Layout For Beginners: Easy Step by Step

I wanted to go back to the basics with easy steps to follow for an accurate layout. It doesn’t matter if you a building a post frame, laying out a concrete pad, framing a new deck, or making a garden! If you want it to be accurate and find square, this video is for you! Let me know in the comments if this video helped or if you need clarification on something. Also, consider subscribing for more construction content!
RR Building Plans
Https://rrplans.bigcartel.com/
36” long jet stakes
amzn.to/437qTG1
Stabila open reel steel tape
amzn.to/3NDAvDN

[@pferguson]

Surveyed for about 10 years (Civl design / CAD for 20 years…now CAD manager). Staked a LOT of houses. You hit all the important points and mentioned some of the pitfalls. Very well done. Thank you for emphasizing elevation when laying out. Remember…slope in the site creates another triangle. If you hold a tape close to the ground, on a slope, and don’t use a plumb bob (or some other manner of “leveling” the tape), you’re measuring along the hypotenuse.

[@horstszibulski19]

It's all about time that Greg gets his own mic, would like to listen to him! 👍👍👍

[@antsbantsb8430]

facts'

[@TheBeerbelly007]

I have to say this again, who ever is filming this is doing a really good job.

[@MrSergebb]

Starting the day with sprinkled donuts is literally the key to accurate layout.

[@daveyboy8907]

Bad diet

[@xxxmikeyjock]

fact

[@bernardbuhrs8639]

Pro Tip of the day

[@smcox1991]

@@daveyboy8907it’s the only diet to have

[@tbabajan]

And crashing 30 minutes later 😂

[@columbuspalmer846]

Great work guys. I’m learning a lot.

[@danreich5030]

You ARE an Eagle Scout!... Once an Eagle, ALWAYS an Eagle. REMEMBER the oath you took at your Eagle Scout court of honor,... you are marked man! I would say through your video series you have kept your promise to help others a long life's path. CONGRATULATIONS Kyle. You're doing the great job with your KZbin channel I haven't left any other comments on any of your other videos yet...... but here's what I have ascertained... Your ability to communicate your "fussy Carpenter" mentality and mindset, is intoxicating. In a world of things done Shawty and quickly, watching you work has been a breath of fresh air. Nice to know that there are still men like you out there doing things the right way! As an old-school Carpenter, Scoutmaster, father, and woodsman..... I have really enjoyed the channel. And all of it seems to be recorded, and edited with a strong dose of respect for your co-workers, honesty and humility. From what I can see,... and I doubt that this is just edited in., .. these seem to be the cornerstones of your character.... keep up the good work! I am the proud father of three quality sons who also are Eagle Scouts. I will stop by a job site with donuts someday. -Dan "Pogo" Reich

[@jeffbalog5161]

Awesome video very helpful, I’m a greenhorn and understood every thing you taught. Communicated well and what helped I think for me is you went to the field and actually laid out a building site, hands on is a great teacher thanks.

[@harithabdulrasoul2673]

Great job guys As an Engineer its always a joy to watch accurate measurements and the dedication to achieve that. And I couldn't agree more with what you said about starting accurately because it will definitely be a compound effect. Keep up the good work

[@alexanderbrozel7284]

2:48 I looked it up and the typical expansion for a steel tape at 90F would be 21/32” per 100’. Didn’t think it would be that much, but there you go.

[@jeff-w]

I didn't believe you so also checked. Sure enough, for a ∆90°F, a 100’ length of steel changes around 0.7in. 😮

[@Christian6.1803]

Perfect explanation. Especially the parallelogram adjustment. Brilliant.

[@hammertime7349]

I think this is the best video for how to get things square on KZbin. Very simple to understand for the guys who don’t do this type of work for a living.

[@firemanj35]

Great tip on using steel tapes. Solid tips, Kyle.

[@psidvicious]

I’m glad you guys did it the right way, by simply doing the calculation. So many other “layout” videos try to tell you, just measure your diagonals and make adjustments until you get like-diagonals. No, a thousand times NO! You can have like diagonals and not have a single square corner in the whole thing. (Do a search for isosceles trapezoid and you’ll see what I mean.) Plus, this is just faster and eliminates all that back and forth nonsense.

[@OurLifeBlock]

great vid, wish this came out about three years back before i built our house ;)

[@markmillers4491]

Why at 7:24 did you add 2" to your hypotenuse of 87 4 1/2?

