Master SketchUp Modeling: The Fastest Way To Model a House In SketchUp (With And Without FlexTools)

By Yoni | 05/08/2024
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*Update on the video: FlexTools now works with walls inside groups too!

We encourage you to watch the full video for a detailed process on how to model a house in SketchUp with the least effort.

Additionally, Manish from SketchupGuru has a series of amazing video tutorials. Check them out and subscribe to his YouTube channel @SketchupGuru

The video shows a thorough step-by-step instruction on SketchUp Modeling using SketchUp native tools combined with FlexTools and ProfileBuilder3.

In this post, we'll be highlighting the parts of the modeling process where FlexTools can noticeably save you time and energy.

Use Cases of FlexTools in SketchUp

While SketchUp provides amazing tools and options for creating every type of 3D model, some tasks can be rather time-consuming. FlexTools simplifies these processes, allowing you to focus more on creativity and less on repetitive tasks.

Adding Doors and Windows in SketchUp

Traditional Method for Creating Doors and Windows in SketchUp

(Timestamp in the video: 00:29:30 - 00:45:40)

1. Draw the Opening

  • Use the Rectangle tool to outline the door or window on the wall.
  • Apply Push/Pull to push the rectangle through the wall, creating an opening.

2. Create the Frame

  • Draw the frame using the Line and Offset tools.
  • Use Push/Pull to give the frame thickness and depth.

3. Add Door/Window Details

  • Draw the door or window panel inside the frame with the Rectangle tool.
  • Use Push/Pull to add thickness to the panel.
  • Add details (glass panes, mullions, or panels) using the Line and Offset tools, followed by Push/Pull for depth.

4. Component or Group Separation

  • At every step, separate each element (frame, panel, etc.) into its own component or group.

5. Group and Adjust

  • Select the entire door or window and group it.
  • To move, scale, or rotate, manually edit each wall layer and window part if needed.

6. Manual Door Operation

  • To open or close the door, manually select and rotate the panel.

Pro tip!

Using SketchUp native tools, it is also possible to add ready-made 3D models of doors or windows from the SketchUp 3D Warehouse. Keep in mind that these models might not be dynamic.

Additionally, when you need to edit the size or position of the door, you still need to edit the wall component separately.

Add Doors and Windows in SketchUp Using FlexTools

(Timestamp in the video: 00:46:55 - 00:57:30)

1. Prepare the Wall Component

    • Select the wall geometry, right-click, and choose "Make Component" to enclose the wall. Name it and click "Create."

2. Add FlexTools Dynamic Components

    • Select a door or window component from the FlexTools ComponentFinder and place it. The opening is automatically created, with no need for manual adjustments.

Select the component, adjust it as needed and the openings will be created automaticallt.

3. Positioning Components

    • Use the Move tool to place the component, with the opening dynamically adjusting, eliminating the need for manual cutting or adjustments.

4. Scaling and Adjusting

    • Press ‘S’ to scale the component as needed. Access component options to fine-tune parameters like frame thickness or sash width.

5. Copying and Managing Components

    • Use the Move and Copy tool to duplicate doors or windows, with new openings dynamically generated.
    • Organize components by assigning them to appropriate tags.

6. Advanced Adjustments

    • FlexTools components are fully parametric, allowing for quick and easy changes.
    • Use the Interact tool to open or close doors and windows, or flip their direction as needed.

Easily adjust door and window sizes, add sashes or flip direction.

Efficiency Gain:

  • Time-saving: Openings are created automatically, and components are easily scaled, copied, and adjusted, avoiding manual processes like cutting openings, adjusting frames, and rotating panels.
  • Convenience: Fully parametric and dynamic components streamline the workflow significantly compared to manual methods.

Modeling Stairs in SketchUp

Traditional Method for Modeling Stairs in SketchUp

(Timestamp in the video: 1:17:25 - 1:21:45)

 

1. Measure height from floor to floor and calculate the number of steps required

  • Measure the height from slab to slab.
  • Calculate the number of risers using a maximum riser height or by the number of steps required.

2. Hide Walls

  • Hide the walls using the outliner to have a clear workspace for creating the stairs.

3. Create the First Step

  • Use the Rectangle tool to draw the base of the step.
  • Select the face, right-click, and choose "Make Component" to create a component named "Stair Flight Typical."

