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DIY Deck Packages

Full custom 3D design + full plan + real support

Full custom 3D design + full plan + real support

Packages from $500 to $5,000

Packages from $500 to $5,000

Add-ons for tools, demo, delivery, engineering, and support

Add-ons for tools, demo, delivery, engineering, and support

Professional Deck Designs You Can Build Yourself

Custom Decks offers complete DIY design packages for both local (Des Moines area) and national (remote) homeowners.
Whether you need a simple 3D design or a full backyard layout, each package is tailored to your space, goals, and budget.

Other companies give you a material list and a basic plan. While we design, plan, explain, support and guide you from start to finish. Competitors give you materials. We give people a full design, a full plan, and real support to build the entire project correctly

No One Can Match Our System!

Other companies give you a material list and a basic plan. While we design, plan, explain, support and guide you from start to finish. Competitors give you materials. We give people a full design, a full plan, and real support to build the entire project correctly.

Typical Competitors

  • Materials, basic plans, helpline.
  • No 3Ddesign, no packages, no backyard model, no add-ons.
  • Basic drawings. No design service, no support.
  • Modular decks, not custom design systems.
  • Lumber + basic plan. No digital design, minimal support.

Custom Decks DIY Packages

  • Full custom 3D design of the deck
  • Model of the house and how the deck connects
  • Optional full backyard model
  • Exact measurements and material list
  • Framing and footing layouts
  • Revisions included
  • Support calls during the build
  • Add-on menu (equipment, demo, delivery, engineering)
  • Versions for homeowners and contractors
  • Packages from $500 to $5,000

Our Design Packages

Competitors give you materials. We give people a full design, a full plan, and real support to build the entire project correctly

Our Design Packages

Basic 3d Package
Basic 3D
Custom-Decks-Do-It-Yourself-pack
Advanced Deck + House
Custom-Decks-Do-It-Yourself
Advanced Deck + Material List
Custom-Decks-Do-It-Yourself
Premium Deck
package-diy-image
Outdoors Basics Pro
package-diy-image
Full Backyard Design
package-diy-image
Elite Full Backyard Package

Basic 3D — $500

A conceptual 3D deck design that shows the size, shape, and layout of your project before any detailed planning or material estimating begins. This helps homeowners understand the footprint and visual style without committing to a full construction plan.

What’s Included


  • 3D Deck Model showing the deck’s layout, steps, and overall shape
  • Overall Dimensions: total deck length and width, approximate square footage, stair placement, basic stair dimensions, and approximate railing layout (visual only)
  • Concept Layout Plan: a top-down footprint diagram with outer dimensions and general shape
  • Perspective Renderings: 1–2 high-quality still renderings
  • Two Rounds of Revisions to refine the design

What’s Not Included


  • Framing plan or joist/beam layout
  • Material list
  • Footing plan
  • Ledger or house-connection details
  • Permit drawings or structural details
  • Engineering

Who This Package Is For


Homeowners who want a clear visual preview before deciding on a final design or a full DIY package.

Purpose of This Package


This gives the homeowner a quick, affordable way to make confident design decisions before investing in full construction documentation.

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Advanced Deck + House — $850

A more detailed 3D design package that expands on the Basic 3D Design by adding the house model, improved realism, more refined layout work, and additional revision rounds. This gives homeowners a much clearer understanding of how the deck will look and function on their specific home before moving into technical or material planning.

What’s Included


  • Advanced 3D Deck + House Model including deck, railing style, stair layout, and the home exterior
  • Detailed Dimensions: total deck length and width, square footage, stair measurements, railing layout, and accurate positioning relative to windows and doors
  • High-Detail Renderings from multiple angles, with optional views from inside the home looking outward
  • Refined Layout Plan showing outer dimensions, usable areas, and flow
  • Two Design Revisions

What’s Not Included


  • Material list
  • Framing plan
  • Footing layout
  • Ledger or house-connection details
  • Permit drawings
  • Engineering or structural calculations

Who This Package Is For


Homeowners who want a polished, realistic design that shows their home and deck together with more detail and flexibility than the Basic 3D Design Package.

