You can’t just rely on any leveling tool when working with large landscapes, and I had to learn that fact the hard way. My old laser level, which used to work perfectly indoors, often gave inaccurate results while working outdoors.
I didn’t even realize it until one of my recent clients complained about an uneven drainage system. It was basically caused by my faulty level’s inadequate range and lack of visibility. Since then, I have only relied on the best laser level for landscaping, some of which I have reviewed in this article.
You will also find a detailed buying guide to alert you about all the major features to look out for in laser levels. If you are somewhat of a beginner, in this case, this section might help you in the long run.
Comparison Table Of Best Laser Level for Landscaping
We all know how challenging it can be to pick the most accurate laser level for landscaping. Thus, I have handpicked the 5 best models you can purchase right now.
DEWALT 12V MAX Line Laser
There are plenty of laser tools out there, but how many of them give you the option to recharge the battery instead of replacing them? Well, this exclusive line laser allows you to do just that. It comes with a 12V MAX lithium-ion battery that can offer several hours of service at one go.
You won’t need to replace the batteries often as it has a recharging feature that lets you replenish the battery life. Connect it to a nearby outlet, and get to work without a long wait. Dewalt DW089LG is a convenient tool to have at your disposal if you don’t want to spend hours recharging your battery.
The laser tool emits a green laser beam with a range of 30 meters. You can also extend its range to 50 meters by equipping the detector. The laser is clearly visible in daylight, unlike most tools of its kind. This is possible due to the pulse mode technology it comes with.
You can also be sure that this tool will not need servicing for a very long time. It has a smart pendulum lock that keeps the internal components intact for longer. This feature keeps the device accurate as the days go by. On top of that, it is encased in an over-molded housing made of IP65 rated materials.
This makes the tool resistant to debris and water as well. You will also be glad to know that it’s equipped with a class 2 laser with an impressive output power of 1.50 mW.
Pros
- 12V lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- 30 to 50 meters range
- IP65 rated overmolded housing
- 1.50 mW output power
- Pendulum lock system
Cons
- Not ideal for tiling projects
Verdict
The laser tool is equipped with a rechargeable battery with impressive battery life. This is suitable for you if you’re fed up with replacing the batteries repeatedly.
Johnson Level & Tool 99-006K Self Leveling Rotary Laser System Kit
Most laser tools on the market usually focus on just one or two particular features. They rarely come with other useful accessories that can make your projects feel like a breeze. That’s why we have decided to introduce this state-of-the-art laser kit that comes with a plethora of helpful accessories.
It includes a laser glass and drops ceiling bracket that allows you to carry out different leveling tasks. Professionals will also like the contractor-grade tripod for more complicated projects. This makes the laser kit perfect for landscaping and other outdoor leveling jobs.
The tool kit in question also excels in terms of performance. You can switch between 200, 400, and 600 RPMs rotation speeds. It’s equipped with a powerful laser with a wavelength of 635 nm. The red laser remains constantly visible at all times of the day.
You won’t have any trouble noticing it. The horizontal lines can be used to lay walls or to install metal drywall tracks. You can also install drop ceilings and level cabinets, and other furniture with the vertical mode. The laser tool also boasts incredible range – 200 feet indoors and 800 feet outdoors (with detector).
Hence, it’s safe to say you can use this as a multipurpose tool for different construction jobs. It’s one of the most versatile models on my list of reviews. The red laser’s 5 mW power output is also a feature to look out for.
Pros
- LED side detector
- Carrying case for portability
- Contractor grade tripod
- Suitable for indoors and outdoors
- 5 mW power output
Cons
- Its receiver can drain batteries quickly
Verdict
This kit includes a full range of accessories to give you the upper hand at the construction site. It’s an ideal tool kit for every professional contractor.
Spectra Precision LL300N-1 Laser Level
Coming in at number 3 is a compact laser level that you carry around in your pocket anywhere you go. It’s a very convenient little tool as it has minimal numbers of mechanical parts to set up. Assembling it is way easier than any other portable laser tool on the market.