4. Add Thickness

  • Enter the component and use the Push/Pull tool to give the step the required thickness.

5. Define Tread and Riser Dimensions

  • Set the tread depth and riser height.

6. Copy the First Step

  • Press "M" (Move tool), tap "Ctrl" to enter copy mode, and create a copy of the first step.
  • Group the two components together by pressing "G" and naming the group "Steps."

7. Array Copy the Steps

  • Enter the group, select the step component, and use the Move tool with "Ctrl" to copy from one point to the next.
  • To create, for example, 20 steps type "X19" and press Enter. This creates a total of 20 steps reaching the first floor.

8. Check the Steps

  • Activate x-ray mode ("Y") to check for extra steps.
  • If there are extra steps (e.g. 21 instead of 20), delete the excess step.

9. Finalize the Steps

  • The last step is typically the finished slab, so delete the last step if necessary.
  • You should have 19 steps, with the slab acting as the final step.

10. Cantilevered Steps (Optional)

  • If desired, enter the component group and push the steps upward to create a cantilevered effect (the steps appear to be floating in the air with no support).

11. Review the Stairs

  • Unhide the walls and double check the final stair layout to ensure accuracy.

 

Adding Stairs in SketchUp Using FlexTools

(Timestamp in the video: 1:21:45 - 1:27:50)

 

FlexTools offers the function called FlexStairs that significantly simplifies the entire process of creating and modifying staircases in SketchUp.

Place stairs as needed and drag in place

1. Bring in a Stairs Component

  • Select the Stairs Component from the FlexTools toolbar.
  • Place the stairs in the desired location (e.g. first floor) and scale the stair from floor to floor and the assembly will automatically span the height calculating the correct height of each step.

2. Mirror and Adjust the Stairs

  • Mirror the stairs by scaling them to -1 (inverting their orientation) or rotate them 180 degrees.
  • Convert the stair component to a wall cutter to create an opening on the slab where the stairs intersect.

3. Scale the Stairs to Fit

  • Scale the stairs horizontally and vertically to fit the space from the ground to the first floor, ensuring they match the slab height and fit within the structure.

4. Adjust Stair Settings

  • Right-click on the stairs and select "Dynamic Components" → "Component Options."
  • Change the Riser Height and Tread Depth parameters as required. The number of steps automatically adjusts based on riser height.

5. Fine-Tune Nosing and Stringer

  • Adjust the nosing projection and stringer depth if needed, or leave them as default if they align with your design.

 

Bonus actions:

1. Add a Landing (Optional)

  • If needed, use the “Interact with Dynamic Components” tool to create a landing at a specific step, e.g. after 11 risers, for more comfortable stair designs.

2. Copy the Stairs to Other Floors

  • Use the Move tool, press "Ctrl" to enter copy mode, and copy the stairs to the other floors (first, second, and third).
  • Adjust each stair assembly to fit the respective floor levels.

3. Check the Plan View

  • Switch to the plan view to confirm the stairs are correctly placed on all floors.

Efficiency Gain:

  • Time-saving: The FlexTools stair tool automates the placement, scaling, and adjustments of stairs, including riser count, tread depth, and slab openings.
  • Dynamic Adjustments: Parameter changes (riser height, tread depth, nosing, stringer) are handled in real-time, reducing manual copying and adjusting.
  • Landing Creation: Adding landings can be done instantly with the interact tool, removing the need for manual modeling of intermediate steps.

Creating Louvers in SketchUp

Steps for Creating Louvers in SketchUp Using Traditional Methods

(Timestamp in the video: 1:37:05 - 1:41:30)

 

1. Create the Opening

  • Double-click the wall to enter the wall component.
  • Draw a rectangle in the required place and use the Push/Pull tool to create the opening.
  • Make this rectangle a group and delete it to have the opening ready.

2. Adjust Wall Position If Relevant

  • Move the walls next to the opening in case the opening needs an adjustment.

3. Create the Louver Frame

  • Use the Rectangle tool to draw the frame, group it, and apply an offset for thickness.
  • Delete the inner face and push the frame back as much as needed to inset it.

4. Draw and Copy Louvers

  • Use the Arc tool to draw the louver profile, group it into a component, and mirror it using the Scale tool.
  • If needed, draw a line to create the face, delete the line, hide the frame, and make the louver a group.

