MCP AI Assistant Setup & User Guide

Step-by-step instructions for connecting the Texas Deck & Fence Assistant MCP Server to Claude Desktop or ChatGPT.

STEP 1

What is MCP and How Does It Work?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open protocol connecting Artificial Intelligence models (like Claude Desktop or ChatGPT) directly to our Texas building material pricing database. When you ask AI about building a deck or fence, the AI queries our MCP server, calculates exact joists, concrete bags, post counts, 1D board cut optimization, and generates an interactive 2D layout blueprint on our website.

STEP 2

One-Minute Setup in Claude Desktop

1. Open the Claude Desktop configuration file on your computer:
C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

2. Add the following JSON configuration snippet:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "texas-builder-mcp": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "c:/codeProjects/roundrockfenceanddeckpros.com/mcp-server/index.js"
      ]
    }
  }
}

3. Restart Claude Desktop. The hammer / tool icon will appear in your chat interface!

STEP 3

Example AI Prompts (Copy & Paste into Chat)

Ask AI questions in plain everyday language:

"Calculate materials and cost for a 16x12 ft deck with 3ft elevation in Austin, Texas"

"Calculate stringer length and step count for a deck elevation rise of 36 inches"

"How do I cut 16ft lumber boards for cuts: 5 @ 4ft and 2 @ 7ft with minimum waste?"

"What are the frost line footing depth and wind load building code requirements for Travis County, Texas?"

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