What is laying out (construction)?
Laying out in construction refers to the positioning or installation of materials, services or building components in the correct location. The term is used broadly and can refer to laying pipes, setting frames, or positioning foundation elements.
Different meanings
1. Laying out a foundation
Marking out, excavating and pouring the foundation. For a strip foundation this means: digging trenches to the correct depth and pouring or building the foundation.
2. Laying out services
Installing water, gas or electrical services: digging trenches, running the pipes or cables, and backfilling.
3. Laying out a garden or paving
Creating the outdoor space: laying paving, building patios, and forming borders.
4. Laying out in woodworking
Positioning a workpiece against a fence or stop, for example when sawing or routing.
Application
- Foundation work — laying out the foundation covers the entire process from marking out to pouring
- Services — laying out water pipes means determining the route, running the pipes and making connections
- Paving — laying out a patio includes groundwork, sand bed, and placing slabs or blocks
- Drainage — laying out drainage means installing perforated pipes in the ground for water removal
Related terms
- Foundation depth
- Going (tread depth)
- Foundation
- Strip foundation
- Paving
Learn more about building terms in our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.