Free visual tools for home projects
Free stair, deck & tile planners.
See the shape.
Know what to buy.
Prep to Build helps DIY renovators and small contractors turn measurements into a clearer plan. Compare design ideas, see a visual preview and estimate stock requirements for stairs, decking and tiled floors.
Free to use. No account needed to start planning.
to a clearer finish.Design · Plan · Preview
Choose your project
One good plan makes the build easier.
Start with the part of your home you're working on. Each planner connects your measurements to a drawing and a practical material estimate.
Free stair calculator
Staircase design
Try different rises, runs and riser counts. See the staircase change as you work, then review tread-board stock and cuts.
Deck material calculator
Decking planner
Shape your deck, compare board layouts and see a more realistic preview. Work out boards and perimeter requirements.
Tile layout planner
Tile floor planner
Lay out rooms to scale, explore tile patterns and estimate the tiles you need across your floor plan.
How Prep to Build helps
A visual plan, not just a number.
A calculator can give you an answer. Prep to Build helps you see what that answer means for the project you want to build.
Find your plannerEnter your measurements
Start with your space, dimensions and preferred layout.
Visualise your design
Adjust the plan and compare how each choice changes the drawing or preview.
Estimate what to buy
Use the connected stock, board or tile quantities to prepare for the job.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Are the Prep to Build planners free?
Yes. The stair calculator, deck planner and tile layout planner are free to use, and you do not need an account to start planning.
What can I plan with Prep to Build?
You can plan straight stairs with riser and tread counts, decks with board layouts and material estimates, and tiled floors with room layouts, patterns and tile quantities.
How accurate are the material estimates?
They are planning estimates based on the measurements you enter. Confirm quantities, site conditions, structural details and local requirements with your supplier or a qualified professional before you build.
Do the guides cover building codes?
The guides explain the calculations and quote headline figures for common regions, but codes differ by location and change over time. Always check the current rules with your local authority.