Free/cheap CAD software to lay out my new kitchen

[Fuzzy14]

I've got some major DIY works coming up in the next few months and I need to lay out my kitchen to make sure it all fits (I'll be rearrangeing things, demolishing walls, that kind of thing!)

I was CAD trained in my old place of work, using Anvil (2D) and Solidworks (3D) however my new work doesn't give me access to anything useful (and even Ikea Kitchen planner is banned by the regime.)

I've tried Cadintosh and Google Sketchup however not really impressed by their operating philosophy, probably just because it's different from what I'm used to.

If I can't find anything better then I'll make do with them, however I was just wondering if there was anything else out there free-ish or a small fee (since this is the only time I'd be using it.)

[hotshotharry]

Try this http://sketchup.google.com/

I drew a 3D model of my house before i built it! Works fantastic :-)

[bartelby]

Originally Posted by hotshotharry

Try this http://sketchup.google.com/

I drew a 3D model of my house before i built it! Works fantastic :-)

Op doesn't agree there...

Originally Posted by Fuzzy14

I've tried Cadintosh and Google Sketchup however not really impressed by their operating philosophy, probably just because it's different from what I'm used to.

[LeviG]

Alibre, its not free (its actually fairly pricey) but it did have a demo version at one point which might be good enough.

Actually I'm sure some of the others have a trial too which might be worth looking into

[hotshotharry]

LOL oops, guess i missed that portion of the sentence :-)

[wongulous]

How exactly can you do your own subcontracting if you can't afford the design tools to do it? I think that's when it makes more sense to outsource. Find a builder or architect that can spend half an hour with you looking at your rough plans and then expect a revision or two. Why does it make sense to do all that when you only have one kitchen, and you're only doing one reno?

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by hotshotharry

Try this http://sketchup.google.com/

I drew a 3D model of my house before i built it! Works fantastic :-)

Did the city Building Department accept your Sketchup drawing as the plans for you building permit? I drew some freehand sketches on graph paper before I built. But in the end I had to hire a architectural firm and a civil engineer to get the plans approved.


To the OP: "Turbo Cad", the 2D version is easy to use and learn and retails for about $60. Their 3D version has a much longer learning curve. You don't need a 3D cad package for such a simple project. Turbo Cad has a user interface that is I'd say, half way between Autocad and a Mac-like draw program. You should be able to use it quickly to make plan view and elevation drawings

[twietee]

Originally Posted by Agurri

You could try ArchiCAD

This.
I too would recommend the trial version of one professional program, like ArchiCAD or VektorWorks. They do have watermarks or a 30day trial restriction, but that should not interfere with your requirements.

[Fuzzy14]

Thanks, but the kitchen was built 3 years ago....

[twietee]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy14

Thanks, but the kitchen was built 3 years ago....

What's that supposed to mean? You've asked for free/cheap CAD software.

[RedTomato]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy14

Thanks, but the kitchen was built 3 years ago....

What software did you use in the end? Any pics of plans vs the end product?