Stairs and hand rails

admin

I have done a search and found a lot of great info but what software can I use that will allow me to measure the stairs(straight and spirals. and rails so I would know how much to oreder?something I can use for different jobs, itdoesnt have to be 3d as I know of autocad.I find it exspensive and a huge learning curve.Looking for something that wont break the budget but will allow me to play around with different sizes and landings to get the correct calculation, or is it doing it manually by figuring out each job the only way?
Reply:Cheapest route would be a free cad software.  I have used Onamental Pro http://www.ornamentalpro.com/examples.htm for more than 10yrs.  It is convenient for sketching and presentation.  However, not something you can build from and it will not do all you are asking.  If you can use cad,  then ornamental pro can be frustrating.  I use DraftSight pro also. It will give a bill of materials.  However,  for what I need I can long hand faster.  I am NOT condoning the long hand method.  CAD is the way to go.  It does allow quick manipulation of parts and precision.
Reply:Thanks, I will try the free cad and check out the other one.
Reply:construction master calculators will give you tread rise and run and number of stairs for a given height and run.
Reply:

Originally Posted by jb_1

I have done a search and found a lot of great info but what software can I use that will allow me to measure the stairs(straight and spirals. and rails so I would know how much to oreder?something I can use for different jobs, itdoesnt have to be 3d as I know of autocad.I find it exspensive and a huge learning curve.Looking for something that wont break the budget but will allow me to play around with different sizes and landings to get the correct calculation, or is it doing it manually by figuring out each job the only way?