Field Guide to Backyard Builds is a set of free planning tools. Please read this before you build anything from it. By using the site, you agree to these terms.
What the site is
The designers turn the choices you make into drawings, cut lists, shopping lists, cost estimates and step-by-step instructions. All of it is generated automatically, for general information, to help you plan a project.
Not professional advice
The plans are not engineered or certified, and no licensed engineer, architect or builder has reviewed your design. Spans, sizes, fasteners and loads are rules of thumb. For anything that carries people, heavy snow or large loads, is attached to a building, or that you are unsure about, ask a qualified professional.
You are responsible for following your local building codes, permit requirements, zoning and HOA rules, and for checking setbacks and property lines. Call 811 (or your local utility locator) before you dig.
Check the numbers
We work to get things right, but the site can contain mistakes. Measurements, quantities, lumber sizes and stock vary, and prices are rough estimates that change. Check what you buy and measure before you cut. Links to stores are there for convenience; we don’t sell anything, and a link isn’t an endorsement of a product or store.
Work safely
Building involves power tools, heavy materials and working at height, all of which can hurt you. Follow your tools’ instructions, keep guards in place, wear eye and ear protection, get help lifting, anchor tall pieces to the wall, and keep children and pets away from the work. Only take on what you can do safely.
Your risk, our limits
The site and everything it produces are provided “as is”, without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose. You build at your own risk. To the fullest extent the law allows, Field Guide to Backyard Builds and the people behind it are not liable for any injury, death, property damage or other loss arising from using the site, its plans or its instructions.
Designs and content
Build whatever you design here, as many times as you like. The site itself (its drawings, text and software) belongs to Field Guide to Backyard Builds; please don’t copy it, or sell the plans or PDFs it makes, without asking. If you send us an idea or a suggestion, we may use it to make new designers, with no obligation to you.
Changes
We may change the site and these terms. The date at the top says when they last changed.
Contact
Questions or problems: send us a note.
See also our privacy policy.