How to Use a Line Level to Level Ground
- Find a length of string and two wooden stakes.
- Tie one end of string to a wooden stake and hammer it into the ground at the highest elevation in the area.
- Hammer in the second stake across the area you want leveled.
- Pull the string across and tie the other end to the second wooded stake loosely.
- Place the line level on string within eyeshot.
How do you level the ground with a string?
Find a length of string and two wooden stakes. Tie one end of string to a wooden stake and hammer it into the ground at the highest elevation in the area. Hammer in the second stake across the area you want leveled. Pull the string across and tie the other end to the second wooded stake loosely. Place the line level on string within eyeshot.
How do you level the ground around a flagpole?
Pound wooden grade stakes into the ground about 2 feet away from each ground flag. 3. Tie a nylon line to one corner stake, then stretch the line to the next stake. 4. Have a helper hang a line level onto the middle of the string. 5. Raise or lower the string until it's perfectly level.
How do you level the ground under pavers?
You need to ensure the ground below your pavers is level, or, slightly graded to allow for better drainage. Insert wooden stakes across from each other on each side of the hole. Tie each end of a nylon string to the wooden stakes, leaving it loose enough to adjust later. Place a line level on the middle of the string.
How to level the ground for SOD?
How to Level Ground. 1. Stake off your area to level. This area does not need to be perfectly square or rectangular unless you are planning on using sod instead of simply ... 2. Use a string level. Attach strings to stretch between the stakes, a few inches above the ground. Attach a string level to ...
How to make a high point for a stake?
Why do you need to level the ground before building a house?
How to calculate the mass of a building?
How to adjust string height?
What to do if you have trouble finding low areas?
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How do you use string to level ground?
1:526:24How to Establish a Level-Grade Line for Landscaping | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay okay now i'm gonna pull it tight. Really tight i don't want any sag in that line at all downMoreOkay okay now i'm gonna pull it tight. Really tight i don't want any sag in that line at all down here down here yep. About an inch. Okay now i'm gonna pull it really tight let's see what.
What is the easiest way to level ground?
How to Level a Yard [8 Steps]STEP 1: Mow Your Lawn. ... STEP 2: Dethatch Your Lawn [As Needed] ... STEP 3: Dig up the grass in the sunken area of the lawn. ... STEP 4: Make Soil Mix: Topsoil, Sand and Compost. ... STEP 5: Fill Sunken Areas and Holes with Soil Mixture. ... STEP 6: Even Out the Entire Lawn. ... STEP 7: Water the Lawn.More items...•
How do you set up string levels?
Attach the bubble level to the middle of the length of string. Tie the other end of the string to a second wooden stake. Tie the string so you are able to slide it up and down on the wooden stake. Pull the string line tight, and drive the stake into the ground in the direction you want the water to flow.
How do you flatten an uneven ground?
STEP 1: Mow the lawn. ... STEP 2: Examine the amount of thatch at the lawn's roots, then dethatch as needed. ... STEP 3: Mix sand, topsoil, and compost. ... STEP 4: Dig up the grass in sunken parts of the lawn and fill with the soil mixture. ... STEP 5: Spread the rest of the soil mixture in a thin layer to even out the entire lawn.More items...•
What equipment is needed to level a yard?
Lawn roller, rake, and shovel: Use the shovel to dig into low spots and expose the dirt beneath the grass. Fill the divots with topdressing mix, then use the rake or lawn roller to level the lawn. If the uneven areas are large enough, use a tiller to dig them up.
What tool do you use to level ground?
x 10 in. Lawn Leveling Rake with 77 in. Handle Soil Leveling Tool Stainless Steel Leveling Soil.
Is a string line level accurate?
It's highly accurate, has a 25-ft. working radius and allows you to work alone and around corners because it “honks” when the water in the working tube is level with the reference line back at the unit.
How do you tie off string stakes?
0:120:53How to Tie a String Line Knot | DIY | Great Home Ideas - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLine loop around your nail or your screw just like that pull it semi-tight. Wrap around one twoMoreLine loop around your nail or your screw just like that pull it semi-tight. Wrap around one two somewhere between five and seven times.
How do you find the straight line on the ground?
2:143:52how to make straight lines when landscaping or building - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI can line the plug bob up with a ten foot. Mark. Now it's a matter of pulling the right stake. AndMoreI can line the plug bob up with a ten foot. Mark. Now it's a matter of pulling the right stake. And pivoting side b over and having the plumb bob line up with the 10 foot mark of side c.
How do you level ground without a tractor?
Outline your plot with stakes and string to create a boundary for the cultivation. Hammer stakes into the ground at each corner of the area to be cultivated. ... Dig up the soil. Start at one corner of your plot and insert the shovel about halfway into the soil. ... Hoe the area. ... Rake the area to further level the ground.
How do you level rough ground?
1:343:13How to Level Rough Ground by Hand - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBreak up any clumps larger than a golf ball rake the area to further level the ground move the rakeMoreBreak up any clumps larger than a golf ball rake the area to further level the ground move the rake forward and backwards over the land spreading the soil evenly across the area of the plot.