This laser level is one of the most suitable for DIY enthusiasts like us. It doesn’t include any complicated steps for leveling. In fact, this laser level is widely known for its self-leveling technology. You can rely on it to give you more accurate results than manual leveling tools.
One can use this tool for their home projects without any prior experience. You can easily operate the laser level with a single push of a button. Yes, it is that easy! As if that wasn’t enough, they also included a tripod in the carrying case. The IP66 housing makes this tool suitable for use in all weather conditions.
It’s also made of a high-quality material that can’t be damaged by accidental impact. Just dropping this tool won’t damage the internal components or alter the accuracy. You will also get a remote control device for manually controlling the level for matching slopes for further convenience.
The RC601 remote gives you full control of the device for different applications. It weighs a mere 32 pounds, making it easier to work with. You will also find the hard carrying case extremely handy for transporting and storing the laser level.
Pros
- Compact design
- Made of IP66 rated aluminum
- RC601 remote control device
- It comes with a tripod
- Protective carrying case
Cons
- Unsatisfactory tech support
Verdict
DIY enthusiasts will love this portable laser tool. It also comes with a remote control device and is very durable.
Johnson Level & Tool 99-005K Manual-Leveling Rotary Laser System
You will hardly find a laser leveling tool that offers such deep customization options when it comes to scanning a landscape. This multipurpose laser system has both large and small scan modes for indoor and outdoor use. These features enhance the efficiency of automatic leveling that barely requires any effort.
Although this is more suitable for construction projects, you can sit back let the laser level do the work by relying on these modes. However, you can also choose to take matters into your own hands. It has a vertical and horizontal mode that allows you to level the device manually.
Apart from that, this automatic leveling tool has remarkable accuracy of +/- 1/4 inch per 100 feet. This can surely give you an upper hand during landscaping projects or even when you’re leveling tiles indoors. Moreover, they have implemented a special technique in manufacturing the tool.
When you switch to manual mode, the user can look through bubble vials set inside the laser device. To make sure a particular surface is leveled, you have to set the laser to the vials manually. This ingenious feature allows you to be accurate every single time.
Many of you will also find the 90-degree split beam very useful, available in the vertical mode. The laser level also enables you to rotate the scan line clockwise and anticlockwise. You can even adjust the speed of the laser rotations.
Pros
- Large and small scan modes
- Manual leveling using bubble vials
- Move scan lines clockwise and anticlockwise
- 90-degree split beam
- Control the rotation speed
Cons
- It might be hard to calibrate
Verdict
This laser level is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use for the price of one. Although the calibration is a bit complex, it’s very precise at its job.
Topcon RL-H5B Self Leveling Horizontal Rotary Laser
As the final product on today’s list, I have included one of the most durable laser levels for landscaping and construction sites. With just one look at this laser level, you will be able to see how sturdy it really is. Although it’s made of plastic, it can withstand a lot more than you may expect.
It’s made from professional-grade materials and is rated IP66. This is enough for the laser level to endure heavy-duty usage regularly. It can tolerate anything from dust and debris to the occasional rainfall. With this laser tool at your disposal, you can always be ready for your projects regardless of the weather.
This is a reliable friend for every construction worker. I was also intrigued by how easy it is to operate this rotary laser. It can even level the laser automatically without any external effort. With just a single push of the power button, the device can level the laser within a matter of seconds.
One thing that sets it apart from the other self-leveling tools is that it can relevel the laser itself even if you alter the inclination. The manufacturer added this clever feature to make sure you never get inaccurate results due to human errors. This device also comes with an incredible range of different leveling tasks.
The laser beams can shoot as far as 400 meters in all directions at the construction site. It doesn’t shy away when it comes to accuracy as the leveling motors are precise to +/- 20 arc seconds.
Pros
- Built for heavy-duty usage
- Easy to operate
- Automatically levels the laser
- 400 meters laser range
- Accurate to +/- 20 arc seconds
Cons
- Moderately expensive
Verdict
The laser level is sturdy and extremely reliable due to its durable housing. It’s especially suitable for harsh working conditions.
