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A layout is a system of stakes and stringlines that establishes the precise location of footings and borders for a building project. This could be the perimeter of your dream deck or patio, or just a fenceline.

You normally do layout after grading the site (see the previous section), but you may need to set a few stakes, using basic layout techniques, to guide the grading. Yes, doing so sounds old-school, but the methods are tried-and-true, and you can do it.

If an obstacle, such as a tree trunk, makes it impossible to string a line between two stakes, move both stakes an equal distance, in the same direction, from their original position. Then, stretch a stringline between them. To establish points, such as post locations, where the original stringline would have run, measure an equal distance from the string to the distance that you moved the stakes. This technique is called offsetting.

Make sure that you establish precisely what the stringline represents, for example, the inside edge of posts, the outside edge of the finished structure, the center of footings — whatever. It doesn’t matter what you choose; just be consistent. Usually, however, stringlines represent the outside edges.

Any sturdy string will do for these tasks, but we recommend mason’s twine because it is more durable and stretches less.

These sections help you execute these tasks in your yard. We prefer to use basic and practical techniques that many construction surveyors use on a regular basis.