Tips & Best Practices

Make the most of your layout designer experience by keeping these practical tips in mind:

• Start with a plan.

  Before placing products, take a moment to outline the general shape and purpose of your space. Whether it’s a deck deck, park area, or dining patio, a clear vision helps guide your layout choices.

• Use templates to save time.

  Explore the pre-built templates for common layouts like lounge areas, dining zones, or shaded seating. These provide a great starting point and can be customized to fit your exact needs.

• Work in layers.

  Use the Layers panel to organize your design. Group related items—like furniture, shade structures, or decor—so you can easily show or hide elements as needed.

• Mind the spacing.

  Leave enough room between tables, chairs, and walkways to ensure comfortable movement. For commercial settings, aim for at least 3 feet of clearance around high-traffic areas.

• Match the scale.

  Always double-check that your layout or layout area is displayed at its true scale.. This ensures your final layout accurately reflects real-world dimensions.

• Preview your design before saving.

  Use the zoom and pan tools to inspect your layout to ensure accuracy. Make sure all items are aligned and placed within the design area before exporting or submitting your plan. 

• Experiment with styles and combinations.

  Try different product colors, materials, and layouts. The layout designer makes it easy to visualize multiple configurations before finalizing your project.

• Save your progress frequently.

  Save often to avoid losing changes, especially when testing different design options or internet connections are unstable.

• Consult your sales representative.

  If you’re designing a large or complex space, share your saved layout with your sales or design representative for expert advice on layout flow, ADA compliance, and product recommendations.

• Design for function first, aesthetics second.

  Think through how the space will actually be used—traffic flow, ADA accessibility, and guest comfort. Then refine colors and finishes once the layout works.

• Utilize the “Related Products” feature.

  Use these suggestions to build complete outdoor setups- like matching tables, trash cans, and umbrellas—to speed up project planning.