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34.5" 34" ( )
(WIDTH HALLWAY)( )
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( STARTING WALL )
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(WIDHT LIVING ROOM)
12' 12'3/4"

I’m going to be laying hardwood floors but I had a question about the starting chalk line when the walls are not parallel. As the picture shows if I put a starting line parallel to the starting wall like most installation instructions recommend, once I get to the opposite wall I will have a strip that will have 1/4 “ on one end and a full inch on the other. Also if I balance the starting line to even out the spacing on both walls, wont I run the risk of the strips in the hallway not running parallel to its wall. Basically, how do I run the strips straight in the hallway while evening out the gaps on the walls. Where and how do you think I should place the starting line. Thanks.[list][/list][list][img][/img][img][/img][/list]

Pick your most important focal points of your room. This will be your base for your layout.

If your laying wood in your living room and the entrance to the room lies against one wall, looking down it as you enter. Voila! This will be your focal point and your base. Forget about the other wall. You can only account for so many things.

Thanks, the problem I'm worried about is that if a start at the focal point and follow it, when I get to the hall way the strips will not be parallel to the walls.

I always have a problem reading those text pictures. But I think I understand now. It seems to me that your focal point would be the hallway. Depending upon how long the hallway is you could bend the installation around the opening. Or you could start by the wall that is shared by the hallway and work in both directions.

How would you snap a chalk line parallel to your starting wall knowing that on the opposite end you are 3/4' off square?

You can only be parallel to one of these. So pick one and go for it.

Would you then try to run straight and parallel to the hallway walls knowing that any imperfection in the hallway would be much more noticeable than anywhere else? Also is 3/4" off square in about 11 feet normal?

Yes, keep your focal points as your base of what you will "square" your layout off of.

3/4" in 11 foot is not too typical. Also not as easy to hide. So if it is going to show up somewhere better off to the side against a wall in the living room that will have furniture and other obstructions to break up the line of sight.

If the product is a wider material you could calculate the width of the room and split the difference. Meaning rip your starting board so that you have approximately 1/2 board on both walls. It is harder to notice the wall is not true to the floor if there is no sliver or seam running right next to it, or disappearing into it.

One other tip, you truly can "bend" your layout around certain areas.

Think about how you will install if you work from the living room into the hall.

You are basically going to create a new start line and starter row. you are not dealing with ceramic tile and the product will allow for more fudging if applied appropriately.