How do you level a bumpy yard?
These are the basic steps:Mow the lawn at the lowest setting possible;De-thatch the lawn with a garden rake or de-thatcher;In a wheelbarrow, mix up a batch of leveling mix. ... Apply scoops of soil mix to low areas of the lawn using a shovel;Rake the topdressing to spread it out evenly.More items...
How do I level ground without machinery?
Outline your plot with stakes and string to create a boundary for the cultivation. Hammer stakes into the ground at each corner of the area to be cultivated. ... Dig up the soil. Start at one corner of your plot and insert the shovel about halfway into the soil. ... Hoe the area. ... Rake the area to further level the ground.
How do you level uneven earth?
Using some good quality fairly dry topsoil, add it generously to any areas which are below the depth that they need to be. Areas which are significantly lower i.e. 3 – 5 cm add some soil then compact lightly using your foot. Add more loose soil to the top again. This loose soil will be finely levelled.
How can I level without a level?
0:243:56how to find level without a level - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust using a ruler with a perfect 90 degree angle.MoreJust using a ruler with a perfect 90 degree angle.
How do you level hard dirt?
Remove the topsoil layer from the area to be leveled and pile it to the side. ... Excavate soil from the high side of the yard and pile it in on the low side. ... Spread the excavated soil with a hard metal rake to make a smooth, level surface. ... Spread the excavated topsoil over the surface of the newly formed terrace.More items...•
How to level a wood stake?
Tie one end of string to a wooden stake and hammer it into the ground at the highest elevation in the area. Hammer in the second stake across the area you want leveled. Pull the string across and tie the other end to the second wooded stake loosely. Place the line level on string within eyeshot.
How to ensure ground is level?
To further ensure the ground is level, use a long box level or I-beam level along the ground surface.
How to tie a string to a stake?
Insert wooden stakes across from each other on each side of the hole. Tie each end of a nylon string to the wooden stakes, leaving it loose enough to adjust later. Place a line level on the middle of the string. Tie the string tightly around one stake.
How to measure the distance from string to ground?
Take a tape measure or measuring stick and determine the correct distance from string to ground based on your desired depth. Take measurements at several points along the string, from string to ground, verifying the depth is correct. Dig, fill or tamp the ground where necessary to get to the right depth.
What is a line level?
Line levels (or "string" levels) are a special brand of spirit level used for leveling across longer distances. They can be attached to a tightly pulled string to find level between two stakes in the ground to find level ground. Line levels are a much more cost-conscious alternative to line laser levels, but require a bit more preparation ...
Where to secure string to level?
Secure the string to one side or corner of the area you want leveled.
How to avoid sag in a string?
Pull tightly enough to avoid any sag in the string. Even the slightest dip in the string will negatively affect your reading.
How to lock pavers together?
After pouring, use a measuring tape to make sure the distance between the top of the sand and your slope line equals the height of one paver.
How to measure for pavers?
Find the area of the spot you will be adding pavers to. Use measuring tape to find the length and width of the area you will be working in. Multiply these two numbers together to find the square area of the location. For safety, add about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of space around the entire perimeter of your spot before measuring.
How deep should a paver pit be?
Calculate how deep the area needs to be. Add the amount of gravel you need to the measured height of one paver. Then, add an extra 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) to your measurement to accommodate sand. This number indicates the distance you will need to create between the bottom of your pit and the strings above.
How to outline a work area?
Outline the area with paint or string. Use a small amount of brightly-colored spray paint or string to help you visualize your work area. If using paint, spray it around the perimeter to create an outline. If using string, run it along the outside of the work area and use small stakes to secure it to the ground.
How to keep weeds out of gravel?
Put down a layer of landscape fabric (optional). For an extra defense against weeds, put down a layer of landscape fabric between the gravel and sand. This fabric prevents light from reaching the bottom layer of soil, making it harder for weeds to grow.
How to find the depth of a pit?
Measure the depth of the pit from multiple spots. To see if you’ve dug deep enough, use a measuring tape to find the distance between the bottom of the pit and the strings up top. Make sure to take measurements from multiple areas, including the center and corners, to ensure that the entire pit is even. If necessary, keep digging or fill in low spots.
Can you drive stakes into the ground?
Avoid driving the stakes into the ground over any utility lines.
How to rotate a pool to make it level?
It’s more effective to remove dirt from the raised areas rather than add new dirt to the lower level areas. Continue moving the 2x4s to ensure all areas of the pool site are level. If the area is in the shape of the circle, use a 2×4 to rotate it 360 degrees from the center to the outer edge. The ground is considered even once the level stays consistent throughout the rotation.
How to build a pool with 2x4s?
STEP 2: Place 2x4s on the site and place a level on top. Place 2×4 planks from the center of the pool site to the outer edge, using as many planks as needed to reach the border. Place a level on top of each 2×4. Use the levels as guides of where each part of the site is not level. Use stakes to mark these spots before starting to dig.