[@Shanks344]

Thank you for diving into the small details! I love learning from pros like you and especially Greg! even the time to do that small diagram really helped clear up what was happening in my head.

[@LordoftheCats]

Good info. I can testify that if you don't get this step right you WILL pay for it in time, material, and appearance the further you go with the project.

[@Ty1on3twelve]

Excellent video. I enjoy this phase of the build and the attention to detail. I've watched all your videos and this one really detailed the layout that's repeatable by the professional or the novice. I will be using what I've learned here to build a shed and to layout a concrete pour on another project. Hi Five Kyle.

[@vladbelonozhko339]

Laying out today perfect timing!

[@willemvanschaik6858]

ORANGE PAINT CAN !!! I bought one of those, used it for a bit and the next day no paint was coming out anymore. Reading the fine-print on the can, I discovered that after using it upside-down, you have to spray a bit in normal position to clean out the nozzle. Your can may be different, but carefully read the instructions, otherwise 15 bucks wasted after 15 seconds of use....

[@derrickpayton7774]

Great pointers. Thanks for the good simple but practical info.

[@brittney_4]

Literally building a shed this weekend and this was the best possible timing for this video. Always the best tips!

[@jacobreinen5392]

Really loving and appreciating your great content!

[@cjames1322]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. You guys are awesome.

[@MustardMade]

17:22 look at that trust! Dream team right here!

[@brendoncox9683]

I appreciate your time and explanation of this process… Thank you and well done 👍

[@nugreg24]

This was very helpful! Thanks for the videos as always, such damn good work.

[@BWIL2515]

Excellent video on layout

[@markb.1259]

EXCELLENT video Kyle and Gregg!!!

[@rickysdrywall5288]

This is the best layout video I've ever seen! Thanks!

[@georgeking5746]

Thanks for the tutorial. I understand batter boards a bit more, and setting them up. Also helped me understand the laser level and its use a bit more.

[@tc9148]

Great tutorial.

[@antsbantsb8430]

as a Carpenter in New Zealand this is another awesome vid- and yes this is exactly how we do a setout also- yep the 1/8th over that distance is not important, well done you two!

[@rhinners3407]

Good Video!🙂 Thanks for great quality video and attention to detail too!

[@matulala2000]

Great video guys! This is so helpful.

[@larryb131]

just had to say this video was awesome. I've watched about a dozen videos on this, and this by far was the best I've seen. Clear, thorough, and even explained in detail how to fix issues. Bravo!

[@KrazyKajun602]

As usual great job and the 1/8" can be made up exactly when placing the brackets in the wet set on the pier.

[@charlesreed1207]

Great video!

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks Kyle. 😁👍

[@KingHarry1]

What add two inches to your diagonal dimension in layout?

[@leonardomarchezi6580]

Vocês são muito bons adoro vocês

[@BoxTruckVagabond]

I can see why you guys have so many sunscribers. I've watched a couple of your videos and have learned so much. One question, @ 29:53 you said Greg needed to go that way 1/4. You didn't show what he moved. The nail/string? Again, awesome video!

[@MrPhilthereal]

Kyle… you’re awesome 🤩

[@delmasskipper]

Can you build something as small as a backyard Shed using post frame construction? Would love to see you do that as a smaller build series.

[@fritterdrummer1258]

Hi Kyle! You ever try using an EDM? Set up once. Shoot your corners, post holes, etc. efficient and fast. Might be a little overkill for your work, but worth a look.

[@risby2]

There's something to say for ground that has no rocks

[@FixitAll]

It would be a great picture if you use a drone to see these four angle measurements from the sky 😉. Anyway, it's great, and thanks for this tutorial!

[@AllstarVentures]

1/8” has always been close enough for me. 👍🏼especially at that distance

[@dannylayton1106]

Amazing

[@robertlaird6746]

3rd I'm going to build several buildings on my land. One of them will be a 64 by 40 and the other will be a 72 ft. diameter geodesic dome made out of round pipe. The geodesic dome will be a very difficult foundation to lay out and plus I plan on doing it with ICF blocks which adds complexity to it. The top of the ICF blocks will be about 3 ft. off the concrete slab and then I'll start the construction of the geodesic dome on top of the ICF. It needs to be very accurate.