Purpose of This Package


To give homeowners a high-accuracy preview of the deck on their actual home before entering full planning or building stages.

Select This Package

Advanced Deck + Material List — $1,000

A complete conceptual 3D deck design paired with a detailed material list based directly on the design. This package gives homeowners the visuals and information needed to start realistic budgeting, supplier quoting, and early-stage planning.

What’s Included


  • 3D Deck Design showing deck shape, size, and layout accurately proportioned against the home
  • Overall Dimensions: deck length and width, square footage, stair placement, railing layout (visual only), and usable footprint details
  • Perspective Renderings: 1–2 polished renderings
  • Top-Down Layout Plan with outer dimensions (conceptual only)
  • Material List (Design-Level): decking, picture frame boards, railing, framing lumber (non-engineered), hardware, accessories shown in design, fascia, skirting, trim
  • Four Design Revisions

What’s Not Included


  • Framing plan (joists, beams, blocking)
  • Footing plan
  • Engineering or structural details
  • Ledger or house-connection details
  • Permit drawings
  • No support calls or on-site visits.

Who This Package Is For


Homeowners who want a polished conceptual design plus a full material list for budgeting, quoting, or early DIY planning.

Purpose of This Package


This is the first package that gives homeowners actionable numbers and accurate material expectations for their project.

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Premium Deck + Materials — $1,500

A complete deck design and documentation package that includes everything needed to prepare for permitting, material planning, and a safe, code-aligned DIY build. This is the first package with full framing plans and a construction-level material list.

What’s Included


  • Full 3D Deck Design showing shape, size, stairs, railings, and overall placement
  • Detailed Dimensions: deck length and width, square footage, stair placement and basic rise/run, railing layout (visual), and footprint details
  • Framing Plan (Code-Aligned): joists, beams, joist direction, spacing, blocking, picture-frame blocking as applicable, and ledger/general notes
  • Footing Layout Plan: footing locations, spacing, grid, and typical code diameters (homeowner verifies final size/depth)
  • Stair Plan: width, rise/run, tread count, and stringer orientation.
  • Permit Drawing Set (PDF): plan view, framing plan, footing layout, stair plan, and general notes (no elevations)
  • Material List (Construction Level): includes all materials required to build the deck; quantities may vary plus or minus 10% based on field conditions
  • Four Design Revisions

What’s Not Included


  • Engineering stamps
  • Custom load calculations
  • No support calls or on-site visits.
  • Ledger engineering for non-standard walls
  • Permit fees
  • Elevation drawings

Who This Package Is For


Homeowners who want ready-to-submit permit drawings and construction-level documentation for a safe, DIY-friendly deck build.

Purpose of This Package


To provide homeowners with complete drawings and documentation so they can order materials accurately, submit permits confidently, and build with clear direction.

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Outdoor Basics Pro — $2,500

A complete deck design and support package that includes full construction documentation, a detailed material list, 4 remote support Sessions, and structured remote support to guide the homeowner through the most critical stages of a safe, high-quality DIY build.

What’s Included


  • Full 3D Deck Design
  • Detailed Dimensions: deck length and width, square footage, stair placement and basic rise/run, railing layout (visual), and footprint details (no elevations)
  • Framing Plan (Code-Aligned): joists, beams, spacing, blocking, picture-frame blocking (if used), and general ledger notes
  • Footing Layout Plan: spacing, typical code-standard diameters, and post locations (homeowner verifies final size/depth)
  • Stair Plan: width, rise/run, tread count, and stringer orientation
  • Permit Drawing Set (PDF): plan view, framing plan, footing layout, stair plan, and general notes (no elevations)
  • Construction-Level Material List: includes all materials required to build the deck; quantities may vary plus or minus 10% based on field conditions
  • Four Revisions
  • Four (4) Remote Support Sessions conducted via Zoom, FaceTime, or video call, typically covering: Footing layout and placement review, Framing review prior to decking installation, Decking and stair review before trim and railing, Final walkthrough and punch-list review

What’s Not Included


  • Engineering stamps
  • Custom load calculations
  • On-site labor or installation
  • Permit fees
  • Additional visits beyond the four included

Who This Package Is For


Homeowners who want to build the deck themselves but want professional oversight at the most important stages.

