Decor 

Do-it-yourself installation of interior arches. How to make an arch from MDF with your own hands? Step by step instructions for creating an arch

The article, using a specific example, shows the installation of an interior arch with your own hands with detailed photos. Thanks to the article, you will gain theoretical knowledge on self installation factory-made arches and you can easily bring them to life. All that is needed for this is the desire and small skills of a home master.

Instruments

To install a factory interior arch, you will need:

  • wood saw;
  • roulette;
  • building glue (transparent) and "liquid nails";
  • screwdriver;
  • wood screws.

Installation order

Before doing the work, we determine the height and width of the future arch (usually the height of the arch is determined by the height of the doors in the apartment, and the width is determined by the thickness of the wall of the opening). We free the doorway from old door blocks and other structures (if any).

We prepare the doorway for the installation of the future arch

To do this, on the sides of the opening we mount wooden bars(a metal profile is possible) using a dowel of nails to the walls and a transverse (horizontal) bar that determines the height of the future arch.

The width of these bars should be equal to the inner width of the arch with a margin of several millimeters. We mount the transverse bar in such a way that it is 5 cm lower than the planned height of the arch. This is done so that the arc of the arch overlaps it, which gives rigidity to the structure. We sew up the unnecessary space on both sides of the opening with a fiberboard - fiberboard.

We are preparing a code

Based on practice, the width of the arch usually does not exceed 150 mm, and the width of the fiberboard strips that come with the arch is on average 200 mm. Therefore, in accordance with the width of the future arch, we mark and cut the painted fiberboard that comes with the kit (if necessary).

We insert a strip of fiberboard cut in width into the groove of one of the arcs of the arch.

We measure the cut line with a pencil, so that there is a margin of 10-15 mm.

We take out the fiberboard from the arc of the arch and cut it along the intended line.

Next, having smeared the groove in the arc with glue (it can be applied pointwise in several places), we glue the fiberboard leaving a margin of 5-7 mm on each side. For these operations, it is desirable to use transparent glue, no matter what spoils the view in places where the glue can protrude.

Glue the second half of the arch in the same way.

Installing the arc of the arch

To fix the vault of the arch in the opening to its inner side, we fasten a small piece of a wooden lath or a metal plate onto a self-tapping screw (the thickness of a wooden lath can turn out to be a lot), and with its help we fasten the arc.

Preparing the sides

Using a tape measure, we measure the distance from the edge of the arc to the floor on one side of the arch.

In accordance with these measurements, we saw off two side panels of the arch and a strip along the length.

We saw off fiberboard by the same 5-7 mm less by which we left a margin in the paragraph above. This is done for rigidity and maximum symmetry of the structure, so that the upper part of the installed arch is docked with the lower one.

We apply glue into the grooves of the sawn and prepared panels.

We glue the fiberboard, equalizing it along the bottom edge (the necessary margin remains in the upper part).

In the same way, we mount the second panel and get the finished side rack of the interior arch.

We mount the rack of the interior arch

To do this, we apply “liquid nails” to the inner sides of the rack and glue it to a vertical bar.

One of the installed side racks.

In this case, it is advisable to press it for a few minutes until the glue grabs. Similarly, we make the second rack of the arch.

Final moment of installation

It remains only to close the junction of the upper and lower parts of the arch with a decorative molding.

To do this, apply small drops of glue to the side elements of the molding.

And glue them to the junction of the arch.

Having measured, the distance between the side parts decorative overlays cut off the required length of the middle element. The cut should be as even as possible to form a tight joint with the side elements of the molding and glue it. Glue the moldings on the other side in the same way.

This completes the installation of the interior arch with your own hands and you can enjoy the work done.

Watch the tutorial video.

How to install an interior arch with your own hands

Installation of an interior arch

Retro? To do this, you need to connect fantasy. Definitely you will need old and antique items, but they must fit into the interior created for them, of which the doorway is a part. If it is not transformed, then the whole style will not be felt, so we will tell you how to install an interior arch so that it is a beautiful addition, emphasizing the style of the room.

The arch can be used not only to create a retro style, only in this case you need to choose the right color and shape so that it harmonizes with the room.

In the illustration you can see different arches, which differ not only in shape, but also in size. To make it more clear, consider in more detail the types of arches.

