From the porch floor, the crew measured down 66 1/4 inches (6 5/8 inches multiplied by 10 risers) and marked a base line for the 6-inch-thick slab. They set the 1/4-inch-per-foot slope of the base by placing a 6-foot level on the form board with one end of the level sitting on a 2-by block to create the proper slope.
For comfort and layout simplicity, they set the tread depth at 12 inches. For nine 12-inch treads plus a 12-inch column on each side, the forms extended 120 inches from the porch wall to the concrete walkway, which was cut square to the slab.
The sidewalk height was close to being right for the slab. The crew used a straight 2-by to screed the concrete even with the sloping forms.
An L-shaped line block hooks over the edge of the column to hold one end of the twine while a brick holds it in line with the wall.
An 8-inch line stretcher hooks over the bricks to hold the other end.
Tension on the twine holds the stretcher in place while the next course is laid.
A flat clip, called a twig, is another tool for securing twine.
It slips around the twine and the weight of a brick holds it precisely in place.
The author lays bricks to the line.