Purpose of This Package


To give DIY builders complete documentation and in-person expert support for a safer, more confident building experience.

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Full Backyard Design — $3,500

A complete outdoor-living package that includes the full deck/structure design package, 4 remote support Sessions, and a complete 3D backyard master plan for long-term outdoor planning.

What’s Included


  • Full 3D design of deck, pergola, privacy wall, or any lumber-framed outdoor structure
  • Detailed dimensions for all structures
  • Framing Plan (Code-Aligned) for all applicable structures
  • Footing Layout Plan for all structures (homeowner verifies depth/size with local code)
  • Stair Plan when applicable
  • Permit Drawing Set (PDF): plan view, framing plan, footing layout, stair plan, and general notes
  • Construction-Level Material List for all structures (materials may vary ±10%)
  • Four (4) Remote Support Sessions conducted via Zoom, FaceTime, or video call, typically covering: Footing layout and placement review, Framing review prior to decking installation, Decking and stair review before trim and railing, Final walkthrough and punch-list review
  • Full 3D Backyard Master Plan including patios, walkways, seating zones, deck transitions, traffic flow, and long-term layout planning
  • Optional conceptual pool design: layout, size, shape, placement, and integration with the deck and backyard flow (visual layout only, not for permit use)
  • Conceptual dimensions for patios, walkways, and yard features (no elevations or hardscape construction drawings)
  • High-quality renderings of the full outdoor space
  • Four Total Revisions.

What’s Not Included


  • Hardscape material lists (concrete, pavers, stone)
  • Hardscape construction drawings
  • Engineering or stamped plans
  • Permit fees
  • Elevation drawings
  • Physical labor or installation
  • Additional visits beyond the four included

Who This Package Is For


Homeowners who want a complete permit-ready structure plan and full backyard concept design in a single package.

Purpose of This Package


To give homeowners everything they need to build their main outdoor structure while also planning the entire backyard for future phases.

Select This Package

Elite Full Backyard Design — $5,000

This top-tier package includes full structure design, a complete backyard master plan, unlimited phone support, priority scheduling, premium renderings, drone-style overview video, four on-site support visits, a complete tool bundle, dump trailer access, skid-steer rental, and construction-level material lists for all structures.

What’s Included


  • Complete Structure Design Package: 3D models, dimensions, framing plans, footing layout plans, stair plans (if applicable), permit drawing sets (no elevations), and material lists for all structures (±10%)
  • Complete Tool Bundle: all tools required to build the deck or outdoor structures
  • Optional conceptual pool design: layout, size, shape, placement, and integration with the deck and backyard flow (visual layout only, not for permit use)
  • Dump Trailer Use: delivered/picked up by Custom Decks; project materials only; homeowner cannot tow or move the trailer
  • Skid-Steer Rental: delivered/picked up by Custom Decks; use limited to footings, dirt movement, and project cleanup only
  • Four On-Site Support Visits: footing review, framing inspection, decking/stairs review, and final walkthrough
  • Unlimited Phone Support
  • Priority Scheduling: guaranteed scheduling within 48 hours
  • Full 3D Backyard Master Plan: patios, walkways, seating, dining, fire pit zones, transitions, traffic flow, and multi-phase planning (design only)
  • Premium Rendering Package + Drone Video
  • Four Total Revisions

What’s Not Included


  • Hardscape material lists
  • Hardscape construction drawings
  • Engineering or stamped plans
  • Permit fees
  • Elevation drawings
  • Labor or installation
  • Additional site visits beyond the four included

Who This Package Is For


Homeowners who want the most complete, all-inclusive DIY outdoor-building package with every tool, support system, and resource they need.

