20 20 design software - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Merbs · 08-13-2009, 04:48 PM

Is anyone using the 20 20 design software for kitchens and baths? I can't find many reviews so I figured I'd ask here. Using Chief but am looking to try something new. Wondering if it's worth buying. Thanks.

**Leo G** · 08-13-2009, 05:00 PM

Have you tried eCabinet? It is free, all you have to do is prove to them you are a cabinet shop.

KitchenSync · 08-13-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merbs

Is anyone using the 20 20 design software for kitchens and baths? I can't find many reviews so I figured I'd ask here. Using Chief but am looking to try something new. Wondering if it's worth buying. Thanks.

Depends. 20/20 works best if you have cabinetry lines and don't want to price everything by hand and your cabinetry lines have a 20/20 catalogue. For simple design, it's quick and fast, but not great for specialty custom.

It's always been glitchy and prone to errors. I use it because it's industry standard, but bleh, I'm almost at the point where I'd rather draw in Chief and price by hand. This is from a user of 20/20 since 1986...

ScipioAfricanus · 08-13-2009, 05:20 PM

Leo is right but you don't have to be a cabinet shop to get it. I am a GC here in CALIF. and I got a license from ECabinets. Very good software for cabinets.

The UI is a bit clunky though, not near as user friendly as Chief.

I need to work with it more though.

Andy.

**Leo G** · 08-13-2009, 05:42 PM

I guess they are getting more lax on who they will give it out to. When I asked for it I had to prove to them I was a cabinet shop. Glad they are letting it out more freely.

CSB · 09-02-2009, 10:24 PM

20/20 is a pain in the butt. Its an extremely expensive, complex and bug-ridden program. Expect to spend upwards of $1500 per user on training in most cases, and $500/year for maintenance/upgrades. The included tutorials are very basic, and the technical support is terrible. Yes, we can render some great images and our layouts are easy to follow, but in my opinion the program is not a good value at all.

bconley · 09-26-2009, 11:26 PM

What will you be using it for? 2020 is not worth having if you are not a cabinet dealer. You wont be able to get the catalogs unless you are, and and designs done with the default catalog would have to be converted to the products catalog you are purchasing and/or priced by hand.
If you are building cabinets, Planit Solid Design or Cabinet Vision are good and can give you 3d renderings to shop drawings.
If it is presentation drawings for sales you are looking for Chief may be the way to go, plus you can use it for much more, as say you do remodeling and renovations.