5. Position and Rotate Louvers

  • Extend the louver profile with push-pull, unhide the frame, and rotate the louvers using the rotate tool to get the result you wish, using the blue axis as a reference.
  • Copy and position the louvers across the opening, using the divide function (e.g. divide by 9 or 15, however much is needed).

6. Group Louvers

  • Select all the louvers and group them for easier management, especially before array copying them.

7. Add a Window (Optional)

  • You can add a window behind the louvers, but adjustments will need to be made manually.

8. Adjusting the Louvers

  • To rotate individual louvers or change their angle, enter each louver group or draw a reference line to assist with manual rotation.

9. Make Repeating Elements a Component

  • Make sure to make components of repeating elements to enable easier adjustments in the future. This allows for rotating or modifying all louvers together.

 

Creating Louvers in SketchUp Using FlexTools

(Timestamp in the video: 1:41:55 - 1:47:30)

 

1. Add the FlexTools Louvers (Slats) Component

  • Select the louver slats component from the FlexTools toolbar and add it in place.

2. Position and Scale Louvers

  • Rotate the louver component to match the orientation (horizontal or vertical louvers).
  • Use the Scale tool to adjust the louver size according to your reference points, such as scaling to the edge of the stairs.
  • Adjust the louver position as needed.

3. Adjust Component Parameters

  • Open the component options.
  • Change various parameters such as: Spacing, Slat width and depth, Rotation, Frame thickness, Frame depth. If all parameters are set, click "Apply".

4. Modify Slat Count

  • In the component options, adjust the number of slats if needed.

5. Copy and Paste Components

  • Instantly copy these components as needed (using CTRL+C and CTRL+V). Dynamic opening will be created automatically. This ensures the ability to move components into place as needed.

Bonus Step: Add Window Between Louvers

  • Draw a rectangle between the louvers from the starting point to the opposite corner, make it a group, and push it out as much as necessary.
  • Give the window thickness.
  • Apply window material, and copy the window element as needed.

Efficiency Gain:

  • Significant time-saving: Automate louver placement, scaling, and spacing adjustments.
  • Convenience: Dynamic component parameters allow easy fine-tuning of slat width, depth, and rotation without manual drawing, copying, and individual adjustments. Automatic openings eliminate the need to manually create or adjust spaces for the louvers.

Adding Wooden Wall Panels in SketchUp

Create Wall Panels Using Native SketchUp Tools

(Timestamp in the video: 1:47:40 - 1:52:55)

 

Here’s how you would create wall panels using traditional methods and native SketchUp tools:

1. Create the Wooden Tile

  • Draw the basic wooden tile and use the Offset tool to create the required (e.g. half-inch) offset.
  • Push the tile up by e.g. half an inch to give it thickness.

2. Make the Tile a Component

  • Select the tile, right-click, and choose "Make Component."
  • Name the component "Wooden Tile" and press "Create."

3. Rotate and Place the Tile

  • Rotate the component to match the wall plane and place it on the desired wall.

4. Apply Material or Color

  • Add color or apply a wood material from the material library.
  • If the tile is not visible, push the face out by e.g. half an inch to adjust its placement.

5. Ensure Proper Face Coverage

  • Verify that both the front and back faces are properly covered.

6. Copy the Tile

  • Copy the wooden tile component, group it, and place it on top of the original tile.
  • If it is not aligned properly, move the top tile down to adjust its position.

7. Group and Organize

  • Select the two tiles and make them a group.
  • Check the outline, then right-click and explode any unnecessary nested groups.

8. Duplicate the Tiles

  • Use the Move tool to copy the tile group and duplicate it along the wall.
  • Toggle visibility using the “J” key, use the X command to array copy (e.g. type X5 for five copies).

9. Adjust Tiles Individually

  • If tiles are not sitting properly, scale them individually to fit the edge.

10. Wrap the Tiles Around a Surface

  • To wrap the wooden tiles around a surface, copy and paste the component, rotate it by e.g. 90 degrees, and move it into place.
  • Manually copy, paste, and move tiles around the surface of the building, adjusting as necessary.

11. Edit Components

  • Since the tiles are components, editing one will affect all other copies, so ensure that each panel is a single component for easy modification.

