Gate and fence 

Arch in the doorway with your own hands. We make an arch in the doorway with our own hands: manufacturing options. The construction of the frame on the arch

When you have an apartment, you certainly want to make it cozier, more comfortable and bigger. Currently, one of the ways to visually enlarge your home is to create arches instead of doors.

Various photos of arches show how diverse they are and how much they change appearance housing. It is about how to make an arch with your own hands that will be briefly described below.

arch types

The arch is an opening in the wall that does not have an overlap in the form of a door. Their types differ only top, or rather, how the corners are built (straight, rounded or curly).

AT modern world There are 7 types of arches:

  • classic;
  • "modern";
  • "romance";
  • ellipse;
  • trapezoid;
  • "portal";
  • semi-arc.

The first four types have rounded corners and differ only in the form of rounding.

So the classic arch is a semicircle with a radius of half the width of the opening; "modern" has a small corner radius; "romance" and ellipse are similar to each other and represent the usual rounded corners.

Another thing is the trapezoid and the portal. These two types use sharp corners. In the trapezoid, the top, respectively, represents this figure, and the “portal” is an ordinary opening without a door.

However, even an unremarkable "portal" can be made to sparkle with new colors, giving the pillars the appearance of columns in the ancient style (Greek or Roman).

The trapezoid, although it is a rather unusual solution, is not suitable for any style, therefore it is used much less often than other arch options.

The last type is a semi-arch, as the name implies, it consists of 1 rounded and 1 right angle. This type of arch began to be used recently, but it has already gained popularity.

It is up to you to decide which arch to install in the apartment, but we will dwell in more detail on drywall arches, as the most convenient material for building.

Step by step instructions for creating an arch

We choose the future shape of the arch. It is important that it fits the general style of the premises that will connect.

We clean the opening from the plaster and level it. It's simple here - the cleaner the surface of the work, the more reliable the mount.

We fix the arch frame. We build the frame itself from a profile (it can be made from wood bars).

We attach a cut-out drywall arch to the frame (one side). To get an arch desired type, in the middle of the drywall base we make a hole for the nail. We tie a rope to it and get a homemade compass. Now, by changing the length of the rope, you can change the radius of rounding corners and their appearance.

We apply drywall on the other side and mark on it, as if on a stencil, an arch, after which we cut it out and fasten it to the frame.

In no case should this be done on the floor, since the opening is usually asymmetrical, which has the most detrimental effect on the accuracy of one-to-one markings.

Note!

We measure the resulting arc and make a tape for fastening from the profile. After that, we attach the resulting tape to the arch of the arch with self-tapping screws.

Install jumpers. Their size is calculated simply: the depth of the arch is minus 1.5 centimeters, the material of manufacture is a metal profile, less often wood. We attach a sheet of drywall to the end of the opening with self-tapping screws.

We carry out finishing work (leveling with putty, overwriting possible holes, painting, or gluing wallpaper).

Other ways to make an arch

You can also make an arch in the opening in two other ways. The difference between these methods of creating an arch in fixing drywall.

In the second version, it is attached to the jumpers not with a whole sheet, but with specially cut pieces (set) using a special solution (water, putty plus PVA glue) and this must be done without delay, since the solution hardens very quickly.

Note!

The third option provides for wooden lintels planted on glue. Drywall in the opening to the lintels is also glued.

How to bend drywall?

In addition, the question may arise: how to bend drywall? Thin cardboard (6 mm) is best suited for this.

And there are at least 2 ways to bend it:
Method 1 - roll a roller on cardboard to break the gypsum in it, soak it in water and gradually screw it to the tape with screws.

Method 2 - make cuts on drywall every 4-5 centimeters. When you attach to the end of the opening, the material at the place of the cuts will burst and better adhere to the wall surface.

We wish you good luck with your work!

Do-it-yourself arch photo

Note!

Master of Architecture, graduated from the Samara State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. 11 years of experience in design and construction.

In an effort to move away from generally accepted standards and give elegance to the interior, the owners of apartments and country houses change the usual doors to arches. This is no longer a new, but to this day a popular design highlight. The arch in the doorway is bought ready-made or made by hand. It comes in a variety of configurations, so it allows you to realize any idea.

Forms of arched openings

Interior door arches are selected not only based on taste preferences, but also depending on certain parameters: ceiling height and. The structures are made of drywall, wood, MDF, PVC. Drywall is the easiest to work with as it is the most flexible material.

Currently there are a large number of different types of arches that differ in shape. The most common are:

Arched openings also have various designs and on the basis of this are divided into several varieties:


After looking closely at your interior and choosing the right arch model, you can begin the phased work.

Step-by-step instructions for self-production

To avoid wasting money on finished goods, finishing the arched opening can be done by yourself. To do this, you need to follow a well-established scheme.