  1. Classic. This type of arch can be found most often - it has the shape of a semicircle (without corners).
  2. Modern. This is something between a classic and a portal. The transition is not smooth. It is used most often in rooms with low ceilings.
  3. Portal. By by and large this is no longer an arch, but a frame of a rectangular doorway. It occurs very infrequently, as it does not suit every style.
  4. Romance. In this type of arches, only the corners are rounded. Used for wide doorways.
  5. Trapeze. The name speaks for itself, as it describes the shape of the arch. Not suitable for narrow doorways.
  6. Ellipse. It is very similar to the Art Nouveau arch, but has smooth transitions.
  7. Semiarka. On the one hand, such an arch is made in the style of a portal, and the second can be of any shape.


Having an idea about the shape of the arches, it remains to choose the most suitable option.

Prefabricated arch assembly

For example, we will describe the process of assembling an arch from Avanta-Classic MDF.

  • In several places, measurements are taken along the width and height of the doorway. Based on the minimum size.


  • According to the same principle, the width of the opening is measured, only in this case the maximum indicator will be the main one.
  • For an opening with a width of not more than 80 cm, a depth of not more than 19 cm and a height of not more than 225 cm, you can use a standard, basic arch kit.
  • At the first stage of assembly, the vaults of the arch are glued together using the dowels included in the kit.


  • At the ends of the vaults of the arch, 2 holes are drilled. In one of the wings, you need to pour a couple of drops of PVA wood glue into these holes and insert the dowels. The same is done with the second arch.
  • The same amount of glue is placed in the holes of the other sash, and the sashes are joined. For a more reliable connection of parts, their ends can also be lightly smeared with glue.
  • After waiting for the glue to dry, the cornices are glued to the base of the vaults according to the same principle.
  • Taking as a basis the greatest depth of the doorway, make markings on the plates of internal filling, adding 10-12 mm to the existing figure. For example, if the depth of the doorway is 17 cm, then the width of the plate should be at least 18 cm.


  • A hacksaw with a fine tooth cuts off the excess. The laminated side should be on top.
  • A short plate is used to form the arch.
  • The plate is inserted into the vault, so that one of its edges is in the middle of the cornice groove, after which a mark is made on the second edge of the plate in the place where the middle of the cornice is on this side.
  • The plate is removed, markings are made strictly at an angle of 90 °, and the excess is sawn off.
  • The groove in the arch is filled with glue. A plate is inserted into it and its edges are aligned so that they are on the same level and left in this position until the glue dries.


  • In a similar way, a second vault is glued to an existing structure.
  • The corners of the doorway should be closed with triangles of any solid material. The length of the leg of the triangle should be about 20 cm.
  • The finished arch is inserted into the doorway, rises and is fixed with a clamp. Its position must be checked with a building level.


  • The length of the cornice expansion should be equal to the existing distance between the cornices, where it needs to be fixed by smearing the ends with glue. To secure the connection, the eaves are attracted by a clamp.


  • The vaults in the opening are fixed with self-tapping screws or liquid nails.
  • It is convenient to mark the required length of the casing in place by attaching it so that during installation the cut edge is at the bottom. Excess must be sawn off at a right angle.


  • The length of the plates of the internal filling of the architraves should be 5–10 mm longer than the length of the architraves.
  • From above, 2 dowels are inserted into the casing (on glue), after which the casing is installed in place.
  • The groove of the installed casing is filled with glue and an internal filling plate is inserted into it so that its upper edge enters the eaves.


  • Similarly to the first, a second casing is installed, only in this case the glue must be applied to the groove before installation.
  • Installed platbands are pulled together with clamps until the glue dries completely.


If the width of the doorway is more than 80 cm, then between the wings of the arch is glued decorative element as an insert. With an opening width of more than 1 m, retractors are used.

Different manufacturers produce ready-made arches that you can install yourself. Their device may differ, so the first step is to read the manufacturer's instructions - as a rule, it comes with the product.

Making a drywall arch


Often the arch is made to match the walls, so the use of factory structures will not allow you to achieve the desired result. In this case, you can use drywall - a universal modern building material.

Where to begin


If you think that this type of arch will look best, consider the list of materials required for its manufacture.

  • Drywall 6.5 mm thick for the arch itself.
  • Plasterboard 12 mm thick for the front and back of the arch.
  • New settlers (the size is selected depending on the material used in the construction of the walls).
  • CD profile.
  • If the wall of the doorway is wide, then a UD ceiling profile will be needed to reinforce the frame.
  • Self-tapping screws for metal for fixing drywall.
  • Self-tapping screws "fleas" for assembling profile parts.
  • Arched corner.
  • Putty (gypsum).
  • Paint, sandpaper, primer, wallpaper.

