How to Establish a Level-Grade Line for Landscaping | This Old House

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares three methods for laying out perfectly level lines. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

Shopping List for Establishing a Level Grade Line for Landscaping:

Tools for Establishing a Level Grade Line for Landscaping:
- clear plastic tubing

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How to Establish a Level-Grade Line for Landscaping | This Old House

[babykuchiki]

" I don't trust anything " ..made my trust in him . . Go up 100 %

[ashleymoore]

Currently building a shed foundation. I've been saving for years to finally get one. It arrived just 10 days ago. My first go-to for anything is always TOH. I'd never thought a [new] shed could carry sentimental value. This particular project will be a nod to Roger Cook's legacy. RIP

[mikewaller]

I’ve been in the landscape industry for 50 years as a contractor and architect. One of the best tools I ever came across was the water level. An aqua level can set grades around corners as well as at specific points. Easy to use and available on line

[danielforman]

I can't help but smile when I hear Roger's accent. "Barn." :)

[kevinstuart]

sometimes the simplest information is the hardest to find. Thanks for ending my search!

[hossv]

"It's your cousin, 'From Boston.'"

[totalannihilation]

I'm amazed by the water leveling. Amazing.

[Engineersupply]

This video is great because it shows how various types of levels work and the premise of leveling and establishing level, which is difficult for beginners to understand the correlation and meaning of how each tool works on the same premise.

[candidmoe]

Water level was used for the pyramids. They didn't have hoses, but a small channel around the perimeter serves the same function.

[zakman]

I have and use all 3 . There are advantages to the oldest of the 3 different levels . The water level can be use around obstacles that a string line and laser level can not do !! A water level is fantastic for leveling a house on pier & beam or any structure on piers to set your beams nice and level . I use a reddish orange RV antifreeze in my water level, thus it will never freeze as it sits over the winter .

[Life_is_Awesome_Civil]

What a amazing techniques you had used
old with new each and every techniques you had use
its very much helpful for me
thanks for the vedio

[porkchop]

I love it when I get to learn something new everyday

[Kevin-ibgv]

Did anyone else notice poor Kevin holding his thumb over the water line tube when the measurements were taken? He was told to hold his thumb over the end of the tube when MOVING the tube from post to post, obviously to avoid the water spilling out of the end of the tube. Problem is he didn't remove his thumb from the end of the tube when the measurements were taken. The trapped air had nowhere to go, causing pressure to build up inside the tube, and forcing the water level mark to be BELOW what an unrestricted tube would have shown. Water levels work great if you know how to use them properly. Leave the tube ends OPEN when taking your measurements for accurate results.

[teenflon]

Kevin still had his thumb over the pipe when they were trying to find the level :)

[expediter]

For accuracy with a line level, the level must be placed EXACTLY equidistant from the stakes. Dead middle. Regardless of string type or tension, the string sags; more so over a greater distance. The string rises the same amount from the level to the stake. The string must also be thin enough to be free in the level's hooks. DOING IT WRONG:The closer you put the line level to a stake, the higher the level is in the sag(upside down arc)and the stake end of the level is higher than the other end. You then lower the string to centre the bubble, and that end of the string is lower than the other end. You can prove this opportunity for error by setting up beside a long brick or block wall and then eyeball the line against the mortar joints. Remember, a surveyor shooting elevations always puts his instrument dead middle between his points. Shoots one way, then 180 degrees from that. Any error from level on his instrument is cancelled out.

[pollywong]

This is very helpful for beginners, thank a lot for the information.

[HitsandHeadlines]

Why did nobody tell me how easy water level is??? Brilliant and simple

[reifukaiyukikaze]

The best video I've ever straight to the point

[julianlangdon]

Thanks muchly, clearly a man who knows his Trade. My little pathway job just got a lot easier

[BReiss]

Thats a cool old school tip with the water level