Making the necessary measurements

Any construction process requires accuracy, which is achieved by preliminary measurements. You need to start from the opening itself, so first measure its width and height. The size of the span between the walls of the opening is equal to the width of the arch. In order to make a semicircle as accurately as possible, this indicator must be divided by two.

Before making the arch, you need to decide on its future configuration. If you are going to do it in classical style, then pre-align the walls. Otherwise, the design will look ugly. You can remove all defects from a vertical surface with putty or plaster using beacons.

Creating a Structural Frame

To make the installation of the frame, you must perform a series of sequential steps:

  1. A contour of a metal profile is screwed along the lines of the opening with dowels. Vertical guides are set indented from the surface of the interior wall. The size of the indent is equal to the thickness of the drywall sheet and the plaster layer (about 0.2 cm).
  2. We install two such profiles parallel to each other on each side.

    For the frame device, two profiles are installed in parallel

  3. Having finished working with the profiles, we take up the installation of the first sheet of drywall. If its thickness is 1.25 cm, then it is recommended to fasten it with 3.5x35 self-tapping screws. If the GKL thickness is not more than 0.95 cm, use smaller screws.

    Drywall fixed with self-tapping screws

  4. Sheathe the second side of the frame with drywall.

  5. Make a metal profile in the shape of an arc. To do this, cut the side walls of the profile with special scissors every 7 centimeters. As a result of these actions, it is easier for him to give the required shape. For an arched structure, two such blanks are required.

    An arched arc is made from the profile

  6. Install and fasten the arcuate profiles to the main part of the frame.

    The arcuate profile is attached to the main part of the frame

  7. In order for the arcs to be securely fixed, they are attached with suspensions to a straight guide located on top. The number of hangers depends on the width of the opening. Usually three pairs are enough.

  8. In increments of 0.4-0.6 m, attach reinforcing crossbars along the perimeter of the frame, fixing them on the guides of the two contours.
  9. As a result of the above actions, a reliable metal structure in the form of an arch comes out of the profile. In the future, it will be covered with plasterboard or plywood.

If it is assumed that the columns of the arches will not be too large in thickness, then it is permissible to change 2 arcs to a wide profile. Cutting and bending is done in exactly the same way. Only in this case, the installation of crossbars is not required.

Sometimes instead of a metal profile they use wooden slats. The technology of mounting the frame does not change significantly.

Bending drywall sheet

After installing the frame, they are accepted for bending the GKL. Experts recommend using drywall, designed specifically for arched structures. It easily takes the desired shape if the material is washed in the longitudinal direction.

If you decide to use ordinary drywall, then you will have to tinker with it. The installation element is cut to the desired size in the form of a rectangle. Bend it in two ways: wet and dry.


Scheme for manufacturing a bend

The wet method takes a lot of time and is not rushed. So that the material does not crack when bent, it is moistened with water and punctures are made. In this form, the drywall sheet is left to lie for some time, and then it is bent on a template of the desired configuration.

The dry method refers to the application of cuts parallel to each other on the wrong side of the GKL. The cut goes deep into the sheet, affecting the outer cardboard layer and gypsum. A layer of cardboard front side remains intact.

With the dry method, the bend of the installation element takes the correct shape. At the same time, it is important to know that sawing GKL is best done with a jigsaw, and not with a hacksaw. Then the edges will not be torn.

Rough frame trim

If the bend was carried out by the wet method, then first of all it is necessary to wait until the drywall sheet is completely dry. The material is fixed first with adhesive tape, and then with self-tapping screws. The minimum step between them should be from 5 to 6 centimeters.


Perforated corner prevents edge chipping

After fixing the edge trim drywall sheet are cleared. And in order to prevent chipping of the curved edge, a perforated plastic corner is installed on it.

Leveling with putty

To make the surface even, you need to finish the arched structure. To begin with, a primer is applied, and after it dries, putty. Fiberglass mesh is used to reinforce the second layer and strengthen the corners..


Fiberglass mesh reinforces the corners of the arch

The last third layer of putty is applied to the grid. After about 10 hours, it dries up, after which you can start cleaning up the bumps with sandpaper. With a quality work done, the surface will be without roughness, irregularities, and the caps of the self-tapping screws will not be visible in it.

Ways to finish arches

Those who wish to finish the arches on their own will have to work hard, cutting out each detail separately. However, many do not look for difficulties and choose a simple path - they acquire factory structures from prefabricated elements.

Ready-made and prefabricated linings

There are two types of factory-made overlay: wooden and foam.

Styrofoam elements

Foam arches are often preferred as an alternative to plaster products. The advantages of such structures are as follows:

  1. Fast installation. The installation speed is much higher than arched structures made of plywood or plasterboard.
  2. Low price.
  3. Easy transportation. Styrofoam is a fairly light material, so you do not need to hire movers to deliver the product to your home.
  4. Light weight. Arches of this type can be installed even on very weak structures.
  5. Various forms.

