Understand Your Site
Before picking any material, understand what you're working with. Your deck's location, elevation, soil type, and local frost line determine everything from footing depth to required engineering.
Choose Your Shape & Size
Square footage drives cost, material quantity, and structural requirements. Think about what you'll use the deck for — a grill station needs different space than a hot tub platform.
Select Your Decking Material
This is where companies like Trex and TimberTech shine — and where StruKture adds value by letting you compare every brand side by side. We show you real collections, real colors, and real pricing without bias.
Pick Your Color & Finish
Color choice isn't just aesthetic — it affects heat, maintenance, and how your deck complements your home. Darker colors absorb more heat but create a dramatic look. Lighter tones stay cooler and brighten the space.
Configure Railing & Stairs
Railing isn't just a safety requirement — it defines the look of your deck. From sleek aluminum and cable rail to classic wood balusters, your choice sets the tone. Stairs need proper sizing for code compliance.
Add Structural Intelligence
This is where StruKture leaves manufacturer tools behind. We auto-calculate your beam sizes, post spacing, footing depths, and hardware — all based on IRC span tables and real engineering data.
Review Your Material Takeoff
Once your design is locked, we generate a complete material list — every board, joist, screw, hanger, and bracket with quantities and pricing. Export it for your local lumber yard or order directly.
Build with Confidence
Follow phase-by-phase build instructions with video tutorials, printable checklists, and expert support. Track your progress and know exactly what to do next — from the first footing to the final trim piece.
Why StruKture
More Than a Material Picker
Trex Deck Designer and TimberTech's Deck Designer let you visualize with their products. StruKture does that and everything else.
| Feature | StruKture | Trex / TimberTech Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Coverage | All brands — Trex, TimberTech, wood, and more | Their own products only |
| 3D Visualization | Real-time 3D with structural overlay | Basic 3D deck shapes with product colors |
| Structural Analysis | IRC-compliant beam, joist, footing, hardware calc | Not offered |
| Material Takeoff | Every board, screw, bracket — itemized with pricing | Basic cost estimate (Trex Cost Calculator) |
| Supplier Comparison | Multi-supplier pricing from Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. | Links to their own retailers |
| Climate Recommendations | Sun, wind, moisture analysis with brand-specific picks | General marketing claims |
| Build Guidance | Phase-by-phase video tutorials + progress tracking | General how-to articles and installation PDFs |
| Permit Support | Full permit pack generation with code compliance | Not offered |
| AI Assistant | AI-powered design, structural explanations, chat support | Not offered |
| Contractor Marketplace | Find, compare, and book vetted contractors | TrexPro / TimberTech contractor locator |
We Work With the Best
Brands We Support
We integrate real product data from the industry's leading decking manufacturers so you can make informed decisions.
Trex
World's #1 Composite Decking Brand
Trex invented the composite decking category over 30 years ago and reports 95% recycled material content in their boards. Their SunComfortable technology is claimed to keep boards up to 35°F cooler. Three product lines from entry to premium.
Trex is a registered trademark of Trex Company, Inc. StruKture is not affiliated with or endorsed by Trex.
TimberTech
Premium Composite & PVC Decking
Four product lines from entry composite to ultra-premium PVC. TimberTech describes their AZEK Vintage line as 100% synthetic from cap to core. Their Alloy Armour Technology is designed for scratch resistance, and TimberTech claims boards stay up to 30°F cooler underfoot.
TimberTech and AZEK are registered trademarks of AZEK Company. StruKture is not affiliated with or endorsed by TimberTech.