Chapter 6  Building Layout
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The work of an engineer or surveyor protects
the owner and builder from costly errors in
measurement.
6.2 Measuring Tapes
For measurements and layouts involving
long distances, steel tapes, usually called
measuring tapes, may be used, Figure 6-2. Tapes
are available in lengths of 50′ to 300′. There are
various types with differing graduations. A
carpenter will usually select one that is marked
in feet, inches, and eighths of an inch. Surveyors,
on the other hand, require a tape graduated in
feet and decimal parts of a foot.
6.3 Establishing
Building Lines
Laying out a building means locating the
outside corners of its foundation, then marking
Steel tape:  Tape that comes in lengths of 50′ to 300′. It
is used for measurements and layouts involving long
distances. Also called measuring tape.
Measuring tape:  Tape that comes in lengths of 50′ to
300′. It is used for measurements and layouts involving
long distances. Also called steel tape.
Figure 6-2. Measuring tape. A—Long tapes for layout use are made in lengths of up to 300′. B—Measuring tapes are
made with different systems and graduations. 1. Metric. 2. Feet and decimal graduations. 3. Feet, inch, and eighth-
inch graduations. 4. Feet and inches with feet repeated at each inch mark. (The Stanley Co.; Keuffel & Esser)
A
1
2
3
4
1"
2"
B
Building lines:  The lines marking where the walls of
a structure will be located.