How to Square Something
Summary: Square your project in order for it to be a success. Angles must be perfect. To check for square you can use a calculator or follow the instructions below.
DEAR TIM: I often hear my builder talk about the importance
of things being square. When is something square and is there a simple way that
I can tell if something is square? R. J.
DEAR R. J.:
Something is considered square when two intersecting lines on the same surface
create a 90 degree angle. It is vitally important for all aspects of your
project to be square, especially the foundation. Square foundations allow a
builder or remodeler to work at the highest level of productivity. All aspects
of rough carpentry become a breeze instead of a hassle.
It is easier to
install materials and fixtures when framing members and walls are square. There
are fewer irregular cuts in most instances. Possibilities for mistakes are
minimized.
There is a very simple way to check if something is square.
This method has been in use for thousands of years. Starting at the intersection
point of the two lines, measure down one line 3 feet and make a mark. Measure
down the other line 4 feet and make a mark. Measure accurately in a straight
line between your two marks. The distance between the two marks will be exactly
5 feet if the two lines are square. This third line makes a triangle. It is
often referred to as the diagonal.
Any multiple of these numbers works as
well. For example, a triangle with legs of 6 feet and 8 feet with a diagonal of
10 feet will produce a square corner. The combination of 12 feet, 16 feet, and
20 feet will also produce a 90 degree angle.
You can purchase handy
calculators that will give you the diagonal for any combination of two lines.
For example, let's say you want to build a deck that will be 20 long and project
12 feet out from the house. Using the fancy calculator, it would tell you in a
matter of seconds that the diagonal would be 23 feet and 3 and 7/8
inches.
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Comments:
Jeff 23 Apr 2008, 11:35
This is probably the simplest and easiest way to understand how to square
something i've run across online. Thank you!
LeRoy 23 Apr 2008, 22:26
I am laying out the foundation for a building that is 49' 6" X 50' 2"
what will be the exact measurement that I should have from opposite corner
to corner to equal the square measurement?
Steve Sagovac 23 Apr 2008, 23:40
Hi LeRoy,
It doesn't matter what the exact measurement is from corner to corner... it is only important that it the same from both diagonals. Steve http://www.justshedstuff.com
Lisa 14 Jun 2008, 05:38
THANKS! Could you mention that this is high school math! a squared plus b
squared equals c squared! or how to calculate a right triangle..
ted 12 Jul 2008, 20:28
I am still trying to figure out what it is trying to say.Starting at the
intersection point of what 2 lines
Roger 14 Jul 2008, 14:35
Ted,
I believe the intersection point is at any corner that you want to be square.
phill 03 Aug 2008, 07:47
thanks for the 345 square nice and simple now i can get on with my workshop
base cheers
James 03 Sep 2008, 02:39
Another tip is to measure the distance between the opposite corners. The
two measurements should be equal if the structure is square. This method
will also tell you which way things need to shift to make things square.
James West 17 Sep 2008, 16:54
If you had a 66'x40' crawl space how much out of square would be tolerated
if you used the 6,8,10 method.
Linda 30 Sep 2008, 09:53
We have a front porch 8 ft. wide and 37ft. long we are going to put a roof
over this and also take this roof up over the existing roof around 4 ft. to
make this a ranch style front. how do we find the length to ensure that the
the roof line that we are going to attach to the exisitng roof is even and
straight and also that the overhang is straight?
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