Guides · Section 04
Measuring & Layout
Accuracy is decided before the first cut. These guides cover the tools and habits of layout — reference faces, rules and squares, knives and gauges, story sticks — and the methods that stop small measuring errors from adding up across a project.
- Subjects
- 3
- Guides
- 1
- Level
- Beginner
Start here
Foundation guide
How to Measure and Mark Wood Accurately
Measure from one reference, knife the lines that matter, check your square and mark the waste side: a layout method that stops small errors adding up.
Beginner · 14 min readRead the guide
What this section covers
- 4.1
Measuring fundamentals
Reference faces, measuring from one datum, reading rules and marking to a line.
1 guide
- 4.2
Marking and gauging tools
Knives, marking gauges, squares and bevels: choosing, checking and using them.
- 4.3
Setting out joints and parts
Story sticks, transferring dimensions and laying out joinery from the parts themselves.
Work it out
Related reference.
- ToolsSetup & accuracy checksCheck the square, and other quick accuracy checks.
- TechniquesAccuracy & reference facesWhy every measurement needs a reference face.
- CalculatorsFraction · decimal · metric converterFractional inches, decimals and millimetres.
- ChartsFraction conversion chartSixteenths, decimals and millimetres on one sheet.