andyvh1959
Well-known member
Recent posts about setting slab forms reminded me of a project back in 2005 to build my 12x16 yard shed in the back yard. I came back from a work trip to find a gravel pad in the back yard for the shed. Not where I wanted it, but my ex-wife decided that was the location for it. Argh. We also "discussed" my plans for the shed. I said I had it covered as I had previously built two garages. We, ah, "discussed" it further, and she was convinced I needed to buy a set of shed plans for the eventual build. Never mind, bought the damn plans which I barely referenced as I built my own design anyway.
Ok, to the point. I planned to build the floor/deck all from treated lumber and 3/4" marine treated plywood, on concrete footing blocks, on the gravel pad. So I needed to get the blocks all leveled to each other for the deck framing. I used the old technique of a 5-gal pail of water near the center of the pad, water filled hose with a clear hose section at the end. Coil the hose into the bucket to fill it, add water to the bucket the expected level above grade. Once the hose is full of water, one end stays in the bottom of the bucket, the clear tube end is capped. Then I could take the clear hose end to the corners of the pad and confirm footing level by matching a stake height to the level of the water in the hose held vertically (water seeks level), matching the level of the water in the bucket.
As I was finishing up, my ex came out to question what I was doing, she watched me moving around the gravel pad leveling the blocks with the water bucket level, thought I was dicking around wasting time. We, again, ahh, "discussed" my process and SHE insisted I invite a guy over that she knew worked for the county, with his professional laser transit. Ok, ok, call him over so I can move on! I felt bad to hassle the guy. He comes over, as he walks across the yard, sees my device and says "Hey, a water bucket level, those are accurate!" I stifled my smirk. He proceeded to set up the transit on her request, and confirmed I was within a 1/8" of level on the 20' diagonal.
So anyway, if you need to set up concrete forms level or at a slight pitch even on a large area, a water bucket/hose level system works great and is very accurate. Sub-story, I should grown a pair before getting into the various "discussions" with my ex. All good though, she is long gone and I'm remarried to the right one all along.
Ok, to the point. I planned to build the floor/deck all from treated lumber and 3/4" marine treated plywood, on concrete footing blocks, on the gravel pad. So I needed to get the blocks all leveled to each other for the deck framing. I used the old technique of a 5-gal pail of water near the center of the pad, water filled hose with a clear hose section at the end. Coil the hose into the bucket to fill it, add water to the bucket the expected level above grade. Once the hose is full of water, one end stays in the bottom of the bucket, the clear tube end is capped. Then I could take the clear hose end to the corners of the pad and confirm footing level by matching a stake height to the level of the water in the hose held vertically (water seeks level), matching the level of the water in the bucket.
As I was finishing up, my ex came out to question what I was doing, she watched me moving around the gravel pad leveling the blocks with the water bucket level, thought I was dicking around wasting time. We, again, ahh, "discussed" my process and SHE insisted I invite a guy over that she knew worked for the county, with his professional laser transit. Ok, ok, call him over so I can move on! I felt bad to hassle the guy. He comes over, as he walks across the yard, sees my device and says "Hey, a water bucket level, those are accurate!" I stifled my smirk. He proceeded to set up the transit on her request, and confirmed I was within a 1/8" of level on the 20' diagonal.
So anyway, if you need to set up concrete forms level or at a slight pitch even on a large area, a water bucket/hose level system works great and is very accurate. Sub-story, I should grown a pair before getting into the various "discussions" with my ex. All good though, she is long gone and I'm remarried to the right one all along.