[@gainesinlife]

Great video as always... Just so you know, You edited the same 2 bonus clips at the end.

[@christian9733]

When we do batter boards., we brace stake against the pull of the string.

[@jtechboy]

I hope this isn't a dumb question. But.. that first batter board set.. you set it above the gavel by? Or an inch up? Just eyed it? I was worried that with the brackets later on you would need to be higher for the string? I get that then all the other batter boards would be same level. It looks like you have 5 to 6 inches clearance when you put the lines up on the high point. Thx for the video

[@stormcrow1112]

Awesome video! We just had the trees removed and the site root raked for our 60'x80' post frame barn. Your videos are our inspiration. Is 24" diameter for your post piers required or can you do 12" diameter? I only have a 12" diameter auger.

[@Esimmons1717]

I would like to learn more about the different details you do for different types of insulation as I am sure you are constantly making decisions all throughout the build due to insulation choice

[@anthonymorrow3818]

When squaring up, the angled line was 87' 4 1/2", then you said plus 2", making the angled line 87' 6 1/2". What is the plus 2" for, please? Just so I understand... I might have missed something you said. (Thank you for your videos, so far, yours are by far the most educational and explained. Thank you!)

[@toddharper-ok]

I also was wondering this. Kyle, please help. Thanks for the great video!!

[@tylerlee5349]

Could you use your laser tape you use for studs to square up those strings if the guy on the other end held up a little board or something for a backstop?

[@thanos9846]

Measure with a micrometer. Mark it with chalk. Cut it with an axe.

[@TomTom-uc2ph]

Kyle, why not just use your laser at the corner and get a perfect 90

[@fuegoman45]

Sheet Bend = Best knot for joining two pieces of rope or sting. Similar to a square knot. 🤙❤️

[@spruce_goose5169]

sheet bend is ideal for ropes of dissimilar diameter.

[@RJ-cc1fz]

I never understood why some do the L shaped batter boards. The diagonal does the job a lot quicker

[@oskararnarson]

I'm thinking VR glasses with passthrough would probably make this process take way less time and would be 100% accurate.

[@MosinMan76254]

Do you know what a clove hitch is? It's used a lot in the fire service and one you should never forget.

[@tedsheldon11]

Why add the 2"? Also this is one of the best videos on square I have seen in a long time! (Essential Craftsman would be proud!)

[@aux4coxwain]

Greg is probably holding on the 2” mark. The ends of the tapes aren’t accurate with the metal hooks etc on the ends of them.

[@tedsheldon11]

​@@aux4coxwainthanks, was thinking that but... Not a framer so thought I missed something

[@otisshaw1]

Great videos , I’m wondering why you said add 2.5” to the diagonal ?

[@ronaldnaeyaert3653]

Does the electrical stub outs dictate the building position

[@matthewvalimont6547]

If you made your measurement with the initial screws at your dimension and then set your batter boards further back outside those pins, how did you measure the same dimension off your batter boards ? Wouldn’t they be a different dimension ? I’m just confused on that part of the layout

[@squid7902]

8x12 concrete pad not square want to build 8x12 shed. Should i build shed square at 8x12 but will overlap some and underlap some or build a few inches smaller with a drip edge around base to shed water? Thanks in advance

[@stevechambers2401]

Hey Kyle, what brand are your sunglasses? I like the thick sides to prevent sun coming in.

[@xxxmikeyjock]

buy hydro string it has a ton of flex to it, you ccan get it really tight

[@SBecktacular]

Do any of your vids show a layout where a part of the structure sits on post or pier off the side of a hill? Would love to see how you guys do that👌

[@rerolley]

They build in Illinois. Not many hills.

[@stancotton4778]

There plenty of hills and valleys in Illinois. Drive it sometime or look at a topographical map. You'll change your mind.

[@lisawallace3124]

@@stancotton4778 while yes there are hills & valleys in IL, I'm literally from the same town and most of where they're building-for the length of a building-is flat flat flat!

[@stancotton4778]

@lisawallace3124 Ok.. you win that one. I don't know what town it is, but I've driven through southern IL and I didn't think it was flat.

[@lisawallace3124]

@@stancotton4778 Franklin Grove is in Northern IL, maybe an hour's drive from the Wisconsin border 😉

[@TaylorsAuthenticTraditions]

One thing that wasnt mentioned was how to setup the transit and then why and where you set up the receptor on the measuting stick.