 

Creating Wooden Wall Panels in SketchUp Using FlexTools

(Timestamp in the video: 1:53:00 - 2:02:20)

 

Yet again, FlexTools removes most of the manual work from this process. Let's see!

1. Access FlexTools Panel Tool

  • Select the Panel component from the FlexTools toolbar and add it in place

2. Position and Rotate the Panel

  • Place the panel in the desired location.
  • Rotate the panel by 90 degrees to align it correctly with the wall.

3. Scale the Panel

  • Use the Scale tool to adjust the panel, selecting a scale grip and extending it to the edge of the wall.
  • FlexTools automatically divides the area into panels as you scale, speeding up the process.

4. Adjust Component Settings

  • Open the component options for the panels to adjust various parameters, e.g. set the thickness of the panel, adjust the size of each panel and set spacing between panels.
  • Click "Apply" to update the panels with the new dimensions and spacing.

5. Correct Panel Orientation

  • If the panels are created in the wrong direction, rotate them by 90 degrees to correct their alignment.
  • Use the Scale tool to make any final adjustments to fit the panels perfectly within the space.

6. Duplicate Panels If Required

  • Copy the panel, rotate it by 90 degrees, and move it into position.
  • Use the Scale tool again to adjust the panels and ensure they fit along the wall edges.

7. Apply Material

  • Select a wooden material or texture from the material library.
  • Apply the wood material to both the panel surface and the back panel for a consistent look.

8. Finalize Panel Adjustments

  • If relevant, extend the panels to overlap at the corners or edges for a seamless fit.
  • Use the Scale tool to adjust and align the panels correctly, including automatic adjustments for cut panels at the ends.

9. Finish the Model

  • Copy and scale additional panels to complete the wall cladding, with FlexTools automatically adjusting panel size and fit as needed.

Efficiency Gain:

  • Time-saving: FlexTools automates the scaling, panel division, and alignment processes, eliminating the need for manual copying and adjusting.
  • Parametric Adjustments: Settings can be adjusted quickly via component options, and changes are applied across all panels instantly.
  • Fewer manual steps: FlexTools significantly reduces the number of manual steps, such as individual scaling and copying, making the overall workflow much faster and more efficient.

Additional Tips To Maximize Your SketchUp Proficiency

  1. Test out different versions of SketchUp (web, desktop, ipad), to find the model that best fits your needs. For example, get to know if you work faster using a mouse cursor or an Apple Pencil to create your models.
  2. Discover all possibilities of using the rotate tool, eraser tool etc and understand the differences of using the blue, red or green axis as the reference point.
  3. Understand how to use the protractor tool to create precise angles and measurements.

Leverage the SketchUp Community For Your Growth

Learn how to leverage the SketchUp community to find resources, tutorials, and support. Investigate opportunities to collaborate and share your models with the SketchUp community, including exporting to Trimble Connect.

Use the SketchUp forum to ask questions and get feedback from other SketchUp users.

Understand how to use the SketchUp Help Center to find resources and tutorials on sharing and exporting models.

Conclusion

By incorporating FlexTools into your SketchUp workflow, you open up a world of possibilities for creating detailed, accurate, and beautiful models and trying out various design options with ease.

Download now to explore the opportunities provided by FlexTools, and watch your SketchUp projects come to life in the third dimension!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FlexTools?

FlexTools is an extension for SketchUp that provides a suite of dynamic components and tools designed to simplify and speed up the modeling process. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to improve their speed in creating SketchUp models and test various design options in no time.

Is FlexTools also easy to use for SketchUp beginners?

Yes,With the helpful component options provided by FlexTools, beginners can quickly learn to create and modify complex models. FlexTools is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, so beginners and experts alike can expect a ton of value from the FlexTools extension.

Where can I find tutorials on using SketchUp or FlexTools?

You can find a wealth of tutorials on the SketchUp Help Center or YouTube. Additionally, FlexTools website has a Learn page dedicated to getting the most out of this extension. These resources provide step-by-step guides and pro tips to help you get the most out of FlexTools extension.

Is FlexTools compatible with both SketchUp Free and SketchUp Pro?

Unfortunately, as with any SketchUp extension, FlexTools can only be used in the paid SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Studio desktop packages(PC or Mac). Extensions do not work on the SketchUp for Web or iPad versions.