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Had to choose between a 6-foot level and a laser for a long ceiling job
The client wanted a coffered ceiling in their living room, a 20-foot run. My old 6-footer is dead true, but the laser is quick. I went with the level, thinking it was safer. Took me three hours just to snap the lines, and my neck is still sore. Anyone have a better method for long, single-person layout?
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wyatt_mitchell261mo ago
That three hour layout is the worst part of the job. I've been burned by laser drift on long runs before, so I get your choice. My go-to now is a chalk line reel with a locking brake. I set one end, walk the line out tight, lock the reel, and snap from the middle. For a 20 foot ceiling, I'll use a lightweight pole to hold the line up without a ladder. It cuts that setup time in half and saves your neck.
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mason_lopez1mo ago
Been burned by laser drift" is so real, that's exactly why I'm scared of them for anything over 15 feet. I do the chalk line with a pole trick too, but I'll hook a small magnet to the line and stick it right to the ceiling joist. Lets me walk the whole length and get it tight before I snap.
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violar351mo ago
Three hours of neck craning is the universe's tax for not trusting the fancy laser. That chalk line trick is solid, but honestly I'd just hire a tall kid for the afternoon next time.
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