Getting levels for deck - best tools & methods

[Dylan T]

Hi all - After hitting a dead end with finding anyone available, I'm going to tackle our composite deck build over Easter. I'm currently doing an initial set out to work out exact dimensions for ordering materials, and am wondering the best way to achieve levels in this situation (runs are up to 6.5m in some places). I've not got any personal experience with lasers, but am wondering if that's a route to explore or whether there's a more simple method to stick to. From what I can tell you need to spend good money for a laser that works outdoors. In my head that leaves me with a string level like this which surely can't be too accurate. Keen to hear other people's approaches.

Thanks!

 

[cross thread]

Hire a laser level

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

From what I can tell you need to spend good money for a laser that works outdoors.

Or do it in the dark, which is not as difficult as it might sound. Another way is to use the principle that water finds its own level - Hosepipe, completely filled with water, raise both ends and the water at each end will be the same level. Add some clear tube at the ends, that will allow you to see the level of the water. Water levels were used long before laser levels, the Egyptians used them.

 

[Dylan T]

Thanks both.

Hire a laser level

Okay I'll look at what's on offer. I haven't had a good run with tool hire companies lately in terms of the maintenacce of the tools.

Or do it in the dark, which is not as difficult as it might sound. Another way is to use the principle that water finds its own level - Hosepipe, completely filled with water, raise both ends and the water at each end will be the same level. Add some clear tube at the ends, that will allow you to see the level of the water. Water levels were used long before laser levels, the Egyptians used them.

Interesting - although as the days get longer this might mean a late night!

Am I right in saying then a string level is just out of the question to get an accurate level on a long run?

 

[John D v2.0]

I would have said it would be good enough, it's decking not the space shuttle so you don't need it be too accurate. Just err on the side of plenty of fall to make sure the water doesn't sit on there.

 

[Dylan T]

I would have said it would be good enough, it's decking not the space shuttle so you don't need it be too accurate. Just err on the side of plenty of fall to make sure the water doesn't sit on there.

Good point re space shuttle. But the guides & videos i've been following say composite deck should be level including some manufacturers guides ive read

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Thanks both.



Okay I'll look at what's on offer. I haven't had a good run with tool hire companies lately in terms of the maintenacce of the tools.



Interesting - although as the days get longer this might mean a late night!

Am I right in saying then a string level is just out of the question to get an accurate level on a long run?

Well how will you get you string level at either end, then any string will droop down between the supported ends under its own weight?

 

[BarnabyT]

Water level. Near mm perfect, cheap, easy to use, no calibration, easier to see in daylight, go round corners, can span whatever distance u need.

 

[scbk]

Spirit level and a straight bit of wood

 

[Notch7]

Interesting - although as the days get longer this might mean a late night

dusk is ok - and you only need to do it once, at the start of the job - you can mark off a datum in plent of places then transfer anywhere you want with a level.


TBH a decent 1800 level and a long straight edge would get you within 5mm over 6 metres.

do you know how to check a level?

 

[cdbe]

A length of your composite decking on edge will make a great straight edge.

 

[Dylan T]

apologies all for the late reply; things have been manic to say the least! Yes in hindsight i was worried about nothing; I watched several videos where the pros were all using some sort of fancy laser levelling system and I got it into my head that I needed one too but had no idea about them at all. I've stuck to good old straight edges, long levels, string line and a tape measure. Simple!

 

[Nige F]

Boning rods