I know that part of mine will be more above ground than the other parts, I just can't figure out how to level out the bottom where the footers will go, my husband just ran out to Home Depot to get a laser level that goes 360 degrees, but when he got home and I tried it out, I couldn't see the laser line at all, so back to Home Depot. We are going to try a water level next, I keep thinking that maybe I am missing something and over-complicating this. My idea was after I get the footer in and the first course of blocks, then I will dig out the rest of the bottom to slope toward the drains and then pour the rest of the bottom.
A water level will work the best, or you can just start with a straight 2"x4" and a regular level and work your way around the perimiter. When all is said and done as long as the top of your footer is level you are fine, just use stakes for your forms and set the tops of the forms level.
Stacey
I used string levels also. About $3 at the hardware store. Pound in a couple stakes, get some strong cord, like chalk line cord, and hang the string level in the middle.
steve
Thanks for the replies, I will most likely do a combination of the ways you all suggest, maybe that way I will actually get it done right, lol.
Cheryl
Just want to add my welcome from another Washingtonian.
Welcome!
To be honest, I couldn't ever get a line level to work very well over a span over 10' or so... it seemed like I'd stake it
out, but I could move the string a good couple of inches, and it'd still read "level". A water level though, I could move
that thing around anywhere, and had the confidence that it was spot on, no matter where I was.
Use a water level, a clear vinyl hose with water in it. I add a little food coloring to mine so the water shows up better.
I got a water level, this seems to be the best option. I like the idea of putting food coloring in it. I started marking a line on the low side of the pond to give some perspective, it looks like I need to go about another 10" on the other side, so back out to dig some more. I am anxious to get past the digging and onto the building.
Cheryl
So close to having it level, just a small section left to go. I still think that we are building a mountain range instead of a pond. I put a line around the inside of the pond to help give a visual for leveling, it will need some fine tuning, but so close now, I just want to get the footers in. Here are some pics.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59766037@N08/7523763808/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59766037@N08/7523765902/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59766037@N08/7523767296/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59766037@N08/7523768724/
Cheryl
Got my footer forms in, what a PITA, they ain't pretty, but they're level. Not sure when I will get the cement poured, I need to measure and figure out how many bags I will need, I should get about a foot for each bag @ 12" wide and 6" deep I think. I might have to save a few more pennies, I also need to get rebar and put it in there.
Cheryl
is that floor under laminate? if so you may need to reinforce it some as the concrete will push it out of wack
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead. - Benjamin Franklin.
you cant fix stupid no matter how hard you try.
I used plywood, I am thinking that I will back fill the back side and will probably have to add a lot more stakes to the inside to keep it from pushing out, it feels sturdier than it looks, but I know that cement is heavy and could warp it pretty good.
LOL! I do feel better, thanks!
I am having a blast, went and bought my rebar today and got it put in, and I back filled a little behind my forms, tomorrow is cementing time, I am so excited. I probably should have worn gloves while working with the rebar, my hands were filthy, my husband was kind enough to come out and cut a few of the pieces of rebar for me, he thinks I am crazy for taking on this project, but I love it! I bought 14 pieces of 10' rebar and only had about 2 ft left over.
No, I got these wire rebar holder thingy's that hold them at the right height, I am going to get some more tomorrow when I go get my cement, just to make sure they have enough support. I am also going to add some more stakes to my inside forms so hopefully they won't warp to much from the weight of the cement. I figure it will take about 60 80lb bags of cement, so tomorrow I better eat my wheaties!
Might I suggest you remove your ring(s) while working? If you ever happened to get a finger caught or your ring squashed while wearing it doing this work....you could be facing a painful rescue. BTDT with a rock and a wheelbarrow. No ring.... just got my ring finger caught between the two. Picture me driving my self....all dirty and disgusting, with a bag of dripping ice cubes draped over my left hand while I tried to drive the van to the hospital. I was sure I would loose my rapidly swelling finger from this incident. After a 4 hour wait, I got checked out and all bandaged up. The swelling was going down. My finger could bend and the feeling was starting to come back. I drove home, put my work gloves back on over the splint and continued moving the rocks to my back yard. Still had to see the doctor the next week to make sure the circulation had improved and that all the numbness was gone.
Better safe than sorry.
I have to agree. I didn't learn the first time and had to do it twice. Smashed the ring to my finger once, the second time the ring got caught on something an twisted, nearly severing the digit.
I learned a couple of things.
1. no more gold rings
2. take off the ring before doing work like this.
Your progress looks great!
Jerry
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
- Thomas A. Edison