Best Laser Level for Builders

The Best Laser Level for Builders and DIYers

Avatar
Updated on
Avatar

Brenda Nyawara

Brenda Nyawara is an editor at Archute. She is a graduate architect with a passion for edge-cutting ideas in design, fashion, art and modern world interests.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

Modern and highly accurate laser levels are helpful tools when working at home or on a construction site. They measure the vertical or horizontal axis and are either manual or automatic.

Finding the best laser level for builders is difficult because so many are available on the internet. However, you are in the right place because we have done the work for you and compiled the best laser levels for builders. They are well-built, durable, and precise.

Construction laser levels are useful when installing ceiling tiles, power outlets in the house, chair rails in dining rooms, placing photos evenly on walls, or handling a site grading plan for new construction.

Image Credits: desertcart.co.ke

There is a wide range of laser-level designs that function differently. Manual laser levels are more traditional; you must turn the knob and check the bubble to level them. However, they are affordable and use less energy to function. On the other hand, self-leveling laser levels are more accurate and perfect for use on level surfaces. Again, however, they are expensive.

The Best Laser Level for Builders

1. Qooltek Multipurpose Cross Line Laser and 8 feet Measure Tape Ruler

Sale
Laser Level, Qooltek Multipurpose Cross Line Laser 8...
  • 📏 3-PRONGED APPROACH - combines a fine-tuned tape measure, a...
  • 📏WORKS FOR INDOOR - designed for any situation where a...
  • 📏8-FOOT Measuring Tape - comes loaded with an 8-foot measure...
  • 📏BACKUP BATTERY - ships with 3 x LR44 button-cells battery,...
  • 📏IDEAL For The Job That Requires A Straight Line Or Accurate...

The Qooltek red laser level is the best on our list since it can serve numerous purposes. Thus it functions as a laser level and tape measure ruler. The laser level has horizontal, vertical, and crossline projection modes.

We like using it for indoor construction as it has a 10m and 25m laser range with a +/-2mm error. Additionally, it comes in handy when laying flooring, measuring positions on a wall, hanging wallpaper or photos, calculating the distance between two points, installing shelves, and leveling nails.

Image Credits: Amazon.com

The 8-foot tape measure is very convenient for any task that requires straight lines, such as installing cabinets or tiles, as it has imperial and metric measurements.

I used a tripod to mount it and put it to use as soon as it arrived on my doorstep since it ships with a 3 x LR44 button-cells battery. It also has a screwdriver and key button to operate the tape ruler.

Pros:

  • Easy to use.
  • It has 3 projection modes.
  • Multipurpose laser level.
  • Suitable for several builder's tasks.
  • The tape ruler has imperial and metric measurements.
  • Conveniently comes with 3 x LR44 button-cells battery.

Cons:

  • Perfect for indoor use only.

2. Hychika 150Ft Self-Leveling Green Laser Level

Sale
Laser Level, HYCHIKA 150Ft Self-Leveling Green Laser...
  • ✅【High Visibility and Precision】The green laser level uses...
  • ✅【3 in 1 Laser Level &Self-leveling within 4°】The laser...
  • ✅【Rechargeable and Working Long Time】Built-in rechargeable...
  • ✅【High Protection Grade+Magnetic Bracket】The laser level is...
  • ✅【What You Get】1 * HYCHIKA Green Laser Level, 1 * L-shaped...

The Hychika is the best self-leveling laser on our list that is lightweight and compact for gripping yet large enough to sit steadily during construction. We also love that this green laser has better visibility than red, is energy efficient, and can be charged from anywhere using a USB port.

It takes 2 hours to charge and can last up to 12 hours on a long workday on a construction site. It also gave us horizontal, vertical, and cross-line patterns with maximum laser visibility at 49 feet. It automatically self-levels at 4° within 6 seconds. However, you could still level it manually as per your preference.

Image Credits: overstock.com

This green laser level is the perfect tool for construction since it is wear-resistant, waterproof, impact-resistant, and can withstand low and high temperatures.

We chose to mount this laser level on a tripod while testing it, but it also comes with an L-shaped magnetic bracket to fix and use. In addition, the carry case is perfect for storing or transporting it from one location to another.

Pros:

  • It is compact, lightweight, and portable.
  • It has automatic self-leveling and manual modes.
  • It uses less energy and lasts longer when charged.
  • You can mount it on most metal surfaces thanks to the L-shaped magnetic bracket.
  • It can project 2 lines simultaneously or separately in vertical, horizontal, or cross-line modes.

