I'm planning to install solid (3/4") Brazilian Cherry (3.25" width). Here is a picture:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/windows2000/5406579810/

The hardwood will run East West (perpendicular to the joists). Based on advise I solicited elsewhere, I will most likely start the hardwood in the hallway against the North wall and run it out into the living room and bedrooms and work outwards from this starting point. I am trying to decide whether I should start with a full width board, or if I should rip it before I start. If I rip it, I could rip it such that I end up with a board centered in the hallway, or such that there is a joint centered in the hallway. Or I could go to the trouble of trying to calculate exactly where each piece of wood will terminate on opposite walls and make sure the strip is wider than an inch (or some other value). What would you do? I'm thinking that even if I do all of the math perfectly, I am going to likely end up with some small strips of hardwood in some areas.

P.S. I haven't shown any of the floor vents. I'm planning to install the flush mount ones.

Thank you

I would start down the Hallway as you mentioned. But I would probably go with a full board down the one wall, at the Entry tile and Family Room wall. The rest falls out where it falls out. Centering the hall may work out also, just hate to see a small rip at that tile and wall.

Thank you,

Are there any special procedures for ataching small rips? For instance, if the rip is 0.25", is glue sufficient? Or let's put it another way. I'm working my way across the room, and I'm going to butt up against the tile surround around the fireplace. My boards are 3.25" wide. The gap between the tile schluter and the wood is now 3.5" wide. Would you put in a full width board, with a 0.25" filler piece?

Sorry , can't picture what your talking about.

Urethane adhesive such as PL premium is sufficient for narrow rips. Wedge tight till adhesive sets. You can also topnail where the base will cover, at wall locations.