How far away from a receptacle should you be from a septic tank?
Ensure the area is at least 6 feet away from any receptacles or large obstacles.
Can you eyeball the ground level?
Do not attempt to eyeball the level of the ground. Being off even by an inch or two could have severe consequences for the above-ground pool. There’s also the option of using stakes and twine, placing the level on top of the string to ensure the ground is level.
Can you level an above ground pool?
Leveling the ground for an above-ground pool can be a difficult task, so it’s advised to have a professional verify the area for the pool is truly level before you have your pool installed. This will ensure that the pool water level is even and there’s no possibility of damage to the pool walls or liner.
What is a line level?
Johnson Level explains that a line level, or a “string” line level, is exactly what it sounds like: a level that hangs from a string. By hanging a line level from a string and pulling the string as taught as possible between two points (like two stakes), you can adjust one end or the other of the string to find the height at which a lower point would be level with a higher point. When the bubble in the level is exactly centered, you’re good to go.
How to find the grade of a bubble?
You would then subtract the height of the lower ground level from the higher ground level, divide the result by the length of the string and multiply by 100 to find the grade.
What is landscaping grade?
What Is a Landscaping Grade? While landscaping work is often regarded as the placement of trees, shrubs and flowers to improve how a lawn or field looks, a significant portion of landscaping is actually the study of the flow of water.
How to find the slope of a line?
The formula looks something like this: rise/run x 100 = percent grade. “Rise” here means the difference in height between the two points you are trying to compare, while “run” is the horizontal distance between them. This is almost identical to calculating the slope of a graphed line.
What is a Johnson level?
Johnson Level explains that a line level, or a “string” line level, is exactly what it sounds like: a level that hangs from a string. By hanging a line level from a string and pulling the string as taught as possible between two points (like two stakes), you can adjust one end or the other of the string to find the height at which a lower point would be level with a higher point. When the bubble in the level is exactly centered, you’re good to go.
What percentage of land should be graded?
Ultimately, the goal of grading the land around your house is to have a positive grade away from your house that is usually at least 5 percent.
Can you move dirt to raise the grade?
Woodard explains that you will either need to move existing dirt to raise and lower the grade, or you can simply order more dirt to be delivered to your home. You pack down the relocated dirt and measure again until you feel comfortable that water will not easily collect against your home’s foundation.
How far away should you put a pound in a stake?
Pound in your first stake, making sure it is perfectly straight. Pound in your second stake at a distance of 4’ from the first one.
How to check if a 2x4 is level?
You can check the level by using an 8’ 2×4 and a level. Place the one end of the 2×4 at the highest corner of the site and place the level on top. If the 2×4 is level and the one end of the 2×4 is more than 12” off the ground, then you should proceed to Step 3. Check the Level Using a 2×4 ( Gap Photos)
How to make a 12x14 shed base?
1. Cut 4×6’s to Length for First Course. In the case of a 12×14 shed base, you’ll need two 4×6’s cut at 14’ and two cut at 11’ 5”. Cut 4×6’s to Proper Length. 2. Lay in Place. As you lay the 4×6’s in place, make sure they are resting firmly on the ground.
How far apart are the main beams on a 10x20 shed?
10×20 2 main beams 6 feet apart. The shed backside is one foot lower I like to put it up on one’ blocks
How to prevent weeds from growing in the ground?
Remove all surface debris and top soil, even in areas that don’t need to be excavated. This helps to prevent weed growth in the future.
Can you put a shed above a sewer line?
If you have a private sewer system, make sure you don’t place your shed above the seepage bed or underground sewage tank. Also avoid placing it on top of buried gas lines. Your utility company may be able to mark the location of your gas lines free of charge.
Do you need to level a shed before delivery?
If you’re planning to install a storage shed on your property, you’ll need to level and prepare the site before the day of delivery. You may also need to determine if your shed needs a foundation, but that’s a whole separate topic!
How to make a high point for a stake?
Use a string level. Attach strings to stretch between the stakes, a few inches above the ground. Attach a string level to the strings to determine the high point. This will usually be your starting point and the rest of the ground will be brought to here, but you can also lower some ground if that makes more sense for your project.
Why do you need to level the ground before building a house?
Homeowners level ground in their yards for a variety of reasons. Some people level the ground before building a new home, especially when the property has hills. Others level ground to prepare for new above-ground swimming pools, swing sets, driveways, sheds or patios. Some people even level the ground before planting grass seed, flowers and vegetable gardens. Whatever your reason to level ground, the process is the same.
How to calculate the mass of a building?
For residential buildings, add 1.5 kN/m2 of floor areas. Divide this mass by the area of the foundation. This will give you the transmitted load per m2 on the in situ ground.
How to adjust string height?
Adjust the strings. Using a tape measure and your level, adjust the strings until you can see how much height needs to be added or taken away across the area you are adjusting.
What to do if you have trouble finding low areas?
If you have trouble finding low areas, you can flood the property and see where puddles form.
