Welcome to the ROBO Deck Designer video library, featuring expert guidance on deck design, NZS3604 building code compliance, and practical construction tips for New Zealand decks. Whether you're a DIY builder or a professional, these videos will help you design and build better decks.
 | Deck shadow calculator from neighbouring buildings (2/4/2026)Learn how to accurately calculate shadows from neighbouring buildings onto your deck in New Zealand conditions. This video explains the key factors including sun angle, building height, and seasonal variation, and demonstrates how to use the ROBO Deck Designer shadow calculation tool to get precise results. Perfect for homeowners, designers, and builders wanting to optimise deck placement and sunlight exposure. | |
|
 | How do you attach a deck to a house (19/2/2026)Learn how to attach a deck to a house with this practical guide for New Zealand deck construction. This video explains the different methods of fixing a deck depending on your house cladding, including timber, brick, and weatherboard exteriors. A must-watch for anyone designing or building a deck to NZS3604 standards. | |
|
 | Why are joists not always evenly spaced, and is NZS3604 a factor (8/1/2026)Why are deck joists not always evenly spaced? In this video, we explain the real reasons behind joist spacing variations and how NZS3604 influences deck design in New Zealand. Perfect for DIY builders and professionals wanting to understand compliant deck construction. | |
|
 | The new ROBO Deck Designer – Decking Estimator Tool (27/11/2025)Discover the ROBO Deck Designer Decking Estimator Tool for New Zealand. This powerful tool helps you calculate decking quantities, estimate costs, and plan your project with confidence. Save time, reduce errors, and get accurate deck material estimates for your next build. | |
|
 | Compare Deck Material Prices in New Zealand Find the Best Value with Robo Deck Designer (25/10/2025)Compare deck material prices across New Zealand suppliers including Bunnings, Mitre 10, and Placemakers. This video shows how to find the best value for timber, fasteners, and hardware using the ROBO Deck Designer price comparison tool. | |
|
 | Joins in bearers for decks what does NZS3604 say (5/9/2025)Understand bearer joins for decks and what NZS3604 requires. This video explains butt joins in deck bearers, when they are allowed, and how to design a compliant deck structure in New Zealand. | |
|
 | More on the upcoming changes to ROBO Deck Designer (24/7/2025)Explore the latest updates to the ROBO Deck Designer tool. This video showcases new features, improved functionality, and advanced deck drawing capabilities to help you design decks faster and more accurately. | |
|
 | Upcoming changes to the ROBO Deck Designer online tool (12/6/2025)Take a look at upcoming improvements to the ROBO Deck Designer online tool. Learn about new features, enhanced design options, and how these updates will make deck design easier and more powerful for New Zealand users. | |
|
 | NZS3604 & New Zealand Decks – What You NEED to Know (1/5/2025)Everything you need to know about NZS3604 for deck construction in New Zealand. This video breaks down key building code requirements, helping you design safe, compliant, and structurally sound decks. | |
|
 | Mastering the NZS 3604 Tables: A Beginner's Guide to Deck Building in New Zealand (20/3/2025)Learn how to use NZS3604 tables for deck design in New Zealand. This beginner-friendly guide explains bearer tables, joist tables, and decking requirements to help you build a compliant deck. | |
|
 | Foundations for New Zealand Decks on Sloping Ground (6/2/2025)Building a deck on sloping ground in New Zealand? This video explains foundation design, NZS3604 requirements, and practical solutions for stable and compliant deck construction on uneven terrain. | |
|
 | Making a deck square (26/12/2024)Learn how to make a deck square with simple and accurate methods. This step-by-step guide shows practical techniques to ensure your deck layout is precise and aligned correctly. | |
|
 | Aligning the Posts of a Deck with a House – Step-by-Step Guide (14/11/2024)Aligning the posts of a deck with a house can be tricky, but this step-by-step New Zealand deck guide makes it easier. Follow the full process from site preparation through to final alignment, with clear computer graphics and practical tips for accurate deck layout. | |
|
 | Can AI (Artificial Intelligence) prepare a set of deck drawings? (3/10/2024)Can artificial intelligence help prepare a set of deck drawings? This video explores how AI can assist with deck design, drafting, and planning, while also looking at the limitations of AI for New Zealand deck projects and building code compliance. | |
