How to use a Mason's Line to Grade a Patio

A mason's line is a mason's tool, keeping courses in masonry walls straight and true. The tool is also very handy for measuring the slope of the grade for a patio. Used with a line level, a small level with tabs that dangle from the outstretched line, the mason's line allows you to measure the levelness and slope of the land. For best results, always slope the grade at least ¼ inch per foot away from and not toward the nearest building. This will prevent rain water from washing off the patio surface and running toward the building's foundation.

Measuring tape
1-by-1-inch wooden stakes
Hammer
Mason's line
Line level
Marker

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the perimeter of the patio. Pound a wooden stake at each of the four corners of the area. Allow the stake to pierce the sod approximately 6 inches deep to keep the stakes from shifting later.
- 2
  Tie mason's line between each of the stakes to create a squared-off area. Hang a line level on the mason's line between two stakes. Adjust the mason's line on the stakes to level the string between the stakes. Repeat leveling on each side of the square with the line level.
- 3
  Stand inside the patio square, facing the nearest building. Mark the stake closest to the building on your left-hand side "A" with the marker. Mark the stake furthest from the building on your left-hand side "B" with the marker. Mark the stake closest to the building on your right-hand side "C." Mark the stake furthest from the building on your right-hand side "D."
- 4
  Measure the height in inches at the stakes "A" and "B" from the ground to the mason's line on the stake. Subtract the measurements to get the difference. For example, if stake "A" measures 14 inches and stake "B" measures 10 inches, subtract 14 from 10 to get 4 inches.
- 5
  Measure the height in inches from the ground to the mason's line at the stakes "C" and "D." Subtract the measurements to get the difference. For example, if stake "C" measures 14 inches and stake "D" measures 10 inches, subtract 14 from 10 to get 4 inches.
- 6
  Measure the length in feet from stakes "A" and "B." Divide the difference between the stakes height in inches by the length in feet. This will determine the slope of the area in inches per foot. For example, if the length in feet between stakes "A" and "B" is 16 feet, divide 4 inches into 16 feet. In the example, the slope is ¼ inch per foot.
- 7
  Measure the length in feet from stakes "C" and "D." Divide the difference between the stakes height in inches by the length in feet. For example, if the length in feet between stakes "C" and "D" is 16 feet, divide 4 inches into 16 feet. In the example, the slope is ¼ inch per foot. If the slope is more or less than ¼ inch per foot, you will need to adjust the grade of the patio square by digging deeper or adding dirt until the area is properly sloped.

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