Draw porches and decks
Shape outdoor platforms and add surfaces, posts, piers, and beams.
Open the diagram, then choose Features → Porch / deck.
Place and size the deck
Click for a starting rectangle or drag to set its size. Select the deck to change Width and Depth, or resize with its handles. Drag the deck to move it; drag its rotation handle to turn it.
Tap for a starting rectangle or drag out the footprint. Drag the deck to move it. Use its handles to resize or rotate it.
Change the shape
Select the deck, then Edit shape. Drag a corner or edge. Drag an edge's midpoint handle to add a corner. Select a corner and press Delete to remove it.
Select the deck, then Edit in the side controls. Drag corners and edges to reshape it. Select a corner for Delete corner. Use Back to leave the selected corner's controls.
A deck needs at least three corners. Its outline cannot cross itself. If a change is blocked, keep a valid outline and try a different corner or edge.
Choose a surface
Select the deck, then Surface: Boards, Tile, Brick / pavers, Concrete, Membrane, or None. The choice changes the surface pattern, not the deck's shape.
Open Surface in the selected deck's side controls, then choose the surface in the bottom controls.
Add supports
| Part | Use it for | Resize |
|---|---|---|
| Post | A vertical support. | Change its size. |
| Pier | A concrete support. | Change its diameter. |
| Beam | A horizontal support. | Drag either end or change its length. |
Select the deck, open Add → Structural detail, and choose Support post, Concrete pier, or Support beam. Click to place a post or pier; drag between endpoints to draw a beam. Select the part for size and delete controls.
Select the deck, then Supports. Choose the part and place it on the deck. Select a placed part, then Size to adjust it. Drag a beam's end to change its length.
Parts move and rotate with their deck. A part outside the footprint shows a notice; it can remain there when that placement matches the building.
For projecting edges, mark a cantilever.
Duplicate or delete
Select the deck or a support and use Cmd/Ctrl+C, then Cmd/Ctrl+V. Click to place the copy; Esc cancels. A copied deck keeps its shape, surface, cantilevers, and supports.
Select the deck, choose Duplicate, then place the copy.
Delete on the deck removes its outline and supports. To remove only one part, select that part first. Undo restores the change.