Kitchen Design Software

 
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Old 04-26-2009, 04:10 PM   #1
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Kitchen Design Software


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!

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Old 04-26-2009, 04:17 PM   #2
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Re: Kitchen Design Software


If you're doing straight kitchen design, just use 2020. It's pretty much the only software used in kitchen design.
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Old 04-26-2009, 05:20 PM   #3
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Re: Kitchen Design Software


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.
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Old 01-03-2011, 05:18 PM   #4
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Re: Kitchen Design Software


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
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Old 02-16-2011, 06:08 AM   #5
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Re: Kitchen Design Software


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
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Old 02-16-2011, 04:45 PM   #6
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Re: Kitchen Design Software


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.
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