Measuring Tools to Build a Deck Properly

What aspiring builder doesn't have proper tools?

Remember the saying, "Measure twice, cut once."

Don't rely on guess work for any aspect of your deck building project, whether its a deck, a shed, an addition to your house or anything else.

Here are the tools you should have and that you will use when you build your deck.  The benefit is you will surely use them for other building projects around the house.

Measuring Tools and More

25 Foot Metal Tape Measure

25 foot 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 and 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 a perfect to fit for behind your ear and making you look like a seasoned carpenter, a flat carpenter pencil requires less sharpening.   When you are writing on tough wood surfaces and the like. less sharpening is important. Grab a few - they work and look cool!

Sliding T Bevel

Sliding T Bevel

Here is a very useful deck building tool. A sliding T bevel is the perfect tool for recording and transferring angles which you will have to do at some stage of your deck building project.

Framing Square

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 dimensional lumber that need angles.

Chalk Line

A chalk line comes in handy for marking the cut off lines of the decking boards.  It is 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

Small level

Sometimes you need to find out what is level but you don't have enough space to fit a big level. Use a smaller version and 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 is probably the most common leveling tool you will use. It's long enough to span some distance but 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 their tool belt or kit.

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