Purpose of This Package


To give homeowners everything required for a full-scale outdoor transformation with confidence, clarity, and complete support.

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Contractor Basic
Custom-Decks-Do-It-Yourself
Contractor Pro

Contractor Basic — $500

A complete, contractor-ready deck plan set that includes permit-ready drawings, framing layout, beam sizes, footing layout, square footage, railing linear footage, and a full material list.

What’s Included


  • Permit-Ready Construction Drawings: plan view, framing layout, beam sizes and locations, footing layout (typical code), stair plan if applicable, and general construction notes
  • Plan View: deck shape, outer dimensions, square footage, railing layout with linear footage, and stair locations
  • Framing Layout: joist direction, spacing, spans, blocking layout, and picture-frame blocking if applicable
  • Beam Plan: beam sizes, spans, direction, and post locations
  • Footing Layout: spacing, grid, post locations, and typical code diameters (contractor verifies final requirements)
  • Stair Plan (as applicable): width, rise/run, tread count, and stringer orientation
  • Material List (Construction-Level): joists, beams, posts, footings, decking, fascia, railings, hardware, and fasteners (±10% accuracy)
  • Two Revisions
  • One Support Call Included

What’s Not Included


  • Engineering or stamped drawings
  • On-site visits
  • Multi-level decks
  • Pergolas, roofs, or screen rooms
  • 3D modeling
  • Backyard planning or renderings

Who This Package Is For


Contractors who want fast, accurate permit-ready documents and materials for a single-level deck.

Purpose of This Package


To provide contractors with everything needed to quote, permit, and build efficiently and professionally.

Select This Package

Contractor Pro— $1,500

A complete contractor-focused deck design package including a full 3D rendered model, permit-ready drawings, framing/beam/footing layouts, stair plans, square footage, railing linear footage, and a construction-level material list. Includes two revisions and two support calls.

What’s Included


  • 3D Rendered Design: realistic multi-angle visuals with accurate materials and dimensions
  • Permit-Ready Drawings: plan view, square footage, railing LF, framing layout, beam sizes, joist spacing/direction, blocking, post layout, stair plan (if applicable), footing layout with typical code spacing, and construction notes
  • Construction-Level Material List: decking, joists, beams, posts, fascia, railings, blocking, footing materials, hardware, and fasteners (±10%)
  • Two Revisions
  • Two Support Calls Included

What’s Not Included


  • Engineered or stamped drawings
  • On-site visits
  • Multi-level decks
  • Additional structures (pergola, roof, screen room)
  • Additional revisions or calls
  • Full backyard planning
  • Hardscape design

Who This Package Is For


Contractors needing polished 3D visuals and accurate permit-ready documents to bid, sell, and build efficiently.

Purpose of This Package


To provide fast, accurate construction documentation and professional presentation
materials for contractors.

Select This Package
Custom-Decks-Do-It-Yourself
Contractor Subscription
Custom-Decks-Do-It-Yourself
Contractor Premium Subscription
Custom-Decks-Do-It-Yourself
Contractor Elite Subscription

Contractor Subscription — $1,500/Month

A subscription for contractors who want a dedicated deck design department each month. Includes one premium Pro Deck Package plus unlimited Basic Plans, priority turnaround, unlimited revisions for the Pro project, and unlimited support calls.