Foam arches are assembled from prefabricated elements and cut in place to fit the size of the opening

The negative sides of the arched foam structure are: fragility, toxicity, rapid flammability.

Wood elements

Wooden arched structures do not require advertising. They look rich and rarely do not fit any interior style. However, it should be understood that the word "wooden" does not mean that all components are made of pine, oak or other wood.


The arch can be made of natural wood, MDF, chipboard or plywood

Arched elements are also made from inexpensive MDF, laminated chipboard, plywood, veneered. The desired option is selected individually based on the taste and thickness of the wallet.

Wooden elements are ordered from a catalog and then cut to length before installation.

Mounting wooden structures simple to do. In hardware stores, arches are sold both assembled and disassembled. The first option is considered more reliable, since the work was performed by a specialist.

Decorating with finishing materials

Currently, there are many ways to beautifully and neatly. The decor is selected so that it is in harmony in color, texture, material with the home environment. The most popular options are:

  1. Simple staining. The arch will look elegant and complete if it is simply painted white, brown or to match the walls. This finish is often supplemented with decorative elements, lighting.

    Monochrome painting looks advantageous in combination with backlighting

  2. Wallpapering. This is the fastest, most affordable and easy process. For these purposes, vinyl or non-woven options are best suited.

    Slopes highlighted with wallpaper - a very stylish design move

  3. Finishing with wooden, plastic clapboard. The method guarantees not only a beautiful aesthetic appearance, but also ensures the durability of the structure, its protection from moisture and mechanical damage.

    The clapboard option is great for interiors with wall decoration from the same material.

  4. Decorative plaster. The surface of the arch is beautiful, embossed and durable. True, such a finish needs to be restored sometimes, and it requires some care.

    This method looks especially advantageous in deep arches.

  5. A rock. An arch in a house made of natural or artificial stone is installed only with the help of a professional. Finishing fascinates the eye, makes the interior unusual.

    The ragged edges of the arch can be the highlight of any interior.

  6. Cork- it is quite expensive, but environmentally friendly material. He lends himself easily mechanical damage, therefore, to prolong its service life, it is recommended to cover the cork with wax.

    Cork finish brings a sense of environmental friendliness and comfort to the interior



In the life of any person from time to time there comes a repair. It may be associated with the acquisition of a new house or apartment, with the desire to update the interior of a familiar home. One way to organize space is to create arched structures. Arches in the house can perform two completely different functions: the unification of space, when an arch is placed instead of doors; division of a large area to highlight several zones of different function.

Of these two options, the arch is more common in doorway giving more interesting view apartment layout. When replacing a door with an arch, it is necessary to take into account the pros and cons of such a solution. The undoubted pluses for a small apartment include the expansion of space. When combining a kitchen and a small room, you can arrange a dining room, where it will be convenient and pleasant to dine with family or friends.

If in long and narrow corridor several arches are placed, then the feeling of narrow passages as in a train car disappears.

If a balanced decision is made to install the arch, then we proceed to the choice of the form of the decorative structure:

  • Rectangular;
  • Semicircular, having an equilateral rounding;
  • Semi-arch, having only one rounded corner;
  • Trapezoidal, the design of which consists of curved lines;
  • Fantasy.

The disadvantage of the arch instead of the door is that you can no longer close the door to highlight your piece in the apartment. If the arch is placed instead of the door to the kitchen, then the smell of cooked food will spread everywhere.

How to make an arch in a doorway

After the shape has been determined, it is recommended to make a template from cardboard, fiberboard or other improvised materials. Creating a template helps to present the final result and more accurately calculate the amount of materials needed. When designing, we take into account that the installation of an arch in an existing doorway will reduce its height by about 10-15 cm. If the dimensions of the opening are insufficient to implement design ideas or the owners of the apartment are tall enough, then you will have to increase the height of the doorway. Changing the height or width requires a lot of money, including labor, financial and time to coordinate redevelopment in the relevant organizations. Determining the shape, creating a template are the first stages in the manufacture of an arch.

They are followed:

  • Dismantling the old door frame (if this has not been done before);
  • Preparation of the surface of the walls for the installation of the arch;
  • Creating a frame;
  • Installation of an arched structure;
  • Fine finishing and decoration.

All these works can be entrusted to professionals, but if you have a desire, you can do everything yourself.

Instructions: how to make an arch with your own hands

The cheapest and most common material for arch installation, as well as for many other works, is drywall. We dismantle the old door frame. For more modern designs it's simple. You just need to unscrew the screws and carefully remove the trim. Old houses present various surprises to their owners. In ancient times, nails were used to fasten the platbands to the bars.

