Can anyone point me in the right direction for 3D Decking Design Software, over the years i have sat and sketched out designs for my customers but was looking into taking it a step further, when looking round the internet all the software packages seem to be american based were the houses look different etc

Have you tried visio - Its not 3d but you can do plans and there are loads of free & paid stencils to d/l

I think there are freeware alternatives also

Thanks, is that the microsoft office visio?

Yes, you can download a free trial from microsoft but tbh, its like word/excel in that the basic functions are the same, the latest versions just update the gui.

Maybe look for a second hand 2000 or 2003 on ebay/amazon?

Have you looked at Google SketchUp? The non-pro version is free and pretty good - intuitive, quick to learn and there is a plethora of forums to get advice from. You can also buy rendering plug-ins if you are looking a for a more photo-realistic result.

If you need any help let me know - I have used this and other 3D programs professionally for a long time.

I have also just invested in some leading edge (and scarily expensive) parametric 3D cad myself (I have just set up on my own) for architectural work. So if you do want any visuals doing or some generic 3D houses you could slot into your work it might be worth having a chat.

Best Wishes

I'm probably off track, but I used to use AutoCAD and 3DS, a very capable combination, however now living in an opensource world I use QCAD (7/10) and Blender (some say difficult if you learnt on 3DS), but if you want a plain vector graphics app which is easy to use and do, then look at Inkscape (it also exports to png and svg, svg being web page drawings with an xml like structure).

Just seen this on twitter, not too specific, but:
http://www.onlinecollege.org/2009/01/28/15-free-tools-for-art-design-students/