Test Drive Your DIY Projects with Free 3D Software

Surprisingly few DIYers use 3D modeling software, which is unfortunate. A tremendously powerful tool, modern 3D modeling software can run on computers, tablets or even phones. It allows you to create a virtual version of your project that you can manipulate at will.

You can try out different layouts and materials, saving the time, money and frustration of making changes after a project is built. Best of all, many of these programs are free for professional and/or personal use, sometimes with limited functionality.

All the options discussed here are free, but some are scaled-down versions of programs with additional capabilities that you have to pay for.

I’ve used 3D modeling software to lay out renovations ranging from built-in shelving to two-story additions. Woodworking pros like Jon Billing, of Big Sand Woodworking, uses 3D software to design furniture, even rendering it in photo-realistic detail for client approval. For him, the powerful features of 3D software were well worth the time it took to learn this new tool.

“I’ve truly enjoyed diving into the program,” Billing says, “and I’ve learned a ton in the process.”

Using 3D Software for Woodworking

For woodworkers looking to experiment with design and layout without consuming materials or building actual mock-ups, 3D software is perfect. The biggest hurdle? That feeling you’re overwhelmed with options. Billing found that only temporary as he learned Blender, his program of choice.

“[Blender] is daunting at first, and it can be easy to get lost or find yourself stuck,” he says. “But I pretty quickly found that I really only use a select number of features.”

Notably, Blender is open-sourced. That means it will always be free to use.  “There’s no shortage of online resources for learning the program,” Billing says. “You just have to put the work in to seek out the resources that are relevant to your own needs/process.”

Using 3D Software for Renovations

DIY renovations mean big changes, and 3D software allows you to create a near-perfect match for an existing space. Then you can modify it to visualize new room layouts,or even how a specific color change will look on the walls.

I found 3D software tremendously helpful when visualizing larger projects. Getting the exact dimensions of your existing room can be time-consuming. But once you’ve created the model, you’ve got it forever. You can make as many changes to the fabrics and wall colors as you like, then revert them back, or try a different style.

For this kind of work, I like SketchUp. While the free, web-based version does have imitated functionality, it’s still robust enough for most DIY projects.

Another option is Lowe’s 3D Kitchen Design. This free, web-based app makes it easy to visualize your future kitchen. You can check their library of kitchen layout templates for a near-match for yours, or enter your dimensions for an exact replica. Here’s a list of other 3D software packages for interior design and kitchen renovations.

If your renovation will involve more carpet and paint than studs and wiring, look for software that renders those options well. You don’t want your orange plush carpet to look like a tan Berber.

“Learning to render and create realistic images of your designs is kind of a whole other skill set,” says Billing.

“Similar to modeling, there are a ton of tools and features related to rendering. But creating simple, yet high quality, renders can be easily done with a small selection of those features.”

Using 3D Software for Specialty Work

Once you’ve created a 3D model, it can be sent to 3D printers, computer-controlled routers — commonly called Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) routers — or even laser cutters. These machines let you bring your designs to life. You can print small parts, precision-cut your woodwork, or even make action figures out of your alien characters.

Some 3D modeling software features built-in capabilities to talk to these machines in a language they’ll understand, while others need a plug-in. One all-in-one option is FreeCAD; CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. It’s a free software package that can create and build 3D objects.

By contrast, Cura is a free 3D “slicer” program that converts digital models into layers that can be sent to a 3D printer.

About the Expert

Jon Billing, a woodworker for 20 years, designs and builds furniture out of a studio in Tokyo. Blender is his go-to program for designing work. You can see some of his work and rendered designs from Blender on his website and blog.