Included Each Month


  • One Contractor Pro Design Package including 3D renderings, permit-ready plan set, framing layout, beam layout, footing plan, stair plan, square footage, railing layout, materials, and construction notes
  • Unlimited Basic Deck Plans with a five-business-day turnaround
  • Unlimited revisions for the monthly Pro project
  • Unlimited support calls for design questions, clarifications, and adjustments
  • Priority scheduling and guaranteed 72-hour turnaround for the Pro project
  • Discounted pricing on additional Pro packages at one thousand dollars each

What This Solves


  • Eliminates contractor time spent on drawings and takeoffs
  • Provides professional 3D visuals to help win bids
  • Ensures accurate framing, beams, posts, and footings for permitting
  • Speeds up quoting and material ordering
  • Removing the need for an in-house design employee

Who This Plan Is For


Contractors who build decks regularly and want consistent, accurate design support while reducing time spent on estimating, planning, and revisions.

Purpose of This Subscription


To provide contractors with a reliable monthly design partner, fast turnaround, and complete documentation to help quote, sell, and build more efficiently.

Select This Package

Contractor Premium Subscription — $2,500/Month

A high-value subscription designed for contractors completing two to four decks per month. This plan provides two premium Pro Deck Packages, unlimited Basic Deck Plans, unlimited revisions, unlimited support calls, priority scheduling, and discounted pricing on additional Pro packages.

Included Each Month


  • Two Contractor Pro Design Packages including 3D renderings, permit-ready plan sets, framing layouts, beam layouts, footing plans, stair plans, square footage, railing layouts, materials, and construction notes
  • Unlimited Basic Deck Plans with a five-business-day turnaround
  • Unlimited revisions for both Pro projects
  • Unlimited support calls for design questions, clarifications, and adjustments
  • Priority scheduling with guaranteed 72-hour turnaround for Pro projects
  • Additional Pro packages available for one thousand dollars each

What This Solves


  • Eliminates contractor time spent on drawings, redlines, and takeoffs
  • Provides professional 3D visuals to win more homeowner bids
  • Ensures accurate framing, beams, posts, and footings for permitting
  • Speeds up quoting and material ordering across multiple jobs
  • Provides design consistency for crews and subcontractors
  • Removes the need for an internal design employee or drafts person

Who This Plan Is For


Contractors who consistently sell and build multiple decks per month and want
professional support, faster turnaround, and streamlined documentation for every project.

Purpose of This Subscription


To provide a reliable monthly design partner capable of supporting multiple deck projects with speed, accuracy, and complete construction documentation.

Select This Package

Contractor Elite Subscription — $3,000/Month

A premium subscription built for high-volume contractors completing four to eight decks per month. This plan provides three Pro Deck Packages, unlimited Basic Deck Plans, unlimited revisions, unlimited support calls, accelerated turnaround, and advanced job site analysis support.

Included Each Month


  • Three Contractor Pro Design Packages including 3D renderings, permit-ready plan sets, framing layouts, beam layouts, footing plans, stair plans, square footage, railing layouts, materials, and construction notes
  • Unlimited Basic Deck Plans with a five-business-day turnaround
  • Unlimited revisions for all three Pro projects
  • Unlimited support calls for design questions, clarifications, and adjustments
  • Priority scheduling with guaranteed forty-eight-hour turnaround for Pro projects
  • One job site photo analysis per month
  • Additional Pro packages available for one thousand dollars each

What This Solves


  • Supports high-volume builders with multiple simultaneous deck projects
  • Delivers fast, accurate permit-ready documentation
  • Provides professional 3D visuals to help win homeowner bids
  • Ensures consistent and correct framing, beams, posts, and footings across many crews
  • Reduces delays by providing rapid turnaround for designs and revisions
  • Eliminates the need to hire or manage an internal design staff

Who This Plan Is For


Contractors operating at scale, managing multiple crews, or building four or more decks per month who require advanced support, high-priority turnaround, and consistent documentation.

Purpose of This Subscription


To provide enterprise-level design support for busy contractors who need fast, accurate, high-volume project documentation to keep multiple jobs moving without delays.