Things to Consider Before Buying Best Laser Level For Landscaping work
If you have gone through the different models of laser levels I reviewed, you probably have your eyes set on at least a couple of them. But I recommend you not to make a purchase until you read our buying guide. This guide includes all the major features you need to consider while buying a laser level.
Red Beam vs. Green Beam
Picking the right type of beam is essential when working with a laser level for landscaping purposes. The color of the beam can determine where you can actually use the laser level outdoors or indoors. It also determines the types of projects you can work with the model of laser you wish to buy.
As you might already know, green beams tend to be much brighter than red beams. Hence, it’s more suitable for larger projects that require a lot of range. One drawback of green beams is that you can’t clearly see them in brightly lit areas. If you want to work in broad daylight, red beams would be a better choice.
If you are working on an indoor project, laser levels with a green beam are better options. However, red beams are ideal for working on landscaping projects as they are clearly noticeable during daylight.
On top of that, most outdoor heavy-duty machinery consists of receivers that are only compatible with red beams.
Manual vs. Self-Leveling Lasers
Lasers that require manual effort for leveling are mostly suitable for users with a keen eye and an in-depth knowledge of landscaping. They allow you to adjust the alignment according to your calculations with the help of foot screws or bubble vials inside the laser level.
Manual laser levels are usually less accurate than automatic ones. They are also more time-consuming and require you to set up the grade manually. On the other hand, self-leveling lasers set the beam to the center within just a few seconds.
They are equipped with an internal pendulum or an electronic sensor, which does most of the work for you. These are more expensive but are suitable for DIY enthusiasts like us.
Type of RPM Setting
This factor is only applicable for rotary laser levels. Not all laser tools will allow you to adjust the RPM to your will. You can choose the speed of the rotations to get the type of results you want.
Increasing the RPM of a rotary laser level will enhance the range but make the laser less visible. This is a more suitable function for bigger indoor projects in low light. You can also decrease the RPM to get a clearer, more distinct laser beam.
Having the option to choose between different RPMs will allow you to work on different projects with the same model of laser level.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the laser level must be taken into consideration when you are buying one. Laser levels are much more precise than spirit levels. However, the accuracy might differ for each model. I have researched and picked the most accurate laser levels you can find online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good laser for landscaping?
I have listed 5 of the best laser levels available on the market that are specifically suitable for landscaping in this article. Choosing any models mentioned here will allow you to complete all your landscaping tasks. However, the Topcon RL-H5B self-leveling laser is one of the most reliable laser levels out there.It’s made of highly durable materials that can make it more long-lasting and durable. The device also offers you a better range and accuracy than other units. If you don’t mind spending a little bit more money, this can surely come in handy.
What laser levels work outside?
If your job mainly consists of landscaping projects,you need a perfect laser level for the outdoors. In this article, I have reviewed 5 of the best outdoor laser levels available for purchase. These models come with powerful lasers that are visible even in broad daylight.They will allow you to make accurate measurements in any condition at any time of day.
What is the best laser for DIY?
Although most laser levels are suitable for professional contractors, not many of them are ideal for DIY enthusiasts like us. For that, you need a laser level that is easy to use and doesn’t require any experience or manual calibration. The leveling tool should also be easy to set up for an amateur landscaper. The Johnson Level u0026amp; Tool, 99-006K model on our list, is a perfect choice for DIY projects. It has self-leveling technology that allows you to get accurate measurements in a very short time. It also comes with a remote control that eliminates the need for a helping hand.
What color laser is best for outdoor use?
Green lasers are more suitable for outdoor use because they are brighter and have a longer range than red ones. However, red lasers also have better visibility under sunlight or brightly lit areas. They are more suitable for complex indoor projects that require more accuracy.
Final Words
If you have read through the entire article, you have a fair idea about the best laser level for landscaping and have set your eyes on a particular model. However, make sure you have the defining factors in mind when you set out to buy one. This will help you get the most out of your money.
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