|
 | The most confusing part of understanding the building codes for New Zealand decks (22/8/2024)Decoding NZS 3604 for New Zealand decks can be confusing. This video explains one of the most misunderstood parts of deck building code compliance, including how the flow chart works, where conflicting information appears, and what builders need to watch out for. | |
|
 | The best resource on the web for New Zealand decks (must see) (11/7/2024)Looking for one of the best online resources for New Zealand deck design? This video explores a standout reference for understanding deck building codes, compliance, and best practice for designing decks in New Zealand. | |
|
 | Do New Zealand Decks need to be braced for wind? (30/5/2024)Do New Zealand decks need to be braced for wind? This video examines the relevant building code requirements, the conflicting regulations that can cause confusion, and how to work through the rules for compliant deck bracing design. | |
|
 | The greatest challenges developing the ROBO Deck Designer website and how this has been overcome (11/4/2024)Developing the ROBO Deck Designer has been an incredibly difficult website project. In this behind-the-scenes video, I look at the biggest challenges I have faced, how they were overcome, and the secret weapon that helped make progress possible. | |
|
 | Can I use galvanised fasteners for my NZ deck? (1/3/2024)Can you use galvanised fasteners for a New Zealand deck? This video looks at the NZS3604 requirements for deck fasteners, when galvanised fixings may be suitable, and when stainless steel may be required for compliance and durability. | |
|
 | ROBO Deck Designer an update on the progress of the planned changes (18/1/2024)This ROBO Deck Designer update looks at the progress of planned changes, new development work, and where the platform is heading next. If you want to follow the future of this New Zealand deck design tool, this video gives a useful progress overview. | |
|
 | Handrail for steps for New Zealand decks (7/12/2023)This video explains handrail design for deck steps in New Zealand. It builds on earlier handrail videos and covers the important differences that apply when handrails are used on steps rather than level deck areas. | |
|
 | Is there a safety loophole for New Zealand decks? (25/10/2023)Is there a possible safety loophole in New Zealand deck handrail requirements? This video continues the handrail series and explores an issue that may affect deck safety, compliance, and how the regulations are interpreted. | |
|
 | Handrails for New Zealand decks - the infilling of handrails (13/9/2023)This video continues the handrail series for New Zealand decks and explains the infilling requirements for handrails. It covers the relevant codes, opening restrictions, and loading requirements for top rails and infill panels, helping you understand compliant deck handrail design.
- 1. Codes to follow
- 2. Restrictions on openings
- 3. Loadings for balusters and infill
- 4. Loadings for top rails
- 5. Infill panel considerations
- 6. Handrails used on ROBO Deck Designer
| |
|
 | Handrail posts for New Zealand decks (2/8/2023)Everything you need to know about handrail posts for a New Zealand deck. This video explains when handrails are required, the relevant building codes, technical sizing considerations, handrail height, and different ways of fixing a handrail post to a deck.
- 1) When do you need a handrail?
- 2) What this video covers
- 3) Terminology
- 4) Building codes to follow
- 5) Technical details and sizing
- 6) Height of a handrail
- 7) Different methods of attaching a handrail post to a deck
| |
|
 | Tolerances for a New Zealand Deck (21/6/2023)Deck construction tolerances are often overlooked, but NZS3604 includes important rules on tolerances for New Zealand decks. This video explains what the tolerances mean, how relevant they are in practice, and how easy they are to achieve and measure on site. | |
|
 | Decking for a New Zealand deck (part 1) (21/6/2023)What do the building code regulations say about decking for a New Zealand deck? Part 1 of this video covers the hidden building code requirements for deck boards, spacing, and related details. Part 2 will focus on the types of decking materials available. | |
|
 |
Braced Piles for New Zealand Decks
This video complements the earlier video on anchor piles. Braced piles are a key part of deck bracing design for New Zealand decks using NZS3604, and this video explains how they work and why they matter.