Cons:

  • It is barely visible outdoors during the day unless you are shining it on a metal surface.

3. Dewalt (DW088K) Line Laser, Self-Leveling, Cross Line, Red Beam

DEWALT Line Laser, Self-Leveling, Cross Line, Red Beam...
  • DEWALT laser level is durable and has over molded housing with a...
  • Laser level tool has patented integrated magnetic bracket
  • Self leveling laser level is water and debris resistant with an...
  • Can achieve up to a 165 ft. range when used with a detector. Sold...
  • Housed in a durable storage case.

The Dewalt DW088K has what it takes for various leveling and layout applications since it projects vivid vertical, horizontal, and crossing lines. In addition, we enjoyed using this construction laser level since it is durable thanks to the over-molded casing, has an integrated magnet bracket, and a 1-meter drop rating.

However, you could mount it on a tripod or combine it with a detector to increase the visibility range to 165 feet. Plus, these additional items are bought separately.

Image Credits: maxtool.com

The Dewalt DW088K has a 100 feet visibility range perfect for indoor construction. All you need are easily accessible and cheap 3 triple A batteries to power it. It also features a useful out-of-level sensor, easy 2-button operation, and a low battery indicator.

Additionally, it is self-leveling, water resistant, and debris resistant and has an IP54 rating with a strong carrying case.

Pros:

  • Perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
  • It has an automatic level indicator.
  • Easy to use with a 2 button operation.
  • A red beam laser level with a 49 feet working range.
  • It has a powerful magnetic pivoting base for connection on metal surfaces.
  • It comes with 3 triple A batteries, so you can start using it immediately

Cons:

  • It is expensive.

4. RockSeed 50 Feet Self-Leveling Laser Level

Laser Level, RockSeed 50 Feet Cross Line Laser with...
  • ★ GREEN CROSS LINE LASER ★ This laser level is equipped laser...
  • ★ SELF-LEVELING & MANUAL MODE ★ You can set 2 modes...
  • ★ HIGH PROTECTION GRADE ★ The line laser reaches IP54...
  • ★ HIGH VISIBILITY & ACCURACY ★ Two powerful cross line...
  • ★ ONE YEARS WARRANTY & EXCELLENT AFTER-SALE SERVICE ★...

Rockseed is on our list because it is a green laser level with automatic self-leveling and manual modes. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, a green laser is preferred to a red one because it is more visible.

It is simple to use and perfect for laying tiles, mounting shelves, and installing doors, windows, or picture frames. The horizontal and vertical lines are practical for these activities. It also has a tilt mode activated by long pressing a button at the top of the laser.

Image Credits: ubuy.ke

It also has IP54 standards; therefore, it is shock resistant, dustproof, waterproof, and can withstand high and low temperatures. In addition, it has a 33 ft horizontal and 16.5 ft vertical working distance with a 20-hour battery life that is replaceable.

Pros:

  • It is simple to use.20-hour replaceable battery life.
  • It has a manual and self-leveling mode.
  • It is durable with a 4 feet collision protection.
  • It is compact, lightweight, and steady, perfect for construction sites

Cons:

  • It is best utilized indoors.

5. AikTryee Multipurpose Laser Level Line Tool

Sale
Laser Level Line Tool, Multipurpose Laser Level Kit...
  • 【MULTIFUNCTION LASER LEVEL】Laser level tool cool gadgets for...
  • 【EASY TO OPERATE】Laser leveler tool herramientasis designed...
  • 【3 PRONGED APPROACH】Laser level tool tools for men with one...
  • 【8 FEET Measuring Tape】Laser level matey measure tool comes...
  • 【WHY RECOMMEND AikTryee LINE LEVEL LASER TO YOU】AikTryee...

Are you looking for a cheap multi-functional tool? The AikTryee multipurpose red laser level line is the perfect device for precisely hanging shelves, cabinets, or photo frames.

It features one 45° bubble level, one level (0°), and one plumb (90°) that accurately determines the horizontal and vertical plane. Additionally, it has 8 feet measuring tape with metric and imperial measurements suitable for construction work.

Image Credits: nepal.ubuy.com

I like that it is suitable for all modes, namely horizontal laser line, vertical laser line, or cross line laser level. And you could put it to use right after you get it since it comes with a 3 x AG 13 button-cell battery.