[@thedge7]

Do you ever have a land surveyor layout you location?

[@hindzer]

what app are you using on iphone ?

[@DarkstarReborn]

Good layout video. However, why is last couple of minutes redone?

[@sparky178]

When I had my house built 13 years ago the foundation guys used GPS to lay out the basement walls. Not entirely sure how that works, have you heard of that?

[@regulovanduck4696]

great infio, if youd only then draw it in a board or paper justo to go over it in paper, that would be reallly awesome.

[@Z-Bart]

Bowline!

[@Charles-in5xg]

bonus round x 2

[@samdevbekah]

I didn't catch why you add two inches to your diagonal measurement after it was figured out on the calculator. From 84'4 1/2" to 84'6 1/2". Im looking to build a 40'X64'. Thanks

[@jeffsloan6946]

Maybe burning a couple inches on the tape measure. In his older layout video he burns a whole foot so the person holding the other end of the tape measure has something to hold on to. I've laid out several buildings using Kyle's methods taught in this video and the older one. It works great!

[@fochdischitt3561]

Line up with the sun. Long side facing south.

[@HomerKM1914]

Where did you get your Stabila REC 300 Digital receiver?

[@Skypilot3764]

At least if y'all get overheated, that wee pond is right there for a quick dip

[@andrewbodine5663]

What gravel base do you always start your builds with?

[@jonmarshall7916]

Yes, I’m wondering the same thing?

[@moms762]

I’m wondering at this point if there will be concrete poured for a slab or it’s just going to be a gravel floor for farm equipment? If concrete is to be poured I would turn that job down. Reason being is the POOR Ground Prep. They really skimped.

[@minnickfamilyfarm]

What is your service area for projects?

[@michaelallen1835]

Kyle, do you know of anyone that does your kind of post frame build in East Texas?

[@crystalsnow3628]

Hi, we're in northan AZ. we can not find anyone to engineer a post beem building. Would you be willing to sell a set of plans of 40x70 with 16-foot walls? It's been a nightmare we've been looking for months now. There's only metal framed out here! By the way we love your channel

[@Everythingisgoingtobealright]

Why not use the layout station?

[@charlesviner1565]

+ -1/8, The world keeps turning 👍🤣🍩📐🔨

[@kurshinburshin9784]

Why did you show the hole digging video before the layout video?

[@TerryKovar-ho1yv]

If the building is a 60x64, why is it that you’re measuring 59’9” x 63’9” for the layout?

[@markmillers4491]

Because its a pole building and the 2x lumber is nailed to posts adding an extra three inches to the outside diameter of the building..he is measuring for the outside of the posts at the 59' 9"

[@johnbkinzer980]

How do you set your batter board if you don’t have a laser level?

[@AllstarVentures]

Water level

[@timelliott6036]

You gave the dimensions as 59’9” and 63’9” but you did not give size of the post. I am assuming the size of the post, but others doing a different size building with a different sized posts will need to calculate different numbers, correct?

[@lwadeallen]

No, that's the outside edge of the post, then the 2x6 stringers on the sides of the building add 3" to the dimension.

[@timelliott6036]

@@lwadeallen, that makes sense… I just don’t do construction, so did not know…. Thanks!

[@Drop2011]

Why don 't you use a total station to layout buildings?

[@xxxmikeyjock]

no one has a total station

[@coltonblood2776]

What kind of pencil u use?

[@normandfontaine5508]

What is the english name of the ajustable alumiun stick that hold the laser recever.? The stick that they put on rock to get the laser signal. Sorry english is not my first language. Tank’s for helping me so I can buy it on the web.

[@normandfontaine5508]

Oh I just found it the name is Hi-Lo Elevation Rod . Stabila make it.

[@brickbybric]

Reef knot / square knot . Right over left and under .left over right and under .

[@jrh3417]

is there a reason for the extra thick gravel bed?

[@xxxmikeyjock]

soil settles as it is a decaying organic, gravel is inert. I was thinking 'why is that pad not packed hard as concrete?'

[@2nickles647]

Ask the owner of the property.

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Yep, you've installed all your hurdles ( that's what we call batterboards), set out the building square and level ready to start . You arrive on the site next day and some b@$#rd, usually the plumber, has pulled them all out. Great video

[@thomastousant7178]

Would a g p s work?