Plan your next DIY build with instant 3D models, 2D plans, and itemized materials lists. Structures, furniture, and more. Free, no sign-up required.
1
Configure
Choose Structure or Furniture mode. Set dimensions, wall type, foundation, and roof — or pick a preset. Switch between imperial and metric units anytime.
2
Customize
Add doors, windows, interior walls, and lot boundaries. Choose colors, roofing material, insulation, and drywall. For furniture, pick joinery, finish, and drag shelves into position.
3
Build Your Plan
Get an interactive 3D model, a zoomable 2D floor plan with a measure tool, and a complete materials list. Watch a step-by-step assembly animation or record it as a video. Save designs, share a link, export cut lists, or print.
Not a substitute for professional plans. Build It is a visualization and budgeting tool — it gives you a rough idea of what your structure could look like and an approximate materials list to help you plan. It does not produce architectural, structural, or engineering drawings. Material quantities are estimates and may vary. Always consult a licensed contractor, verify structural requirements, and check your local building codes and permit requirements before purchasing materials or starting construction.
Configure your structure dimensions and hit Generate Plan to see your floor plan, 3D model, and materials list.
Build It — DIY Build Planner
A Salt n' Fork Project
build.saltnfork.com
Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom
2D Floor Plan
Click to set start point
Front Elevation
Left Elevation
Back Elevation
Right Elevation
3D Model
With Roof
Without Roof
Materials List
Planning and visualization tool only. This only provides an estimate for visualization and planning purposes. Material quantities may vary based on local lumber dimensions, building techniques, and waste factors. Always verify structural requirements with a licensed contractor and a licensed architect in your area. Building codes vary significantly by location — check with your local permitting office before construction.
Materials List
Planning and visualization tool only. This only provides an estimate for visualization and planning purposes. Material quantities may vary based on local lumber dimensions, building techniques, and waste factors. Always verify structural requirements with a licensed contractor and a licensed architect in your area. Building codes vary significantly by location — check with your local permitting office before construction.
Get exact material quantities and cutting diagrams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build It has two modes. In Structure mode, enter dimensions, choose a wall type and foundation, add doors and windows, then click Generate Plan. In Furniture mode, pick a furniture type (workbench, table, bookshelf, and more), set dimensions, and the plan generates automatically. Both modes give you an interactive 3D model, zoomable 2D plans with a measure tool, and a complete materials list instantly. In Furniture mode you can also play a step-by-step assembly animation showing how the piece goes together, and record it as a video. Save designs to revisit later or share a link with your contractor.
In Structure mode: sheds, workshops, garages, she-sheds, studios, ADUs, and other backyard structures with wood frame (2x4 or 2x6) or masonry CMU walls and wood frame or concrete slab foundations. In Furniture mode: workbenches, tables, dining tables, bookshelves, cabinets, desks, entertainment centers, stools, planters, picture frames, step stools, plant stands, storage boxes, and shoe racks. All with fully custom dimensions.
The materials list covers everything you need to build: foundation materials, floor framing, wall framing (or CMU blocks for masonry), roof framing, sheathing, exterior siding, house wrap, roofing (asphalt shingles or standing seam metal), ventilation, doors, windows, fasteners, and optional items like insulation and drywall. Each item includes quantity, unit, and material description.
Build It provides reasonable estimates for planning and budgeting purposes. Actual quantities may vary based on local lumber dimensions, your specific building techniques, waste factors, and regional material availability. The estimates follow standard framing practices (16" on-center stud spacing, standard header sizes, etc.) but should always be verified by a licensed contractor before purchasing materials.
Permit requirements vary significantly by location. Many jurisdictions require permits for structures over a certain size (often 100-200 sq ft), structures with electrical or plumbing, or structures on permanent foundations. Always check with your local building department or permit office before starting construction. Build It is a planning tool and does not replace the need for proper permits and inspections.
2x4 framing uses 3.5"-deep studs and is the standard for most small structures like storage sheds. 2x6 framing uses 5.5"-deep studs, providing thicker walls that can hold more insulation (R-19 vs R-13) and offer greater structural strength. Choose 2x6 if you're building a workshop, studio, or any structure you plan to heat or cool.
Build It offers two foundation options. A wood frame floor uses pressure-treated lumber on skids or blocks — it's easier to build, doesn't require concrete work, and works well for smaller structures. A concrete slab is more permanent, provides a flat hard floor ideal for workshops and garages, and is required by code in some areas for larger structures. Your choice depends on the structure's purpose, local codes, and soil conditions.
Build It supports three roof styles. A gable roof (the classic triangle shape) sheds water well and provides attic space. A shed roof (single slope) is the simplest to build and works great for lean-tos or modern designs. A flat roof is the most economical but requires proper drainage slope. You can also adjust the pitch (3:12 to 12:12) and choose between asphalt shingles and standing seam metal roofing.
Yes. Click the Share Link button to copy a URL that encodes your exact configuration. Anyone who opens the link will see the same design you created — whether it's a structure or furniture piece — complete with 3D model, 2D plans, and materials list.
Yes. In Furniture mode, click the Play button on the 3D viewer to watch a step-by-step assembly animation. Parts fly into place in the correct build order — legs and frame first, then shelves and stretchers, and finally the top surface. You can pause the animation at any point to orbit and inspect the model, then resume. Click the Record button to capture the animation as a downloadable video file (MP4 or WebM) that you can share or reference during your build.
Build It is completely free with no sign-up required. All features — including 3D models, floor plans, materials lists, and shareable links — are available at no cost.