5 Best Masonry Levels (For Your Construction Works)

I know what it’s like - When you start off out of plumb, or off level.

It all knocks on and once it’s out - it’s out - and it’s SO hard to rectify later on.

So what’s the solution to this common problem?

Grab a good mason or spirit level!

But the question still remains-

Which one to pick?

Here's the good news:

In this article we have a guide that shows you how to find the best masonry levels and picked the best five that are currently available in the market now.

This is a great masonry level - and what an all-rounder!

This big Stabila level is extremely rugged and sturdy - with really nice hand-holds mid-body. The big 48-inch Stabila masonry level will take a lot of use - and a lot of hits.

Hits the spot!

That’s because Stabila have built in some genius and handy dead-blow shields. Meaning you can happily give this level a bit of a whack whenever you want to - and it’ll take it without complaining.

Made to last:

We’re also looking at guaranteed vial accuracy here - for life! So you know this level is well-made.

Just plumb good!

As if all that wasn’t enough to get you running out to buy the Stabila 36448. This level also features a plumb vial - at either end of the body.

If you're like me, you probably pick the wrong end when checking plumb - every time.

And spend half your time flipping the level back and forth - well, you won’t be doing that with this Stabila.

In short:

This is a great level and it oozes quality - it’s packed with great features. The body is big and chunky and easy to clean. The vials are guaranteed with plumbs at both ends.

It’s rugged. It’s convenient. And it’ll stay accurate. It’s as simple as that - and it’s probably all you’ll ever need.

What a deal this is from Stabila!

Now, this won’t suit everyone. But if you’ve got the budget for it - this is an unbelievable deal.

Triple vision:

You get three Stabila levels here. The largest, 48-inch model is basically the same level as our top pick here, but there’s more…

Fire the torpedoes!

Stabila also give you a small torpedo level - great for smaller woodwork jobs.

That comes with all the vials, at all angles. And it’s a nice, heavy die-cast construction. 

And you also get a 36-inch level here - very handy indeed. This level also has a plumb vial at either end.

Strike two!

Both the bigger levels are of the same rugged construction as our top pick.

And both are equipped with strike zones - which will make them a pleasure to work with.

But that’s not all..

For your extra spend, you don’t just get three Stabila spirit levels here.

No, Sir!

You also get a great case for holding your levels, keeping them clean - and keeping them safe from harm. 

This is a great feature - especially if you work out on site.

On the money:

If you can afford it, this set really is the genuine article. You’ll never be crooked again with the Stabila 48296 three level set.

I’ve got to be honest with you here:

I’m not a massive fan of wooden spirit levels. I’m a fan of wood - but some things just shouldn’t be made out of wood.

On the move:

What’s the reason?Well, even though this Crick level is beautiful to look at - and hand-crafted almost to perfection.

I can’t help thinking about the fact it’s made out of harwood.

And although some hardwoods are more stable than others - they can’t be as stable as steel.

Harwoods move.

And that’s not great news for masonry levels.

If we look past that:

Then what’s not to like about the Crick 48-inch masonry level?

It’s elegantly manufactured, with stainless steel bindings. They’ll stand up to outdoor use without degrading.

The vials are all hand-set too, and this really is a lovely tool to behold.

Full of holes?

Watch out, though. Because there have been some reports about the vials leaking on these levels - and that’s not great.

It depends what you want:

For me, a spirit level is about accuracy and durability in working conditions. I don’t think a level has to be beautiful.

But if you do - then the Crick might be for you. You certainly will be hard pushed to find a nicer looking piece of kit.

There are huge numbers of level available on the market varied by sizes and features.

Here are some features you should keep in mind to get the best mason level for your construction works -

Don’t be tempted to go cheap:

When you’re looking for a masonry level, or any kind of spirit level – there’s one golden rule:

You get what you pay for. And with a level, more so than lots of other tools – construction quality is key.

They may be a simple tool in principle, but that simplicity means that they’ve got to be spot on the dot every time.

Don’t skimp:

When you buy a level, go for quality. Bad levels last five minutes before they go out of kilter.

And even if they’re only slightly out – they’re useless! It’s one of the tools that you have to be very careful about buying.

The cheap dime-store levels aren’t even worth looking at.

Look for a level with strike zones.

If you do a lot of structural carpentry, then you’ll already know that being able to tap your level is a big help. 

When installing posts and bearers – it’s vital to be able to tap and adjust - because heavy timber is hard to move in small increments any other way.

Make sure to go for a level that’s easy to wipe clean.

Mason levels tend to be a smoother design and easier to wipe clean than a lot of other levels.

That’s great news if you’re installing posts and using concrete.

I’ve lost count of the time I’ve spent trying to clean levels that have too many nooks and crannies. A smoother level saves lots of time.

Look for a level that indicates ‘line fall’:

Another great feature on a level is to have lines either side of your bubble. You might be installing a deck – or another structure that needs to fall – to keep it dry.

On outdoor stuff - and in many landscaping tasks, fall is essential to discourage rot from standing water.

A great way to accomplish this is with ‘line fall’.

This is just the practice of staying slightly off-level by installing with the bubble touching a line very close to level.

Look for guaranteed vials – that’s a massive factor.

It means the maker is confident that the level will stay true.

And consider the work you do. Go for a level with a 45-degree vial if you build a lot of structures with members that way. 

If you check plumb a lot – if you install a lot of posts, for instance – then look for a level with a plumb vial.

Here’s a big thing to look out for:

If you work a lot below shoulder level – let’s say you install a lot of decks.

Look for a level with an open vial – not one that sits in the middle of the level body.

Why?

Because you’ll be able to easily see the vial without bending down, and it’ll save your back.

Same if you work overhead lots.

One more thing:

Take care of your level - and your level will take care of you!

Although it’s a simple tool. You absolutely MUST look after your masonry level. It’s not a tool that you should throw around or in the bottom of the truck.

Levels must be accurate for your work to stay accurate. And quality won’t matter if you bend it.

Be smart:

If you buy a decent level – of good quality. And if you follow my advice and consider what you’re going to use it for.

If you also take into account how you work, and how you’ll use the level.

Then you’ll be set.

Masonry V/s Spirit Level

The best thing about masonry levels, as opposed to standard spirit levels – is that they have strike zones. So, what’s so special about strike zones?

Strike zones mean that you won’t damage your level if you give it a good tap.

And that’s so helpful when we’re building structures. We’ll look more at that in a second. 

Masonry levels are great all-rounders:

They’re rugged enough to use for exterior work - and great for landscape carpentry and paving jobs.

You can also get lots of use in the workshop and the home.

In the picture:

From putting up pictures to marking out on the workbench. A good masonry level can perform endless tasks.