Kitchen Design Software

Buma

I am looking for design software that will be used mostly for kitchens and somewhat for custom closets/bars, etc.

I've been told to look at the following programs and am looking for feedback on how well they work and how easy/intuitive they are to use. I'd also welcome alternate suggestions. Note that I am a computer novice but don't want to give up too much functionality.

• 20/20 Design
• Pro100USA
• SmartDraw
• old version of Autocad (not sure this will work with my computer skills)

I want to ensure that the software has a good library as my designs are more modern.

Are these good programs? Is one better than another? Any help greatly appreciated!

KentWhitten

If you're doing straight kitchen design, just use 2020. It's pretty much the only software used in kitchen design.

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

ScipioAfricanus

Framerman is right about 20/20, it is the top-of-the-line kitchen remodeling software. Not too sure how expensive it still is though, very pricey I think.

AutoCAD would be difficult I think and I hate Autodesk the company. Good software though.

I would look into ecabinets.com the software is free if you are a contractor, you can do some really nice things with it and I believe it does a very nice job of all cabinet accessories for the inside harware and such. Big selection of trademarked cabinet catagories too. I am slowly checking it out as I get the time to learn it. I think the GUI is a little cluncky though. It will give you accurate cut lists for CNC machines also from what I understand.

Chief Architect has very good cabinet tools and ease of design interfacing. no cut list though. This is the one I use for all my design and drafting stuff. I know others that use it exclusively for kitchen and bath design also.

The other two you mentioned I don't know anything about.

Andy.

cabinetguy1

Buma,

20/20 and ProKitchen have good design programs and represent 70% of what cabinetry designers use in the market - most mainstream cabinet manufacturers have catalogs for their representatives to use. If you are not associated with a manufacturer, they also have generic files to simply design with for perspective uses... Neither are cheap if you are not going to be using it full time ($3k to $6k per key)

I work with Canyon Creek Cabinet Company - we also have a free closet catalog on Cheif Architect to use for designing purposes.

I haven't heard about the other design programs you list other than autocad (which is not heavily used in the cabinetry design field).

Best regards,

Paul

sirbuildalot

well if your not a cabinetry expert like most people on this post you might want to stick to a software that is easy yet affective..Decotech and Pro100 are very easy to use and can aid you in your design...also used by thousands of do-it-yourselfers and just your every day homeowner

curlin

check out Cabinetplanner.com. Only costs 70 bucks or so. Does 3 d imaging. It does cusom sizes on cabinet boxes, generates cut lists, prices. I learned how to use it in one day. Homeowners love 3D images. Good for cabinets, harder for mantles or elaborate built ins.