Carelessness during such work can lead to the destruction of floors or their damage.

After dismantling, we carefully evaluate the intermediate result of the work. The former doorway and the wall next to it must be clean, level, without serious damage. Therefore, if cracks and chips are found, we putty, this will help subsequently to properly and efficiently finish them. If you plan to level the walls with drywall, then this can be combined with an arch device.

When the doorway is prepared, a U-shaped frame made of a metal profile is installed in it. It consists of one horizontal segment equal to the width of the doorway and two vertical segments, the length of which corresponds to our future design. The frame should be on both sides of the opening, that is, in fact, we make two of them. Two rows of holes of 10 cm each are marked and drilled in the profile. Then holes are marked and drilled with a puncher at the ends of the wall. Guides are attached to the walls.

The turn has come to use the pre-cut template. Sheets of drywall are marked on it, with the help of a jigsaw, two parts are cut out for each arch and attached with self-tapping screws to the installed profiles. Along the edges of the attached parts of the template, it is also necessary to mount the profile. Since we are considering how to make a semicircular arch, an important step is to give the drywall profile the appropriate shape. To do this, we cut the edges of the letter P of our profile to the full height. The profile becomes obedient and takes the geometric shape we need. After that, it takes its place along the edges of the slices.

The next stage requires accuracy and care. It is necessary to correctly install the arched fragment of our arch. The profile is already installed, so we measure the length of the arc and the width of our part, cut out the rectangle. The difficulty is that the rectangle does not really want to become an arc. If ordinary drywall is used, then the main method of “pacifying” it is wetting and simultaneously shaping it. But this option may seem complicated to ordinary home craftsmen who are afraid to make mistakes. In this case modern technologies suggest us to use arched drywall, which takes a semicircular shape much easier than usual. We fasten our part in the usual way, moving from the center of the arch to the edges, and we are almost at the finish line.

We process the edges of the arch, cut off the excess. After that, we process the joints and edges of the drywall with perforated paper tape or sickle, putty, and process with sandpaper. The choice of putty for finishing depends on the future decor of our arch.

There are finishing works left, to which we will return a little later. If you plan to install fixtures in a semicircular part of the arch, then you need to do this before you start puttying. If it’s scary to take on unfamiliar material, then you can put an arched plywood structure. In this case, two methods are possible: the first is similar to working with drywall, the second is described below.

Do-it-yourself door arch: making from plywood

To build such a structure, first measure the size of the arc of the future arch. A rectangle is cut out of a sheet of thin plywood, the width of which is equal to the width of the doorway and the length is equal to the size of the arc. Plywood is a malleable material, so the cut rectangle is evenly moistened, allowed to lie down for a short time and bent to fit into the opening.

It is important to place the cut part evenly and accurately, this will require some skill.

Be sure to fasten the part with screws in the center, then along the edges. We fill the space between the resulting semicircular arch and the walls mounting foam and wait for it to dry. If a free space a lot, then part of it can be filled with foam parts, and the remaining free space with foam. We cut off the excess foam, putty the facade of our arch using a sickle.

Less common designs are wood and brick arches. Despite the beauty and durability of such arches, their installation requires more expensive materials and the participation of professional craftsmen. The most interesting stage remains to create an arch in the doorway with your own hands - finishing. Various decorative materials can be used here.

Most common:

  • Wallpapering;
  • Decorative plaster;
  • Coloring;
  • Bonding finished foam plastic finishing elements;
  • Usage decorative stone and other finishes.

How to make a door arch with your own hands (video)

Thus, it is quite possible to make an arch in the doorway by yourself, using a conventional repair tool and available materials. The result of such work will be pride in their work and original decorative element in apartment design.

A few years ago, arched openings came into fashion. This design of the entrance to the room is beautiful, original and allows you to do without installing doors. Using modern materials, can be made and trimarched vaultdo it yourself. The work is not too difficult, but requires great accuracy. In addition, it will be necessary to think in advance how finishing will be done openings. You can make arrangements in various styles, considerhow to make an arch in a doorway.

The arch is a very effective way to enliven the interior and make it more attractive. A beautifully decorated arched opening in the vault will emphasize the beauty of the interior in the room, make the atmosphere more original.

A huge variety of forms of arches and harmoniously selected finishes will transform the room. To verify this, just look at the photo of the room before the arch was inserted into the opening, and after the repair. Consider how you can create a niche in the form of an arch, install it in the vault of the wall and finish it with your own hands.

Types of arches

When decorating interiors, arched openings perform not only decorative, but also practical functions. It is possible to make a niche in the vault of the wall separating adjacent rooms, or to install a partition with an opening in the form of an arch in a large room, to divide the space into zones without using interior doors.

