A stake driven into the ground to indicate the proposed grade is called what?

A stake driven into the ground to indicate the proposed grade is referred to as a grade stake. This type of stake serves a specific purpose in construction and masonry by providing a visual reference for where the finished ground level or elevation should be. It helps workers understand how much material needs to be added or removed to achieve the desired level for foundations, landscaping, or other construction elements.

Grade stakes are typically marked with flags or can be painted to indicate the height of the proposed grade, ensuring that everyone on the job site has a clear understanding of the required elevation. This precision is crucial for maintaining proper drainage, structural integrity, and aesthetics in any construction project.

While other types of stakes, such as marker stakes or survey stakes, may be used for different purposes such as delineating property boundaries or providing reference points for surveying activities, they do not specifically indicate the elevation or grade level like a grade stake does. Therefore, the specific designation of grade stake accurately captures its function in indicating the proposed grade on a construction site.