| |
|
 |
Bracing for New Zealand decks - understanding the complex building code regulationsUnderstanding bracing for New Zealand decks can be difficult. This video explains the complex NZS3604 building code requirements, helps you navigate the clauses, and shows how anchor piles and braced piles are used to achieve the required bracing.
| |
|
 |
Exporting drawings out of ROBO Deck Designer into CAD softwareExporting drawings from ROBO Deck Designer into CAD software is easier than you might think. This video explains the process, available file formats, and how to take your deck drawings further in CAD.
| |
|
 |
Loaded dimensions - What are they? (for New Zealand decks)Loaded dimensions are an important factor in determining bearer size and spacing for a New Zealand deck. This video explains what loaded dimensions are and why they matter in NZS3604 deck design.
To view the video on joists please check out: https://youtu.be/gd_-oH9n4hU
and for the video on bearers at: https://youtu.be/_2BX9kC1Fx0
| |
|
 |
Merry Christmas from ROBO Deck DesignerMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year from ROBO Deck Designer to all users of the platform.
| |
|
 |
Decks, Earthquakes & NZS3604Earthquakes are one of the biggest structural risks a New Zealand deck can face. This video looks at the earthquake-related building code requirements, how bracing applies, and where to find the relevant resources for compliant deck design.
For information on understanding bracing for New Zealand decks, please refer to the video on Bracing the easy way at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKUyH
To access the ROBO Deck Designer bracing calculator you can find this at:
https://www.robodeckdesigner.co.nz/br
To download a copy of NZS3604, please go to:
https://www.standards.govt.nz/shop/nz
| |
|
 |
Future plans for ROBO Deck DesignerWhere is ROBO Deck Designer heading? This video looks at future development plans, the feedback shaping the platform, and how user input is helping guide the next stage of this New Zealand deck design tool.
To access the ROBO Deck Designer deck design tool you can find this at:
https://www.robodeckdesigner.co.nz.php
To download a copy of NZS3604, please go to:
https://www.standards.govt.nz/shop/nz
| |
|
 |
Anchor piles for a New Zealand deckAnchor piles are a critical part of deck bracing for many New Zealand decks. This video explains the building code rules, including pile height, depth, damp-proof course use, and fixing details needed to provide effective bracing.
For the location of anchor piles, please refer to the video on Bracing the easy way at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKUyH
| |
|
 |
Joists for a New Zealand deck using NZS3604Choosing the right joist size and spacing for a New Zealand deck can be complicated. This video helps you understand the NZS3604 requirements and how to work through the tables to select compliant joists.
| |
|
 |
Bearers for a New Zealand Deck using NZS3604Choosing the right bearer size is a key part of deck design. This video explains how to interpret NZS3604 for bearer selection, helping you understand spans, sizing, and compliance for New Zealand decks. | |
|
 |
12 Things you probably didn`t know about ROBO Deck DesignerDiscover 12 things you probably didn't know about ROBO Deck Designer. This video highlights hidden features, useful capabilities, and lesser-known details about the online New Zealand deck design tool. | |
|
 |
Nails for a New Zealand (NZ) Deck - Don't get it wrong!Nails may seem like a small detail, but choosing the right type is essential for a compliant and durable New Zealand deck. This video explains nail selection, stainless steel requirements, and how microclimatic conditions can affect the choice.
| |
|
 |
A grand tour of the ROBO Deck Designer websiteThis video gives a guided tour of the ROBO Deck Designer website, including deck design tools, building code information, size tables, bracing resources, and technical references for New Zealand decks.
| |
|
 |
Building a NZ deck - How bad is the timber shortageThis video looks at the timber shortage in New Zealand and how it affects deck building. By testing supplier availability and alternative options, it offers useful insight for anyone trying to source decking timber for a project.
| |
|
 |
Bracing for decks the easy wayThis video covers the complex subject of bracing for a New Zealand deck using NZS3604. By using the bracing calculator on the ROBO Deck Designer website, this video shows how to work out:
1) Your required bracing in both lateral and longitudinal directions.
2) How this can be achieved using bracing lines with anchor or braced piles.
3) Examples of the braced piles used in the bracing.
