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Aklogcabin
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# Posted: 1 Aug 2020 11:47am - Edited by: Aklogcabin
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We read about squaring up foundations. I thought I might try and explain the math a bit. Although ,â€A“squared, plus “B†squared equals the square root of “C†sounds like complicated letters it’s really not that bad. This is how I do it.
If building is 3’x4’. 3x3=9. 4x4=16. 9+16=25.
The square root of 25=5. So if you measure from the end of the 4’ wall with a tape measure. To the end of the 3’ wall. Creating a triangle with your tape measure. (I like to fasten the support wall on the pilings in your case. Then swing the other to intersect with your tape.) Where they intersect at 5’ You are square.
Any numbers will work . Usually your building is larger or your squaring you’re foundation. Just convert all numbers into the same group, feet or inches. A real apple orange thing. Use the same formula. Don’t let long numbers deter you. If you want to keep numbers smaller use feet instead of inches. If you’re wall is 20’-8†go to 20’ and made your indicator mark and measure to that. We have calculators.
And put your numbers into the formula. _ times itself. Plus. _ times itself. Add together and hit the square root button. Looks like a check mark. Some calculators may not have this . That’s your cross number.
Hopefully that helps and others can chime in with other tips. Good luck and stay safe and well.
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ICC
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# Posted: 1 Aug 2020 01:31pm
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While the 3:4:5 ratio is perfectly correct for a small shed or simple cabin I believe simply measuring the diagonals is simpler as long as the parallel sides are exactly the same length, which they should be.
Drive a couple of nails in mirrored positions on two of the corners of one of the short ends. I have two metal tapes with loop hooke ends that I drop over the nail and pull the tape across to the diagonally opposite corner. That way I can square off a foundation or floor alone easily.
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Aklogcabin
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2020 10:59am
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As ICC stated. Spikes make great stake for setting up a foundation. They go in solid but can be adjusted easily. A good tip.
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Alaskajohn
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# Posted: 3 Aug 2020 09:14pm
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Aklogcabin, I moved to the wilderness to get away from things I didn’t like, which includes math. Apparently one cannot escape math even in the bush.
I could have used your math formula about a year ago! Oh well... My construction is imperfect like me!
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sparky30_06
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# Posted: 4 Aug 2020 06:59am
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3:4:5 will work for any size. pull out a 100 foot or 300 foot tape measure. ratio is ratio.
15:20:25
30:40:50
45:60:75
60:80:100
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AKfisher
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# Posted: 5 Aug 2020 02:29pm
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I used the 3:4:5 method the other day, then the 6:8:10 just to be sure... When building a wood shed by yourself it can be a lot of work... mainly in the foundation aspect. The framing is easy. just need to hang the remaining rafters, purlins, tin and flashing and fill...
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