Learning Carpentry

How do Carpenters Keep Projects Level Over Roughly 100 Feet?

Over the past few decades, what techniques have carpenters used to keep homes and other buildings level over say 50 to 100 feet? Would it be correct to assume that bubble levels can lead a project to be off by several inches over 50 or so feet? (I realize that new lazer tools have dramatically increased accuracy in recent years.)

Public Comments

1. By using laser levels.
2. A simple water level can establish level over enormous distances. The only factor is the length of hose you use.
3. Water levels and laser levels.
4. metal rod in ground on ends w/ leveled string attached
5. tripod levels. Mine is good for 200 feet. But the best thing they have come up with is laser levels. Usually just 1/2" off at 100 feet, they can't be beat.
6. An easy way would be a chalk line with a line level. As a handy many I don't own any surveying equiptment, or lasors.
7. Use a water level. A legnth of plastic tubing with colored water.Shoot the water level with a transit. Or you could just use a transit.
8. I have to agree with BIG, in the sense that I'm OLD School, but to anaolgize... WE, in 2007, still can't figure out how the Pyramids were constructed. Obviously Lasers have made an impact, and are highly effective. Other equipment such as Transits, etc. offer the best they can. I'm still trying to figure out how the guys on the Highway dept. get the white lines so straight, LOL, but are they really??? :) The problem with a bubble level should be fairly obvious. MY EYE, might determine "LEVEL" in a different way than yours. With all due respect however, to you and any others who answer, IF I was stressing over a minute fraction of an inch over a 100 ft. span, I might be eventually afflicted with OCD, even with a Laser? I offer an OLD theatrical Crew anaology. "Done is better than GOOD" and many times the ROUGH In people might expect that the Finishers, will take up some slack. That doesn't excuse a poor work ethic at all, but it's not so uncommon. Steven Wolf
9. all they have to do is measure off the level foundations that us bricklayers give them...then they blame us if their work is not level...
10. Water levels.
11. I use a combination of my transit, a laser, and a 4 foot level with bubbles. By cross referencing when I'm in doubt I can make sure I'm well within anyone's tolerances. Yes, you are correct that only using a bubble level can result in being way off on big projects.