Tool:

  • Jigsaw or drywall saw.
  • Metal scissors.
  • Hammer drill or impact drill.
  • Screwdriver.
  • Building level.
  • Perforated plastic corner.
  • Needle roller.
  • A simple pencil or pen.
  • Roulette.
  • Putty knife.

If everything from the list is already there, then you can start making the arch.

Preparing the doorway


In order to be able to install an interior arch, you need to prepare a doorway.

  1. If the door frame has not yet been dismantled, then this must be done first. The work is likely to be dusty, so care must be taken to protect the furniture.
  2. Having freed the doorway from the old box, it must be cleaned of sealant, excess plaster, debris and dust.
  3. Via building level the horizontal surfaces of the doorway are checked. If there are significant deviations, then the opening must be plastered or then leveled with drywall.

If the uneven position of the opening surfaces is not striking, and there is no desire to level it, then you can leave it as it is.

Working with drywall


Before cutting blanks from a drywall sheet, we measure the width of the doorway. You also need to decide to what level the arch will be lowered, and what shape it will be. Next in order:



  • On the inside, it needs to be pierced half the thickness with a needle roller, moistened and put on a stool front side down so that the edges hang down and can fall under the weight of their own weight. To speed up the process, after a while, a small load can be placed on the hanging ends of the sheet.


  • You can use thicker drywall, but then you need to make cuts on the inside of it, along which it will break during installation, but the outer layer will remain intact.

Profile mounting


Now you can do the profile. In our case, it will be necessary to cut 8 parts of different sizes from the UD profile:

  1. 1 meter - 2 pcs.
  2. 30 cm - 4 pcs.
  3. 120 cm - 2 pcs.
  • Stepping back from the edge of the wall 15 mm, on both sides we fasten the new settlers of the profile.
  • On the lower part of vertically installed profiles, protruding corners are cut off.
  • To the profiles, with an interval of 15 cm, blanks cut from drywall are screwed with self-tapping screws. The heads of the self-tapping screws should be slightly recessed into the drywall.
  • If the cut of the arched part turned out to be uneven, then it must be leveled so that both halves are in the same plane.


  • From the existing profiles you need to make arched elements. To do this, every 5–7 cm along the entire length of the profile, strictly opposite each other, cuts are made on both sides. The cut off part of the semicircle can be used as a pattern - bend the profile along it so that the cut parts are inside the frame. The excess is simply cut off.
  • The resulting parts are fastened with self-tapping screws along the edge of the arch.


Now it is the turn of fastening the curved sheet. It is important to remember that it is very fragile when wet and can break. Here you can not do without an assistant - he will hold the workpiece, and the second person will fasten it.

  • It is more convenient to start from the center, moving to the edges. Fastening is carried out immediately from two sides, and it is better to screw the screws away from the edge so as not to break it.
  • Having reached the end of the profile, drywall is cut off. On the inside of the ends of the sheet, you can chamfer so that the edges fit as closely as possible to the wall.
  • Since the drywall is wet, further work can be done no earlier than 12 hours later - when it dries.
  • At the next stage, we use an arched corner, putty drywall.
  • The resulting arch must be sanded until a smooth surface is obtained. As with wall putty, start and finish putty is used.
  • Finishing work at the request of the owners - you can paint, wallpaper or do something at your discretion.


If it is planned to install lamps in the arch, then the wiring is carried out before sheathing.

We sincerely hope that by learning how to properly install the arch, you will be able to do this work yourself.

Video

This video is about installing a prefabricated arch using hidden fasteners:

See how you can bend drywall and make an arch in a doorway:

To transform your interior and add some zest to it, you can make a drywall arch. Such a design inspires respect and makes you think, because it seems that it is simply impossible to do it on your own. But all the fears and worries are completely unfounded. If there is a desire, then using the step-by-step instructions that will be given below, it will be possible in an apartment or house. And also to figure out which of the materials will be preferable in each case.

First of all, you need to understand what such a design is. The arch is one of the elements in architecture that is characterized by curvilinearity. The place of creation are through or blind openings and spans. For greater effect, it can be supplemented with various decorative elements.

