Barn design software

[Luke'sScreenName]

Any suggestions on the best consumer-use design sortware for barns?

 

[blackdog2086]

I highly recommend Sketchup, and not only because it's free. I'm not a genius when it comes to using most software, but this program makes even me look good. Since the price is right you can try it and if you decide it's not for you, you're not out anything.

Your best bet for tutorials on how to use it is youtube and my personal favorites are the Harwood podcast videos. They take it in steps making it very easy to use. Good luck whatever you end up using

 

[oosik]

I've heard Sketchup is one of the best. I used Corel and believe me I would recommend this to anybody unless you use it daily and are familiar with it - to complex. There is also - cnet, adobe, serif ------ they all cost money and many versions(professional) can be very expensive.

There is another option - search for "barn plans". Many, many plans and several will allow you to modify before you download.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I used microstation, now use autocad. pencil and graph paper also works.

The company I bought my barn "kit" from also provided drawings. I told them the size, where to put the doors, etc, and they spit out a very detailed drawing showing where every piece of wood went. I already had mine designed though, because I needed it for the permit.

 

[boggen]

if you know how to work a 3D it is one thing. but to suddenly think ya ok, i want to design my shed, and you don't have a clue how to operate a 3D program. you could get completely in over your head. and nothing ever comes of it. beyond frustration and time wasted.

use what you know other words KISS (keep it simply stupid) i am more use to seeing some pens to markers and drawn out on some graph paper, or maybe in "paint" that all microsoft windows computer has. and more use to see kinda of a 2 year old drawing with a crayon in a coloring book. the goal is more of making sure you get the idea across to who ever is actually building (insert what ever you want) normally the professionals even just generic folks with a little explanation can figure out simple drawings and go from it.

with above. 3D programs not worth it IMHO (in my humble opinion) or less you already know it.

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the generic software you find at local electronic stores for "building a home, building a shed" they can be kinda of a pain to use due to they have been dumb down so much for regular folks, that do not really need to know full 3D aspects of things. but they can and do work. and much much cheaper. but even then... going with a 3D app / program really not needed. folks have used 2D blue prints for years. and many times it all comes from some chicken scratches on some graph paper.

and yes i am trying to discourage you from going 3D app. i just do not think they are needed for most things. they can help visualize stuff for sure. but have seen more folks get lost and confused and frustrated. vs just KISS (keeping it simply stupid).

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Draw in 2d, but draw all 4 side views if they differ. also draw overhead floorplan view. i also add truss layout.
im trying to find my barn design, but think it is on a harddrive that crashed.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Here's a sample from one i did last night.