How to Design Countertops Using CAD Design

Want your kitchen to look and feel more personalized? Then you should design your countertop yourself. With computer-based tools such as CAD, you have a shot at making your own countertop designs even without any prior knowledge in drawing or designing. All you need is some imagination and basic computer skills. It’s really easier than you think!

What is CAD?

CAD (or computer-aided design) makes the life of design professionals easier – that’s why most interior designers use it. It is a computer-based tool which can include software or special-purpose hardware, or both. It is a geometry authoring tool with packages ranging from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D surface and solid modelers.; Just because it sounds too technical does not mean that it is, though – in fact, you can use it, too, even if you have minimal experience with design software.

There are numerous CAD programs for various design activities, specialized for use by engineers, architects, interior/exterior designers, furniture designers, or even home owners. The home owner version is a basic design program that allows a wide range of preset patterns and styles that can generate hundreds of design possibilities.; Here we will explore how you can design countertops using CAD design in general.; Of course there are numerous CAD programs and features and operation may vary among these.

Because CAD involves things like math and geometry as well as various tools, settings, and buttons, it might not be that easy to work on at first. There's a lot of chance that you'll easily get frustrated especially if you have little knowledge in computer and DIY home building. But if you are willing to learn through trial and error, you'll find designing your own countertops rewarding in the long run. Once you master countertops, why end there? You can design your own dining sets, bathroom fixtures, sala set, and bedrooms!

Choosing a CAD program for you

When choosing a CAD program, the key for the home builder is to find an “idiot-friendly” software.; This means that the CAD should be designed for those with little or without technical knowledge of design and construction.;

• Its tools should include 3D model illustrations that cover every design aspect such as materials, textures, colors, dimensions, measurements, size, shape, and more.;
• It should have options and settings that are named in familiar terms and are jargon-free.;
• The 3D model illustration should, as much as possible, allow you real-time viewing of any updated design. This will make it easier for you to simply change colors or pattern whenever you want. Real-time viewing also let you compare colors or patterns so you can immediately judge which is better.;
• The 3D model should also be automatic –you simply point-and-click the side or view which you prefer to see.
• If you find it hard to design in 3D, choose a software that gives you the option to design in 2D or 3D, or both, which you can do using a split-screen.;
• Variety is also of great importance if you want your design to be unique and creative. Look for CAD software that allows you to choose over hundreds of presets, materials, textures, patterns, colors, and shapes.;

Using CAD

The first thing you should consider when designing a countertop is the layout of the kitchen. Choose CAD software that provides ‘objects’ that let you simulate your current kitchen or the design layout of a new kitchen model you are planning.; This way, you will be able to see on the screen if the countertop design fits the entire scheme and if the space is enough for certain appliances and other kitchen furniture.

Input the dimensions of your kitchen so that you can measure how big or small the countertop will be. Don't be afraid to experiment on shapes; you can try an island, scrap it and go with an in-between. The freedom is all yours since the computer generated design is not final and you can revise and revise all you want.

Use your imagination until you arrive at the perfect set up. Once you've got the dimensions in place,

choose the; material, then the pattern, the texture, then the color. That's it! Once you've designed your countertop, you can print it out to get the opinion of the rest of the family.