In most cases, semicircular openings are used, the following types of arches are distinguished:

  • A classic arch is a structure in which the bending radius of the arc is half its width.
  • Arch modern. It has an original shape in which the arc is performed with some rise.
  • Romantic arch. It is almost a rectangular opening, the edges of which are rounded.
  • Elliptical arch. In this case, it has the shape of an oval, with an expansion in the middle part and a narrowing at the top and bottom.

Advice! What do they look like different types arches, can be seen in the photo in interior magazines.

Getting ready to install the arch

Consider how you can install and finish a classic drywall arch with your own hands.


We take measurements

It is necessary to start creating an arch by taking measurements from the opening. You will need:

  • Take measurements along the two diagonals of the opening. These measurements must match, otherwise, you will have to first work to align it.
  • Remove width gauge. This measurement is useful for determining the bending radius of the arc.
  • Measure height.

We purchase materials

In order to install the arch you will need:

  • Sheets of arched drywall with a thickness of 6.5 or 8 mm. If the opening in the room is a standard size, one sheet is enough. This material is very easy to use. You can use plywood, but working with it is more difficult.
  • Metal profile. You will need 2 pieces of a guide profile 50 × 40 and 1 piece of a rack profile 50 × 50 mm.
  • Fasteners: dowels with screws (25 pcs.), self-tapping screws 3.5 × 25 mm in size and “seed” screws 3.5 × 11 mm.


After completion of construction, it will be necessary to finish the arch. For this you need to stock up:

  • Primer;
  • Finishing putty;
  • Perforated arched corners.

The rest of the material is purchased depending on the planned design of the opening and the wall adjacent to it.

Installation work

First, the frame is constructed. Do-it-yourself steps for doing this work:

  • We cut off two sections of the profile along the height of the opening and one along the width and fix them in the opening using dowels with screws.
  • Now you need to prepare the arcuate part of the frame. The length of the profile for this part is determined by adding two values ​​- the radius of the arch and the height of the indent from the top of the opening.
  • To make it possible to bend the profile, you need to make cuts in the parallel side parts of the profile with scissors for metal or a grinder. The spacing of the incisions is 4-8 cm. After that, the profile is bent, giving it the necessary shape.
  • We fix the manufactured part of the frame, after leveling it.
  • We sheathe the finished frame with drywall blanks. First, the gable parts are sheathed, cutting out the details according to the size of the opening. Then it is made inner part arches. To bend a drywall blank with your own hands, it is necessary to make cuts from the wrong side without damaging the outer layer. The prepared drywall part must be installed by fixing it to the frame with self-tapping screws.


Finishing work

The drywall arch is almost ready. But as you can see in the photo, without finishing it does not look very attractive. Consider how you can complete the design and framing of the assembled arched opening with your own hands.

First of all, you need to putty all the seams and the location of the screws. We attach a perforated corner to the outer edges of the putty composition so as not to bother with putting the putty out of the form.

Then, over the entire surface of the arch, we apply a layer of finishing putty, and after it dries, we grind the surfaces, achieving smoothness. It remains to prime the surface, after which a fine finish can be performed.

How can you finish the arch? The selected option should be in harmony with the wall decoration. For example, if the walls are covered with wallpaper, the same material can be used to finish the arch.

You can use other options that are combined with wall decoration. For example, trim interior arches artificial stone, tiles, decorative plaster, you can also use a combination different materials. You can see the photo how beautiful and original the decoration of the arch can be.

So, interior openings in the form of arches are an original and very attractive way to decorate the interior and create an opening between adjacent rooms without installing a door. If desired, making an arch yourself is not difficult. And how interesting it is to finish the arch can be seen in the photo in interior magazines.

Starting a large-scale cosmetic or even overhaul with a complete change in the interior, the owners often want to bring to life many interior design ideas. One of them may be the transformation of an ordinary rectangular doorway into an arched one. If you figure out how to make a drywall arch, then it is quite possible to install it yourself.

The arch can affect the structure of the entire interior design solution, and an additional decorative overlay a certain style will set the design of the entire room.

Having studied detailed instructions for the installation of the arch, having prepared in the necessary materials and tools, it is quite possible to make an arch from a rectangular doorway in just one day.

It should be noted that an arch made using the same technology can transform not only a doorway, but also wider passages that divide large rooms into zones.

Materials and tools for the manufacture and installation of arches

In order to bring a bored doorway to a new state and get a neat aesthetic arch, you need to prepare the following materials:

  • Gypsum board GKL with a thickness of 9 ÷ 12 mm.

  • Metal galvanized profile or wooden beam for making a frame.
  • Perforated metal corner for strengthening the joints of drywall planes. A fiberglass mesh is also quite suitable for this process.

  • Self-tapping screws for fastening drywall and perforated corners to metal profiles.
  • Gypsum-based putty - rough (starting) and finishing.

