Perfectly level every time
Whether you’re just hanging a picture or building an entire house, getting things level is part of the project. Here, we’ll share tips gathered through years in the trades that’ll help you get the job done quicker, easier or more accurately.
How to level a row of pictures perfectly
Getting a row of pictures to line up at the top can be tricky, especially if the hanging wires are different lengths. Here’s a tip from a professional picture hanger: Use a laser to create a level reference line. Hook a tape measure to the picture wire and pull it tight. Measure to the top of the picture frame. On the wall, measure down from a level line and mark this distance at the centreline of your new picture location. Align the hook of the picture hanger with the mark and nail it to the wall. Repeat this process for all of the pictures, and their tops will be perfectly aligned.
Poor man’s laser level
If you need to make a long, level line and don’t own or have access to a laser, try this method. Mark the desired height of your line on the wall. Hold your level at the mark and adjust it until the bubble is centred. Then make a mark at the opposite end of the level. Extend the line by stretching a chalk line and aligning it with both marks. If you’re working indoors, use dust-off marking chalk, which is easy to erase. Stretch the chalk line and snap it to create a perfectly level line across the wall.