Exist different kinds arches:

  • Classic - characterized by smoothness of form. Has equilateral rounding.
  • Semi-arch - has only one rounded corner. Is an modern solution for newfangled trends in the interior.
  • A trapezoid is a complex shape of curved lines.

Of course, there are many more species (see photo).

It would be better if a template is made before starting work. It is very easy to make from ordinary cardboard or fiberboard. So, it will be possible to immediately understand how the object will look, which rounding is preferable.

Working with wood requires the most attention. In this case, no error can be allowed. Various breeds are suitable for production, but pine is most often used as a fairly durable and cheap material.

Need to know! Before working with a tree, you need to make sure that it is well dried. Otherwise, no instruction will help, drying and warping will begin. Correcting the situation would be impossible.

Not everyone likes pine as a quality finishing material but it's easy to fix. For finishing work, you can use valuable breeds wood (oak, beech, mahogany) or cheaper veneer.

Manufacturing process

In general, any work with natural wood, if there is no experience, it is better to entrust specialists. When creating an interior opening in a house or apartment, you need to proceed from real possibilities.

There are several options for the design of such material:

  1. typesetting
    The arched opening is made by assembling different fragments (small parts). That is, rounded elements are created by pressing, which are then joined together (gluing, twisting). This is a rather painstaking process that requires the presence of many tools. Helps avoid distortion.

    Making a type-setting arch from wood

  2. One-piece structures
    They are made literally from a single piece of wood (bar). Preferably hardwood. Often, such a design plays the role of an “internal” frame, which is subjected to external processing.

    3. Mounting

    To install the arched structure, you must adhere to the following rules:

  • The installation site is carefully prepared, all unnecessary is removed, the surface is puttied.
  • Prepare in advance essential tool- in each case is individual.
  • Mounting takes place in several stages:
    a supporting frame is created;
    elements are laid and connected;
    outer cladding is done.
  • After that, proceed to the finish: coated with varnish or paint.
  • Defects lead to the formation of empty spaces - they are puttied or foamed, but this will be a clear flaw.

This option would be preferable if you want wood to serve as the material, but it is not possible to use natural wood. In addition, do-it-yourself plywood arch is quite simple.

Training

  1. A detailed sketch is created. For this, all necessary measurements of the opening are carried out. This allows you to create a visual project, and immediately make a calculation necessary materials and accessories.
  2. Prepare and place the installation. All unnecessary is removed in advance, if necessary, trimmed.
  3. Prepare the tool:
    hacksaw or jigsaw with files;
    drill and screwdriver;
    sandpaper and whetstone;
    finishing tool.

You need to understand that plywood is a rather unique material. With it, you can create magnificent designs, it is distinguished by its strength and increased flexibility.

The first way to use plywood

The technology is:

  • Measure the opening. Immediately note what size the arc should be.
  • A strip is cut out of a sheet of plywood, the edges are well processed.
  • This fragment is moistened a little, waiting for a while.
  • Now this material will take almost any shape.
  • The strip is bent and immediately inserted into the desired opening - fixed, do not forget to install spacers at the corners.

You need to wait until the plywood is completely dry. At this time, it will finally take the form of an arc. Further, they act in two ways:

  1. Make inserts from a wooden beam. The surface is sheathed with drywall.
  2. Apply mounting foam. Open areas simply foam. After complete drying, the protruding areas of the swollen material are removed. In order for the plywood arch to take on a decorative look, the surface is completely puttied and covered with paint or varnish.

The second way is more complicated.

It will be similar to working with GKL. It consists of the following:

  • The distance between opposite sides of the opening is measured. The desired height of the arch is measured.
  • All this is transferred to a sheet of plywood. It should be of such a size that it captures the walls for another 10-15 centimeters - two sheets of this will be needed.
  • Three points draw an arc.
  • With the help of a jigsaw, unnecessary is cut out. The first sheet is used as a stencil for the second. The operation is repeated.
  • Both segments are installed in a stationary place. They are fixed - jumpers are made between them. The main thing is to install them correctly. In this case, the thickness of the material from which the arc will be made is measured. That is, if the thickness is 6mm, then the jumpers should be installed from the edge of the arc to the same distance (+ 1-2 mm).
  • Choose the material for the arc (GKL or plywood) - bend it and install it.
  • Carry out finishing work.

There is another way to create a plywood arch, but it takes time and tools. Its essence lies in the fact that the internal filling of the arch is made from cut plywood fragments. Namely - there is a filling like a sandwich. But this method allows you to adjust the depth of immersion of each subsequent arc. Thus, it is possible to create a wavy (embossed) structure.