For installation, the following tools must be available:

  • Electric jigsaw and drill.
  • Ruler, construction square, tape measure and pencil.
  • Grinder or metal shears .
  • Screwdriver.
  • Construction knife.
  • Roller with metal spikes.
  • A flexible bar that will help create a smooth arch shape.
  • Spatula and grater for working with putty.
  • Sponge, water container, thick soft fabric(you can use an old terry towel).

Prices for drywall and sheet materials

Drywall and sheet materials

Taking measurements and preparing structural elements

  • Before starting the manufacture of arched elements, it is necessary to measure the opening, where the arch will be mounted. Its width and the desired vertical distance are measured, from top to bottom, on the side walls of the opening. These parameters will determine how rounded the arch will be.

In addition, it is necessary, starting from the thickness of the drywall, to determine the depth of its installation, since it must be fixed at the same level with the plane of the wall - it must be drowned deep into the doorway.

  • From the corners of the doorway, you need to retreat deep into a distance that will be equal to the thickness of the drywall and make the appropriate markings by drawing the lines for installing frame profiles.
  • According to the obtained parameters of the size of the opening, with the help of a grinder or scissors for metal, segments of a metal profile are cut - two for fixing horizontally and four for fixing on the side walls of the doorway. They are installed along the previously marked lines, leaving room for drywall.
  • If the walls of the opening are made of brick or built of concrete, holes are drilled directly through the metal profile in the wall with a drill (perforator), where plastic dowels are hammered into which the fixing screws will be screwed.

On this structural element - the frame, drywall parts will be attached.

  • The next step is to mark and cut two drywall panels according to the previously obtained dimensions. They must fit exactly into the doorway between the walls.
  • Further, on these panels it is necessary to draw and then cut out two arched details from them. In this case, you need to act very precisely, since by making the wrong markup of the arc, you can easily get an ugly arch skewed to the side.
  • Curvilinear "trajectory" cutting, that is, the arcuate part of the arch itself can be marked different ways, and they are all equally accessible.

First way

The markup is done as follows:

- First, the panel is laid on a flat horizontal surface.


- Then, on the upper horizontal and on both vertical sides, the thickness of the metal profile, already fixed in the opening on the walls, is marked. Usually it is 50 mm. These points are used to draw straight lines parallel to the edges of the panel;

- To draw a semicircle, a pencil is taken and a piece of inelastic cord, which is tied to the pencil so that it rotates freely in this loop.

Homemade "compass" applies the necessary arc of the arch

A self-tapping screw is screwed in the center of the circle. Then a cord is attached to it, so that the sharpened pencil lead falls on the intersection point of the lines drawn earlier, parallel to the left and right edges with the bottom edge of the panel. It turns out a kind of compass, capable of drawing circles of the diameter required in this case.


The markup can be transferred to the second panel simply by copying from the first.

Second way

For the second method of marking the line of the arched arc, you will need a flexible plastic bar, a pencil and two pairs of hands.


- First you need to determine what height the curvilinear part of the arc will have at the highest point. To do this, the bar is applied to the door opening between the profiles fixed on it. One end of the bar must be attached to bottom edge of the profile, fixed on the left side wall of the opening, its highest point on the bend should touch the midpoint of the horizontally fixed profile, and the third touch point of the bar will be bottom edge of the profile on the right wall.

- At the last point of contact with the profile, a mark is made on the bar - it will determine the length of the very arc that will determine the curvilinear cut section.

- Further, the same is done on the drywall panel, where, just as in the first version, 50 mm are already marked along the edges. One of the masters holds the bar so as to align its beginning and the mark made with the lines, and the second one draws the border of the arched semicircle along it.

- Then, the marked area is cut with a jigsaw.

Third option

The third option is a template of an arched section made on hard cardboard according to the dimensions taken from the door. It can also be marked with a homemade "compass" made of cord and pencil.

— Ready template put on a drywall panel, outline its outline with a pencil, and then cut out the part to be removed with a jigsaw.

- The template will not allow you to make a mistake and the semicircle will be perfectly even.

The next step is preparing a metal profile for the curved parts of the frame, on which the lower part of the cut plasterboard panels will be fixed. To cut off the profile segment of the desired length, you can use the very flexible bar on which the mark of the length of the arc forming the arched vault is made.


You need to prepare two such segments of the profile. Then, cuts are made on them with metal scissors or a grinder, thanks to which it will be easy to bend the profile into an arc with the desired bending radius.


It should be especially noted that if the arch will have a small thickness, then sometimes one wide metal profile with made on German notches to secure German two panels on both sides. The profile must be recessed inside the arch to the thickness of the drywall used, since later the lower arch bar will be attached to this particular curvilinear part of the frame.

The rest of the elements will be in the course of the event. installation work- usually there are no special difficulties with them.

