6 Top Shed Design Software Options (Free and Paid)
You can buy a shed online, but why not build one yourself? Use shed design software to help you design a custom shed for your garden; some provide free access and features, while others are paid software.
1. Home Stratosphere’s 3D Shed Design Software (Free)
Awnings and porches. Different types of doors. Various wall configurations. Try it here. This free software application is entirely online (nothing to download). There are 9 templates to start with. Click here to use this software.
2. Home Designer Suite
Home Designer Suite is a middle-of-the-road software product from Chief Architect; it differs from other design softwares in that it begins with a wall that is built one at a time, rather than a drawing or a sketch.
3. Shed Boss App
Shed Boss App is a design tool developed by Shed Boss that allows users to create their dream shed right at their fingertips, with features such as windows, doors, rooflines, insulation, mezzanine floors, and skylights, as well as a 3D view of their project.
4. Fair Dinkum Sheds Designer
The Fair Dinkum Sheds Designer app allows users to create their own shed, barn, garage, or carport, as well as request a quote for their creations. It gives users more flexibility when it comes to adjusting dimensions and offers a wide range of colors and cladding options.
5. SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling software used for various drawing applications such as interior design, architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design. It allows you to build almost anything from scratch and be as meticulous as possible. The free software is called SketchUp Make and can be downloaded from the website. The paid version is called SketchUp Pro and is used by many professional architects. Unlike many design software, users in SketchUp start with working in 3D. Another difference with SketchUp is it allows you to build everything and anything from scratch. This means there’s plenty of room for you to get wild and creative as you customize and add details. On the other hand, this can also mean that working with SketchUp can be complex. Its user interface may be daunting at first but it’s actually pretty simple. The most commonly used tool is the pencil tool and push and pull tools. So the technique is mostly drawing then push and pull. That’s how most of the 3D models are created. This makes it easy to learn even for those with no CAD backgrounds. Within an hour, you’ll find yourself creating shapes and house models. With SketchUp, you start off by drawing an arbitrary rectangle. You push and pull, input the desired dimensions and create a floorboard. To backtrack a little, working with SketchUp can be complex but that’s because it allows you to create a 3D replica of the real thing. It’s no wonder professional architects use this software. It’s up to you if you want to slouch off and create a shed with just shells on the outside or create a replica with representations of plywood, studs, roof shingles, etc. Features 2D models 3D models It’s 3D Warehouse library of free 3D models is the world’s biggest Lighting effects Textures Layer manager Add model view, drawing scales, line weights, dimensions, callouts, and graphics Animation Precise dimensions Export to PDFs, images and CAD files Autosave and manually save in Sketchup format Import JPEGs, CAD plans, PDFs and other file types Works under Windows and MAC OS Available in 10 languages Pros Has a free version Smart and intuitive software You can build and create anything with it Lets you add complex details Vast library of free 3D models as well as aesthetic design options Plenty of video tutorials Tablet version for androids and iphones Cons The free version doesn’t allow import of files Only the paid version allows export of files Shareable only within the 3D Warehouse Tendency to stop responding when the file becomes too heavy Screenshots/Video: SketchUp Video Tutorial
Is it hard to build a shed?
Building a Shed Correctly! Building a shed isn’t difficult, but if you don’t do it right, you’ll have a lot of problems later on. Rotting floors, sagging doors, and deteriorating shed roofs are just a few of the issues you’ll want to avoid.
Can you make your own shed?
The short answer is that building your own shed will most likely be less expensive than buying one that has already been built, but there are a few other factors to consider, such as the tools needed and the time it will take.
What is the best base for a shed?
Concrete is the best foundation for a garage or shed without a pre-built floor, especially for portable buildings with a wood floor. Gravel is the best shed foundation for portable buildings with a wood floor.
How high should a shed be off the ground?
To ensure proper air circulation, the bottom of your shed should be at least 4 inches off the ground. When building a shed, you’ll also want to leave enough space around it, away from fences and other structures.
Does a shed base need to be bigger than the shed?
When constructing a shed base, make sure it is larger than the shed; if the base is built to the exact size of the shed and you attempt to bolt it down, the impact of the drill can cause the concrete below to break and crumble.
Does a shed need a foundation?
Most sheds require a concrete slab foundation, which you’ll have to cut and fill unless your yard is as flat as a bowling green. For drainage purposes, the slab should be raised so that water runs away from the shed.
What would it cost to build a 10×12 shed?
The cost of materials alone to build a 10×12 shed is approximately $2,630 (if purchased from a big-box home improvement store), as shown in the table below. The other important factor is labor, or the time it takes to actually build the shed.
Why are garden sheds so expensive?
The price of escaping to the end of the garden for a little peace and quiet is set to rise by up to 50% this summer, according to manufacturers, as a global timber shortage and a growing demand for home working spaces have sent supply and demand in opposite directions.