Outdoor laser level

I have a DeWalt 12V green crossline laser setup, works great. The red laser version is a bit less and there are some options from Bosch. It's a big investment for one small project though. Better off buying some levels, string, and string levels.

And dont work on it at night, barefoot, and step on one of those finishing nails that you tied your string too. No need to ask me how I know

Thanks for the info. I have an optical level with a graduated vertical stake, but this deck will be a one-man job.

This would be a bit of an investment...I’ll be using it plenty in the future so I’m looking at options I can use myself. Just looking to step into the laser level world from my optical. Ideally, I’d like to be able to setup a tripod or something similar, and have a laser line projected that I could reference.

Can I get by with a setup without a receiver, sort of like an indoor/outdoor level? Or do I need a receiver if I’m working in sunlight? If I’m missing something, let me know.

On the cheap?

Water level it old school style. I'm sure you can do an internet search or buy the ends. However basically you just need to attach a clear piece of tubing to both ends of a garden house and fill the hose with water till it's visible on both ends. (probably tape them on) The water at either end will be the same. Have a Bosch and it's great however for one use this is near fool-proof and guaranteed to be spot on (with no learning curve) First house I helped build we used one of these. Pull diagonal lines to square.

I think you guys have talked me into starting with string levels. Thanks for the info.

I had a framing business for years that did house additions and decks. We used water levels regularly. We put water soluble dye or food coloring in the tubes which made it easier to see. Cut the tube about three feet longer than you will need on both ends for the longest length required to make it easier to manage. When I say longest length I mean vertical heights on each end plus length of the tube on the ground. Trying to work with a tightly pulled tube is a recipe for great frustration. Buy a funnel to fill it with and use a wider diameter tube than you think you will need - at least 3/8" inside. You want the water to be able to move freely in the tube.

Laser levels are great tools but it's expensive for just one project. And don't forget the 3-4-5 rule for checking right angles. Last suggestion, buy at least a 3 levels - pocket, two footer and a 6 footer. I would have a 4 footer too and some bungee cords long enough to go around the beam/joist and hold the level in place.

Get some of those plastic post levels and put one on each post. That way you can check plumb easily and at any time and it leaves your hands free - LINK

One man projects are all about planning. Organize the work. Finish layout when you start. Dig all the footings at once. Set all the columns if you can at once which means pouring concrete, too. Consider putting temporary posts up to hold the framing for the deck while you get is square, etc. Your deck should have a slope to it for water to drain. Say 1/8" per foot so a 12' deep deck slopes an inch and a half.

I can give you some good advice. Drop me a message if you want to.

We had one that used clear tubing that screwed onto both ends of a garden house. They were threaded the same as an outdoors facet and about a foot long.



Have seen whole lengths of clear tubing used but there's no reason. You just run water like normal filling the hose up then unscrew, put on ends, and topped to finish off (one end is already on). Key is to keep air out of line which is not too hard with two people. And with a garden hose being too tight was never a problem... however losing or spilling water is no good (at all)... as is allowing middle to get above either end for same reason.

Basically you see water on both ends at the same time and that's level. With a second person walk to first location and put a mark on level at both spots. Then one person moves while not spilling water to the next spot.... make level to original and mark it... same person to the next... and so on. The other person stays put and keeps on eye on staying level, which only matters when the other guy is set and marking his end, it can vary as he walks around (just don't spill or you start all over again).

Like he said deduct for fall from the marks and you're good to go.
eta: here's one on Amazon although a couple clamps and tubing would do; as would clear tube wrapped with tape (for size) and stuck into a hose (sure there's more ways)