Simpson Strong-Tie Launches Free Online Pergola Planner Software
Originally published by: Simpson Strong-Tie — March 12, 2020
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Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, has launched a free online Pergola Planner Software™ tool to help contractors, lumberyards, and homeowners quickly and easily design dream backyards. Featuring 3D software, design guides, and an in-app user tutorial, the free web-based design software provides a suite of intuitive tools and resources for designing and building stronger, more beautiful pergolas and outdoor spaces.
According to the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey, homeowner interest in covered outdoor living spaces has skyrocketed over the past two years, with 68 percent of survey respondents in 2019 indicating increased emphasis on outdoor structures in their projects. The Pergola Planner Software tool allows homeowners to design sturdy, eye-catching pergolas and other popular backyard structures in just minutes, print out a complete materials list, and start building.
Featuring an in-app tutorial to guide users step by step through the custom pergola design process, the software allows users to upload home photos, select shapes, modify dimensions, and choose from various lumber and hardware options. One-click toggling between 2D and 3D design modes makes it easy to view and design in different perspectives. Based on the same software platform that runs the popular Deck Planner Software™ tool from Simpson Strong-Tie, the Pergola Planner Software web-based app offers lumber and building material dealers a seamless design and takeoff tool for providing contractor and DIY customers with in-house, value-added services.
The software also highlights critical connections for building a strong, safe pergola and recommends hardware based on whatever design the user creates. When the design process is complete, a full bill of materials is generated for all lumber and hardware necessary to build the pergola.
“This free web-based software helps you visualize all style options for designing outdoor structures and planning for your dream backyard,” says Simpson Strong-Tie director of Customer-Facing Software Tim Beckman. “More importantly, the software helps building material dealers, contractors, and DIYers easily design stronger, safer structures that last longer and provide homeowners with peace of mind. It’s smarter software for happier customers.”
The enhanced features and benefits of the new Pergola Planner Software enable you to do the following and more:
- Design in 2D or 3D environments
- Choose from prebuilt pergola design templates to help you get started
- View the in-app tutorial for step-by-step instructions on pergola design
- Save design projects automatically
- Use shaping tools to insert specific pergola dimensions
- Select different wood species for your framing lumber
- Upload homeowner photos or select from a large stock image library of outdoor furniture, windows, doors, plants, and trees
For more information or to test-drive the free Pergola Planner Software™ tool from Simpson Strong-Tie, visit go.strongtie.com/pergolaplannersoftware or call (800) 999-5099.
