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Deck Plans

Deck Plan Maker for Deck Builders

A clear deck drawing sells the job and keeps the build on track. SiteBuildHub Draft's deck layout tool lets you sketch the deck outline off the house wall, place stairs, note joist direction, and dimension everything — then export a deck estimate drawing your client can approve on the spot.

No download · No CAD software required · Free plan available

Start from the deck plan template

The deck template loads a house wall, a 32' × 16' deck outline, stairs, joist direction marks, and two dimension lines. Resize the deck to the real footprint, drag the stairs where they belong, and adjust the joist note to your spacing.

Add a second level, a landing, or an angled corner with the rectangle, line, and polygon tools. Everything snaps to a one-foot grid, so proportions stay true.

  • Deck outline with true dimensions
  • House wall and ledger location
  • Stairs and landing placement
  • Joist direction and spacing note
  • Railing runs and post locations as labels

From deck sketch to estimate

Select the deck outline to read its area in square feet — that's your decking quantity starting point. The perimeter reading helps with railing and fascia lengths, and dimension lines document the measurements your material list is built on.

Because the drawing is saved in your dashboard, the version the client approved is the version the crew builds from. Fewer surprises, cleaner change orders.

Permits and deck drawings

Deck permits often require a simple plan view showing the deck size, height, distance to property lines, and stair location — exactly what this tool draws. Requirements differ by municipality, and some need engineered details for tall or attached decks. Confirm with your local permitting office; SiteBuildHub does not guarantee permit approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I draw a deck plan before sending an estimate?

That's the core use case. Sketch the deck from your site-visit measurements, dimension it, and attach the exported PDF to your quote — it typically takes ten to fifteen minutes.

Does the deck plan show square footage?

Yes. Select the deck outline and the editor displays its area and perimeter, which feed straight into decking and railing takeoffs.

Can I use the deck drawing for a permit?

Many jurisdictions accept a clear dimensioned plan view for standard residential decks, but rules vary and some require engineered drawings. Check locally before submitting.

Can I show stairs and railings?

Yes. Stairs are simple rectangles with a label, and railing runs work well as labeled lines. The template includes stairs already placed.

SiteBuildHub is not a licensed engineering, architecture, survey, permitting, or utility locate service. Drawings created with SiteBuildHub may require review by licensed professionals depending on local rules. Users are responsible for checking building codes, permit requirements, property boundaries, setbacks, easements, and jobsite conditions. Before excavation or ground disturbance, contact the proper local utility locate service.

Draw your first deck plan free

Open the editor, pick a template, and export a client-ready drawing — no CAD software required.

Start Drawing