Version 3.7.5 - 10.23.2024
- Added the following (9 - low poly) Simpson post caps to the post module: LPC4_4, LPC4_6, LPC4_8, LPC6_4, LPC6_6, LPC6_8, PC4, PC6, PC8
- Added the following (10 - low poly) Simpson post bases to the post module: ECB88, ECB66, EPB66, EPB46, EPB44, MPB44, MPB66, MPB88, PPBF44, PPBF66



The post module now has 86 post caps and 65 post bases within its built-in library.  I think I've modeled about 75% of the Simpson Strong-Tie's Wood Construction Connectors Catalog at this point.

Version 3.7.4 - 10.22.2024
- Added the following (27 - low poly) Simpson post caps to the post module: 1616HTQ_8, 1616HTQ_6, BC8, BC6, BC4, BC46, RTC44, LCE4_64, LCE4_46, LCE4_6, LCE_4, AC4R_4R, ACH6_8, ACH6_4, ACH6_6, ACH6E_8, ACH6E_4, ACH6E_6, ACH4E_6, ACH4E_4, ACH4_6, ACH4_4, AC6_4, AC4_6, AC4_4, AC6_6, AC6R_6R

Version 0.9.9i - 10.22.2024
- Added the following layers/tags to the global settings and deck module.




Two different floor assemblies adjacent and forming one deck.  Where they contact I've removed the overhangs, wrap and trim (on one assembly) using the new features recently added.  Maybe there is enough functionality now to actually create some real decks.

Tutorial 13 - Custom Deck Board Overhang (9:09 min.)

Version 0.9.9h - 10.21.2024
- Enabled custom overhangs for decks.
- Enabled double trim band for decks.
- Fixed a number of minor bugs related to custom (removal) trim bands and overhangs.

Tutorial 12 - Trim and Wrap (6:42 min.)

Version 0.9.9g - 10.19.2024
- Enabled wrap for decks.
- Enabled a trim band (picture frame) for decks.





Note that these two feature can only be used when the deck board option is turned on.

After watching Tony's video I realized we probably need a couple additional advanced options for floors/decks with deck boards enabled.  The two that immediately jump out at me are:

1.) Trim Band or Picture Frame

2.)  Deck Wrap

Both of these can easily be achieved since they are very similar to my existing rim board code.

In fact, I can even enable a remove option for each of these modules similar to the rim board module.  The parameters shall be:

1.) Trim Band: Yes/No
2.) Trim Width
Trim Thickness:  Typically one would set this to the same thickness as the deck boards but I better provide this just in case.
3.) Trim Overhang
4.) Trim Corners: Lap, Reverse Lap, Miter
5.) Trim Material
6.) Remove Trim: Empty by Default


1.) Deck Wrap:  Yes, No
2.) Wrap Depth
3.) Wrap Thickness
4.) Wrap Corners: Lap, Reverse Lap, Miter
5.) Wrap Material
6.) Remove Wrap: Empty by Default

Very interesting how Tony is using ChatGPT to create the random string to insert deck board cuts, never even considered this possibility.

Giving myself a rest from the code for a few days to work on a more complicated test model has helped me realize that polygon openings within floors are crucial. Yes, I can probably squeak by with a rectangular opening tool but it will leave all us wanting and at times probably a little frustrated with the plugin because of this limitation.

After some further thought I realized that the (10) following parameters previously outlined for an opening header:

1.) Header Type: Lumber, PT Lumber, Timber, PT Timber, I-Joist, LSL, LVL, PSL (note this will also set the material for these members). Down the road I may also add a steel option.
1a.) Header Depth: Not applicable to I-Joist headers
1b.) Header Width: Not applicable to I-Joist Headers
1c.) I-Joist Family: Only applicable to I-Joist Headers
1d.) I-Joist Type: Only applicable to I-Joist Headers
2.) Header Ply: 1,2,3
3.) Start Extension: positive or negative value accepted
4.) End Extension: positive or negative value accepted
5.) Start Hanger: None or a list of hangers to choose from
6.) End Hanger: None or a list of hangers to choose from

Are really not any different than the parameters needed for an opening trimmer. Functionally and conceptually there is no real difference between the two (just that one typically hangs off a joist and the other hangs off of a header). I just came to this realization tonight as I was looking at my manually drawn rim joist solid around the stair opening in my model (see images in previous posts).

What this means is that I will proceed with a polygon floor opening tool rather than a simple rectangular opening tool and then code in the ability to edit each edge/side of the opening and configure each independently. I'm not entirely sure how I will setup the edit menu for floor openings but I will do my best to make it as intuitive as possible. This will be a bit challenging and interesting at the same time. Essentially the HTML menu will be somewhat dynamic.

Version 0.9.9f - 10.17.2024
- Enabled (cosmetic cutting) of individual deck boards.
- Enabled removing of individual rim boards.

The cutting of deck boards was per user request.


Tutorial 11 - Cutting Deck Boards (6:05 min.)

Tutorial 31: Wrap Around Porch Roof (17:26 min.)

**Tutorial 10** - Creating a Deck with a Face (9:33 min.)

A few screenshots showing how I am stacking posts and beams to ensure a valid load path to the foundation:

Version 3.7.3 - 10.14.2024
- Added a duplicate post check to the regen module for post assemblies.
- Added a duplicate beam check to the regen module for beam assemblies.
- Added a duplicate stair check to the regen module for stair assemblies.
- Added in the remainder of the commonly available wide flange beams (W4 thru W44) to the post module.