Deck Designer Software -- Creating Curved Decks

If its a true circular curve, Youre just trimming the overhang. , Get designs for the angular ( octagonal ) and just trim the edges as desired?

Supahhh wrote: ↑If its a true circular curve, Youre just trimming the overhang. , Get designs for the angular ( octagonal ) and just trim the edges as desired?

Ahh i see what youre saying. Im not a builder but that makes sense. I think one issue they always get stuck on is creating curved rails -- how to get the rails to curve along with the curving deck. I've seen online where they cut slices out of the backend of PT wood or even cut out the curve from a somewhat large plank.

Curved decks are a big problem. Don't do it.

rosario99 wrote: ↑I'm willing to pay more but no one in my city, London, ON, seems capable nor do they have a portfolio to prove it. I figure if i could draw my design and have the app lay out the sizes and material it would be easier for these builders.

There are many software programs you can design a curved deck with. For example;
http://www.softplan.com/deck_edges.htm
Select an edge-click edit...enter a value for 'Deflection'....deflection is the curve radius. Of course CAD is a better program but harder to learn to use. A curved deck is harder to build than to design I don't think not having the drawing is what's holding your local deck builders back.

That said its not as difficult as most contractor think; building 3 curved decks doesn't make me an expert but it does get easier each time. Have a look at this pdf article, cantilevered joists are the key (and a heat blanket/composites....kerfed wood rim joists rot)
http://www.deckmagazine.com/Images/Curv ... 048567.pdf
Notice the blocking...its oversized 2x8 or 10 and the curve is cut to size-the blocking put btw joists. I built a deck similar using Veranda decking from Home Depot. Veranda offers a 12' fascia that 11" wide...makes for a great finish.
Azek brand is said to be the easiest to bend, I've only tried Veranda....not using a Heatcon blanket ($) either but I can't give every trade secret away here. The key to a great looking curved deck is an outer decking board that follows the curve with the deck boards butted against it....IMO cutting overhung deck boards to the desired shape is far easier but does not compare.

Thanks for the info. I obtained a copy of the Softplan so will give it a try.

Educate me. So ignoring the rails, is it difficult for deck builders to at least create a fascia that appears rounded / curved but then the rails above are polygonal?

I guess i'm just baffled why one cant use Kerf Cutting to achieve curves and be done with it.

The fascia can be curved after heating....or a saw blade can be set up to cut 1/2 depth of the fascia back (kerfs) to make it flexible-that's often done with wood. The wood with all the kerf cuts rots in my experience-seen a few failures. There are blankets to bend composite decking or fascia....those blankets are used to bend rails also. So no, its not difficult if the deck builder is equipped.....maybe email the blanket manufacturer Heatcon asking for a contractor in your area that bought a blanket?

We used a McGyvered steam box built to bend wood and the Home Depot Veranda brand bent like spaghetti.