Please note this video replaces a previous video which had issues with the sound.
| |
|
 |
ROBO Deck Designer - Creating Siteplans all explainedThis video covers the more challenging part of creating a site plan for a deck drawing using ROBO Deck Designer. This tutorial walks through the steps needed to create a working site plan drawing to go with your deck drawings.
The areas covered are:
- 1. Creating your house shape
- 2. Creating your site plan boundaries
- 3. Adding street details to your site plan
- 4. Adding in the relationship between your house and site plan
- 5. Creating a house plan when your house shape cannot be created using the preprogrammed house shapes
| |
|
 |
Planning a deck in New Zealand in 2022 What you need to knowPlanning a New Zealand deck in 2022 - what you need to know.
Building a deck this year? Great! This video shows you the main things you need to consider when planning a deck.
The areas covered are:
- 1. Purpose of deck - what will your deck be used for?
- 2. Location - available area, height, views, wind and sun
- 3. Budget - how to calculate the cost of your deck
- 4. Building code, building consent and resource consent - determining if you require them and understanding the building codes your deck needs to follow
- 5. Can you build it yourself? - limitations on what you can do and the skill level required when building a deck
| |
|
 |
ROBO Deck Designer | adding a new deck | behind the scenes | Part 2Join me behind the scenes as I add a new deck plan to the ROBO Deck Designer website. Adding a new deck is not straightforward, and a significant amount of planning goes into the process.
Before any computer code is sorted out, 3D CAD models for the decks are created to check that the designs are compliant with the New Zealand building codes, primarily NZS3604.
Unfortunately, this process did not go entirely smoothly, and to be brutally honest it was quite difficult. It really highlights the fact that ROBO Deck Designer is an extremely complex website.
Part 2 covers the creation of programming code from the 3D models. It was a huge effort, with things going wrong all the time, but perseverance paid off in the end.
To check out how fast it is to create a deck drawing, please check out this video.
| |
|
 |
ROBO Deck Designer | adding a new deck | behind the scenes | Part 1Join me behind the scenes as I add a new deck plan to the ROBO Deck Designer website. Adding a new deck is not straightforward, and a significant amount of planning goes into the process.
Before any computer code is sorted out, 3D CAD models for the decks are created to check that the designs are compliant with the New Zealand building codes, primarily NZS3604.
Unfortunately, this process did not go entirely smoothly, and to be brutally honest it was quite difficult. It really highlights the fact that ROBO Deck Designer is an extremely complex website.
This video covers part 1, where I create the 3D models. Part 2 followed a few weeks later and covers the coding and testing process.
For those who are not familiar with ROBO Deck Designer, it is an online tool for creating high-quality, detailed deck drawings for New Zealand houses in minutes.
| |
|
 |
The anatomy of a deck: all the different parts and materials that make up a deckThis video takes you step by step through the different parts and materials that make up a deck. Each section is clearly shown using diagrams and terminology relevant to New Zealand deck design, while remaining useful for decks in other countries as well.
Join us as we go through the anatomy of a deck.
| |
|
 |
Online Deck Designer - is it possible to design a deck this way that meets all the building codes?Can an online deck designer help you create a deck that is both practical and compliant with the relevant building codes? In this video, we look at ROBO Deck Designer and how fast and useful the platform can be.
| |
|
 |
Can you build a deck yourself?Can you build a deck yourself? This video explains what you need to know about deck building codes, the skills required, and what is involved in building a deck in New Zealand. And while you're there, don't forget to check out the ROBO Deck Designer website.
| |
|
 |
Editing a deck drawing using ROBO Deck Designer (V2 redone)Editing a New Zealand deck plan drawing has never been easier with ROBO Deck Designer. In this video, we show you how to modify your deck plan drawing by changing the length and removing the seating or planter boxes. The changes are all done to New Zealand building codes. Please note this video is similar to the previous video, but has been redone with the new styling of the ROBO Deck Designer website.
| |
|
 |
ROBO Deck Designer (V2 redone)Designing a New Zealand deck online to NZ building codes using ROBO Deck Designer. This website creates many varieties of deck plans in minutes. The deck designer also allows site plans to be incorporated into the drawings. ROBO Deck Designer is a fast and practical way to create a deck plan.
| |
|
