Measuring Tools to Build a Deck Properly
What aspiring builder doesn't have proper measuring tools?
Remember the saying, "Measure twice, Cut once."
Don't rely on guess work for any aspect of measuring during your deck building project, whether its a deck, a shed, an addition to your house or anything else.
Here are the measuring tools you should have and that you will use when you build your deck. And the benefit is you will surely use them for other building projects around the house.
By the way, if you can't find some of these items nearby, maybe you are more remotely located, I recommend you visit www.Rockler.com They are one of the most trusted and reliable merchants for tools on the Net.
Their pricing, delivery record and customer service record is excellent so we feel confident in giving them an honorable mention...
Measuring Tools and More...
25 Foot Metal Tape Measure
This is essential. A good metal tape that stretches 25 to 30 feet and is stiff enough to hold its shape when stretched out to measure diagonals for framing.
50 Foot Flat Tape
A longer flat tape of 50 or 100 feet is the best way to go for laying out the deck position, post positions. Its very useful for fencing as well.
Masonary String
Get the right kind of string that doesn't stretch. You will use this string to mark out the perimeter of the deck or hang a line level from on shorter spans.
Flat Pencils
Besides being perfect to fit behind your ear and make you look like a seasoned carpenter, flat carpenter pencils require less sharpening. And when you are writing on tough wood surfaces and the like that is important. Grab a few - they look cool.
Sliding T Bevel
Here is a very useful deck building tool. A sliding T bevel is the perfect tool for measuring, recording and transferring angles which you will have to do at some stage of your deck building project.
Framing Square
How can you build a deck with a proper framing square? You can't so don't bother trying. Get a good strong framing square and your framing layout and marking will go fast. They are essential measuring tools.
Angle Square
These are very useful squares for finding angles quickly. A good carpenter will use these for cutting rafters, stair stringers and any other sticks that need angles.
Chalk Line
A chalk line comes in handy for marking the cut off lines of the decking boards. It's also great for marking any other long line you may need.
Line Level
This little level hangs on a masonary string and gives you a quick fairly accurate read on how level you are. The longer the distance the tighter you have to pull the line to keep it from sagging but on distances of 10 feet or less it's quite handy and reliable.
Small Level
Sometimes you need to find what is level but you don't have enough space to fit a big level. Use a smaller version and you can be sure you are straight and true.
4 Foot Level
It's best to invest in an aluminum level because its less likely to bend or twist. This the probably the most common leveling tool you will use. Its long enough to span some distance but it's small enough to do most every job.
Water Level
If you have a really long area such as a ledger board that wraps around a corner or extends 15 feet or more, a water level can be a real help. It's also a very accurate way to measure, providing that your level is working properly. A good water level is fairly inexpensive and will be used many times over. It's a great addition to any builder's tool box.
Plumb Bob
Plumb bobs use gravity to locate points directly and vertically below or above each other. So they are very useful when you are trying to locate the exact spot to insert a post anchor into a cement pier.
Reduce Chances of Error
Proper measuring tools reduce your chances of error and ensure a consistently good finished product. The better you are as a carpenter the more you might be able to cheat because of experience but even full time tradesmen carry these tools in the tool belt or kit.
Where Can You Find Tools and Accessories?
If you aren't able to find any of these measuring tools or other items locally I recommend you consider visiting www.Rockler.com.
They are one of the finest internet based hardware and tool merchants on the net. Their pricing is excellent, delivery is fast and inexpensive. They have all kinds of measuring tools and everything else you could imagine.
And their customers speak very highly of the service so we are confident in recommending them as a top notch merchant.
Get out there and start your deck building project!