Installation of the frame base of the arch

Metal frame made of galvanized profile

  • Installation of the arch begins with the installation of drywall elements with cut out semicircles, which are fixed in the doorway on metal profiles screwed into it.

To fix drywall use special screws and a screwdriver.

These elements are fixed on both sides of the doorway.

  • Further, a notched and bent metal profile is screwed from the inside of the cut out arched opening. When carrying out work, it is necessary to hold the profile with one hand, pressing it exactly in the shape of an arch.

This part is screwed first to one side, and then to the second.

  • The frame will not have the proper rigidity and completeness of the structure if it is not installed between the metal arched elements of perpendicular sections of the profile. They will connect the plasterboard walls of the arch to each other. These jumpers are installed in several places of the arched structure.

To fix the jumpers on the profile, self-tapping screws with wide caps and a sharper nose are used.

Installation of a wooden frame arch

If the manufacture of a frame from a metal profile seemed too complicated, then you can mount it from wood.

  • To do this, you need to prepare bars measuring 20 × 20 mm - to fix on drywall, and 30 × 30 mm - to fix on opening walls.
  • Further, an arch is marked on the drywall, sawn out, and then wooden bars with ends arranged in a semicircle are screwed onto the inner surface of the element.

  • A free space of 30 mm is left along the edges of the part, which will be occupied by bars installed in the doorway.
  • The walls of the doorway are marked in the same way as when attaching a metal profile, only instead of it bars 30 × 30 mm are fixed along the markings
  • Then, the prepared arched panel is applied to its “regular place” and screwed into the opening, to the wooden bars installed in it.

You can do it differently - fix the bars on the edges of the drywall, and then screw the finished stasis panel to the wall. But in this case, it will not be very convenient to work, especially when the second panel with the arch is fixed, since it will be difficult to climb between the two arched elements with a hand with a screwdriver.

Cable routing

Before proceeding to the manufacture and installation of the lower part of the arch, an electric cable is laid if the opening is provided with lighting.


The contact ends of the cable are fixed to the metal profile approximately in the place where spotlights should be installed. It is best if the cable is enclosed in a plastic corrugated pipe– to avoid accidental damage to the insulation on the sharp edges of galvanized profiles.

When the prepared bottom strip of drywall is installed, it will perfectly cover all the ugliness of the wires.

Fabrication and installation of the lower plasterboard arch panel

When the frame and the front parts of the arch are installed, you can proceed to the manufacture of the lower strip, which will cover the entire unsightly appearance of the frame.

First, the full length of the arcuate bend of the arch and the width of the distance between the installed arched frame parts are measured with a tape measure.

The dimensions are transferred to drywall, and a rectangular strip of the required dimensions is cut out of it.

Next, the drywall strip needs to be bent into an arch, however, the material is hard and brittle, so it can easily be broken, ruining the part. In order for the process etc went smoothly, you can use two methods to bend this material:

1. The prepared part is marked along its entire length into transverse strips 50 mm wide.

  • Further, cuts are made along the marked lines, about half the depth of the drywall.
  • Then the part is carefully bent and immediately, without delay, is screwed to the metal profile, which is located inside the arched structure.

Video: simple drywall arch

2. The second method of bending drywall, in principle, is even simpler than the first, but it will take a little longer, since you have to wait for the material to take the desired shape.

First, a spiked roller is forcefully passed along the drywall strip, which pierces the top layer of cardboard with its sharp spikes.

If there is no such roller in the master’s arsenal, you can use a sharp construction knife - with it, cuts of 20 ÷ 30 mm in size are made on the drywall surface, at a distance of 15 ÷ 20 mm from each other, both in length and in width.

In the next step, the panel, on the side of the punctures, must be moistened with a sponge with water and leaned against the wall, setting the long side vertically.


After about 15 ÷ 20 minutes, the first results can be seen - the panel will begin to bend under its own weight. Then the part is wetted again and left for another 40 minutes.

It is possible, especially for the ideal bend of the arch, to knock down a structure from three boards with the letter P (a kind of conductor) with the dimensions of the place of the doorway where the arch will be installed. Then turn it over, setting it on the horizontal part.

Further, in the same way, having moistened the drywall part with water, it is laid on the legs of an inverted letter P, moistened side up. After 20 minutes, its middle will begin to sag inside the structure. Then, it is moistened again and left for 40 ÷ 60 minutes for complete subsidence to the horizontal bridge of the structure.

By the way, a similar method of bending a drywall strip sometimes allows you to make an arch without a frame at all, as shown in the attached video clip:

Video : giving bending drywall arch

Still wet drywall on a metal profile with self-tapping screws, which are screwed in at a distance of no more than 100 mm from each other.

The next step is to cut holes in the designated places on this part of the arch, into which, after finishing, it will be possible to install Spotlights(if their installation is provided).

