Marking out a right angle in the garden can be necessary for various reasons. This guide shows how it works in different ways and even without a protractor.
In a nutshell
- Setting out angles is easiest with templates
- Theorem of Pythagoras suitable as a measuring method
- double checking at each angle makes sense
- only simple tools required
- Measuring device not absolutely necessary
Table of contents
- Right Angle - Reasons
- Utensils needed
- Marking out with tools
- Pythagorean theorem
- frequently asked Questions
Right Angle - Reasons
There are various reasons for staking out a right angle. This usually involves the creation of:
- beds
- foundations
- compost areas
- lawns
- lawn edges
- sandboxes
- terraces
- Because of
- fences
In short: Whenever an area needs to be properly and accurately demarcated, it makes sense to stake out in advance. This also applies to hedges or the Creation of driveways.
Utensils needed
There are not only different reasons for staking out the right angle, but also different possibilities. In any case, the following items are required:
- maybe a hammer
- line
- stable sticks
- knife or scissors
- Ruler or sturdy tape measure
A notice: A protractor or angle is of course helpful and useful, but not absolutely necessary. When digging foundations, however, it is advisable to use an angle.
Marking out with tools
Probably the easiest and fastest way to stake out a right angle in the garden is with the help of tools.
The following are suitable for this:
- boards or strips of wood
- paving slabs
- cartons
- rectangular tubs
These objects serve as a basis and orientation when laying a right angle. To do this, proceed as follows:
- üßpöllllllllllllllllllllllllll4ePut or lay the aids on the floor. Align a corner so that it forms the right angle of the area to be staked out.
- Stick a stick into the ground at the corner and use a hammer to drive it deeper into the ground if necessary.
- Tie two pieces of string to the stick. The cords should have the desired side lengths plus about 20 to 30 centimeters overhang for the next knot.
- Straighten the cords along the edges of the tool.
- Push a stick into the ground at the desired distance and stretch the cords starting from the first stick. Make sure it runs straight and fits the aid.
Tip: This method works best with long boards or strips that are placed together as straight angles. Due to their length, they represent a particularly good orientation.
Pythagorean theorem
The Pythagorean theorem or the 3-4-5 rule also allows you to stake out a right angle. A folding rule or a stable measuring tape is absolutely necessary for this.
The procedure is as follows:
- Insert and fasten the corner bar.
- From this, first stretch a three meter long cord and fasten it with the second rod.
- Next, stretch a four meter long cord from the first stick. The right angle is reached when the distance between the second stick and the third stick is exactly five meters.
This procedure may seem strange at first, but it is based on a simple mathematical rule: a² + b² = c²
A notice: Anyone who remembers their math lessons will know the terms catheti (side a and b) and hypotenuse (side c).
Of course, this does not only work with the dimensions three, four and five meters. However, the relation between the sides must be maintained in order to stake out a right angle. After staking out, the demarcation can be brought to the desired dimensions.
frequently asked Questions
In the case of a bed, it is usually not decisive whether the angles are right. At fixed foundations however, multiple checks should be made to ensure the angles are accurately designed.
Especially longer objects with a right angle are well suited for staking out. Fence slats or pallets are therefore ideal. They also offer the advantage that it is not absolutely necessary to stretch a cord. The soil can also be dug out directly along the edges with a spade.
When attaching formwork for poured concrete foundations or when Insertion of lawn edging stones should be remeasured during alignment to achieve correct progression.
