Comparison

TDCA vs Deck Sketch 3D

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TDCA

Easily estimate the materials needed for decks, terraces, or docks. Select timber types and deck shapes to get a material quantity estimate. Includes inspirational photos and an FAQ section.

Highlights
  • Material quantity estimation
  • Timber type selection
  • Deck shape selection
  • Email material lists
  • Inspirational construction photos
  • FAQ section
Features
Read full description

With the new Timber Decking and Cladding Association app TDCA, you can easily estimate the kind and quantity of materials you need to purchase to construct a center deck, terrace or docking facility. You can find the correct type of timber for your construction, select a deck shape and get an estimate of the quantity of deckboard, joists, oil and fixings you require, and e-mail this list of materials to others. The app also contains photos of constructions to inspire you, and an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section. If you've never before constructed a deck, this app can help you get started, and for professionals, here's an app that gives you a quick estimate on-site. This app is free and since it's an iPhone app, it can be used on an iPad as well.

About

Deck Sketch 3D

Design, plan, and estimate the cost of your outdoor deck projects in 2D and 3D. Generate professional plans, material lists, and cut lists with building code compliance. Compare prices from local hardware stores.

Highlights
  • 2D deck drawing with complex shapes and multiple levels
  • Realistic 3D visualization with material and framing views
  • Customizable surface materials, railings, and foundations
  • Smart stair calculator with cut diagrams and code compliance
  • Complete materials and optimized cut lists
  • Price estimates from major hardware stores
  • Professional PDF plan generation
Features
Read full description

DeckSketch 3D is the most complete tool to design, plan and estimate the cost of your balcony, patio or wood deck. Whether you're a passionate DIYer or a contractor, this app guides you from the first sketch to the job site. DRAW YOUR DECK IN 2D Trace the outline of your deck directly on your screen. Create complex shapes, add multiple levels at different heights and attach the structure to your house. Add elements like a hot tub, round or rectangular pool, stairs, pergolas and guardrails with gates. View the framing in real time with joists, beams and posts. VISUALIZE IN REALISTIC 3D Instantly switch from your 2D drawing to an interactive 3D view. Explore your project from three angles: the finished rendering with colors and materials, the framing structure with posts, beams and joists, and the underside view to check structural integrity. Rotate, zoom and pan the view with smooth touch gestures. CUSTOMIZE EVERY DETAIL Choose from multiple surface materials: pressure-treated wood, natural cedar or composite in 10 trending shades (charcoal grey, walnut, driftwood, mahogany and more). Select the railing style (aluminum, tempered glass, treated wood or composite) and foundation type (sonotubes, pad footings or helical piles). Add a pergola with 5 roofing options: open rafters, polycarbonate, retractable shade, solid roof or metal roofing. SMART STAIR CALCULATOR Simply enter the total height and desired width. The app automatically calculates the number of steps, the rise and run of each step, the stringer length and the number of stringers required. A detailed cut diagram guides you to cut your stringers with precision. Automatic building code compliance check (IRC R311.7). COMPLETE MATERIALS AND CUT LIST Get a detailed list of everything you need: foundations, posts, beams, joists, decking boards, stringers, treads, railings, hardware, bolts and screws. The optimized cut list shows each piece with its exact dimensions and purpose. Minimize waste with the cut plan that organizes your cuts on standard-length boards. PRICE ESTIMATES BY STORE Compare estimated prices at hardware stores near you: Home Depot, Lowe's, Rona and other retailers. Use the built-in GPS to find the nearest store or sort by price to save money. Available in Canada, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium. Prices are adjusted monthly based on the materials inflation index. PROFESSIONAL PDF PLANS Generate a complete multi-page PDF package ready for the job site or permit application: floor plan with dimensions, framing plan, foundation plan, side elevation, stair detail, railing detail, pergola detail, materials list, cut list, optimized cut plan, step-by-step assembly guide and code compliance tips. Print or share directly from the app. BUILDING CODE COMPLIANT All calculations follow IRC R507 (beam sizing, post spacing) and IRC R311.7 (stairs) standards. Compatible with North American and European standards. Choose between North American lumber sizes (2x6, 2x8, 2x10) or European sizes (45x95 mm, 45x145 mm). Imperial or metric system based on your preference. FREE TO START Full 2D drawing, 3D view and stair calculator are free. Upgrade to Pro to unlock precise measurements, the complete cut list, price comparison, PDF plans and unlimited saves. Conditions d'utilisation / Terms of Use: https://www.atikdesign.ca/terms-decksketch Politique de confidentialité / Privacy Policy: https://www.atikdesign.ca/privacy-decksketch Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.atikdesign.ca/privacy-decksketch

Screenshots

TDCA4 screens
Deck Sketch 3D4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: TDCA at 2.0 against Deck Sketch 3D's 1.0. TDCA also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.1). Deck Sketch 3D's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Deck Sketch 3D sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month. TDCA asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

TDCA holds the better App Store score, 2.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TDCA ships an update every 2 months, Deck Sketch 3D every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
TDCA versus Deck Sketch 3D: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTDCADeck Sketch 3D
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.0 (1 ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS7.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB42 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAVIAAtik Design S.E.N.C

Customer experience

TDCA

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Deck Sketch 3D

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

TDCA

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Deck Sketch 3D

Subscriptions1
  • DeckSketch Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month

Questions

Is TDCA free?
TDCA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Deck Sketch 3D free?
Deck Sketch 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, TDCA or Deck Sketch 3D?
TDCA is rated higher. TDCA averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Deck Sketch 3D averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do TDCA or Deck Sketch 3D have ads?
Neither TDCA nor Deck Sketch 3D shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TDCA or Deck Sketch 3D?
TDCA ships an update every 2 months, and Deck Sketch 3D every 9 days. Most recently, TDCA was updated on October 8, 2026 and Deck Sketch 3D on October 5, 2026.

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