Select This Package

Not Sure which one? Compare packages

Feature / Package
Basic 3D
$500
Adv. Deck+House
$850
Adv. + Material List
$1,000
Premium Deck
$1,500
Most Popular
Outdoor Basics Pro
$2,500
Full Backyard
$3,500
Elite Full Backyard
$5,000
3D Deck Design
House Model Included
Full Backyard Master Plan
Overall Dimensions (L/W/SF)
Stair Layout & Dimensions Visual Visual
Railing Layout Visual Visual
Phone Support
Perspective Renderings Premium
Design Revisions Included 2 4 4 4 4 4
Material List (Based on Final Design)
Framing Plan (Code-Aligned)
Footing Layout Plan
Stair Plan (Construction-Level)
Permit-Ready Drawing Set (PDF)
Construction Notes
Remote Support Sessions
On-Site Support Visits
Priority Scheduling Unlimited
Conceptual Pool Design
Conceptual Patios & Walkways
Traffic Flow & Long-Term Planning
Tool Bundle Included
Dump Trailer Access
Skid-Steer Rental
Drone-Style Overview Video
Get Started Get Started Get Started Get Started Get Started Get Started

How It Works

Here’s how our simple, transparent process works, from first conversation to final board.

Step 01

Choose Your Package

Select the DIY package that fits your project and complete a short intake form with photos, measurements, budget range, and ideas.

Step 02

We Design Your Project

We create a custom deck design tailored to your space, goals, and budget, so your plans and material list stay realistic and affordable.

Step 03

Receive Your Full DIY Plan

Get detailed plans, step-by-step instructions, material and cut lists, recommended tools, build timelines, and access to our build video library.

Step 04

Build with Confidence

Follow our plans and videos to build safely and correctly, designed for first-time DIYers but detailed enough for premium results.

Step 05

Order Materials Easily

Use your material list to order directly from Decks & Docks or a designated supplier, with materials packaged and delivered to your home.

Step 06

Get Support When You Need It

Schedule support calls during your build for expert guidance and clarity at critical stages.

Step 07

Add Optional Upgrades

Enhance your project with add-ons like footing installation, demolition, extra support calls, or equipment rentals.

Step 08

Complete Your Deck

Finish with a high-quality, professional-looking deck designed around your ideas and budget, saving thousands in the process.

Custom Decks
Step-by-Step Deck Guide

Built from 75 years of real-world deck-building experience (50 years from Chad’s dad and 25 years from Chad), the Custom Decks Step-by-Step Deck Guide is a detailed, start-to-finish resource designed to walk homeowners through the entire deck-building process with clarity and confidence.

This guide breaks down how decks are actually built in the field, using the same methods, standards, and best practices Custom Decks has refined over decades of professional builds. From footings and framing to decking, stairs, hardware, and finishing details, every major step is explained in a clear, practical way.

This is not a generic online article or checklist. It’s a structured, professional guide created to help homeowners understand the “why” behind each step, avoid common mistakes, and build the right way from the start.

Custom Decks Step By Step Building Guide

About the Founder

Chad Rouse has spent more than 25 years building decks, covered decks, pergolas, screen rooms, and full outdoor living spaces. Throughout his career he has trained multiple builders, taught people how to understand construction, and developed a natural ability to simplify complex processes so anyone can follow them. His teaching style is direct, clear, and built around real jobsite experience rather than theory.

One of Chad’s strongest abilities is visualizing how things are built in his head before they exist on paper. He can see the structure, the problems, and the solutions instantly. This allows him to design projects quickly, anticipate issues before they happen, and break down each step into simple instructions that homeowners and beginners can understand.

Owner Chad Rouse

Start Your DIY Deck Project

Join hundreds of homeowners and contractors who’ve built beautiful, professional decks with our expert design and support system. No hidden fees, no surprises — just a clear path from design to completion.

Start Your ProjectAsk a Question

Question? Call us at (515) 208-3697 or email chad@customdecksia.com