From a 3D design to a list you can take to the lumber yard
When a design has no blockers and its key dimensions are confirmed, OpenCatio3D generates a build package from the same parameters as the 3D model — so the counts match the drawing.
What is in the package
- Cover sheet: project version, site, assumptions, limitations and the checks summary.
- Dimensioned plan and front, side and rear elevations, with numbered parts.
- Lumber schedule and cut list packed onto your stock lengths, with saw kerf and waste.
- Mesh and roof schedules rounded up to whole rolls and sheets.
- Hardware: screws, mesh fixings, hinges, latches, brackets and anchors.
- A cost range from dated price ranges — never a single falsely precise number.
- Assembly steps in order, each listing the parts it uses, with inspection checkpoints.
- Build mode for the day itself: one step at a time on your phone or laptop, a 3D view that grows as you go, and checks to tick before each step counts as done. Progress is saved with the catio, and it works offline once opened — handy in a yard with no signal.
- Maintenance and first-use checklist.
Formats
PDF (print) for the field, CSV for the materials list, and the project file — an OpenPlan3D-compatible JSON — for backup and moving between the web planner and the iPhone, iPad and Mac app.
When a package is not issued
A build package is withheld while any blocker is open, while key dimensions are unconfirmed, or when the design is concept-only. You can still save, share and print a concept sheet marked as such.
| Item | Qty | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2×3 lumber, 8 ft | 25 | $120–$190 |
| Welded wire mesh, 1 × 1 in 16 ga, 36 in × 50 ft roll | 1 | $70–$110 |
| Polycarbonate roof sheet, 26 in × 8 ft | 2 | $50–$80 |
| Exterior screws | 200 | $20–$40 |
| Mesh fixings (screws + washers or staples) | 200 | $10–$30 |
| Ground anchors | 10 | $40–$80 |
| Door hardware (hinges, latch, closer) | 1 | $20–$40 |
| Shelf / ramp boards and brackets | 3 | $30–$80 |
| Planning range | $370–$620 |
Materials-only planning range in USD, from indicative catalog prices as of 2026-10; excludes tools, finishes, delivery, tax and labour. Not a quote.
In the beta
- Materials list, cut list and cost range
- Assembly sequence
- Print/PDF, CSV and project JSON
- Free for every project
Questions
How accurate is the materials list?
It counts exactly what the model contains, with explicit waste and overlap settings. Real builds vary — warped boards, mistakes, different stock lengths — so the package lists its assumptions and you should add a margin you are comfortable with.
Will the build package cost money?
No. The build package is free for every project, like designing, checking and sharing. See free & open source.
Related
Design your catio in your browser
Free to design and check. Fit a catio to your wall, window and yard, run the safety checks, and see the materials list before you buy a single board.