Pros:

  • Easy to use.
  • Multipurpose construction tool.
  • It has 3 different laser line modes.
  • It has great quality yet is affordable.
  • It comes ready to use with batteries

Cons:

  • It is made of plastic.

How to Set Up a Laser Level

Image Credits: mydecorative.com

1. Secure Mounting

Most laser levels come with universal threaded holes, so you will not have difficulty finding the perfect tripod adaptor to mount them securely. Alternatively, some come with a magnetic bracket that you can mount on a metallic or flat surface. Finally, there are a few more ways of using a laser level without a tripod.

2. Leveling

Once your level is securely mounted, use the screws or knob on the dial to alter the bubble and level it if you use a manual laser. Secure the screws or knob once the bubble is centered and leveled. Alternatively, give a self-leveling laser level time to level and turn it on once it is stable if you are utilizing one.

3. Cast a Level Beam

A level beam is cast on the target surface, whether a dot, line, combination of dots and lines or a 360-degree plane.

Image Credits: tooled-up.com

4. Outdoors Laser Detection

Laser detectors are perfect for outdoors, especially when there is no surface to project them on. Secure the laser detector using a clamp before using it. Maneuver the detector up and down until it beeps once it locates the beam. Make the necessary measure and secure the detector in position throughout the process.

The best thing about an outdoor laser level is that you can use it for indoor projects.

Necessary Laser Level Accessories

1. Tripod

Image Credits: powersmithproducts.com

A tripod is essential for mounting the laser level and carrying out accurate level measurements. Some laser levels come with a magnetic mounting bracket suitable for metallic surfaces. However, you can also mount a laser level on a flat surface and use it.

2. Laser Line Detector/Receiver

Image Credits: Alibaba.com

Receivers work with laser levels to provide more accuracy and make it easier to locate laser lines thanks to optical or acoustic signals.

3. Batteries

Image Credits: tigersupplies.com

Some laser levels come with batteries during the initial purchase, so you can conveniently start using them as soon as you get them. Check the recommended battery size by the manufacturer and purchase powerful rechargeable ones that will last a long time during on-site use. Some batteries can operate continuously for 2 days, so choose wisely.

4. Chargers

Image Credits: tigersupplies.com

Chargers are necessary for rechargeable batteries, so carry and use them on site whenever necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Image Credits: youtube.com

1. Which color Laser level Performs Better, Red or Green?

Red laser levels are quite difficult to see in the sun. However, they are less likely to cause eye harm, have longer battery life, and are cheaper. On the contrary, Green lasers are easier to see in the daytime, can cause eye harm quickly, and are more expensive. Therefore, neither color is superior to the other as they all perform well in different circumstances.

2. What is the Best Accuracy of a Laser Level?

A high-quality laser level has an accuracy of 1/16 inch per 100 feet as opposed to the accuracy of 1/2 inch per 100 feet in a spirit level. This is only delivered by a laser diode that projects a laser beam across the target area.

Image Credits: myconstructiontechnology.com

3. What Lasers are Suitable in Construction?

There are many options when choosing the best laser level for builders. The most common is the line laser that projects a horizontal or vertical straight line.

However, you could also opt for a dot/spot laser that projects a small circle onto the target surface. This is the perfect laser level when checking plumbing or wiring in walls, joists, ceilings, or floors. Another useful tool when checking plumbing and wiring is a stud finder.

On the other hand, combination lasers project lines and spots independently or simultaneously. Thus they are excellent for different projects such as plumbing or wiring. Ever wondered when indoor plumbing was invented?

What about rotary lasers? These are the best laser levels for home builders or contractors, thanks to their 360-degree spinning laser beams. They are also very accurate at 1/8 or 1/16 inches of 100 feet.

Featured Image Credits: bobvila.com

Photo of author

About the author

Brenda Nyawara

Brenda Nyawara is an editor at Archute. She is a graduate architect with a passion for edge-cutting ideas in design, fashion, art and modern world interests.
Related Articles
best chainsaw chain for cutting

Best Chainsaw Chain for Cutting Hard Wood

The job of cutting hardwood trees is considerably simplified and made efficient by chainsaws. The key component of a chainsaw ...

5 Best Lubricants for Squeaky Recliners in Your Home

Is that squeaky recliner driving you up the wall? Don't worry; there's a simple solution to eliminate those annoying noises ...

Best Portable Air Compressor for All Your Jobsite Tasks

Portable air compressors give you the convenience of inflating your tires and operating pneumatic tools from any location. These compressors ...