planning. They also have composite and aluminum railings in a variety of colours to use. This is a great feature for bringing the whole look of your deck together. Some of our favourite features in this tool are the ability to change the dimensions of your deck, add stairs, and see what a privacy wall would look like. This free decking software is well worth a look at!

7. Dek-Vision by Duradek

This free software is the best tool around for visualizing vinyl decking plans. It’s easy to use, intuitive to figure out, and loads quickly. This deck makeover tool really brings your deck construction to life. As a bonus, there is no sign-up process to get started.

Begin with uploading a photo of your current deck or use one of the handy pre-loaded deck images. From there, have fun seeing how all the different vinyl decking colours and patterns look on your deck. In addition, you can complete your look with Durarail railing, and test out various siding options to create the perfect look. We recommend anyone looking for a vinyl deck use this tool to help choose the right colour.

2 Bonus Deck Design Tools for 2025

8. Planner 5D

This tool is more than just decks—it lets you plan your entire outdoor space. Great for pairing your deck with landscaping, firepits, or fencing.

Best for: Full backyard layout planning

9. Simpson Strong-Tie® Deck Planner

Perfect for contractors or anyone focused on safety and structure, this software helps ensure you’re meeting local building code.

Best for: Building-code-savvy DIYers and pros

Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Tools:

• Use satellite or real measurements of your backyard.

• Make sure your design fits local Vancouver-area building code.

• Don’t forget to factor in railing, lighting, and stairs if needed.

• Use the material estimators to check current prices before heading to the store.

What is the best free deck design software?

While there are many useful deck design tools, two stood out for us: The TimberTech and Azek Deck Designer, and Duradek’s Dek-Vision.

If you’re planning on building a composite sundeck, TimberTech’s tool is the best. For all your vinyl decking plans, go for Duradek. Both of these tools allow you to explore layouts, colours, and decor combinations. They’re the most comprehensive and usable tools that we’ve tried, and we’re sure you’ll have fun using them!

At Citywide Sundecks & Railings, we’ve built decks all across Metro Vancouver—from cozy backyard patios in Burnaby to spacious rooftop sundecks in Vancouver.

Whether you’re planning to build it yourself or want a professional touch, we’re here to help.

Contact us for a free consultation and quote today.