Different height plinths, adjust

[gluecifer]

Got help last fall to set down casting tubes for the deck's pillars; the carpenter had a leveling instrument and marked on the tubes where they should be cut so that all would be the same height. Then I cast them, and it feels like they're slightly different.

I thought the concrete would settle more because I made them slightly higher than the ends of the tubes. But it didn’t.

Can I check how much they differ without a leveling instrument? The idea was to lay sill protection paper? and then the beams directly on the pillars and attach metal angles. So the height of the pillars was calculated for that.

Does it require an instrument to check the heights now; it’s supposed to be 140+140 beams and then 28mm decking to align nicely with the patio door if everything matches as we thought last fall.

 

[Helioz]

Since the plinths should be level, you just need to take a self-leveling laser and check which ones are too high and cut them down with an angle grinder. It can also be done with a regular line and a string level.

 

[anaitis]

Transparent tubing and cordial is my low-tech method

 

[egl]

Transparent hose and mixed juice is my low-tech method

That method should not be underestimated, good tip as sometimes one forgets the simple ways!
/Erik

 

[Helioz]

Graded hose water levels are also available for purchase if desired:
http://www.jula.se/slangvattenpass-tac-100-124612

 

[gluecifer]

Slang water level seems cheaper. Can you explain in a way a three-year-old would understand how to use it in my case? Do I first have to find a concrete base at the right height to start from?

 

[haavard]

Smart thing!

I guess you're going to try to find the highest block and then adjust the others so they are the same height. (Or possibly the lowest and cut them all to be equally short....)

 

[anaitis]

Attach one end of the hose to a suitable stick that is driven into the ground near the post (master) you want to start from. Then take a similar stick and attach the other end to it. Then go to a post you want to adjust. Temporarily press this second stick into the ground near this post. With a folding ruler or tape measure, measure the distance from the water surface to the master post and then the same thing at the post you want to adjust. A bit of arithmetic and you're done. If you hesitate on how to calculate, I recommend a simple sketch!

 

[JOW]

Why not weigh in and place an appropriate piece under the posts that are lower than the top, plywood or something suitable, i.e., paper, shims, support beam, then a metal angle that holds the support beam on the post....
Level it with a long spirit level.

I think the other option seems like overkill....