Drywall arch

How to make a drywall arch with your own hands? There is nothing difficult in this. This material is somewhat reminiscent of plywood, but it is easier to work with and much cheaper.

It's great when you can combine several at once construction works: erecting walls and creating a drywall arch. Then you can carry out the installation with the least finishing work.

There are two ways to use drywall, but it all starts with preparatory work:

  • It is necessary to ensure that the work site is freed from everything unnecessary (door frames, platbands, decorative elements).
  • If there are cracks, chips, then they close up. Yes, the design of the arch will hide everything, but it is better to avoid unpleasant consequences.
  • The necessary tool is being prepared.
  • A preliminary project is being created.

Method one - on a metal frame

This is a very fast and quite popular way that allows you to make a drywall arch in your house or apartment.


In a similar manner, it is done wooden frame. Only there more attention should be paid to the jumpers, on which the arc will be attached.

To better understand how to make an interior drywall arch, watch this video:

The second way is dialing

More difficult option. The principle is:

  • From the corner of the opening, on both sides, segments of the plasterboard begin to be fixed. To do this, mix PVA and water.
  • Each next piece is smaller than the previous one.
  • So, until the smallest segment is fixed.
  • Additionally, they are strengthened with self-tapping screws, anchors.

The hardest part is coming. Namely, with the help of a putty mixture, a smooth arc is formed. It's not that easy, it's better to prepare templates in advance.

As you can see, there are many ways, you can use different materials and technology. Not every one of them is suitable for work that you can do yourself. But if there is a desire, then following certain rules will allow you to create a magnificent design.

In order to make an arch from MDF, you need to choose a shape not arcuate, but in the form of a trapezoid or rectangle (the so-called portal). Rather - exterior finish. And this is even easier and much cheaper than other commonly used materials. This is shown on the example of a trapezoid, which is more complicated than a rectangle. Moreover, it is possible to make such an opening with an arch with the simplest tool and at home. Hammer, wood saw, screwdriver, drill, perforator. For the main problem of production "on the knee" - uneven edges of manually cut material - is easily solved. These edges are closed with a corner.

The upper part of the former opening was with a significant casting slope. And it still needed to be removed. Having cut only the central part, he thereby increased the height of the opening in the end - by 3 centimeters. And this turned out to be justified.

![Rework]

Fig.1. Finishing the opening

It shows the feasibility of refining the opening for arched arches.

We make the frame of the upper part from UD (or PPN) 27x28 ceiling profiles for GKL.

Fig.2. Trapezoidal arch frame

I didn’t sheathe it with drywall at all, immediately - MDF panels (shade - oak). Panels placed across. Such a technique would make it possible to make a sheathing from a lining, moreover, bought in the form of scraps - at the price of waste. I put 2 vertical strips on the wall - on the side - on dowels (5-6 pieces per strip). - Made of steel 1.2 mm, with a distance between them - 5 centimeters less than the depth of the opening. On strips - with the help of kleimers, I installed MDF panels, pre-cut with a length to the depth of the opening.

Kleimer

Fig.3. Aperture lining. Incision

The junction of vertical panels with inclined ones is organized by the existing tongue-and-groove pair (Fig. 4). In this photo - at the junction between the panels there is no gap, as it seems. There is a radius, that is, a small indentation. And at the transition from inclined to horizontal, I cut it manually at the appropriate angle (Fig. 5). Contrary to my fears, it turned out okay. After all, MDF is well processed.

Fig.4. Joint of vertical and diagonal panels

Fig.5. Joint of diagonal and horizontal panels

Fig.6. opening slopes

The front side of the wall itself, in which the opening was cut, was also sheathed with MDF. By the way, it was the many short cuts from the sheathing of this wall that led to the decision to finish and slope the opening. MDF panels. Panel joints on different surfaces framed with PVC corner 10x20 (walnut). And the main perimeter - a PVC casing (also - oak), on top of the corner.

Fig.7. Finished opening in the form of a trapezoid

I did not emphasize the left vertical side as arched - so as not to reduce the width of the opening.

It would be possible to arrange panels along the sides of the opening. It would be even easier. Since the frame and kleimers would, in fact, not be needed here. It is only necessary to level with plaster / putty more or less slopes. - Set vertical and horizontal lines. And put the panels on silicone or liquid nails.

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 attach 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!