How to Square Off a Patio Project

Laser levels that are now available can be hand-held or mounted on a surface. They function by projecting a pulse-type laser dot to create a line. Two-beam laser levels can be used to very accurately determine square alignment. You can use this type of tool to establish square layouts for laying flooring tiles, fence posts and other squares like concrete footings, also known as a slab. Squaring a patio with a laser level involves calibrating the level, and then performing some operations.

Tripod

Instructions

- 1
  Mount the level on the tripod vertically and calibrate it by turning the "X" and "Y" wheels until the bubbles in their respective vials are in the center of the vial. This will ensure plumb (vertical) accuracy, and horizontal accuracy.
- 2
  Stake the first position. Turn the level on and place the level at the first position. Use the red dot from the top of the aperture to define that first position.
- 3
  Measure out the length of the patio and stake the second position. Rotate, or move the head until the laser dot from the side of the head shows up on the second position. The angle created between the two beams is 90 degrees.
- 4
  Follow the laser beam to define the third position and stake it. You will have three corners staked. Move the level to the second position and repeat the previous steps.
- 5
  Run strings between the stakes to define the patio.
- 6
  Verify your square using the 9-12-15 method based on the Pythagorean Theorem. Mark a marker pen line on one string 9 feet from one corner. Mark another pen-mark 12 feet along on the string that's at 90 degrees from the first string. Measure between the two pen marks, and if your strings are at 90 degrees and square, the measurement will be 15 feet. Shorter increments in the same ratio -- 3, 4 and 5 feet, for example -- will also work.
- 7
  Run your concrete forms along the strings.

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