How to measure a project over areas of sloping ground

Our install teams carry a few different sizes of ground screws to each project so that they can cater for varying ground conditions. However, we can’t bring every size to every project, and the biggest challenge that sometimes requires longer screws is sloping ground.

To ensure that our team has a range of screws that is suitable for your project, it is important that we know what the sloping levels are. This way, we can bring the right screws for the job!

What you’ll need to measure sloping ground

You don’t need fancy laser levels or protractors to measure a slope. A few household and garden items should do the trick:

1. Marking out your project – a few planting canes and garden twine or string is best, but a hose, some flower pots, bricks or books on each corner will do just as well.
2. Measuring the slope – again, some string, a measuring tape and a spirit level will be best, but you can use a long cane, a decking board, and a spirit level app on your mobile phone will do the trick.
3. Recording details – a paper and pen still work well, as does a note on a mobile phone.

Now you can get outside and start measuring!

How to measure sloping ground

Step 1: Mark out the perimeter of your project. You do not need to mark out the exact shape for your project, such as if you’re installing an L-shaped garden room, only the outside perimeter.

Step 2: Identify the highest corner of your project – we’ll call this point ‘A’. Then identify the remaining corners with the second highest as point ‘B’, the third highest ‘C’, and the lowest point ‘D’.

Step 3: Tie a string line around point ‘A’ as close to the ground as possible, pushing the string into any grass if required.

Step 4: Run your string line across from the highest point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ and wrap it a few times around your corner stake. Using a spirit level, lift or drop the string line until it is level, then tighten the string line around your corner stake.

If you don’t have a spirit level, there are apps available for mobile phones that will provide a good guide.

Step 5: Measure and record the distance from the string line down to the ground. We’ll call this 'Drop-B'.

Step 6: Repeat this process, running a string line from ‘A’ to ‘C’ and ‘A’ to ‘D’, measuring and recording each drop in distance over the area of sloping ground.

Step 7: Provide these measurements along with your project’s length and width in your pre-installation form, and we’ll do the rest!

If you require any assistance with your foundations, please contact your local installer, and they'll be happy to support you.