How to Use a Construction Laser (Indoors & Outdoors)

Weekend DIYs or honey-do lists are even more accessible with the aid of a laser level. Instead of employing everyone in the whole house to hold something while someone else stands back to “make sure it’s straight,” you can indeed be sure with the use of a laser level. No more wishing for an extra set of hands or feverish erasing of marks on walls. 

•Hanging 

Hanging curtains is one of the most frustrating yet straightforward tasks that exist in superficial home improvement. To prevent the drama that can come with hanging curtains, homeowners can use a construction level to ease their woes. Since the project is indoors, you can use a red laser level as your tool of choice; it will shine horizontal beams for you to level your curtains. Identify your preferences on where the curtains or drapery frame should be hung. It is trending to take curtains to the ceiling right now, while others prefer to maintain the standard four inches above the window frame. Once you have identified your desired height, you can measure the width of your rod or frame, and enjoy your perfectly leveled curtains.

•Installing 

Construction lasers aren’t just for building houses; they can also be used for projects later down the road after the home is complete. Installing cabinets or shelving requires expert leveling. You’ll use a stud finder to locate the studs in the area you’re working and then mark the centers. Your construction laser will run both vertical and horizontal lines through your markings to create a grid that you can use to complete all your other markings. Then use the other projected lines to hang ledgers or support rails before installing your cabinets or shelving before mounting them into the studs. Gone are the days of knocking ten different holes in the wall without a stud finder and then finding your measurements are off because you only had a spirit level and two hands. 

Homeowners often spend a long weekend or two in the spring or early summer getting their landscaping in order for the season. Small projects like adding flowers or seasonal decor do not require the use of a laser level. However, several DIY landscaping projects benefit from using a construction level like the addition of birdbaths, walk paths, or garden bed walls. 

•Leveling

Another use for a construction level is for leveling the ground. A self-leveling or automatic laser level is most beneficial in this application but can also be done with a manually adjusted unit. To balance the basis for projects like walk paths or to add a birdbath, you would use the level to find the appropriate height intercept and then level the foundation. 

•Grading

Grading is a more intensive process that professional landscapers spend more time doing rather than homeowners. Professionals use construction levels to grade landscaping for various projects. 

When choosing a laser level, your decision is based on several factors. However, try to look a little further into the future to determine whether or not you will continue to work on tasks that would require the use of a more precious laser level. A more significant investment can go a long way if you will be using the tool frequently. Check ratings and descriptions for 

• Durability 
• Precision 
• Red or green beamrange
• Working range 
• Wavelength 

To find a laser level that matches your needs, shop the options on Engineer Supply.