• Home
  • DIY
    • Self build
    • Projects and advice
      • Bathroom
      • Building, brickwork and masonry
      • Ceilings
      • Cleaning
      • Concrete work
      • Damp, rot and infestation
      • Drains
      • Electrical
      • Fireplaces
      • Floors
      • Garden
      • Heating
      • Insulation
      • Kitchen
      • Lighting
      • Lofts
      • Painting and decorating
      • Plasterwork
      • Plumbing
      • Roof and guttering
      • Safety
      • Security
      • Tiling
      • Walls
      • Windows
      • Woodwork
    • Glossary
    • Know your tools
    • Know your materials
  • Cost guides
    • DIY & self build
    • Pets
    • Health & wellbeing
    • Home & garden
  • News
  • Community
Facebook Twitter Instagram
lets-do-diy.com
  • Home
  • DIY
    • Self build
    • Projects and advice
      • Bathroom
      • Building, brickwork and masonry
      • Ceilings
      • Cleaning
      • Concrete work
      • Damp, rot and infestation
      • Drains
      • Electrical
      • Fireplaces
      • Floors
      • Garden
      • Heating
      • Insulation
      • Kitchen
      • Lighting
      • Lofts
      • Painting and decorating
      • Plasterwork
      • Plumbing
      • Roof and guttering
      • Safety
      • Security
      • Tiling
      • Walls
      • Windows
      • Woodwork
    • Glossary
    • Know your tools
    • Know your materials
  • Cost guides
    • DIY & self build
    • Pets
    • Health & wellbeing
    • Home & garden
  • News
  • Community
lets-do-diy.com
You are at:Home»Projects and advice»Using a chalk line

Using a chalk line

Summary: Learn how to use a chalk line, make a straight line using chalk and string.


Chalk lines are used in the building industry for making straight lines on surfaces, where the accuracy is required over a long distance. Using a straightedge is the usual procedure for straight lines, but when the distance starts to become a problem, chalk lines are far easier and more accurate. A chalk line consists of a piece of string covered with chalk or some other coloured substance. When the string is stretched out marking the line needed, you simply flick the string against the surface and a marked line will appear.

Making a chalk line

  • The chalk line is useful for marking the position for dado rails, wallpaper borders and other wall features that need straight lines to mark their positions. When laying floor tiles, a chalk line is also very useful.
  • To use, you firstly need to mark two points on the wall where the line will run between. Do this by measuring from either the ceiling or the floor and mark the corresponding point at the other end where you want the line to finish.
  • If you do not have a helper, you will need to knock a small nail or tack into the wall on the first mark you have made and attach the string to it.
  • Then hold the string taught against the second point and flick the string so it leaves a straight line.
  • Alternatively, it would be better to use another person to hold one end of the string so you do not have to insert nails into the wall.

Related projects

  • Joining pipes
  • Drilling through tiles
  • Tap repairs
  • Laying terracotta or quarry tiles in a diagonal pattern
  • Laying ceramic floor tiles
  • How to cut pipe
  • How to remove grout
  • Fixing mosaic tiles to a wall
  • How to ceramic tile
  • How to grout tiles

Related cost guides

  • Average dishwasher installation cost
  • Average cost of a hot tub
  • Average cost to install a shower
  • Average window cleaning cost
  • Average cost of double glazing
  • Average cost of a sash window
  • Average cost to tile a bathroom

Recent Comments
  • Ted on Product Review: Erbauer ERO400 125mm electric random orbital sander
  • Vic on Is Christmas a good time for DIY?
  • Anonymous on Average air source heat pump cost (2022)
  • Reggie on Prepare your home for moth season
Latest News
1

Product Review: Erbauer ERO400 125mm electric random orbital sander

0

Product Review: DeWalt DCF787 brushless cordless impact driver

0

The UK’s ambitious drive towards energy efficiency – Exploring the pros and cons of heat pump systems

0

Potential DIY home improvement trends for 2023

Popular Guides

Average cost of air conditioning

Average staircase cost

Which kitchen worktop is best?

Average laminate floor cost

Popular Projects

Replacing a radiator

Mixing concrete and mortar

Radiator problems and radiator repairs

Strip cable and flex for connection

DIY Categories
Bathroom
Building, brickwork and masonry
Ceilings
Cleaning
Concrete work
Damp, rot and infestation
Drains
Electrical
Fireplaces
Floors
Garden
Heating
Insulation
Kitchen
Lighting
Lofts
Painting and decorating
Plasterwork
Plumbing
Roof and guttering
Safety
Security
Tiling
Walls
Windows
Woodwork

Self Build Guide
How to find a building plot
Evaluating a building plot (2023)
How to get a self build mortgage
Self build construction options
Self build architect and design considerations (2023)
Self build planning permission and legal consents
© 2023 lets do diy ltd | ebuild | Partner site:talkcosts.co.uk
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact us

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.