Having made holes, you need to pull the cables inside the structure to them, but they should not be completely pulled out of the holes, as the protruding ends of the wires will interfere with the finishing.

arch decoration

Having completed the installation of the frame and sheathing, you can proceed to finishing the arch with putty. Only by closing all the seams and recesses from the heads of the screws with a putty mixture and leveling it, you can get a neat arch.

The puttying process is carried out in three stages:

- the first layer evens out deep flaws;

- the second - displays even forms of the arch;

- the third layer is the finishing one, and with its help the ideal smoothness of the surface is achieved.

  • However, before taking on the putty, it is recommended to strengthen the corners of the arched openingspecial perforated corner, which will easily take any curvilinear shape.

Fiberglass mesh can be used in place of corners, but it will not give the sharp, even, and reinforced edge that corners can. The installation of the corner is carried out using self-tapping screws, which are screwed in at a distance of 150 ÷ ​​200 mm from each other.

  • Next, you can proceed to work with.

For work with drywall, an acrylic or gypsum-based putty is used, designed for interior work.

The acrylic composition can be purchased in ready-made pasty form, while the gypsum mixture is sold as a dry mortar. Mix it immediately before use. The best way to do this is with a mixer attachment, which is attached to a drill.

You need to know that you can not immediately knead a large amount of putty, as it seizes very quickly, so it must be prepared in small portions. There is always an instruction on the packaging of the building material, which must be carefully studied in order to find out the exact “life” time of the prepared composition and the complete drying of the plastered surface.

  • The first step is to finish the drywall joints and the main walls of the doorway.

The work is carried out with the help of wide and medium-width spatulas. One of them putty putty on the joint, and, as far as possible, smooth it out, comparing the surfaces of drywall and doorway.

  • Having closed the joints between the drywall and the wall in the doorway, you can immediately close the self-tapping caps on this part of the structure with putty. Carrying out this process, you need to remember that the surface must be perfectly flat, so it is necessary to achieve this particular effect. For this stage of work, you can use a metal trowel, which will immediately cover a large area.

  • The first layer closes the deep joints of drywall with the wall. Here it is very important to distribute the putty into all the recesses and chips, since it is necessary to bring the seams on the same level with the wall and the arched structure.

Do not apply too thick layers of material, as raw putty can quickly separate from the wall surface. It's okay, if necessary, instead of three, you can put four layers of putty - they will hold on much more reliably than two or three very thick ones.

  • Applying putty to all wide joints, before it dries, a reinforcing fiberglass mesh should be applied on top. This easy-to-use material can be purchased in any desired width, so strengthening wide gaps will not be a problem.

From the coil, the required length of the mesh is measured, and with the help of a spatula, this tape is then pressed into the putty, stretched and leveled.

  • The arched bend, trimmed on both sides with a perforated corner, must also be treated with a layer of putty, comparing the surfaces.

If the junction of two drywall planes on the arched opening is reinforced with a fiberglass mesh, then if necessary, it can be cut in some places, since it should lie on the surface perfectly evenly, without waves and folds.

  • When all seams are sealed and reinforced with reinforcing materials, the first layer is left to dry.
  • After it dries, it is necessary to go over the surfaces with medium grit sandpaper to level the dried putty. By doing this, you need to try to “knock down” all the sharp protrusions so that they do not interfere with further work. But, at the same time, the structure must be handled very carefully so as not to expose the reinforcing elements.

Aligned joints should be well cleaned of dust with a damp sponge.


  • Next, you can move on to the second thin layer of finishing putty, which should cover and level all surfaces.
  • After it dries, the entire structure is cleaned with fine sandpaper (with a grain of about 220).

Before applying the third layer, it is necessary to again carry out measures to clean all joints and smooth surfaces from putty dust.


Finishing layer must make the arch "clean"
  • The final coat should make the finish smooth. The putty is applied in a very thin layer, and in this case, a ready-made paste-like material made on an acrylic basis is best suited.

In the process of work, it is necessary to smooth out all the traces left by the spatula.

  • When finished, the structure is left to dry for at least 8 ÷ 12 hours. The level of dryness of the material can be determined by its color - it should brighten to pure white.
  • Next, there is a grinding process, and it is better to carry it out with a special grinding machine, on which fine-grained sandpaper (grain 280 ÷ 400) is fixed, and then a soft polishing cloth.

Grinding is carried out until the surface is perfectly smooth.

  • After the arch has been sanded, you can paint it if it was planned. After painting in the doorway, special built-in

Making and installing an arch is not so difficult process. The main thing is to figure out the little things, how each of the stages of work goes, and having understood all the nuances, you can purchase materials and get down to business.

Prices for popular types of putty

Putties

And for those who have already filled their hands, we can offer a more difficult task:

Video: monumental arch with columns