HowToBuildFence Layout Builder vs Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
HowToBuildFence Layout Builder and Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. HowToBuildFence Layout Builder is truly free (Free) and runs in any web browser with nothing to install; Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner is truly free (Free) and runs in any web browser with nothing to install. They differ most on 3D: HowToBuildFence Layout Builder offers basic 3d and Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner offers good 3d rendering.
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick HowToBuildFence Layout Builder if…
Truly freeDIYers building a multi-section fence BOM
Pick Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner if…
Truly freeDIYers building a wood fence who want a strong, materials-listed plan.
Side by side
HowToBuildFence Layout Builder
Truly freeFree multi-material layout builder that maps your yard, builds a precise BOM of real purchasable products, and shows live pricing.
Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner
Truly freeFully free with no paywall, but it only runs in a desktop or laptop browser (no mobile) and its bill of materials steers you toward Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners.
Read the full reviews
HowToBuildFence Layout Builder
Free multi-material layout builder that maps your yard, builds a precise BOM of real purchasable products, and shows live pricing.
Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner
Fully free with no paywall, but it only runs in a desktop or laptop browser (no mobile) and its bill of materials steers you toward Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners.
HowToBuildFence Layout Builder vs Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner: questions, answered
What is the main difference between HowToBuildFence Layout Builder and Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner?
They differ most on 3D: HowToBuildFence Layout Builder offers basic 3d and Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner offers good 3d rendering.
Is HowToBuildFence Layout Builder or Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner free?
HowToBuildFence Layout Builder is truly free and Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner is truly free. HowToBuildFence Layout Builder: Free multi-material layout builder that maps your yard, builds a precise BOM of real purchasable products, and shows live pricing. Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Planner: Fully free with no paywall, but it only runs in a desktop or laptop browser (no mobile) and its bill of materials steers you toward Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners.