Using a Construction Laser on the Job

Using A Construction Laser On the Job

Accurate, level reference points. Reliable technology. These are just a few of the benefits to your workflow when you use a construction laser on the job. Indoor, outdoor, residential, commercial, small-scale, and large industrial projects all benefit from quick, precise measurements.

Indoor Residential Uses

If you are building a new home or remodeling, a construction laser level can give you peace of mind and solid data. A receiver establishes the horizontal plane as a plumb line. Leave it in place, then use your transmitter button to shine the laser at your wall or ceiling. The readout will tell you whether it is level or not. No more eyeballing or guesswork, which can lead to retroactive repairs and rework.

Ceiling Tiles

Easily square up ceiling tiles against corners and edges of walls. Use the traditional bubble reader to identify whether the laser itself is level. Then shine the laser at your target. Leave the light on and mark the wall or ceiling with a pencil.

Doors and Windows

There is nothing more frustrating than hanging a door that does not create a flush barrier against the ground or is even 1/8" cockeyed at the top.  Using construction lasers before you get started can save you from this headache. Windows also need to be level, especially if you are framing or installing drywall for the first time. Measure twice, cut once. Otherwise, the window will be slightly cockeyed, requiring an expensive redesign. A self-leveling rotary laser will be your best option for this since it spins to create a 360-degree plane.

Cabinets, Shelves, and Trim

Cabinet doors and shelves also need to close cleanly and have parallel lines for aesthetics and functionality. If you're framing, use the construction laser to measure exactly the distance between beams before you install. If you are remodeling, check the plumb line against the top edge of the cabinet doors. Also, make sure that your trim follows the same parallel line as the shelves and cabinets' edges.

Outdoor Residential Uses

Lasers are also essential for outdoor projects at home. Posts and beams, decks, fences, porches, railings, and masonry projects all need clean lines and stable structures. When installing a fence, shine the laser before you install your cement foundations or dig your post holes. Use flags afterward to indicate exactly where the anchor points for your fence will be.

Decks and porches also have to be level, or at a slight gradient to ensure water runoff. Even a 1% grade can be beneficial for drainage and virtually undetectable to the naked eye. Use the laser to establish this angle, then begin laying your planks.

Perhaps the most important outdoor application of a laser is when laying or remodeling masonry. Aesthetically and structurally, the bricks and stones simply have to align with the mortar. Check your plumb lines before you start, and again before the mortar is cured so you can make small adjustments as needed.

Large Industrial Uses of a Construction Laser

If you are planning to lay sewer pipes or drafting grading plans for a new building, use a laser than has slope capability to ensure proper irrigation, efficient drains, and adequate grades of your land. Advanced devices have the ability to perform more complex calculations. A finished piece of land may not need to be perfectly level, especially if it is a parking lot or needs to facilitate runoff in a certain direction and volume. Use the laser during the surveying process and throughout construction so you don't make a costly mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions