Any room can gain elegance and character by converting a plain doorway into a chic interior arch. You don’t need expert assistance to create this gorgeous feature; all you need is a little perseverance and the correct tools.
This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the entire process, from organizing and acquiring supplies to adding the finishing touches that really make your arch stand out. It doesn’t matter if you’ve done DIY projects before or not;
DIY interior arch creation is a satisfying project that can infuse any space with style and personality. This post will walk you through the procedure step-by-step and provide you with clear instructions, illustrations, and videos to assist you along the way. Regardless of your level of experience doing projects yourself, you’ll discover the methods and advice required to construct a stunning and elegant-looking arch for your house.
- A little about arches
- Wood arch
- Manufacturing process
- Installation
- Plywood arch
- Preparation
- The first way to use plywood
- The second method is more complex
- Video on the topic
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A little about arches
You must first comprehend what this design is. One of the architectural elements that exhibits curvilinearity is the arch. Creation occurs through or between blind gaps and openings. It can be enhanced with additional decorative elements for a more striking effect.
There are various kinds of arches.
- Classic – characterized by smoothness of form. Has equilateral rounding.
- Half-arch – has only one rounded corner. Is a modern solution for newfangled trends in the interior.
- Trapezoid – a complex shape of curved lines.
There are, of course, a lot more varieties (see photo).
Prior to beginning any work, a template should be created. Making it out of regular cardboard or fiberboard is quite simple. Thus, you can see how the object will appear right away and which rounding is best.
Wood arch
Woodworking calls for the highest level of attention. Nothing can go wrong in this situation. While many species can be produced, pine is the most widely used because it is reasonably priced and fairly durable.
You have to be conscious! Before handling the wood, make sure it has dried completely. If not, it will start to dry out and warp and no amount of guidance will be helpful. It won’t be possible to make things right.
Although pine isn’t a finish material that everyone likes, this is easily fixed. You can use less expensive veneer or valuable wood species like mahogany, oak, and beech for finishing work.
Manufacturing process
In general, it is best to leave any work involving natural wood to experts if you lack experience. When designing an interior opening in a home or apartment, you must start with practical options.
From such material, various design options can be achieved:
- Prefabricated wooden arches
An arched opening is made by assembling different fragments (small parts). That is, rounded elements are created by pressing, which are then connected together (gluing, twisting). This is a rather painstaking process that requires many tools. Allows to avoid deformations. - One-piece structures
They are made literally from a single piece of wood (timber). Preferably from hardwood. Often, such a structure acts as an “internal” frame, which is subjected to external processing.
Installation
The following guidelines must be followed in order to install an arched structure:
- The installation site is carefully prepared, all unnecessary things are removed, the surface is putty.
- The necessary tool is prepared in advance – in each case, individual.
- Installation occurs in several stages:
• a supporting frame is created;
• the elements are laid and connected;
• external cladding is done. - After this, they begin finishing: they cover with varnish or paint.
- Defects lead to the formation of empty spaces – they are putty or foamed, but this will be an obvious defect.
Plywood arch
If you want to use wood as a material but are unable to use natural wood, this option will be better. Additionally, it’s very easy to make a plywood arch by hand.
Preparation
- A detailed sketch is created. For this, all necessary measurements of the opening are taken. This allows you to create a visual project, and immediately calculate the necessary materials and fittings.
- Prepare the installation site. Remove everything unnecessary in advance, if necessary – finish.
- Prepare the tool:
• a hacksaw or jigsaw with saws;
• a drill and screwdriver;
• sandpaper and a block;
• a finishing tool.
You must realize that plywood is a pretty special kind of material. Its strength and increased flexibility allow you to create magnificent structures with its assistance.
The first way to use plywood
- Measure the opening. Immediately note what size the arch should be.
- A strip is cut out of a sheet of plywood, the edges are well processed.
- This fragment is slightly moistened, wait for some time.
- Now this material will take almost any shape.
- The strip is bent and immediately inserted into the desired opening – secured, do not forget to install spacers at the corners.
Waiting until the plywood dries completely is required. It will finally take the shape of an arc at this point. Next, take two actions:
- Make inserts from a wooden beam. Sheathe the surface with plasterboard.
- Use mounting foam. Open areas are simply foamed. After complete drying – remove protruding areas of swollen material. In order for the plywood arch to take on a decorative appearance – the surface is completely putty and covered with paint or varnish.
The second method is more complex
It is going to be like working with gypsum board. Included in it are the following:
- Measure the distance between the opposite sides of the opening. Measure the required height of the arch.
- All this is transferred to a sheet of plywood. It should be of such a size that it will capture the walls by another 10-15 centimeters – you will need two sheets of such.
- An arc is drawn on three points.
- Using a jigsaw, the unnecessary is cut out. The first sheet is used as a stencil for the second. The operation is repeated.
- Both pieces 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 6 mm, then the jumpers should be installed from the edge of the arc at the same distance (+ 1-2 mm).
- Select the material for the arc (gypsum board or plywood) – bend it and install.
- Carry out finishing work.
Another method for making an arch out of plywood exists, but it requires patience and certain tools. Its main characteristic is the internal filling of the arch, which is constructed from plywood pieces that have been cut out. It is specifically prepared like a sandwich filling. However, you can modify the immersion depth of each succeeding arc using this method. Consequently, a wavy (relief) structure can be made.
Step | Description |
1. Plan and Measure | Decide on the size and shape of the arch. Measure the doorway or space where the arch will be installed. |
2. Cut the Arch Shape | Using plywood or drywall, cut out the arch shape according to your measurements. Create two identical pieces. |
3. Attach the Arch Frame | Secure the arch pieces to the top of the doorway with screws or nails. Ensure they are aligned and level. |
4. Install the Arch Support | Add horizontal supports between the two arch pieces to strengthen the structure. |
5. Cover with Drywall |
A rewarding project that gives a room a sense of elegance and style is making an interior arch by hand. Using the appropriate supplies, equipment, and a little perseverance, you can turn an ordinary doorway into a stunning architectural element.
Even those with little experience doing projects on their own can produce results that look professional by following the detailed instructions. Though precise measuring, cutting, and shaping are required, the results are well worth the work.
This project offers the opportunity for creativity and customization, regardless of whether you decide to add decorative molding to the arch or keep it simple. The outcome is a distinctive piece that enhances your house and showcases your sense of design and craftsmanship.