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Laying out the posts

The first step in building a deck, playset, or other outdoor structure is laying out the post locations. This project guide demonstrates how to use batterboards and mason’s line to correctly align and square the post locations for your project.

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Step One
Step One

Install batterboards.

Drive batterboards into the ground 2 to 3 feet beyond each post’s position. Stretch mason’s line between the batterboards, outlining the edges of the structure. Level the lines with a line level.

Step Two
Step Two

Square the corner.

To square a corner, mark one of the mason’s lines 3 feet and the other 4 feet from where the lines cross. Slide the lines on the batterboards until the distance between the marks is exactly 5 feet. The corner is now square.

Step Three
Step Three

Mark the ground.

At each corner, drop a plumb bob and mark the ground below it with powdered chalk or sand. Mark the position of the mason’s lines on the crosspieces. Untie the lines, but leave the batterboards in place.

 
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